15 Interesting Facts About Craig MacTavish

Craig MacTavish is a four-time Stanley Cup champion and the last NHL player to play without a helmet, who later transitioned into a significant coaching and management career.

Position
Centre
Jersey
#18
Status
Retired
Teams
5
Facts
15
1

He won the Stanley Cup four times during his playing career.

2

He is recognized as the last player in the National Hockey League to not wear a helmet during games.

3

His primary position throughout his 17-season NHL career was center.

4

He was drafted 153rd overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1978 NHL Entry Draft.

5

He played for five different NHL teams during his career, including the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers.

6

He served as the team captain for the Edmonton Oilers from 1992 to 1994.

7

After retiring as a player, he immediately began his coaching career as an assistant with the New York Rangers.

8

As a coach for the Edmonton Oilers, he led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 2005-06 season.

9

He pursued higher education after his playing career, earning an EMBA from Queen's School of Business in 2011.

10

He finished his coaching tenure with the Oilers with 301 wins, placing him second on the team's all-time wins list behind Glen Sather.

11

He was the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Division II Men's Ice Hockey Championship in 1979.

12

He accumulated 480 career regular season points in 1,093 NHL games.

13

He was involved in an infamous brawl between Boston players and New York Rangers fans in 1979 during his early days with the Bruins.

14

He missed the entire 1984-85 season after being convicted of vehicular homicide.

15

His contract with the Edmonton Oilers included a unique clause stating he would never be allowed to drive the team bus.

About Craig MacTavish

A four-time Stanley Cup champion, he was a tenacious center known for his defensive play and leadership, serving as captain for the Edmonton Oilers. He holds the unique distinction of being the last NHL player to not wear a helmet during games, a testament to his era and unique career. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into a lengthy coaching and management career, notably leading the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006.

Career Achievements & Milestones

Stanley Cup Champion

1987

Stanley Cup Champion

1988

Stanley Cup Champion

1990

Stanley Cup Champion

1994

Most Outstanding Player of NCAA Division II Men's Ice Hockey Championship

1979

Player Information & Stats

Detailed career statistics and background information about Craig MacTavish.

Player Info

Country: Canada
Position: Centre
Jersey #: 18
Status: Retired
Age: 67 years old

Physical Stats

Height: 6' 1" (185 cm)
Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg)
Born: London, Ontario

Career Stats

Seasons: 17
Goals: 213
Assists: 267
Points: 480
Teams: 5
Drafted: 1978

Teams & Career

Boston Bruins Edmonton Oilers New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers St. Louis Blues

Craig MacTavish played for 5 different teams during his 17 seasons career.