Goalie who played 11 seasons in the NHL, holding multiple Vancouver Canucks records, and famously allowing a goal from 175 feet in the 1994 playoffs.
Kirk McLean is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who made a name for himself in the National Hockey League (NHL) with his impressive skills and remarkable career. He is best known for his 10-12 seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, during which time he was a finalist for two Vezina Trophies, named to two NHL All-Star Games, and received Second All-Star team honors.
Born on June 26, 1966, in North York, Ontario, McLean grew up dreaming of playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He looked up to NHL star Bernie Parent as a role model and began playing minor ice hockey in the Metro Toronto Hockey League (MTHL) with the Don Mills Flyers. In the 1982-83 season, he recorded a remarkable 2.01 goals against average (GAA) over 26 games.
McLean was drafted in the sixth round (107th overall) by the New Jersey Devils in 1984. He played major junior hockey with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) before being traded to the Canucks in 1987. He played for the Canucks' AHL affiliate, the Maine Mariners, before making his NHL debut in 1987.
McLean's impressive career with the Canucks saw him become a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 1989 and 1992. He was also named to two NHL All-Star Games and received Second All-Star team honors. In 1994, he backstopped the Canucks to the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals against the New York Rangers.
In 1998, McLean was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes and spent the final three seasons of his career with the Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Rangers, before retiring in 2001. After retiring, he became a goaltending coach for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and worked in broadcasting with the Canucks' pay-per-view telecasts. He also became a part-owner of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL)'s Burnaby Express (now Coquitlam Express). Today, he works as the Ambassador for the Vancouver Canucks and is a board member of the Canuck Alumni Foundation.
McLean's mask featured his family's Scottish tartan, a nod to his Scottish and Irish descent. He was born to a family of entrepreneurs and was involved in the restaurant business in Vancouver.
Kirk McLean's remarkable career and impressive skills have left a lasting impact on the NHL. He is remembered as one of the greatest goaltenders of his time, and his contributions to the Canucks have earned him a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike.
65 Years Old
The greatest hockey player of all time, holding numerous records, including most career goals and assists, and leading his team to four Stanley Cup championships. A legendary athlete and iconic figure in the sport.
61 Years Old
A legendary hockey player who won two Stanley Cups and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, known for his incredible on-ice skills and overcoming health issues to dominate the sport.
98 Years Old
Legendary hockey player known for his incredible on-ice longevity, playing professionally until age 52, and scoring over 800 goals in his career.
84 Years Old
A legendary Hall of Famer who dominated the NHL as a prolific goal-scorer and later became a successful coach and executive, known for his iconic mustache and charismatic personality.
70 Years Old
A legendary center who won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, known for his exceptional two-way play and leadership.
69 Years Old
A legendary goal-scorer and four-time Stanley Cup champion, known for his incredible on-ice accomplishments and charismatic broadcasting style.
75 Years Old
A legendary hockey player who won five Stanley Cup championships and was known for his speed, scoring ability, and charismatic personality. He is considered one of the greatest players in NHL history.
93 Years Old
Legendary coach with a record nine Stanley Cup championships, known for his innovative systems and ability to adapt to any team.
