Damian Rhodes, a goaltender in the National Hockey League (NHL), embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the sixth round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. Born on May 28, 1969, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Rhodes honed his skills at Michigan Tech, where he played college hockey before making the leap to the professional ranks.
Rhodes spent the early part of his career developing in the minor leagues, primarily with the Newmarket Saints, the Maple Leafs' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. His NHL debut came during the 1991-1992 season with the Maple Leafs. Over the next few years, Rhodes served as a backup goaltender, gaining valuable experience and showcasing his abilities when called upon.
In 1993, Rhodes was traded to the Ottawa Senators, a team that was in the process of building its roster. It was with the Senators that Rhodes began to see more consistent playing time, sharing goaltending duties with Ron Tugnutt. During his tenure with Ottawa, Rhodes became known for his steady presence in the net and his ability to perform under pressure. One of his memorable moments with the Senators came on January 2, 1999, when he became the first goaltender in NHL history to score a goal and earn a shutout in the same game, a feat achieved against the New Jersey Devils.
Rhodes' time with the Senators came to an end in 1999 when he was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers, an expansion team looking to establish itself in the league. As the Thrashers' starting goaltender, Rhodes faced the challenging task of backstopping a young and developing team. Despite the team's struggles, he provided veteran leadership and stability in the crease.
Throughout his career, Rhodes was known for his quick reflexes and ability to read the game. His playing style was characterized by agility and a calm demeanor, which helped him handle high-pressure situations effectively. Over the course of his NHL career, Rhodes played in 309 regular-season games, recording 90 wins, 140 losses, and 40 ties, along with a goals-against average of 2.84 and a save percentage of .902.
After the 2001-2002 season, Rhodes retired from professional hockey. His career spanned over a decade, during which he played for three NHL teams and left a lasting impression on fans and teammates alike. Following his retirement, Rhodes stepped away from the public eye, choosing to lead a more private life.
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