Paul Coffey

Born: June 1, 1961
Place of Birth: Weston, Ontario

• Paul Coffey is generally credited as one of hockey's greatest defensemen.

• He grew up playing his minor league hockey in the Toronto area.

• Coffey was noted for his scoring efforts when he was still playing for junior hockey teams.

• In 1979, his second season as a junior hockey defenseman, Coffey scored 29 goals and 73 assists.

• Shortly after, Coffey was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round pick.

• He was joining a young team including Wayne Gretzky that was Stanley Cup bound.

• The team went on to win four National Hockey League championships.

• Coffey was assigned to nine different NHL teams during his career.

• He won the Norris Trophy, given to the best defenseman, on three occasions.

• Upon retirement, he left as the highest scoring playoff defenseman and second in regular season play.

• In 2005, his number 7 jersey was retired by the Edmonton Oilers.

• During his career, he played on four teams representing Canada in world championship play.

• Paul Coffey, noted both for his skating and scoring abilities, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on his first nomination.

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Last Updated: June 13, 2006
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003