Wendell Young is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played for various teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL) during his career. He was born on August 1, 1963, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Young began his professional career in 1984 when he was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Canucks for two seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1986. He played for the Flyers for four seasons and was a part of the team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1987.
In 1990, Young was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played for three seasons. He was a backup goaltender to Tom Barrasso during the Penguins' back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. Young played a key role in the 1991 playoffs, filling in for Barrasso when he was injured and helping the team win the championship.
After leaving the Penguins, Young played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the International Hockey League's (IHL) Chicago Wolves. He retired from professional hockey in 1999.
Throughout his career, Young was known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to make acrobatic saves. He was also a fan favorite for his outgoing personality and his willingness to interact with fans.
After retiring from hockey, Young became a goaltending coach and worked with various teams, including the AHL's Chicago Wolves and the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers. He also worked as a television analyst for the Thrashers and the NHL Network.
In addition to his coaching and broadcasting work, Young has been involved in various charitable organizations. He has worked with the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, among others.
Overall, Wendell Young had a successful career as a professional hockey goaltender, playing for several teams in the NHL and AHL. He was a key player on two Stanley Cup championship teams and was known for his aggressive style of play and his outgoing personality. After retiring from hockey, he continued to work in the sport as a coach and broadcaster and has been involved in various charitable organizations.
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