Don Lever is a former professional ice hockey player who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the World Hockey Association (WHA). He played as a left winger and was known for his speed, agility, and scoring ability.
Lever began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) with the Niagara Falls Flyers. He was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft and made his NHL debut in the 1972-73 season. He played for the Canucks for four seasons and was a consistent scorer, with a career-high of 31 goals in the 1975-76 season.
In 1976, Lever joined the WHA's Quebec Nordiques, where he played for two seasons. He was a key player for the Nordiques, helping them reach the Avco Cup Finals in 1977. Lever returned to the NHL in 1978, signing with the Atlanta Flames. He played for the Flames for two seasons before being traded to the Colorado Rockies in 1980.
Lever played for the Rockies for two seasons before being traded to the New Jersey Devils in 1982. He played for the Devils for four seasons and was named team captain in 1984. Lever retired from the NHL in 1987 after playing for the Buffalo Sabres for one season.
Throughout his career, Lever was known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a versatile player who could play both offense and defense, and was often used on the penalty kill. He was also a strong skater and had a good shot, making him a dangerous offensive threat.
After retiring from playing, Lever went on to coach in the NHL and minor leagues. He was an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, and Carolina Hurricanes, and was head coach of the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs and the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays. Lever was also a scout for the Vancouver Canucks and the Detroit Red Wings.
In addition to his coaching and scouting career, Lever has been involved in various charitable organizations. He has worked with the Special Olympics, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, among others.
Overall, Don Lever had a successful hockey career, playing for several teams in both the NHL and WHA. He was a consistent scorer and a strong leader, and went on to have a successful coaching and scouting career after retiring from playing.
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