Jon Casey is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played for several teams during his career. He was born on March 29, 1962, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and began playing hockey at a young age. Casey played college hockey at the University of North Dakota, where he was a standout player and helped lead the team to a national championship in 1982.
After college, Casey was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in the fifth round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut during the 1983-84 season and quickly established himself as a reliable goaltender. Casey played for the North Stars for several seasons and helped lead the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1991, where they ultimately lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In addition to his time with the North Stars, Casey also played for the Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, and Buffalo Sabres during his career. He was known for his quick reflexes and ability to make acrobatic saves, and he was a fan favorite wherever he played.
One of Casey's most memorable moments came during the 1991 playoffs, when he made a spectacular save against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 7 of the Norris Division Finals. With the game tied 5-5 in overtime, Casey made a diving save to rob Blackhawks forward Steve Larmer of a sure goal. The North Stars went on to win the game and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Despite his success on the ice, Casey's career was not without its challenges. He struggled with injuries throughout his career, including a serious knee injury that forced him to miss most of the 1993-94 season. He also faced criticism from some fans and media members, who felt that he was not consistent enough and had a tendency to give up soft goals.
Despite these challenges, Casey remained a respected and beloved figure in the hockey world. After retiring from the NHL in 1997, he went on to coach youth hockey and work as a goaltending consultant. He was inducted into the University of North Dakota Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001, and his legacy as one of the most talented and exciting goaltenders of his era continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow players alike.
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