Steve Maltais embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. Selected in the ninth round as the 57th overall pick, Maltais began his career with the Capitals, though his time in the NHL was limited. He played a total of 12 games in the NHL, including stints with the Minnesota North Stars and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite the limited NHL appearances, Maltais found his stride in the minor leagues, where he became a prolific scorer.
The bulk of Maltais' career was spent in the International Hockey League (IHL), where he became a standout player. He joined the Atlanta Knights in the early 1990s, where he quickly established himself as a reliable goal scorer. His tenure with the Knights was marked by consistent offensive production, which earned him recognition within the league. Maltais' ability to find the back of the net made him a valuable asset to his team.
In 1994, Maltais joined the Chicago Wolves, a team with which he would become closely associated. Over the years, he became a fan favorite and a central figure in the Wolves' offensive lineup. His scoring prowess was evident as he consistently ranked among the league's top scorers. Maltais' time with the Wolves was highlighted by his leadership on and off the ice, as he served as the team's captain for several seasons.
Throughout his career in the IHL, Maltais achieved numerous milestones. He was a two-time recipient of the Leo P. Lamoureux Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's leading scorer. His remarkable goal-scoring ability was further underscored by his multiple 50-goal seasons. Maltais' contributions were instrumental in the Wolves' success, helping the team secure several Turner Cup championships during his tenure.
In addition to his time in the IHL, Maltais also had brief stints in the American Hockey League (AHL) and overseas. He played for teams such as the Baltimore Skipjacks and the Moncton Hawks in the AHL, further showcasing his scoring abilities. His international experience included playing in Switzerland, where he continued to demonstrate his offensive skills.
Maltais' career was characterized by his consistent scoring ability and leadership qualities. He retired as one of the IHL's all-time leading scorers, leaving a lasting legacy in the league. His contributions to the Chicago Wolves were particularly significant, as he remains one of the franchise's all-time leading scorers.
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