Ron Busniuk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ron Busniuk |
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| Born | August 13, 1948 Fort William, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | March 8, 2024 (aged 75) Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb) | ||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | Buffalo Sabres Minnesota Fighting Saints New England Whalers Edmonton Oilers |
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| NHL Draft | Undrafted | ||
| Playing career | 1970–1978 | ||
Ronald Edward Busniuk (born August 13, 1948 – died March 8, 2024) was a Canadian ice hockey player. He played as a centre, which is a key position in hockey. Ron played in two major leagues: the National Hockey League (NHL) and the World Hockey Association (WHA). He was known for his strong play and dedication to the sport.
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Ron Busniuk's Hockey Journey
Ron Busniuk started his hockey career playing college hockey. He played for the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. In his final year, he was named an All-American, which means he was one of the best college players in the country.
After college, Ron became a professional player. He joined the American Hockey League (AHL). He played for teams like the Nova Scotia Voyageurs and the Cincinnati Swords. He was so good that he was named to the AHL First All-Star Team. This award goes to the best players in the league.
Playing in the NHL and WHA
Ron Busniuk played a few games in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Buffalo Sabres in 1973 and 1974. The NHL is the top hockey league in the world.
Later, Ron moved to the World Hockey Association (WHA). This was another big league at the time. He played four full seasons there. He played for the Minnesota Fighting Saints, the New England Whalers, and the Edmonton Oilers. He played until 1978, showing his long career in professional hockey.
Life After Playing Hockey
After he stopped playing, Ron Busniuk became a coach. He coached the Thunder Bay Twins Senior Hockey Team. He led them to win two championships in a row during the 1980s. This showed he was a great leader, even off the ice.
Ron was also recognized for his amazing career. He was added to the Northern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the University of Minnesota Duluth Athletic Hall of Fame. These honors celebrate his achievements in hockey.
Ron Busniuk was the older brother of Mike Busniuk. Mike also played in the NHL, making them a hockey family. Ron passed away in Thunder Bay on March 8, 2024, at the age of 75.
Awards and Honors
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| All-WCHA First Team | 1969–70 |
| AHCA West All-American | 1969–70 |
