Joe Cirella, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey when he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies as the fifth overall pick in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. His career began with the Rockies, but he never played for them as the franchise relocated to become the New Jersey Devils. Cirella made his NHL debut with the Devils in the 1982-83 season, quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence on the blue line.
During his tenure with the New Jersey Devils, Cirella became known for his steady defensive play and ability to contribute offensively when needed. He played six seasons with the Devils, during which he was selected to participate in the 1984 NHL All-Star Game, a testament to his growing reputation in the league. His time with the Devils was marked by his consistent performance and leadership on a team that was still finding its footing in the NHL.
In 1988, Cirella was traded to the Quebec Nordiques, where he continued to be a dependable defenseman. His stint with the Nordiques lasted three seasons, during which he provided veteran experience to a young team. Cirella's role in Quebec was crucial in stabilizing the defense and mentoring younger players as the team underwent a rebuilding phase.
Cirella's journey in the NHL saw him move to the New York Rangers in 1991. With the Rangers, he brought his defensive skills and experience to a team that was striving for success in the highly competitive Patrick Division. His time with the Rangers was relatively short, but he played an important role in bolstering the team's defensive lineup.
In 1993, Cirella joined the Florida Panthers, an expansion team in the NHL. As one of the more experienced players on the roster, he played a key role in helping the new franchise establish itself in the league. His leadership and defensive acumen were valuable assets to the Panthers as they navigated the challenges of being a new team in the NHL.
Cirella's final NHL stop was with the Ottawa Senators, where he played during the 1995-96 season. Although his time with the Senators was brief, he continued to provide veteran leadership and stability on the ice. After the 1995-96 season, Cirella retired from professional hockey, concluding a career that spanned over a decade and included over 800 NHL games.
Throughout his career, Joe Cirella was known for his solid defensive play, leadership qualities, and ability to adapt to different teams and situations.
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