Mike Dunham, an American ice hockey goaltender, played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams over the course of his career. Born on June 1, 1972, in Johnson City, New York, Dunham developed his skills at the University of Maine, where he played college hockey before turning professional. His time at the university was marked by a national championship win in 1993, which helped pave the way for his entry into the NHL.
Dunham's professional career began when he was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the third round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. However, he spent the early part of his career honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Albany River Rats, the Devils' affiliate team. His performance in the AHL was strong enough to earn him a spot as a backup goaltender for the Devils.
In 1997, Dunham was selected by the Nashville Predators in the NHL Expansion Draft. This move provided him with the opportunity to become a starting goaltender. During his time with the Predators, Dunham established himself as a reliable presence in the net. His tenure with Nashville was marked by consistent performances, and he played a crucial role in helping the team navigate the challenges of being a new franchise in the league.
After several seasons with the Predators, Dunham was traded to the New York Rangers in December 2002. His arrival in New York came at a time when the team was struggling, and he was brought in to provide stability in goal. Dunham's experience and skill were valuable assets for the Rangers, and he played with the team until the end of the 2003-2004 season.
Following his stint with the Rangers, Dunham signed with the Atlanta Thrashers for the 2005-2006 season. His role with the Thrashers was primarily as a backup goaltender, where he provided veteran leadership and support for the team's younger players. Dunham's final NHL season was with the New York Islanders in 2006-2007, where he continued to serve as a backup and mentor to the team's starting goaltender.
Throughout his NHL career, Dunham was known for his steady play and professionalism. He represented the United States in international competition, including the Winter Olympics, further showcasing his abilities on a global stage. After retiring as a player, Dunham transitioned into coaching and management roles, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of hockey players.
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