James Patrick is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 20 years. He was born on June 14, 1963, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Prince Albert Raiders in 1979.
Patrick was drafted by the New York Rangers in the first round of the 1981 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in the 1983-84 season. He played for the Rangers for eight seasons, serving as an alternate captain for several years. During his time with the Rangers, Patrick was known for his strong defensive play and his ability to contribute offensively.
In 1991, Patrick was traded to the Hartford Whalers, where he played for four seasons. He continued to be a reliable defenseman for the Whalers, and in the 1992-93 season, he set a career-high in points with 52. In 1995, Patrick was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he played for three seasons. He was named an alternate captain for the Flames and helped the team reach the playoffs in each of his three seasons with the team.
After his time with the Flames, Patrick played for several other teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings. He retired from the NHL in 2004 after playing in over 1,200 games and recording over 600 points.
Throughout his career, Patrick was known for his leadership and his ability to play in all situations. He was a two-time NHL All-Star and represented Canada in several international tournaments, including the 1984 Winter Olympics and the 1991 Canada Cup.
After retiring from playing, Patrick began a career in coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres and the Dallas Stars before being named the head coach of the Western Hockey League's Kootenay Ice in 2006. He led the Ice to a Memorial Cup championship in 2011 before stepping down as head coach in 2012.
In addition to his coaching career, Patrick has also been involved in various charitable organizations. He has worked with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Special Olympics, among others.
Overall, James Patrick had a successful career as a professional hockey player, playing for over 20 years and earning a reputation as a reliable defenseman and a strong leader. He has continued to be involved in the hockey world through his coaching career and his charitable work.
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