19 in 19: Happy First Goal Anniversary, Shane Doan
On November 14, 1995 Shane Doan scored his FIRST NHL goal, while a member of the Winnipeg Jets.
In fact, for good measure, the ‘DOANER’ scored twice- and he only got a total of seven goals all season, so that was quite a punch to pack early on. Since that date is fast approaching, I thought I would celebrate it with you.
Then, to document his first Coyotes goal:
DURING THE 96-97 REGULAR SEASON SHANE DOAN SCORED HIS FIRST COYOTES GOAL WHICH WAS ON 10-10-96 VS SAN JOSE.
He would go on to only score 4 goals and 8 assists that initial season with his new team. In the two seasons to follow, Shane would only accumulate 11 goals and 22 assists.
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During the 97-98 season Doan was not playing anywhere near his potential and was sent down to the Springfield Falcons in South Florida. Shocked, and with his confidence shattered Doan became discouraged, wondering if he’d ever make it back to the NHL. Through some loving support from his wife, Andrea he persevered. In 39 games at Springfield he scored 21 goals and 21 assists, prompting the Coyotes to recall him to the parent team. His break thru season came in 99-00 when he scored 26 goals. It would be the first of 12 seasons where he scored 20 or more goals for the Coyotes.
As a true leader who leads by example, Doan has tried to emphasize to young players like Mikkel Boedker that hard work plays off. When Boedker was sent down he told him how getting more playing time, and working on his skills would get him back to the NHL. He mentored Boedker, and we can all see how well that is working out this season, as Boedker has come into his own. He even threatened Boedker that he’d come down hard on him recently, if he didn’t shoot more. The results are evident- Boedker is having a great season.
After the departure of team captain Teppo Numminen, Doan was selected to be the new team captain for the 03-04 season. He also was selected to the 2004 All-Star Game. The following season Doan hit the 30 goal mark along with 36 assists. Late in 2006-07 he inked a five-year contract worth $22.75 million on February 14, 2007. He responded, as many good NHL players do, with his career high of 28 goals and 50 assists.
Doan, a native of Halkirk, Alberta, really could have been a rodeo star, because his father ran the Circle Square Ranch, where many rodeo champions got their start. It’s also where Shane developed his love for horses. It inspired him to purchase his own ranch in Scottsdale, named Ice Barns. He is very active in Arizona Coyotes charities with his support for Phoenix Childrens’ Hospital, Childrens’ First Acadamy- a school for homeless children, as well as mens’ health causes.
A memory of mine about Shane Doan occurred during the Game 3 series against the nemesis Detroit Red Wings in the 2010 playoffs. Doan had been bruising the Red Wings with his immense checks in the first two games. In a play where he skated in towards Wings goalie Jimmy Howard, Doan had to dive over Howard who was sprawled on the ice. There was no room for Doan to avoid crashing into the boards. It resulted in a Grade 4 shoulder separation, removing him from the playoff series. To me, he could have just crashed into Howard, but he didn’t — and although it arguably cost his team an advancement in the series, I respected him for it.
Could Doan have been hooked while coming in on this play by Kronwall? You be the judge… and in an earlier play Doan flattened Kronwall, so who knows? Watch it here:
There are so many highlights of Shane Doan’s career, but this video displays what Captain Coyote is all about… ENJOY ! !
Doan will be in that Ring of Honor with his #19 in the rafters of Gila Bend Arena when he decides to retire. To put it mildly, he will be missed- and fans like myself who were lucky enough to watch his dynamic play will remember #19, Captain Coyote, THE DOANER, every time we look up there during a game.
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