Douglas Wilson (hockey player)
Encyclopedia
Douglas Frederick Wilson (born July 5, 1957) is a former Canadian
professional ice hockey
defenceman and the current general manager of the San Jose Sharks
of the National Hockey League
.
in the Ontario Hockey Association
, Wilson was drafted in the first round, 6th overall, in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft
. He then played 14 seasons with the Chicago Black Hawks
and two years for the San Jose Sharks
in the National Hockey League
. He was the first captain in Sharks history, serving two years before retiring after the 1992–93 season.
Wilson played 14 seasons in Chicago and still ranks as the club's highest scoring defenceman in points (779 — fifth overall), goals (225 — 12th overall) and assists (554 — third overall). Wilson is fifth all-time in games played (938) for Chicago. He also led all Blackhawks defencemen in scoring for 10 consecutive seasons (1980–81 through 1990–91). In 1982, he was awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy
, as the League's top defenceman. That year, he had 39 goals and 85 points, which is still the Blackhawks single-season records for goals and points for a defenceman.
He was selected to eight NHL All-Star Games (seven with Chicago and one with San Jose). While with Chicago, Wilson was named as an NHL First Team All-Star in 1982 and twice was named as an NHL Second Team All-Star (1985 and 1990).
Acquired by San Jose from Chicago just before the Sharks first season (1991–92), Wilson brought instant credibility and respect to the young franchise. He played two seasons for the Sharks, scoring 48 points (12 goals, 36 assists) in 86 games and, entering this season, ranks T-56th on the Sharks all-time scoring list, T-17th all-time among defencemen.
Other career highlights include serving as the franchise's first team captain (1991–93), being the team's first representative in an All-Star Game (1991–92), playing in his NHL-milestone 1,000th game on Nov. 21, 1992 (77th player in League history) and twice named Sharks nominee (1992 and 1993) for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy
(for leadership and humanitarian contributions both on-and off-the-ice). At his 1,000th NHL game played ceremony, he announced the creation of the Doug Wilson Scholarship Foundation. This scholarship provides assistance to worthy college-bound Bay Area students, and continues today.
Wilson announced his retirement as a member of the Sharks during training camp in 1993–94 after playing in 1,024 career games. In addition, he played in 95 career playoff games and scored 80 points (19 goals, 61 assists). The Ottawa, Ontario native scored 827 points (237 goals, 590 assists) during his career that began in 1977-78 with Chicago.
in 1998, tries to create a positive character-building experience by using sports to teach life lessons. The "win-at-all-costs" mentality is de-emphasized in PCA.
Wilson was inducted into the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame in September 1999. He also serves on the NHL's board of directors for the alumni association.
In October 1998, the Ottawa 67s honored his stellar career by retiring his No. 7 sweater. Known as an offensive defenceman, he recorded 295 points in 194 OHL games with the 67s from 1975–77. In addition, during the same weekend of activities in his hometown, he was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.
On May 13, 2003, the San Jose Sharks hired Wilson as general manager
, replacing Dean Lombardi
.
, won four Stanley Cup
s with the Montreal Canadiens
. His daughter Chelsea plays volleyball
for the University of Southern California
. His son Doug plays hockey
at Tufts University
. Doug and his wife, Kathy, have four children: Lacey, Doug, Charlie and Chelsea.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
professional ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
defenceman and the current general manager of the San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
.
Playing career
After a stellar junior hockey career for the Ottawa 67'sOttawa 67's
The Ottawa 67’s are a junior ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario. They have played in the Ontario Hockey League since 1967, Canada's centennial year. The current coach is Chris Byrne.-History:...
in the Ontario Hockey Association
Ontario Hockey Association
The Ontario Hockey Association is the governing body for the majority of Junior and Senior level ice hockey teams in the Province of Ontario. The OHA is sanctioned by the Ontario Hockey Federation along with the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. Other Ontario sanctioning bodies along with the...
, Wilson was drafted in the first round, 6th overall, in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft
NHL Entry Draft
The NHL Entry Draft is an annual meeting in which every franchise of the National Hockey League systematically select the rights to available amateur ice hockey players who meet draft eligibility requirements...
. He then played 14 seasons with the Chicago Black Hawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
and two years for the San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
. He was the first captain in Sharks history, serving two years before retiring after the 1992–93 season.
Wilson played 14 seasons in Chicago and still ranks as the club's highest scoring defenceman in points (779 — fifth overall), goals (225 — 12th overall) and assists (554 — third overall). Wilson is fifth all-time in games played (938) for Chicago. He also led all Blackhawks defencemen in scoring for 10 consecutive seasons (1980–81 through 1990–91). In 1982, he was awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy
James Norris Memorial Trophy
The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's top "defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position". The James Norris Memorial Trophy has been awarded 55 times to 23 different players since its beginnings in...
, as the League's top defenceman. That year, he had 39 goals and 85 points, which is still the Blackhawks single-season records for goals and points for a defenceman.
He was selected to eight NHL All-Star Games (seven with Chicago and one with San Jose). While with Chicago, Wilson was named as an NHL First Team All-Star in 1982 and twice was named as an NHL Second Team All-Star (1985 and 1990).
