Introduction
Kirk McLean is a legendary name in the world of hockey. Born in 1966, McLean grew up in a small town in Canada, dreaming of playing in the NHL. He played 16 seasons in the NHL, making his mark as one of the best goalies in the league. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Kirk McLean’s career, personal life, and achievements. We will explore his NHL stint, his memorable moments, and his life beyond hockey.
Early Years and NHL Career
McLean was drafted by New Jersey Devils in 1984 but made his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks in 1987. He quickly rose to fame and became the team’s starting goalie, leading them to the Stanley Cup Final in 1994. In that final, McLean played an outstanding role and helped the Canucks reach Game 7 against the New York Rangers, where they lost in a heart-breaking defeat.
During his eleven-year stint with Canucks, McLean made a name for himself as one of the best goalies of his time. He played 516 games for the team, posting a record of 211 wins and 251 losses. He also earned a Vezina Trophy nomination for his efforts in the 1991-92 season.
Memorable Moments
Despite coming up short in the 1994 Stanley Cup Final, McLean’s performance in that series is still remembered as one of the best in NHL history. He made 52 saves in Game 1 and followed it up with 39 saves in Game 2, earning him the nickname “Captain Kirk.”
McLean’s other remarkable moment came in the 1992-93 playoffs, where he made a save against the Los Angeles Kings’ Wayne Gretzky in Game 7 of the first round. McLean stopped Gretzky’s shot that would have given the Kings a 3-0 lead early in the game, which turned the tide in Canucks’ favor. They eventually won the game and the series 4-2.
Life Beyond Hockey
After retiring from the NHL in 2001, McLean became a hockey analyst for various media outlets in Canada. He also is an avid golfer and participates in charity golf tournaments. McLean is also the founder of the Kirk McLean Children’s Foundation, which helps children and their families suffering from illnesses such as cancer.
FAQs
Q1. What is Kirk McLean’s net worth?
A1. Kirk McLean’s net worth is estimated to be around $13 million.
Q2. What was the highlight of McLean’s NHL career?
A2. McLean’s highlight in his NHL career was leading the Vancouver Canucks to the Stanley Cup Final in 1994.
Q3. Why did McLean retire from hockey?
A3. McLean retired from hockey due to injuries and declining performance.
Q4. Has McLean won any other awards beside the Vezina Trophy nomination?
A4. Yes, McLean won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 1998 for his philanthropic work.
Q5. Does Kirk McLean have any children?
A5. Yes, Kirk McLean has two children, a son and a daughter.
Q6. What is the Kirk McLean Children’s Foundation?
A6. The Kirk McLean Children’s Foundation is a charity organization founded by McLean that helps children and their families affected by serious illnesses, such as cancer.
Q7. Where can I find Kirk McLean now?
A7. Kirk McLean works as a hockey analyst for various media outlets in Canada and participates in charity golf tournaments.
Conclusion
Kirk McLean is one of the most notable names in the NHL history books. His performances in the 1994 Stanley Cup Final and the 1992-93 playoffs showcased his talent and skill. Besides his hockey career, McLean is also known for his philanthropic work through the Kirk McLean Children’s Foundation. Kirk McLean’s journey is a tale of passion, hard work, and perseverance, inspiring young hockey players around the world.