Pelle Lindbergh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pelle Lindbergh |
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Lindbergh with the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1980s
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| Born | May 24, 1959 Stockholm, Sweden |
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| Died | November 11, 1985 (aged 26) Somerdale, New Jersey, U.S. |
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| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 158 lb (72 kg; 11 st 4 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Goaltender | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Caught | Left | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Played for | AIK IF Philadelphia Flyers |
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| National team |  Sweden |
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| NHL Draft | 35th overall, 1979 Philadelphia Flyers |
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| Playing career | 1978–1985 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Göran Per-Eric "Pelle" Lindbergh (born May 24, 1959 – died November 11, 1985) was a famous Swedish ice hockey player. He was a goaltender, which is the player who defends the goal. Pelle played for the Philadelphia Flyers in the National Hockey League (NHL) for five seasons.
He was the very first European-born goaltender to be picked in the NHL Entry Draft. He was also the first European goalie to become a big success in North America.
Pelle Lindbergh sadly passed away at the age of 26. This happened just five months after he led the Flyers to the 1985 Stanley Cup Finals. In that same year, he also won the Vezina Trophy, which is given to the NHL's best goaltender.
Contents
Pelle Lindbergh's Hockey Journey
Pelle Lindbergh first became well-known playing for Hammarby when he was young. He then joined AIK in Sweden's top hockey league. His great skills led him to play for the Swedish national team.
Playing in the Olympics
Pelle played in the 1980 Winter Olympics. His team, Sweden, was the only one that didn't lose to the gold-medal-winning Team USA. They tied their first game 2-2. Sweden went on to win the bronze medal in the tournament.
Starting in North America
The Philadelphia Flyers chose Pelle in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 35th player picked overall. He started his North American career in the 1980–81 season. He played for the Maine Mariners in the American Hockey League (AHL).
He joined the Flyers in 1982. In 1983, he was named the goaltender for the NHL All-Rookie Team. This team features the best new players in the league.
Winning the Vezina Trophy
During the 1984–85 season, Pelle had an amazing year. He led the NHL with 40 wins and played in 65 games. He was also second in shutouts (games where he didn't let any goals in).
That year, he won the Vezina Trophy. This made him the first European goaltender in NHL history to win this important award. He was also named a First Team All-Star. His last game was on November 7, 1985. He helped the Flyers win 6-2 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Pelle Lindbergh's Passing
On November 10, 1985, Pelle Lindbergh was in a car accident. He was seriously injured and passed away the next day, November 11. The accident happened in Somerdale, New Jersey.
After his passing, fans voted for Pelle to be in the 1986 NHL All-Star Game. This was the first time a player was chosen for an All-Star team after they had died in a major North American sport.
The Flyers have never officially retired his number 31. However, no player has worn the number 31 since Pelle's death. He is buried in Skogskyrkogården, a cemetery in Stockholm, Sweden.
A street in Philadelphia, Pelle Circle, was named in his honor in 1986. In 2006, a book about his life was written in Swedish. An English version was published a few years later.
Awards and Achievements
Pelle Lindbergh received many awards and honors during his career:
- Named best goaltender at the European Junior Championships in 1976 and 1977.
- Selected to the World Junior Championships (WJC) All-Star team in 1978.
- Named best goaltender at the WJC in 1978.
- Selected to the Swedish World All-Star team in 1979, 1980, and 1983.
- Selected to the AHL first All-Star team in 1981.
- Won the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award in 1981 (shared with Robbie Moore).
- Won the Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award in 1981.
- Won the Les Cunningham Award in 1981.
- Selected to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1983.
- Selected to the NHL first All-Star team in 1985.
- Won the Vezina Trophy in 1985.
- Played in the 1983 and 1985 NHL All-Star Games.
- Selected to the 1986 NHL All-Star Game after his death.
- Inducted into the Swedish Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Philadelphia Flyers created an award in his memory, called the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy. Since the 1993–94 season, this award is given every year to the team's most improved player.
See also
- List of ice hockey players who died during their playing career
