Steve Weeks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Steve Weeks
Born	(1958-06-30) June 30, 1958 (age 67) Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	165 lb (75 kg; 11 st 11 lb)
Position	Goaltender
Caught	Left
Played for	New York Rangers Hartford Whalers Vancouver Canucks New York Islanders Los Angeles Kings Ottawa Senators
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	176th overall, 1978 New York Rangers
Playing career	1981–1993

Stephen K. Weeks, born on June 30, 1958, is a former professional ice hockey goaltender from Canada. He played for 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). During his career, he played for teams like the New York Rangers, Hartford Whalers, Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, and Ottawa Senators. The Rangers drafted him in 1978, and he made his NHL debut in 1981. Stephen also represented the Canadian national team at the 1985 World Championships, where he helped them win a silver medal.

Playing Hockey: Stephen Weeks' Journey

Stephen Weeks was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. When he was young, he played in the 1971 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a team from Toronto. He later played collegiate hockey for Northern Michigan University.

While playing for the Northern Michigan Wildcats, Stephen was recognized for his skills. He earned the team's "most improved player" award in 1978. In 1980, he was named the team's "most valuable player." That same year, he won the CCHA Player of the Year Award.

Starting with the New York Rangers

The New York Rangers picked Stephen Weeks in the 11th round of the 1978 NHL entry draft. He turned professional in 1980. For most of the 1980–81 season, he played for the New Haven Nighthawks in the American Hockey League (AHL). He had 14 wins, 17 losses, and 3 ties in 36 games.

Stephen made his NHL debut with the Rangers on April 2, 1981. He played against the strong New York Islanders team, allowing only two goals in a close 2–1 loss. He also played a short time in a playoff game, not allowing any goals.

In the 1981–82 season, Stephen shared goaltending duties with other players. He recorded his first NHL shutout on January 13, 1982, in a 2–0 win. He led the Rangers with 23 wins, helping them reach the 1982 Stanley Cup playoffs. He played in the playoffs when another goalie was injured, earning his first playoff win.

His playing time decreased in the 1982–83 season. He played in 18 games for the Rangers and also spent some time with the Tulsa Oilers in the Central Hockey League (CHL). He continued to split time between the Rangers and Tulsa in the 1983–84 season. On September 5, 1984, the Rangers traded Stephen to the Hartford Whalers.

Time with the Hartford Whalers

When Stephen joined the Hartford Whalers, he became their backup goaltender for the 1984–85 season. He recorded two shutouts that season. He also played five games with the Binghamton Whalers in the AHL, winning all of them.

In the 1985–86 season, Stephen continued as the backup goalie. The Whalers made it to the 1986 Stanley Cup playoffs and won their first series. They then faced the Montreal Canadiens in a tough seven-game series, but lost to the team that eventually won the Stanley Cup. Stephen played in four playoff games that year.

During the 1986–87 season, Stephen helped the Whalers win their division. They faced the Quebec Nordiques again in the playoffs but lost the series. Stephen played in one playoff game. He started the 1987–88 season with the Whalers. On March 8, 1988, he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks.

Playing for the Vancouver Canucks

Stephen Weeks joined the Vancouver Canucks and saw more playing time. He played in nine games for Vancouver that season. In the 1988–89 season, he played in 35 games, which was his highest number since 1981–82. He was the main backup goalie for the Canucks.

The Canucks made it to the 1989 Stanley Cup playoffs. Stephen played in three playoff games against the Calgary Flames. The Canucks lost the series in seven games.

In the 1989–90 season, Stephen played in 21 games, but the team missed the playoffs. In the 1990–91 season, he played only one game for Vancouver. He spent most of that season with the Milwaukee Admirals in the International Hockey League. On March 5, 1991, the Canucks traded Stephen to the Buffalo Sabres. After that season, he became a free agent.

Final Seasons in the NHL

In September 1991, Stephen Weeks joined the New York Islanders training camp. He signed with the Islanders and became their backup goalie for the 1991–92 season. He had a good record of 9 wins, 4 losses, and 2 ties in 23 games.

On February 18, 1992, the Islanders traded Stephen to the Los Angeles Kings. He finished the 1991–92 season as a backup goalie for the Kings, playing in seven games.

After the season, Stephen became a free agent. On June 16, 1992, he signed with the Washington Capitals. Later, on August 13, 1992, the Capitals traded him to the new expansion team, the Ottawa Senators.

In seven games with Ottawa in the 1992–93 season, Stephen did not win any games. He also struggled in the minor leagues with the New Haven Senators. Stephen Weeks announced his retirement from the NHL in 1993.

International Hockey: Representing Canada

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Championships
Silver	1985 Czechoslovakia

Stephen Weeks played for Canada at the 1985 World Ice Hockey Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He played in five games, helping Canada win the silver medal.

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Stephen Weeks became a coach.

Hartford Whalers and Carolina Hurricanes

Stephen became a goaltending consultant for the Whalers in 1993. He stayed with the team until 2001, working as a goaltending coach and scout. He was also an assistant coach for the Whalers in their last season, 1996–97. The team later moved and became the Carolina Hurricanes.

Atlanta Thrashers

Stephen was an assistant coach with the Atlanta Thrashers from 2001 to 2010. He was first hired in June 2001. He continued to work as an assistant coach under different head coaches until April 2010.

Chicago Blackhawks

Stephen Weeks became the goaltending coach for the Chicago Blackhawks on August 12, 2013. He was with the team for about a year before being replaced on June 27, 2014.

Personal Life and Achievements

Stephen Weeks was honored by his former university, Northern Michigan University. He was inducted into their hall of fame in 1990.

Career Statistics

Here are Stephen Weeks' career statistics from his time playing hockey:

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play

Awards and Honours