Gary Leeman was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on February 19, 1964, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Leeman started his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Verdun Juniors in 1981. He played for the Juniors for two seasons before being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 1982 NHL Entry Draft.
Leeman made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs in the 1983-84 season. He played for the Leafs for eight seasons and was a key player on the team during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Leeman had his best season in 1989-90 when he scored 51 goals and 95 points in 80 games. He was named to the NHL All-Star Game that season and was a finalist for the Hart Trophy, which is awarded to the league's most valuable player.
In 1991, Leeman was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he played for two seasons. He then played for the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Dallas Stars before retiring in 1997. Leeman played in a total of 667 NHL games, scoring 199 goals and 402 points.
Leeman was known for his offensive skills and was a prolific goal scorer during his career. He was also a physical player and was not afraid to drop the gloves when necessary. Leeman was a fan favorite in Toronto and was a key part of the team's success during the late 1980s.
After retiring from hockey, Leeman stayed involved in the sport as a coach and scout. He also worked in the financial industry and was a successful businessman. Leeman was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008.
In conclusion, Gary Leeman was a talented and successful NHL player who had a long and productive career. He was a key player on several teams and was known for his offensive skills and physical play. Leeman's legacy in the sport of hockey is secure, and he will always be remembered as one of the game's greats.
🏒