Coyotes Throwback: Getting To Know Dallas Drake
Catching up with the old team: Getting To Know former Coyotes Dallas Drake
Dallas Drake played in the NHL for 17 years, and with the Phoenix Coyotes from ’96-’97 to ’99-’00. He was a member of the Winnipeg Jets for three seasons and moved on to Phoenix when the franchise was re-located.
Dallas was a tenacious checker, and a specialty teams expert. He was an awesome penalty killer, and a brutal physical player. His numbers may not have been that impressive, ( 52 G, 100 A, in 255 games ) while in Phoenix, but he was an exceptional 4th liner who gave it his all every game.
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Drake was born in Trail, B.C., but lived in Rossland, just north of the U.S. border between Calgary and Vancouver. He attended Northern Michigan University, where he led the league in goals and points while being named to the NCAA West First All-Star team.
He was drafted in the ’89 Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, and made his NHL debut in the ’92-’93 season. Playing in 1,009 regular season NHL games his career came full circle, beginning and ending in Detroit, with stops in Winnipeg, Phoenix and St. Louis in between. After the Blues put him on waivers in June of ’07 he contemplated retirement, but still had a Stanley Cup on his hockey bucket list. He proceeded to sign again with Detroit for one more try at every hockey player’s dream.
And, he was not to be denied of that dream, as the Red Wings did indeed win the Cup that year. When the Red Wings captain, Nicklas Lindstrom passed the CUP to Drake, he knew he had accomplished the ultimate dream as a NHL player. He had won a Cup, and it was time to retire. Drake reflected on his 17 year NHL career–
” Mentally, I still want to play. I love the game as much as I ever have, ” He admitted, but added, “The years have worn me out. My body’s not recovering as well. But what a way to go- going out on top!”
After Drake retired he was able to spend more time with his family, wife Amy and four children. In April of 2010 he was appointed the Director of the Grand Traverse Hockey Association. He felt that he owed a lot to hockey, and wanted to find a way to give something back to the sport. With his passion for the game, Drake intended to guide young players in learning to play the game while having fun doing it. “Yeah, I just enjoy teaching the kids. I get a kick out of watching them get better, and having fun. It’s always been a goal of mine to try and help.”
To me that sounds like the qualities of a good coach… so don’t be surprised to see Dallas Drake take a coaching job one of these days. Until then, he’s savoring the sweet taste of being on a team who won the Cup !
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