Born February 8, 1960, in Sarnia, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing Dino Ciccarelli. This legend skated for the Minnesota North Stars, Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers during his productive nineteen-year NHL career.
Sports History
Dino Ciccarelli The Dynamo Hockey HOF SkaterDino Ciccarelli's Storied Hockey Career
Ciccarelli wasn't drafted, relying on his relentless work ethic and scoring prowess to earn a spot with the North Stars in 1980. He displayed his scoring touch from the get-go, netting 32 goals in his rookie season. With his right-handed slapshot and fearless drives to the net, he quickly became a fan favorite. He achieved 11 seasons with 30+ goals, ranking 19th in NHL history with 608 career goals.
But Ciccarelli wasn't just about offense. He earned the nickname "The Cyclon" for his aggressive, physical play, often pushing the acceptable boundaries. He racked up an astounding 1425 penalty minutes, leading the league in penalty minutes three times. While his style drew criticism, it also instilled fear in opponents and ignited his team's energy.
Despite the controversy, Ciccarelli was a leader and a key contributor to team success. He helped the North Stars reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1991 and even set a playoff record for goals and points by a rookie in 1981. He later succeeded with the Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, and Tampa Bay Lightning, showcasing his adaptability and resilience.
His career was subject to controversy. Suspensions, fights, and accusations of dirty play followed him. Yet, there was a softer side to him. He was known for his generosity and dedication to charities, especially those supporting children.
In 2010, Ciccarelli's legacy was cemented with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He remains a polarizing figure, but his undeniable contributions to the game, both on and off the ice, cannot be ignored. He was a force of nature, a scorer, an enforcer, and a character long to be remembered in the game's history.
The Hooked on Hockey Historic Events of May 17
Hooked on Hockey presents events such as Ciccarelli setting an NHL playoff scoring record, Jaromir Jagr scoring a game-winner for 3rd consecutive game, and more.
May 3 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 9 - 5 - 12 - 21 - 44 - 6 - 8 - 16 - 23 May 3, 1936 - A big event in New York Yankee history occurred. Number 9, Joe DiMaggio ...
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May 2 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 May 2, 1876 - Second baseman for the Chicago White Stockings, Ross Barnes hit the first home run in National League history...
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May 1 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 23 - 1 - 4 May 1, 1884 - The Toledo Blue Stockings made history by signing catcher Moses Fleetwood Walker. It doesn't...
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April 30 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 - 17 - 6 - 22 - 33 - 1 April 30, 1922 - Chicago White Sox pitcher Charlie Robertson, threw a perfect game as the...
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April 29 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 14 - 9 April 29, 1892 - Charlie Reilly of the Philadelphia Phillies becomes Major League Baseball's first pinch hitt...
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April 28 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 20 - 21 - 1 April 28, 1901 - Cleveland Blue's pitcher Bock Baker had a really bad day on the mound. The left hander gave&...
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