Steve Larmer was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 14 seasons. He was born on April 16, 1961, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Larmer played as a right-winger and was known for his scoring ability, defensive skills, and durability.
Larmer began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Niagara Falls Flyers in 1977. He played for the team for three seasons and was a top scorer in the league. In 1980, he was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft.
Larmer made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks in the 1980-81 season and quickly established himself as a reliable scorer and defensive player. He played for the Blackhawks for 11 seasons and was a key player on the team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1992. Larmer was known for his consistency and durability, playing in 884 consecutive games, which was the third-longest streak in NHL history at the time.
In 1993, Larmer was traded to the New York Rangers, where he played for three seasons. He was a key player on the Rangers team that won the Stanley Cup in 1994, scoring 15 points in 23 playoff games. Larmer retired from the NHL in 1995, finishing his career with 1,012 points in 1,006 games.
Larmer was a two-time NHL All-Star and won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward in 1993. He was also a member of the Canadian national team that won the Canada Cup in 1984.
After retiring from hockey, Larmer remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He worked as an assistant coach for the AHL's Norfolk Admirals and the OHL's Peterborough Petes. He also founded the Steve Larmer Hockey School, which provides training and development for young hockey players.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Larmer was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. Despite his impressive career, Larmer has yet to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, which has been a source of controversy among fans and analysts.
Overall, Steve Larmer was a talented and versatile player who made significant contributions to the NHL during his career. He was known for his scoring ability, defensive skills, and durability, and was a key player on several successful teams. Despite his retirement from the sport, Larmer remains a respected figure in the hockey community and continues to inspire young players through his coaching and mentorship.
🏒