Steve Ludzik is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 10 seasons. He was born on May 3, 1960, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Ludzik began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Niagara Falls Flyers in 1977. He played for the Flyers for three seasons and was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft.
Ludzik made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks in the 1981-82 season. He played for the Blackhawks for six seasons and was known for his physical play and leadership on the ice. He was named the team's captain in the 1985-86 season and helped lead the team to the playoffs in four of his six seasons with the team.
In 1987, Ludzik was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he played for two seasons. He then played for the Los Angeles Kings for one season before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1990. Ludzik played for the Maple Leafs for one season before retiring from professional hockey in 1991 due to injuries.
After retiring from hockey, Ludzik became a coach and worked as an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 1992 to 1999. He then became the head coach of the Lightning for the 1999-2000 season. Ludzik led the Lightning to their first playoff appearance in team history in the 1995-96 season and was named the NHL's Coach of the Year in 1996.
In addition to his coaching career, Ludzik has also been involved in charity work. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2000 and has since become an advocate for Parkinson's research and awareness. He founded the Steve Ludzik Foundation in 2001, which raises money for Parkinson's research and supports those living with the disease.
Overall, Steve Ludzik had a successful career in professional hockey, playing for multiple teams and serving as a captain for the Chicago Blackhawks. He also had a successful coaching career, leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to their first playoff appearance and being named the NHL's Coach of the Year. Despite his Parkinson's diagnosis, Ludzik has continued to make a positive impact through his charity work and advocacy for Parkinson's research.
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