APRIL 4, 1958

OJIBWE TED NOLAN BORN–FORMER NHL PLAYER/COACH/PHILANTHROPIST

Born on the Garden River First Nation in Ontario, Ted began junior hockey in 1975, first with Kenora then for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. In 1978, he was drafted by the NHL Detroit Red Wings. Ted played briefly with the Red Wings before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins where he suffered a career-ending back injury. Retiring in 1986, Ted coached the Greyhounds to 3 straight Memorial Cup appearances, winning it in 1993. In 1994, he was named assistant coach for the NHL Hartford Whalers before head coaching spots with the Buffalo Sabres (1995-97 & 2013-15) and NY Islanders (2006-08). With Buffalo, in 1996-97, Ted was NHL Coach of the Year. He also coached the Latvian Men’s National Ice Hockey team at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In 2004, Ted created the Ted Nolan Foundation (TNF) to provide scholarships to First Nation women. In 2013, Ted & his sons created the 3NOLANS First Nation Hockey School. In 1994, Nolan received the National Aboriginal Achievement (now Indspire) Award.

Sources:
  “Ted Nolan Bio,” 3NOLANS web page.  Retrieved 8/2/2021, Ted Nolan – Three Nolans (3nolans.com)
“Ted Nolan,” Indspire.  Retrieved 8/2/2021, Ted Nolan | Indspire 
Photo: Buchanan-Hermit, 6/22/2006.  Permissive Use.