Mel Bridgman was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 14 seasons. He was born on April 28, 1955, in Trenton, Ontario, Canada. Bridgman was a center and played for four different teams during his career, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, and Detroit Red Wings.
Bridgman began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Victoria Cougars in 1972. He was drafted first overall by the Flyers in the 1975 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 1975-76 season and quickly established himself as a physical and aggressive player. He was known for his strong work ethic and leadership qualities, which earned him the captaincy of the Flyers in 1981.
Bridgman played for the Flyers for eight seasons and was a key player on the team that won the Stanley Cup in 1975. He was also named to the NHL All-Star team in 1980. In 1981, he was traded to the Flames in exchange for Kent Nilsson and was named the team's captain in his first season with the team. He played for the Flames for five seasons and was a consistent scorer and physical presence on the ice.
In 1986, Bridgman was traded to the Devils, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Red Wings in 1988. He played for the Red Wings for two seasons before retiring from professional hockey in 1990.
Throughout his career, Bridgman was known for his physical play and leadership qualities. He was a tough player who was not afraid to drop the gloves and defend his teammates. He was also a skilled scorer and playmaker, finishing his career with 701 points in 977 games.
After retiring from hockey, Bridgman worked as a scout for the Red Wings and later became a successful businessman. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Trenton Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
In conclusion, Mel Bridgman was a talented and physical player who had a successful career in the NHL. He was a leader on and off the ice and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. His contributions to the game of hockey will not be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as a tough and skilled player who gave his all every time he stepped on the ice.
🏒