Craig Hartsburg's journey in the world of hockey began in the small town of Stratford, Ontario, where he was born on June 29, 1959. His early years were spent honing his skills on the ice, which eventually led him to play junior hockey with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). His talent as a defenseman quickly became evident, and he was selected sixth overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft.
Hartsburg's professional career took off when he joined the North Stars for the 1979-1980 NHL season. Over the next ten seasons, he became a mainstay on the North Stars' blue line. Known for his strong defensive play and leadership qualities, Hartsburg was named team captain in 1982, a role he held until 1989. His ability to read the game and contribute offensively made him a valuable asset to the team. Throughout his time with the North Stars, he accumulated 413 points in 570 regular-season games, demonstrating his offensive capabilities as a defenseman.
In addition to his NHL career, Hartsburg represented Canada on the international stage. He played for Team Canada in the 1981 Canada Cup, where he helped the team secure a championship victory. His international experience further solidified his reputation as a reliable and skilled defenseman.
Unfortunately, Hartsburg's playing career was marred by injuries, particularly to his knees. These injuries ultimately led to his retirement from professional hockey in 1989 at the age of 30. Despite the premature end to his playing days, Hartsburg's love for the game never waned, and he soon transitioned into coaching.
Hartsburg began his coaching career in the early 1990s, taking on roles in various leagues. He started as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1990, where he spent two seasons. His coaching journey continued with a head coaching position for the Guelph Storm in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) from 1994 to 1995. Under his guidance, the Storm reached the OHL playoffs, showcasing his ability to lead and develop young talent.
In 1995, Hartsburg returned to the NHL as the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks. He spent three seasons with the Blackhawks, leading them to the playoffs twice. Following his tenure in Chicago, he took on the head coaching role for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim from 1998 to 2000. Although his time with the Ducks was challenging, Hartsburg continued to gain valuable experience behind the bench.
Hartsburg's coaching career also included a successful stint with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, the same team he played for as a junior. He returned to the Greyhounds as head coach in 2004, leading them to multiple playoff appearances and earning the Matt Leyden Trophy as the OHL's Coach of the Year in 2008.
In addition to his work in the OHL, Hartsburg served as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, helping the team secure gold medals in 2007 and 2008. His ability to mentor young players and contribute to their development was widely recognized.
Hartsburg's coaching career continued with roles as an assistant coach in the NHL, including stints with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. His extensive experience and knowledge of the game made him a respected figure in the hockey community.
🏒