Harold Snepsts was a Canadian ice hockey player who played as a defenseman for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) during his career. He was born on January 31, 1954, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and began his professional career in 1974 when he was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the NHL Amateur Draft.
Snepsts played for the Canucks for 12 seasons, from 1974 to 1986, and was known for his physical style of play and his ability to block shots. He was a fan favorite in Vancouver and was known as "Sneptsy" to his fans. During his time with the Canucks, he played in 781 games and scored 29 goals and 149 assists for a total of 178 points.
In 1986, Snepsts was traded to the Minnesota North Stars, where he played for two seasons before being traded again to the Detroit Red Wings in 1988. He played for the Red Wings for one season before being traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1989. He played for the Blues for two seasons before retiring from professional hockey in 1991.
Throughout his career, Snepsts was known for his toughness and his willingness to stand up for his teammates. He was also known for his leadership skills and was often named an alternate captain or captain of his teams. He was a two-time NHL All-Star, in 1981 and 1982, and was inducted into the Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honour in 2011.
After retiring from professional hockey, Snepsts became a coach and worked for several teams in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL). He also worked as a scout for the Canucks and the Anaheim Ducks.
In addition to his hockey career, Snepsts is also known for his charitable work. He has been involved with the Canucks for Kids Fund, which raises money for children's charities in British Columbia, and has also worked with the Special Olympics.
Overall, Harold Snepsts had a successful career in the NHL and was known for his toughness, leadership, and dedication to his teams. He remains a beloved figure in Vancouver and is remembered as one of the best defensemen to ever play for the Canucks.
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