Curt Fraser's journey in the world of professional hockey began when he was selected 22nd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Fraser quickly established himself as a reliable left winger. His NHL debut came in the 1978-79 season with the Canucks, where he played for five seasons. During his time with Vancouver, Fraser became known for his physical style of play and ability to contribute offensively, consistently putting up solid numbers.
In 1983, Fraser was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he continued to demonstrate his skills on the ice. Over the course of four seasons with the Blackhawks, he maintained his reputation as a tough competitor and a valuable team player. Fraser's tenure with Chicago was marked by his consistent performance and leadership qualities, which earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.
Fraser's next move came in 1987 when he was traded to the Minnesota North Stars. His time with the North Stars was relatively brief, spanning just two seasons, but he continued to be a steady presence on the ice. Throughout his NHL career, Fraser played in 704 regular-season games, scoring 193 goals and adding 240 assists for a total of 433 points. His playing career concluded after the 1989-90 season.
Following his retirement as a player, Fraser transitioned into coaching, where he found a new avenue to contribute to the sport. He began his coaching career in the International Hockey League (IHL) with the Milwaukee Admirals, serving as head coach from 1992 to 1994. His coaching abilities were soon recognized, and he was appointed as the first head coach of the Atlanta Thrashers in 1999. Fraser led the Thrashers through their initial seasons in the NHL, helping to lay the foundation for the expansion team.
After his stint with the Thrashers, Fraser continued to coach in various capacities, including roles in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL). He served as an assistant coach for the New York Islanders and the St. Louis Blues, further honing his coaching skills and contributing to team strategies.
In addition to his coaching career in North America, Fraser also took his expertise overseas. He spent time coaching in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with Belarusian team HC Dinamo Minsk, broadening his experience and understanding of international hockey.
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