Don Edwards (ice hockey) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Don Edwards
Edwards with the Buffalo Sabres in 1977
Born	(1955-09-28) September 28, 1955 (age 69) Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Height	5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight	165 lb (75 kg; 11 st 11 lb)
Position	Goaltender
Caught	Left
Played for	Buffalo Sabres Calgary Flames Toronto Maple Leafs
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	89th overall, 1975 Buffalo Sabres
WHA Draft	135th overall, 1975 San Diego Mariners
Playing career	1975–1988

Donald Laurie Edwards (born September 28, 1955) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played ten seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Playing in the NHL: Don Edwards' Career Highlights

Edwards began his hockey journey in junior leagues with the Kitchener Rangers. He played well in 90 games over two seasons. Even though he was not considered a top draft pick due to his smaller size, the Buffalo Sabres chose him. He was picked 89th overall in the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft.

Starting Strong with the Buffalo Sabres

In his first NHL season, Edwards played 25 games for the Sabres. Before that, he played in the AHL with the Hershey Bears. He finished his first NHL season with 16 wins and a good 2.51 GAA.

On February 13, 1977, something very unusual happened with Edwards and the Sabres. The team's general manager, Punch Imlach, told the coach to have Edwards start the game. This was a surprise because another goalie, Al Smith, was expected to play. Edwards was the only goalie ready to go.

In 1978, Edwards became the top goalie for the Sabres. He played in 72 games and was chosen for the NHL Second All-Star Team. The next season, the Sabres reduced his games. They wanted to avoid overusing him. Edwards shared his playing time with fellow goalie Bob Sauve.

Winning the Vezina Trophy

In 1980, Edwards and Bob Sauve won the Vezina Trophy. This award goes to the NHL's best goaltenders. Edwards was also picked for the NHL Second All-Star Team again. He played in the All-Star Game that year.

On February 24, 1982, Edwards was part of a historic moment. He was the goalie when Wayne Gretzky scored his 77th goal of the season. This goal broke Phil Esposito's record of 76 goals. It happened in a game against the Edmonton Oilers in Buffalo.

Moving to Calgary and Toronto

Edwards played two more seasons with the Sabres. Then, on June 8, 1982, he was traded to the Calgary Flames. He played three years in Calgary. He did not play as well as he had in Buffalo.

On May 29, 1985, Calgary traded Edwards to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This was special for Edwards, as the Maple Leafs were his favorite team growing up. He played 38 games with the Leafs. After this, his NHL career ended. He later won an Allan Cup with the Brantford Mott's Clammatos. He played his last game in the AHL in 1988 before retiring.

Playing for Team Canada

Edwards had many great moments in Buffalo. He said one of his best was the Sabres' 6-1 win over the Soviet Red Army on January 3, 1980. Edwards was named the most valuable player of that game. He felt proud to help beat such a strong team.

In 1981, Edwards was chosen to play for Team Canada in the Canada Cup. He was the back-up goalie to Mike Liut. Edwards played in one game and helped Canada finish second in the tournament.

Life After Hockey: Coaching and More

After retiring from playing, Edwards became a great golfer. He also worked as a coach in the NHL. He was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Kings. He also coached goalies for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Later, he became the general manager for the Saginaw Spirit. This is a team in the Ontario Hockey League. He held this role from 2007 to 2008. Edwards also worked as a broadcaster for TSN and as a real estate agent. He stepped away from these careers to focus on his family after a difficult personal event.

Personal Life

Don Edwards grew up as a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was a dream come true for him to finish his NHL career playing for them.

Edwards is married and has two children. He keeps his family's names and where they live private. This is because he wants to protect their privacy. Don Edwards is also the nephew of former NHL hockey player, Roy Edwards.

Awards and Achievements

• Selected to the OMJHL First All-Star Team in 1974, 1975.
• Selected to the AHL Second All-Star Team in 1976.
• Selected to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 1978, 1980.
• Played in 1980, 1982 NHL All-Star Games.
• Vezina Trophy winner in 1980 (shared with Bob Sauve).
• Allan Cup championship in 1987.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International