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Rick DudleyGeneral Manager of Atlanta
Date of Birth: 31.01.1949
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Rick Dudley
- Early Life and Playing Career
- Coaching and Management Career
- General Manager of Atlanta Thrashers
Biography of Rick Dudley
Richard Clarence Dudley, better known as Rick Dudley, is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and current general manager of the NHL team Atlanta Thrashers. He was born on January 31, 1949, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Standing at 183 cm tall and weighing 86 kg, Dudley played as a left winger for teams such as Buffalo Sabres, Cincinnati Stingers, and Winnipeg Jets.
Early Life and Playing Career
Rick Dudley grew up playing hockey in his hometown of Port Hope, near Toronto. His professional career in the NHL began in the 1972–73 season when he joined the Buffalo Sabres. Dudley played for Buffalo for three seasons before switching to the World Hockey Association (WHA) and playing for the Cincinnati Stingers for four seasons. On February 4, 1979, Dudley returned to Buffalo Sabres and remained with the team until the 1980–81 season. During his last season in the NHL, he played for the Winnipeg Jets in 30 games wearing jersey number 99.
Coaching and Management Career
After retiring, Dudley ventured into coaching. He started his coaching career in the 1982-83 season and worked in various leagues such as the Atlantic Coast Hockey League, the International Hockey League, and the American Hockey League. He received the "Coach of the Year" award in 1988 for his achievements in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League. In the middle of the 2003–04 season, Dudley became the coach of the Florida Panthers. He also served as the interim general manager of the Ottawa Senators in 1998–99 and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1999–2000.
General Manager of Atlanta Thrashers
On April 14, 2010, Rick Dudley became the general manager of the Atlanta Thrashers, replacing Don Waddell, who was promoted to president of the club. Prior to this, Dudley had worked as an assistant general manager under Waddell for a year. He has since been responsible for overseeing the team's management and player acquisitions.
