Ray Neufeld was a professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on March 15, 1962, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Neufeld began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Portland Winter Hawks in the early 1980s. He quickly established himself as a talented forward, scoring 50 goals in his rookie season.
In 1982, Neufeld was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round, ninth overall, in the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 1982-83 season and played for the Jets for six seasons. During his time with the Jets, Neufeld was known for his speed and scoring ability. He scored 30 or more goals in three seasons and was a consistent point producer for the team.
In 1989, Neufeld was traded to the Hartford Whalers, where he played for two seasons. He continued to be a productive player, scoring 20 goals in his first season with the Whalers. However, injuries began to take a toll on Neufeld, and he was limited to just 32 games in his second season with the team.
After his time with the Whalers, Neufeld played for a few more seasons in the minor leagues before retiring from professional hockey in 1996. In total, he played in 641 NHL games, scoring 195 goals and 222 assists for 417 points.
Neufeld was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. He was a hard-working player who always gave his best effort on the ice. He was also a respected teammate and leader, serving as an alternate captain for the Jets during his time with the team.
After retiring from hockey, Neufeld remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He worked with young players in his hometown of St. Catharines, helping to develop the next generation of hockey talent.
Overall, Ray Neufeld had a successful career in professional hockey, playing for over a decade in the NHL and earning a reputation as a talented and hard-working player. He remains a respected figure in the hockey community and a role model for young players.
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