Jim Schoenfeld is a former professional ice hockey player and coach who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on September 4, 1952, in Galt, Ontario, Canada, and began playing hockey at a young age. Schoenfeld was a defenseman and played for several teams during his career, including the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers.
Schoenfeld was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 1972 NHL Entry Draft and made his debut with the team in the same year. He quickly established himself as a solid defenseman and was known for his physical play and leadership skills. Schoenfeld played for the Sabres for eight seasons and was a key member of the team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1975.
In 1980, Schoenfeld was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Boston Bruins. He played for the Bruins for one season before being traded to the New York Rangers in 1985. Schoenfeld played for the Rangers for three seasons and was named team captain in 1987.
After retiring as a player in 1989, Schoenfeld began his coaching career. He started as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres and was later promoted to head coach in 1989. Schoenfeld coached the Sabres for four seasons and led the team to the playoffs in three of those seasons.
In 1995, Schoenfeld was hired as head coach of the Washington Capitals. He coached the Capitals for three seasons and led the team to the playoffs in each of those seasons. Schoenfeld was known for his tough coaching style and was often seen yelling at his players from the bench.
After leaving the Capitals in 1998, Schoenfeld worked as a television analyst for several years before returning to coaching in 2003. He was hired as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes and later served as head coach for the team from 2005 to 2009.
Throughout his career, Schoenfeld was known for his toughness and leadership skills. He was a respected player and coach in the NHL and was known for his ability to motivate his players. Schoenfeld was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Galt Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.
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