Mike Keane's career in professional hockey is marked by his consistent presence and leadership on the ice. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Keane began his journey in the world of hockey with the Winnipeg South Blues of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. His talent and determination soon caught the attention of the Montreal Canadiens, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 1985.
Keane made his NHL debut with the Canadiens during the 1988-89 season. Known for his defensive skills and ability to play in various forward positions, he quickly became a reliable player for the team. His hard work paid off when he helped the Canadiens secure the Stanley Cup in 1993. During his time in Montreal, Keane was recognized for his leadership qualities, eventually serving as the team's captain.
In December 1995, Keane was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, along with Patrick Roy, in a blockbuster deal. His tenure with the Avalanche was fruitful, as he played a crucial role in the team's Stanley Cup victory in 1996. Keane's ability to perform under pressure and his experience in the playoffs made him a valuable asset to the team.
Keane's journey continued as he was traded to the New York Rangers in 1997. Although his time with the Rangers was brief, he continued to demonstrate his reliability and work ethic. In 1998, he signed with the Dallas Stars, where he once again found success. Keane's leadership and defensive prowess were instrumental in the Stars' Stanley Cup win in 1999, making him one of the few players to win the Cup with three different teams.
After his stint with the Stars, Keane played for the St. Louis Blues and the Vancouver Canucks. His role often involved mentoring younger players and providing a steady presence on the ice. Despite not being a high-scoring forward, Keane's contributions were valued for their consistency and dependability.
Keane returned to the Canadiens for a brief period in the 2000-01 season before moving on to the Colorado Avalanche once more. He concluded his NHL career with the Canucks, retiring after the 2003-04 season. Over his career, Keane played in over 1,100 NHL games, scoring more than 470 points.
Following his NHL career, Keane continued to play hockey at a professional level with the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League. His experience and leadership were beneficial to the team, and he played with the Moose until 2010, when he retired from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Mike Keane was known for his leadership, defensive skills, and ability to adapt to different roles on the ice.
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