Ken Baumgartner was a professional ice hockey player who played as a left-winger and defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was known for his physicality and toughness on the ice, often engaging in fights with opposing players.
Baumgartner began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut with the team in the 1986-87 season. He played for the Sabres for two seasons before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988.
With the Kings, Baumgartner established himself as a tough enforcer and a reliable defenseman. He played for the Kings for four seasons before being traded to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 1993. He played for the Ducks for two seasons before being traded to the Boston Bruins in 1995.
Baumgartner played for the Bruins for three seasons and was a key player in their run to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 1998 playoffs. He then signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1998 and played for them for one season before retiring in 1999.
Throughout his career, Baumgartner was known for his physical play and willingness to fight. He was one of the most feared enforcers in the league and was often called upon to protect his teammates. He was also a solid defenseman, known for his shot-blocking and penalty-killing abilities.
Off the ice, Baumgartner was known for his charitable work and involvement in the community. He was a regular participant in charity events and was known for his kindness and generosity.
Overall, Ken Baumgartner had a successful career in the NHL, playing for five different teams and establishing himself as one of the toughest players in the league. He retired with 16 goals, 49 assists, and 2,244 penalty minutes in 696 career games.
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