Lindy Ruff is a former professional ice hockey player and coach who has had a long and successful career in the sport. He began his career as a player in the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1979, when he was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres. Ruff played for the Sabres for 10 seasons, during which time he established himself as a solid defenseman and a fan favorite.
After retiring as a player in 1991, Ruff began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Florida Panthers. He then moved on to become the head coach of the Sabres in 1997, a position he held for 15 seasons. During his time as head coach, Ruff led the Sabres to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999, where they lost to the Dallas Stars in six games.
In addition to his success with the Sabres, Ruff has also had coaching stints with the Dallas Stars and the New York Rangers. He was named the head coach of the Stars in 2013, and led the team to the playoffs in his first season. Ruff was then hired by the Rangers as an assistant coach in 2017, and was promoted to associate head coach the following year.
Throughout his coaching career, Ruff has been known for his ability to develop young players and get the most out of his teams. He has also been praised for his innovative coaching strategies and his willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of the NHL.
In addition to his coaching career, Ruff has also been involved in various charitable endeavors. He has worked with organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Special Olympics, and has been recognized for his contributions to the community.
Overall, Lindy Ruff has had a long and successful career in the world of ice hockey. He has established himself as one of the most respected coaches in the NHL, and has left a lasting impact on the sport.
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