Doug Lidster, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. Selected in the seventh round as the 133rd overall pick, Lidster began his NHL career with the Canucks in the 1984-85 season. His debut marked the start of a long tenure with the team, where he became known for his steady defensive play and ability to contribute offensively when needed.
During his time with the Canucks, Lidster developed into a reliable presence on the blue line. He was known for his strong skating ability and his knack for reading the game, which allowed him to effectively break up opposing plays and support his team in transition. Over the course of his career with Vancouver, Lidster played in 666 regular-season games, amassing 65 goals and 268 points. His performance helped the Canucks reach the playoffs multiple times, and he was a key part of their defensive unit.
In 1993, Lidster's career took a new turn when he was traded to the New York Rangers. This move proved to be a significant chapter in his career, as he joined a team that was on the cusp of achieving great success. Lidster's experience and steady play were valuable assets to the Rangers, who were in pursuit of their first Stanley Cup in 54 years. In the 1993-94 season, Lidster played an important role in the Rangers' defensive corps, contributing to their historic Stanley Cup victory. This achievement was a highlight of his career, as he lifted the Cup alongside legendary teammates such as Mark Messier and Brian Leetch.
Following his time with the Rangers, Lidster continued his NHL journey with the St. Louis Blues, where he played for two seasons. His tenure with the Blues further solidified his reputation as a dependable defenseman who could be counted on in various situations. Lidster's ability to adapt to different team dynamics and his consistent performance made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
In 1996, Lidster returned to the Rangers for a brief stint before being traded to the Dallas Stars. With the Stars, Lidster added veteran leadership to a team that was building towards becoming a contender in the Western Conference. He played with the Stars until the end of the 1998-99 season, which marked the conclusion of his NHL playing career. During his time with Dallas, Lidster continued to demonstrate his defensive acumen and contributed to the team's efforts in the playoffs.
Throughout his 16-year NHL career, Doug Lidster played in a total of 897 regular-season games, recording 75 goals and 343 points. His playoff experience included 80 games, during which he scored 3 goals and 17 points. Lidster's career was characterized by his steady presence on the ice, his ability to support his teammates, and his contributions to the teams he played for.
After retiring as a player, Lidster transitioned into coaching, where he continued to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of hockey players. His post-playing career included coaching roles in various leagues, including the NHL, where he served as an assistant coach for the Vancouver Canucks and the Texas Stars of the AHL.
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