Steve Rexe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Steve Rexe |
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| Born | February 26, 1947 Peterborough, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | November 12, 2013 (aged 66) Belleville, Ontario, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | ||
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Played for | Peterborough Petes Ottawa Nationals (OHA Sr.) Belleville Mohawks Belleville Quintes Greensboro Generals Springfield Kings Springfield Indians Napanee Comets Binghamton Dusters Lindsay Lancers |
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| National team | .svg){kind=small} Canada |
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| NHL Draft | 2nd overall, 1967 Pittsburgh Penguins |
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| Playing career | 1967–1977 | ||
Stephen Glen Rexe (February 26, 1947 – November 12, 2013) was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He was the very first player ever picked by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League (NHL) draft. This happened in the 1967 NHL Amateur Draft, where he was the second player chosen overall.
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Who Was Stephen Rexe?
Stephen Rexe was a talented ice hockey goaltender. He played junior hockey with the Peterborough Petes. In 1967, the Pittsburgh Penguins offered him a contract. This was a big deal because he was their first-ever draft pick.
Choosing the National Team
Instead of signing with the Penguins, Rexe made a different choice. He decided to join the Canadian national hockey team. He played as an amateur, meaning he wasn't paid. This allowed him to represent his country.
Playing in World Championships
In 1969, Stephen Rexe played in the 1969 Ice Hockey World Championships. He was a backup goaltender for the team. Canada finished in fourth place that year. Rexe played in one game during the tournament.
His Career in Minor Leagues
Even though he was drafted by an NHL team, Stephen Rexe never played in the NHL. He spent his career playing in various minor hockey leagues. He played for many teams across North America.
Teams Stephen Rexe Played For
- Ottawa Nationals
- Belleville Mohawks
- Belleville Quintes
- Greensboro Generals
- Springfield Kings (He helped them win the Calder Cup in 1975!)
- Springfield Indians
- Napanee Comets
- Lindsay Lancers
- Binghamton Dusters
Life After Hockey
After his hockey career, Stephen Rexe worked in the car industry. He lived in Belleville, Ontario, with his wife Maureen and their four children. He passed away at his home in Belleville in 2013, at the age of 66.
A Special Draft Pick
In an interview, Stephen Rexe said he was proud to be the first player ever drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He even hoped they would invite him to drop the first puck at their new arena someday.
