Pat Conacher was a Canadian ice hockey player who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) and other professional leagues. He was born on May 1, 1959, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and grew up playing hockey in his hometown.
Conacher began his professional career in 1979 when he was drafted by the New York Rangers in the ninth round of the NHL Entry Draft. He spent his first two seasons playing for the Rangers' minor league affiliate, the New Haven Nighthawks, before making his NHL debut in the 1981-82 season.
Over the course of his career, Conacher played for several NHL teams, including the Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, and Vancouver Canucks. He was known for his versatility as a player, able to play both forward and defense positions, and for his physical style of play.
One of Conacher's most memorable moments came during the 1984 Stanley Cup playoffs when he scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 3 of the finals, helping the Oilers defeat the New York Islanders. He also played in the 1985 NHL All-Star Game.
In addition to his NHL career, Conacher also played in several other professional leagues, including the World Hockey Association (WHA), the American Hockey League (AHL), and the International Hockey League (IHL). He won two championships in the AHL, one with the Springfield Indians in 1990 and another with the Binghamton Rangers in 1993.
Conacher retired from professional hockey in 1996 after playing for the IHL's Milwaukee Admirals. He finished his NHL career with 542 games played, 62 goals, and 117 assists. He also had 1,071 penalty minutes, reflecting his physical style of play.
After retiring from hockey, Conacher remained involved in the sport as a coach and scout. He served as an assistant coach for the AHL's Syracuse Crunch and the NHL's Dallas Stars, and worked as a scout for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Vancouver Canucks.
Overall, Pat Conacher had a successful career as a versatile and physical player in the NHL and other professional leagues. His memorable moments and championships earned him a place in hockey history.
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