Glen Hanlon's journey through the world of professional hockey is marked by his roles as both a player and a coach. Born on February 20, 1957, in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, Hanlon began his professional playing career as a goaltender. He was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft, selected in the third round as the 40th overall pick. His entry into the National Hockey League (NHL) came during the 1978-1979 season with the Canucks.
Hanlon quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the net. During his tenure with the Canucks, he played in 197 games over five seasons. His performance caught the attention of the St. Louis Blues, who acquired him in a trade during the 1981-1982 season. However, his time with the Blues was short-lived, as he was soon traded to the New York Rangers.
With the Rangers, Hanlon continued to demonstrate his goaltending skills. He played with the team from 1982 to 1986, appearing in 138 games. His steady play earned him respect among teammates and opponents alike. In 1986, Hanlon was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he spent the final years of his NHL playing career. He played with the Red Wings until 1991, adding 115 games to his NHL record.
After retiring as a player, Hanlon transitioned into coaching, bringing his on-ice experience to various teams. He began his coaching career in the minor leagues before moving up to the NHL. Hanlon served as an assistant coach for the Vancouver Canucks and later took on the role of head coach for the Washington Capitals. His coaching tenure with the Capitals lasted from 2003 to 2007, during which he worked to develop the team's young talent.
Beyond the NHL, Hanlon's coaching career extended internationally. He took on coaching roles in Europe, including positions with teams in the Swiss National League and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Additionally, Hanlon served as the head coach for the Belarus national team, leading them in international competitions such as the IIHF World Championships.
Throughout his career, both as a player and a coach, Glen Hanlon demonstrated a deep understanding of the game.
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