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Byron DafoeCanadian National Hockey League goaltender
Date of Birth: 25.02.1971
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- NHL Career
- Later Career
- Retirement and Current Life
- Personal Life
- Views on NHL Greats
- Russia Experience
Early Life and Career
Byorn Yaro Dafoe was born on February 25, 1971, in Worthing, England. At the age of two months, he moved with his mother to Comox, British Columbia. In the second round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Dafoe was selected 35th overall by the Washington Capitals. He made his NHL debut in the 1992-1993 season.
NHL Career
Dafoe played for the Capitals for three seasons before joining the Los Angeles Kings for two seasons and then the Boston Bruins for two seasons. With the Bruins, he helped the team return to the playoffs and finished third in Vezina Trophy voting. Dafoe was also named to the NHL's Second All-Star Team.
In the 1999-2000 season, Dafoe sat out most of the year due to a contract dispute with Bruins general manager Harry Sinden. He also suffered a serious knee injury that would affect his future performance.
Later Career
After leaving the Bruins, Dafoe signed a deal with the Atlanta Thrashers as a free agent in 2002. He retired from professional hockey following the 2004-2005 NHL lockout.
In addition to his NHL career, Dafoe played for the Portland Winterhawks, Prince Albert Raiders, Hampton Roads Admirals, Baltimore Skipjacks, New Haven Nighthawks, Portland Pirates, and Phoenix Roadrunners in various other hockey leagues.
Retirement and Current Life
Dafoe retired from hockey in 2005 and currently lives in Kelowna, British Columbia with his family. He owns an appliance business.
Personal Life
Dafoe's wife was present at the famous on-ice altercation he had with German goaltender Olaf Kölzig. The two goalies have been close friends and best men at each other's weddings.
Dafoe is also a co-founder of Athletes Against Autism, along with fellow NHL alumni Kölzig and Scott Mellanby. His son has autism.
Views on NHL Greats
In an interview with Boston Sports Extra, Dafoe praised the goaltending of Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy. He said Brodeur was "underrated" because of New Jersey's strong defense, and that Roy was a "legend" who played with great intensity.
Russia Experience
Dafoe spent 30 unpleasant days in Russia in 2005 when he was traded to the Omsk Avangard. He was housed in an army barracks and forced to play through an injury. He left the team after receiving his first paycheck.
