Bjørn Skaare

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Bjørn Skaare (October 29, 1958 – June 21, 1989) was a Norwegian ice hockey player. He was the first Norwegian to play in the NHL, and many Norwegians regard him as the country's greatest ever hockey player.

Skaare's talent was evident at an early age. He made his debut for Furuset IF before he had turned 16. In 1976, he was signed by Färjestad of the Swedish Elitserien, although he returned to Furuset within a year. In the fall of 1977, Skaare moved to Canada, where he was signed by the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League, where he became a teammate of future NHL star Bobby Smith. Skaare scored 12 goals and had 30 assists for Ottawa, and was drafted in the 4th round (62nd pick overall) of the 1978 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings.

Skaare was assigned to the Kansas City Red Wings of the Continental Hockey League. After impressive play for Kansas City, he was called up to Detroit. He made his NHL debut against the Colorado Rockies on November 28, 1978. However, this would also be Skaare's only appearance in the NHL. He picked up an injury when he was checked by Barry Beck, and was later sent back to Kansas City. Skaare had 8 goals and 26 assists in 37 games for Kansas City, but decided to move back to Norway in February 1979.

Back in Norway, Skaare helped Furuset win the Norwegian championship in 1981 and 1983. He was named player of the year in 1981. In 1981-82, he played for Klagenfurt of the Austrian hockey league, and was named the league's best player. However, Skaare was homesick, and once again moved back to Furuset. In 1984, he briefly returned to North America, playing for the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League, but once again returned home within a few months.

On the night of June 21, 1989, Skaare was killed in a car accident near Oslo.