Gord Dineen, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey when he was drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round, 42nd overall, in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. Born on September 21, 1962, in Toronto, Ontario, Dineen grew up in a family with a strong hockey background, which included his brother Kevin Dineen, who also played in the NHL.
Dineen's NHL career began with the Islanders during the 1982-1983 season. He played a part in the Islanders' dynasty years, although he joined the team after their four consecutive Stanley Cup victories. His time with the Islanders saw him develop his skills as a reliable defenseman, contributing both defensively and offensively when needed. Over the course of his tenure with the Islanders, Dineen played in 272 games, scoring 14 goals and providing 63 assists.
In 1987, Dineen was traded to the Minnesota North Stars, where he continued to demonstrate his abilities on the ice. His stint with the North Stars lasted until 1989, during which he played 103 games and added 3 goals and 20 assists to his career totals. Dineen's role with the North Stars further solidified his reputation as a steady presence on the blue line.
Following his time in Minnesota, Dineen was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1989. Although his time with the Penguins was brief, he was part of the team during the 1989-1990 season, appearing in 18 games. He then moved on to the Ottawa Senators, joining the team for their inaugural season in 1992-1993. Dineen's experience was valuable to the young franchise, and he played 29 games with the Senators, contributing 1 goal and 4 assists.
Dineen's NHL journey also included a brief period with the Los Angeles Kings during the 1993-1994 season, where he played 5 games. Throughout his NHL career, Dineen was known for his defensive reliability and ability to support his team both on and off the ice.
In addition to his NHL career, Dineen spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played for several teams, including the Springfield Indians, New Haven Nighthawks, and the Portland Pirates. His time in the AHL allowed him to continue playing the game he loved while also mentoring younger players.
After retiring from professional play, Dineen transitioned into coaching, bringing his extensive knowledge of the game to various teams. He served as an assistant coach and head coach in the AHL, including a stint with the Toronto Marlies, the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs. His coaching career allowed him to remain connected to the sport and pass on his experience to the next generation of players.
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