Craig Hartsburg is a former professional ice hockey player and coach from Canada. He was born on June 29, 1959, in Stratford, Ontario. Hartsburg began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in 1975. He played for the Greyhounds for three seasons, during which he was named the OHL's best defenseman twice.
In 1979, Hartsburg was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in the first round, sixth overall, in the NHL Entry Draft. He played for the North Stars for ten seasons, from 1979 to 1989. During his time with the team, he was named an NHL All-Star four times and served as the team's captain for six seasons. Hartsburg was known for his strong defensive play and his ability to move the puck up the ice.
After leaving the North Stars, Hartsburg played for the Chicago Blackhawks for two seasons, from 1989 to 1991. He then played for the Hartford Whalers for one season before retiring from playing in 1993. Over the course of his NHL career, Hartsburg played in 570 games, scoring 98 goals and 315 assists for a total of 413 points.
Following his retirement from playing, Hartsburg began his coaching career. He started as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1994 and then moved on to become the head coach of the Guelph Storm in the OHL in 1995. He led the Storm to a Memorial Cup championship in 1998.
Hartsburg then returned to the NHL as the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks in 1995. He coached the team for two seasons before being fired in 1998. He then became the head coach of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for one season before being fired again in 2000.
In 2001, Hartsburg returned to the OHL as the head coach of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, the team where he began his playing career. He coached the team for four seasons before being hired as the head coach of the AHL's Iowa Stars in 2005.
Hartsburg then returned to the NHL as the head coach of the Ottawa Senators in 2008. He coached the team for one season before being fired in 2009. He then became an assistant coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets for two seasons before retiring from coaching in 2011.
Overall, Craig Hartsburg had a successful career in both playing and coaching. He was a strong defenseman during his playing days and went on to have a successful coaching career in both the OHL and NHL.
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