Dave Schlemko is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He began his career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Medicine Hat Tigers, where he played for four seasons before being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007.
Schlemko made his NHL debut with the Coyotes in 2008 and played for the team for six seasons, during which he established himself as a reliable defenseman and a valuable penalty killer. He was known for his smooth skating, strong defensive play, and ability to move the puck up the ice. He also contributed offensively, scoring 18 goals and 50 assists in 360 games with the Coyotes.
After leaving the Coyotes in 2014, Schlemko played for several other NHL teams, including the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadiens, and Edmonton Oilers. He continued to be a solid defenseman and a useful depth player, providing stability and experience to his teams' blue lines. He played in a total of 415 NHL games, scoring 18 goals and 61 assists.
Schlemko's best season came in 2015-16 when he played for the Sharks and helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals. He played in 18 playoff games that year, scoring two goals and four assists, and was a key part of the Sharks' defensive corps. Although the Sharks ultimately lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Finals, Schlemko's performance earned him recognition as a valuable contributor to the team's success.
In addition to his NHL career, Schlemko also played in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the ECHL, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. He was a consistent performer at both levels, helping his teams win championships and earning recognition as a top defenseman.
Schlemko retired from professional hockey in 2020, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests. He left behind a legacy as a hardworking, dependable defenseman who contributed to his teams' success both on and off the ice. His career spanned over a decade and included many memorable moments, including his playoff run with the Sharks and his contributions to various AHL and ECHL teams.
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