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Dave LewisHead coach of the Detroit Red Wings
Country:
 USA |
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Biography of Dave Lewis
Dave Lewis is a former ice hockey player and coach who is best known for his time as the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, Canada, Lewis had a successful playing career before transitioning into coaching.
Playing Career
Dave Lewis began his professional playing career in 1973, when he was drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round of the NHL Amateur Draft. He spent several seasons playing in the minor leagues before making his NHL debut with the Islanders in the 1976-1977 season. Lewis played as a defenseman and was known for his defensive skills and leadership on the ice.
Over the course of his playing career, Lewis played for several NHL teams, including the Islanders, the Los Angeles Kings, the New Jersey Devils, and the Detroit Red Wings. He retired as a player in 1987.
Coaching Career
Following his retirement, Dave Lewis immediately transitioned into coaching. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings in the 1987-1988 season. Lewis spent a total of ten years as an assistant coach for the Red Wings, working under head coach Scotty Bowman.
In 2002, Dave Lewis was named the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, replacing Bowman. He had big shoes to fill, as the Red Wings were known for their winning traditions and had a large number of Russian players on their roster. Lewis led the team to a strong season in his first year as head coach, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Lewis continued to coach the Red Wings for several seasons, but the team did not achieve the same level of success as they had under Bowman. He was eventually replaced as head coach in 2005.
Later Career and Personal Life
After leaving the Red Wings, Dave Lewis continued his coaching career in various roles. He served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Kings, the Carolina Hurricanes, and the San Jose Sharks. Lewis also coached in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for several seasons.
In addition to his coaching career, Lewis has been involved in various hockey development programs and has worked as a consultant for teams in the NHL. He currently resides in Canada and remains active in the hockey community.
Overall, Dave Lewis is remembered as a dedicated and knowledgeable coach who made significant contributions to the sport of ice hockey. His experience as a player and his time coaching the Detroit Red Wings have solidified his place in hockey history.
