Craig Billington's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round, 23rd overall, in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. A goaltender by position, Billington's career spanned several teams and numerous seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he was known for his skill and consistency between the pipes.
Billington's NHL debut came during the 1985-86 season with the New Jersey Devils. Over the next few years, he split his time between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL), honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. By the 1991-92 season, he had established himself as a regular in the Devils' lineup, sharing goaltending duties and contributing to the team's efforts on the ice.
In 1993, Billington was traded to the Ottawa Senators, a team that was still in its early years in the NHL. During his time with the Senators, he faced the challenge of playing for a developing team, often facing a high volume of shots and providing stability in goal. His tenure with Ottawa was marked by his ability to handle pressure and maintain composure, attributes that were essential for a goaltender in a rebuilding franchise.
The next chapter of Billington's career unfolded when he was traded to the Boston Bruins in 1995. With the Bruins, he continued to demonstrate his goaltending abilities, serving as a reliable backup and occasional starter. His experience and veteran presence were valuable assets to the team, contributing to their depth in the goaltending position.
In 1996, Billington joined the Colorado Avalanche, where he played a supporting role to starting goaltender Patrick Roy. During his time with the Avalanche, Billington was part of a team that was consistently competitive and a contender for the Stanley Cup. Although he primarily served as a backup, his readiness to step in when needed was crucial for the team's success over the course of several seasons.
Billington's career also included a brief stint with the Washington Capitals during the 1999-2000 season. His role with the Capitals was similar to his previous positions, providing depth and experience in the goaltending department. After his time in Washington, he returned to the Colorado Avalanche, where he concluded his playing career.
Throughout his years in the NHL, Craig Billington was recognized for his professionalism and steady presence in goal. His career statistics reflect his ability to perform at a high level, with numerous games played and a respectable goals-against average. After retiring as a player, Billington transitioned to roles off the ice, including serving as an executive in the Avalanche organization, where he continued to contribute to the sport he had dedicated much of his life to.
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