Gord Lane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gord Lane |
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| Born | March 31, 1953 Brandon, Manitoba, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Washington Capitals New York Islanders |
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| NHL Draft | 134th overall, 1973 Pittsburgh Penguins |
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| Playing career | 1973–1987 | ||
Gordon Thomas Lawrence Lane (born March 31, 1953) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He was a tough defenceman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Lane played for the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders from 1975 to 1986. He is famous for winning four straight Stanley Cup championships with the Islanders between 1980 and 1983.
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Gordon Lane's Hockey Journey
Gordon Lane started his hockey career playing junior league games. He first played for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Later, he joined the New Westminster Bruins.
Starting in the Pros
In 1973, the Pittsburgh Penguins picked Lane in the NHL Draft. He then signed a contract to play in a minor league with the Fort Wayne Komets. After that, he was traded to the Dayton Gems. The Dayton Gems were a "farm team" for the Washington Capitals. A farm team helps players get ready for the main NHL team.
Lane won the Turner Cup with the Dayton Gems. After this win, his coach, Tom McVie, and several players, including Lane, moved up to the Washington Capitals.
Time with the Capitals
Lane played for the Capitals for parts of five seasons. He was known for getting a lot of penalty minutes, leading the team in penalties three times. He wasn't happy with how much he played. So, in 1979, he thought about quitting hockey.
Joining the Islanders Dynasty
On December 7, 1979, Lane was traded to the New York Islanders. He stayed with the Islanders for the rest of his NHL career. His first game for the Islanders was against the New York Rangers.
Lane quickly showed his strong, defensive style of play. He was known for throwing big hits and getting into fights. The Islanders' coach, Al Arbour, really liked Lane's tough play. Coach Arbour himself was a strong defenceman when he played.
Lane became a key part of the Islanders' strong defence. He helped them win four straight Stanley Cup championships. They won in 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983. This was a very special time in hockey history.
Later Career and Injury
In the 1984 playoffs, Lane got injured. He missed most of the Islanders' playoff games that year. The Islanders made it to the Finals but lost to the Edmonton Oilers.
Awards and Achievements
- Turner Cup championship (1976)
- Stanley Cup championships (1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983)
- Honoured member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame
