Doug Wickenheiser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Doug Wickenheiser |
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Wickenheiser in 1988
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| Born | March 30, 1961 Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Died | January 12, 1999 (aged 37) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
| Weight | 196 lb (89 kg; 14 st 0 lb) | ||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Montreal Canadiens St. Louis Blues Vancouver Canucks New York Rangers Washington Capitals |
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| NHL Draft | 1st overall, 1980 Montreal Canadiens |
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| Playing career | 1980–1994 | ||
Douglas Peter Wickenheiser (born March 30, 1961 – died January 12, 1999) was a Canadian ice hockey player. He was chosen as the very first player in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. Doug was known for his amazing skills on the ice and his kind heart off it. He played as a centre and spent many years in the NHL.
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Doug Wickenheiser's Hockey Journey
Early Days and Junior Hockey Success
Doug Wickenheiser was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He became a huge star in junior hockey playing for the Regina Pats. During the 1979–80 WHL season, he led the Western Hockey League in goals, scoring an incredible 89 goals. He was also the captain of the Pats team that made it to the Memorial Cup, which is a big championship for junior hockey. Doug was even named the best player in the entire CHL that year.
Joining the NHL: Montreal Canadiens
Because of his amazing junior career, Doug was seen as the top player to be picked in the 1980 NHL draft. The Montreal Canadiens chose him first overall. It was a big moment for him. Some fans in Montreal had hoped for a different player, but Doug worked hard to adjust to the faster and tougher NHL game.
Moving to the St. Louis Blues
After four seasons with the Canadiens, Doug was traded to the St. Louis Blues. He had a very famous moment with the Blues during the 1985–86 playoffs. In a game called the "Monday Night Miracle", the Blues made a huge comeback. Doug scored the winning goal in overtime, forcing a Game 7 in the conference finals. Even though the Blues lost the next game, that moment showed his determination.
Later Career and Retirement
Doug also played for the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and Washington Capitals during his NHL career. He played his last NHL game in the 1989-90 season. After that, he spent four more years playing professional hockey in minor leagues and overseas before he retired. In total, he played 556 NHL games, scoring 111 goals and making 165 assists.
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Doug's Fight Against Cancer
In August 1994, Doug had surgery to remove a rare type of cancer called epithelioid sarcoma from his wrist. He had first noticed it four years earlier. Sadly, the cancer returned in October 1997 as lung cancer, and it was too advanced to be removed. A year later, he was also diagnosed with brain cancer. Doug Wickenheiser passed away on January 12, 1999, at the age of 37 in St. Louis. His life story and brave fight were shared in a book called The Last Face Off: The Doug Wickenheiser Story.
Doug Wickenheiser's Lasting Legacy
Honoring His Memory
Doug Wickenheiser is remembered in many ways. An arena in his hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, is named the Doug Wickenheiser Arena in his honor. The Western Hockey League also renamed its humanitarian award, which goes to a player who does great things for their community, to the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy in 2001.
The Fourteen Fund
The St. Louis Blues have not given out Doug's jersey number, #14, since he passed away, even though it hasn't been officially retired. Blues players wore a special sticker on their helmets with a candle wick and the number 14. In 1999, a banner with this symbol was placed permanently in the rafters of the Blues' home arena, the Enterprise Center. This symbol became the logo for The Fourteen Fund, which is the official charity of the Blues team. The fund helps people in need and continues Doug's legacy of kindness.
Family Connections
Doug Wickenheiser was a cousin of Hayley Wickenheiser, who is a famous player for the Canadian national women's ice hockey team and is in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Awards and Achievements
- Bob Brownridge Memorial Trophy (WHL leading scorer) - 1980
- WHL First All-Star Team – 1980
