Doug Wickenheiser was a Canadian ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for nine seasons. He was born on March 30, 1961, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Wickenheiser was a highly-touted prospect, having been selected first overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft.
Wickenheiser began his professional career with the Canadiens in the 1980-81 season. He played in 42 games, scoring 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points. He helped the Canadiens reach the Stanley Cup Finals that season, but they lost to the New York Islanders in five games.
Wickenheiser played two more seasons with the Canadiens, but he struggled to live up to the expectations that came with being a first overall pick. He was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1983 in exchange for Mark Hunter and a draft pick.
Wickenheiser played four seasons with the Blues, and he had some of his best seasons during this time. He scored a career-high 26 goals in the 1984-85 season, and he had a career-high 64 points in the 1986-87 season. He was also named an NHL All-Star in 1985.
Wickenheiser was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 1987, and he played one season with them before being traded to the New York Rangers in 1988. He played one season with the Rangers before being traded back to the Canucks in 1989.
Wickenheiser's career was cut short due to injuries. He played in only 10 games with the Canucks in the 1989-90 season before being forced to retire due to a chronic shoulder injury.
Wickenheiser finished his NHL career with 111 goals and 165 assists for 276 points in 556 games. He also played in 23 playoff games, scoring four goals and six assists for 10 points.
After retiring from hockey, Wickenheiser returned to his hometown of Regina, where he worked as a real estate agent. He also became involved in coaching youth hockey, and he was a mentor to many young players in the area.
Wickenheiser passed away on January 12, 1999, at the age of 37. He had been battling cancer for several years. He is remembered as a talented player who never quite lived up to his potential, but who was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
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