Ray Sheppard's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round, 60th overall, in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. Born on May 27, 1966, in Pembroke, Ontario, Sheppard developed his skills in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Cornwall Royals, where he demonstrated a knack for scoring that would become his trademark in the NHL.
Sheppard made his NHL debut with the Sabres during the 1987-1988 season. In his rookie season, he quickly established himself as a reliable goal scorer, netting 38 goals and earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team. His ability to find the back of the net was a consistent theme throughout his career, making him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
After three seasons with Buffalo, Sheppard was traded to the New York Rangers in 1990. His tenure with the Rangers was brief, lasting only one season, but he continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess. In 1991, Sheppard signed with the Detroit Red Wings, where he enjoyed some of the most productive years of his career. During the 1993-1994 season, he scored a career-high 52 goals, finishing among the league's top goal scorers. His performance helped the Red Wings secure a strong position in the league, and he became a fan favorite in Detroit.
Sheppard's time with the Red Wings came to an end in 1995 when he was traded to the San Jose Sharks. Although his stint with the Sharks was short-lived, he continued to be a consistent offensive threat. He then moved on to the Florida Panthers, where he played a crucial role in the team's surprising run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996. Sheppard's scoring ability was instrumental in the Panthers' playoff success, and he remained with the team for several seasons.
In the latter part of his career, Sheppard played for the Carolina Hurricanes and briefly returned to the Panthers before finishing his NHL journey with the Ottawa Senators. Throughout his career, Sheppard was known for his quick release and accurate shot, which made him a constant scoring threat. He retired with 357 goals and 300 assists in 817 regular-season games, a testament to his consistent offensive production.
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