Dirk Graham

79
Dirk Graham bigraphy, stories - Canadian ice hockey player

Dirk Graham : biography

July 29, 1959 –

Dirk Milton Graham (born July 29, 1959) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota North Stars in the National Hockey League. He was honored in 1991 as the Frank J. Selke Trophy winner for outstanding defensive play by a forward. Graham served as head coach of the Blackhawks during the 1998–99 season before being relieved of his duties after 59 games. He’s considered the first black hockey captain (along with Jarome Iginla), given that one of his parents is bi-racial.

Awards and achievements

  • Selected to the IHL Second All-Star Team in 1981.
  • Selected to the IHL First All-Star Team in 1983.
  • Selected to the CHL First All-Star Team in 1984.
  • Frank J. Selke Trophy winner in 1991.
  • First player of African descent to be named team captain in the NHL. Also first player of African descent to be appointed head coach of an NHL team.

Post-playing career

Right after retiring, Graham served as assistant coach for Craig Hartsburg with the Chicago Blackhawks. Graham took a year off then returned as a scout for the Chicago Blackhawks. He served briefly as coach in 1998–99 until he was replaced by Lorne Molleken. He is currently a scout for the San Jose Sharks.

Coaching record

Team Year Regular season Post season
G W L T Pts Division rank Result
CHI 1998–99 59 16 35 8 (70) 3rd in Central (Fired)
Total 59 16 35 8 40

Career statistics

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1975–76 Regina Blues SJHL 54 36 32 68 82
1975–76 Regina Pats WCHL 2 0 0 0 0 6 1 1 2 5
1976–77 Regina Pats WCHL 65 37 28 65 66
1977–78 Regina Pats WCHL 72 49 61 110 87 13 15 19 34 37
1978–79 Regina Pats WHL 71 48 60 108 252
1979–80 Dallas Black Hawks CHL 62 17 15 32 96
1980–81 Fort Wayne Komets IHL 6 1 2 3 12
1980–81 Toledo Goaldiggers IHL 61 40 45 85 88
1981–82 Toledo Goaldiggers IHL 72 49 65 105 68 13 10 11 21 8
1982–83 Toledo Goaldiggers IHL 78 70 55 125 88 11 13 7 20 30
1983–84 Minnesota North Stars NHL 6 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 2
1983–84 Salt Lake Golden Eagles CHL 57 37 57 94 72 5 3 8 11 2
1984–85 Springfield Indians AHL 37 20 28 48 41
1984–85 Minnesota North Stars NHL 36 12 11 23 23 9 0 4 4 7
1985–86 Minnesota North Stars NHL 80 22 33 55 87 5 3 1 4 2
1987–88 Minnesota North Stars NHL 28 7 5 12 39
1987–88 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 42 17 19 36 32 4 1 2 3 4
1988–89 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 80 33 45 78 91 16 2 4 6 38
1989–90 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 73 22 32 54 102 5 1 5 6 2
1990–91 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 80 24 21 45 88 6 1 2 3 19
1991–92 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 80 17 30 47 89 18 7 5 12 8
1992–93 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 84 20 17 37 139 4 0 0 0 0
1993–94 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 67 15 18 33 45 6 0 1 1 4
1994–95 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 40 4 9 13 42 16 2 3 5 8
NHL totals 772 219 270 489 919 90 17 27 44 94