Dale Hunter is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 19 seasons. He was born on July 31, 1960, in Petrolia, Ontario, Canada. Hunter was known for his physical style of play and his ability to score goals. He played for several teams during his career, including the Quebec Nordiques, Washington Capitals, and Colorado Avalanche.
Hunter began his professional career in 1979 when he was drafted by the Nordiques in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Nordiques for four seasons before being traded to the Capitals in 1987. Hunter played for the Capitals for 12 seasons and became the team's all-time leader in points, assists, and games played. He was also known for his leadership skills and was named the team's captain in 1994.
Hunter's most memorable moment as a Capital came in the 1988 playoffs when he scored a game-winning goal in the fourth overtime period of Game 7 against the Philadelphia Flyers. The goal is still considered one of the greatest moments in Capitals history.
In 1999, Hunter was traded to the Avalanche, where he played for two seasons before retiring in 2001. He finished his career with 323 goals, 697 assists, and 1,020 points in 1,407 games played. He also had 3,565 penalty minutes, which is the second-highest total in NHL history.
After retiring as a player, Hunter became a coach and owner of the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. He led the team to two Memorial Cup championships in 2005 and 2016. In 2011, Hunter was hired as the head coach of the Washington Capitals, where he coached for one season before returning to the Knights.
Hunter was known for his physical style of play and his ability to score goals. He was a tough player who was not afraid to get into fights and was known for his aggressive style of play. He was also a skilled player who could score goals and set up his teammates.
Hunter was inducted into the London Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. He is also a member of the Washington Capitals Hall of Fame and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Hall of Fame.
In conclusion, Dale Hunter was a talented and tough player who had a successful career in the NHL. He was a leader on and off the ice and was known for his physical style of play. After retiring as a player, he became a successful coach and owner of the London Knights. Hunter's legacy as a player and coach will be remembered for years to come.
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