Ivan Irwin facts for kids
Ivan Duane Irwin (born March 13, 1927 – died February 11, 2019) was a professional ice hockey player. He was a skilled defenseman, which is a player whose main job is to stop the other team from scoring goals. Ivan was born in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States, but he grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This made him both American-born and Canadian.
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Ivan Irwin's Hockey Career
Ivan Irwin played in the National Hockey League (NHL), which is the top professional ice hockey league in North America. He played a total of 155 games in the NHL.
Playing for Big Teams
During his time in the NHL, Ivan played for two famous teams:
- The New York Rangers
- The Montreal Canadiens
These teams are well-known in the world of ice hockey. Playing for them meant he was one of the best players of his time.
What a Defenseman Does
As a defenseman, Ivan Irwin was important for his team's defense. His role involved:
- Blocking shots from the opposing team.
- Helping to move the puck out of his team's defensive zone.
- Protecting his team's goalie.
- Sometimes, he would also help start offensive plays.
Later Life and Legacy
Ivan Irwin passed away on February 11, 2019, in Ajax, Ontario, Canada. He was 91 years old. He died from pneumonia. Even after his playing days, he remained a part of hockey history.
