dagley

"Brandon Wheat Kings Season Ticket Holder (7 yrs)"

Brandon, MB • Canada • 19 Years Old • Male

Farewell Belfour

I thought it was important for somebody here to give Ed Belfour kudos on his wonderful career. Reports are saying that Belfour is likely to sign a contract with Leksand of the Swedish Elite League ending Belfours 18 year National Hockey League career, for the time being at least.

Belfour a native of small town Carmen, Manitoba, Canada has had an illustrious career. He was once recognized as one of the best goaltenders to ever tend the net in the National Hockey League. He began his NHL career in Chicago after signing in 1987. In his first entire year in the NHL, Belfour went an impressive 43-19-7 and capturing the Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year), William M. Jennings Trophy (Lowest GAA) and winning the Vezina Trophy (Goaltender of the Year), and establishing himself as a number one goaltender in the league. Belfour continued to rack up awards in years to follow; he was voted into the All-Star game a total of 7 times. He would end up winning the following awards;

Stanley Cup (1999)
Olympic Gold Medal (2002)
NHL All-Star Game (91, 92, 93, 96, 98, 99, 03)
Calder Memorial Trophy (1991)
Trico Goaltender Award (1991)
William M. Jennings Trophy (91, 93, 95, 99)
Vezina Trophy (1991, 1993)
Roger Crozier Award (2000)

Belfour is regarded as one of the best goaltenders to ever play the game. His unique and unconventional style of play served his 5-11, 210 pound frame. He was known to make the odd outstanding save to keep his team in the game. He was undoubtedly plagued by back problems as he aged. His back problem caused him to miss a majority of the 2006 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, until it finally caused problems and ended his season in April. Belfour played for Chicago, San Jose, Dallas, Toronto and Florida and played a total of 963 NHL games, followed by 161 playoff games where he posted 88-68 record, with a Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars.

Belfour has also contributed off the ice; he is known to be involved with charities, such as the Make-A-Wish foundation. One of his most recognized contributions to the charity was in 1998 where he purchased a block of eight lower seats in Reunion Arena and donated all the tickets to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Unfortunately he hasnt always been the model citizen, in October 2000 Belfour pleaded guilty misdemeanour charge after a scuffle with a Dallas security guard at a Dallas hotel. He was also arrested on April 9th, 2007 outside a Florida night club with team mate Ville Peltonen and was charged with public intoxication and resisting an officer. He was released on a $1,500 bail.

I have always looked at Belfour with the respect he rightfully deserved, and was definitely one of the best goaltenders in the NHL and Id personally like to say congratulations and good luck with your future endeavours Eddie, well miss you.

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