Acquired by San Jose from Chicago just before the Sharks first season (1991–92), Wilson brought instant credibility and respect to the young franchise. He played two seasons for the Sharks, scoring 48 points (12 goals, 36 assists) in 86 games and, entering this season, ranks T-56th on the Sharks all-time scoring list, T-17th all-time among defencemen.
Other career highlights include serving as the franchise's first team captain (1991–93), being the team's first representative in an All-Star Game (1991–92), playing in his NHL-milestone 1,000th game on Nov. 21, 1992 (77th player in League history) and twice named Sharks nominee (1992 and 1993) for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy
King Clancy Memorial Trophy
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community. Since the award was established in 1988, no player has won it more than...
(for leadership and humanitarian contributions both on-and off-the-ice). At his 1,000th NHL game played ceremony, he announced the creation of the Doug Wilson Scholarship Foundation. This scholarship provides assistance to worthy college-bound Bay Area students, and continues today.
Wilson announced his retirement as a member of the Sharks during training camp in 1993–94 after playing in 1,024 career games. In addition, he played in 95 career playoff games and scored 80 points (19 goals, 61 assists). The Ottawa, Ontario native scored 827 points (237 goals, 590 assists) during his career that began in 1977-78 with Chicago.
Retirement and executive career
In 2004, Wilson was named to the Positive Coaching Alliance's National Advisory Board. PCA, established at Stanford UniversityStanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
in 1998, tries to create a positive character-building experience by using sports to teach life lessons. The "win-at-all-costs" mentality is de-emphasized in PCA.
Wilson was inducted into the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame in September 1999. He also serves on the NHL's board of directors for the alumni association.
In October 1998, the Ottawa 67s honored his stellar career by retiring his No. 7 sweater. Known as an offensive defenceman, he recorded 295 points in 194 OHL games with the 67s from 1975–77. In addition, during the same weekend of activities in his hometown, he was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.
On May 13, 2003, the San Jose Sharks hired Wilson as general manager
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
, replacing Dean Lombardi
Dean Lombardi
Dean Lombardi is President and General Manager of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings. He previously served as GM of the San Jose Sharks, a position he held for seven seasons .-Early life:...
.
Personal life
His brother, Murray WilsonMurray Wilson
Murray Charles Wilson is a retired Canadian ice hockey forward.Wilson started his National Hockey League career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1971. Wilson was drafted 11th overall in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft. He would spend 7 years in Montreal before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings...
, won four Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
s with the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
. His daughter Chelsea plays volleyball
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
for the University of Southern California
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
. His son Doug plays hockey
Hockey
Hockey is a family of sports in which two teams play against each other by trying to maneuver a ball or a puck into the opponent's goal using a hockey stick.-Etymology:...
at Tufts University
Tufts University
Tufts University is a private research university located in Medford/Somerville, near Boston, Massachusetts. It is organized into ten schools, including two undergraduate programs and eight graduate divisions, on four campuses in Massachusetts and on the eastern border of France...
. Doug and his wife, Kathy, have four children: Lacey, Doug, Charlie and Chelsea.
Career statistics
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1974–75 | Ottawa 67's Ottawa 67's The Ottawa 67’s are a junior ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario. They have played in the Ontario Hockey League since 1967, Canada's centennial year. The current coach is Chris Byrne.-History:... |
OMJHL | 55 | 29 | 58 | 87 | 75 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1975–76 | Ottawa 67's | OMJHL | 58 | 26 | 62 | 88 | 142 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1976–77 | Ottawa 67's | OMJHL | 43 | 25 | 54 | 79 | 85 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1977–78 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
NHL | 77 | 14 | 20 | 34 | 72 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1978–79 | Chicago Black Hawks | NHL | 56 | 5 | 21 | 26 | 37 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1979–80 | Chicago Black Hawks | NHL | 73 | 12 | 49 | 61 | 70 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 6 | ||
| 1980–81 | Chicago Black Hawks | NHL | 76 | 12 | 39 | 51 | 80 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 2 | ||
| 1981–82 | Chicago Black Hawks | NHL | 76 | 39 | 46 | 85 | 54 | 15 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 32 | ||
| 1982–83 | Chicago Black Hawks | NHL | 74 | 18 | 51 | 69 | 58 | 13 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 12 | ||
| 1983–84 | Chicago Black Hawks | NHL | 66 | 13 | 45 | 58 | 64 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | ||
| 1984–85 | Chicago Black Hawks | NHL | 78 | 22 | 54 | 76 | 44 | 12 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 12 | ||
| 1985–86 | Chicago Black Hawks | NHL | 79 | 17 | 47 | 64 | 80 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 1986–87 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 69 | 16 | 32 | 48 | 36 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1987–88 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 27 | 8 | 24 | 32 | 28 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1988–89 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 66 | 15 | 47 | 62 | 69 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | ||
| 1989–90 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 70 | 23 | 50 | 73 | 40 | 20 | 3 | 12 | 15 | 18 | ||
| 1990–91 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 51 | 11 | 29 | 40 | 32 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | ||
| 1991–92 | San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 44 | 9 | 19 | 28 | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1992–93 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 42 | 3 | 17 | 20 | 40 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| NHL totals | 1024 | 237 | 590 | 827 | 830 | 95 | 19 | 61 | 80 | 86 | ||||