Craig Ludwig
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Position | Defenceman |
| Height Weight |
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 210 lb (95 kg) |
| NHL Team F. Teams |
Retired Montreal Canadiens New York Islanders Minnesota North Stars Dallas Stars |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Born | March 15, 1961, Rhinelander, Wisconsin |
| NHL Draft | NHL, 1980 Montreal Canadiens |
| Pro Career | 1982 – 1999 |
Craig Lee Ludwig (born March 15, 1961 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA) is a former professional hockey player. He played defense in the National Hockey League from 1983-1999 and was renown for his shot-blocking ability.
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[edit] High school and college
Ludwig played high school hockey at Northland Pines High School in Eagle River, Wisconsin from 1975-1979. He helped the Eagles to the semi-finals in 1978-1979. He played on the USA Hockey National Junior Team that toured Germany in 1979-80. Ludwig went on to attend the University of North Dakota from 1979-1982 as a walk on. He won two National Championships while playing for the Fighting Sioux, alongside other future NHL'ers Mark Taylor, Doug Smail, Dave Tippett, Rick Zombo, Phil Sykes, Troy Murray and Jon Casey.
[edit] The NHL
Ludwig was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens 51st in the 6th round of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. He won a Stanley Cup with the team in 1986. In 1990 he signed with the New York Islanders. He only played one season with the Isles before signing with the Minnesota North Stars.
[edit] Minnesota/Dallas Years
Ludwig's years in Minnesota and Dallas are widely considered his best. He joined the the Minnesota North Stars in 1991 and moved with the team to Dallas in 1993 and finished his career in 1999 after they won their first Stanley Cup. Ludwig was an alternate captain for the Stars during his last two seasons.
Ludwig was well known for his shot-blocking ability, aided by the extra-wide shinpads that he designed and constructed for himself.
[edit] Personal
Ludwig was inducted into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002. After his retirement, he has worked as an assistant coach for the Utah Grizzlies and Dallas Stars.
Ludwig was famous for wearing the same pair of shinguards through his entire professional career.
[edit] Career Statistics
Regular Season
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
1979-80 U. of North Dakota NCAA 33 1 8 9 32
1980-81 U. of North Dakota NCAA 34 4 8 12 48
1981-82 U. of North Dakota NCAA 47 5 26 31 70
1982-83 Montreal Canadiens NHL 80 0 25 25 59
1983-84 Montreal Canadiens NHL 80 7 18 25 52
1984-85 Montreal Canadiens NHL 72 5 14 19 90
1985-86 Montreal Canadiens NHL 69 2 4 6 63
1986-87 Montreal Canadiens NHL 75 4 12 16 105
1987-88 Montreal Canadiens NHL 74 4 10 14 69
1988-89 Montreal Canadiens NHL 74 3 13 16 73
1989-90 Montreal Canadiens NHL 73 1 15 16 108
1990-91 New York Islanders NHL 75 1 8 9 77
1991-92 Minnesota North Stars NHL 73 2 9 11 54
1992-93 Minnesota North Stars NHL 78 1 10 11 153
1993-94 Dallas Stars NHL 84 1 13 14 123
1994-95 Dallas Stars NHL 47 2 7 9 61
1995-96 Dallas Stars NHL 65 1 2 3 70
1996-97 Dallas Stars NHL 77 2 11 13 62
1997-98 Dallas Stars NHL 80 0 7 7 131
1998-99 Dallas Stars NHL 80 2 6 8 87
NHL Totals 1256 38 184 222 1437
