| Craig Patrick built the Pittsburgh Penguins into Stanley Cup champions in 1991 and 1992 and is a member of one of hockey's most prominent families. He is the son of Hockey Hall of Famer Lynn Patrick and the grandson of hockey legend Lester Patrick. His uncle, Muzz Patrick, played in the NHL and was a longtime executive with the New York Rangers. Cousin Dick Patrick has been an executive with the Washington Capitals since 1982-83. Frank Patrick is also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Craig Patrick joined his family into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001 being inducted into the builders category.
Craig Patrick played hockey at the University of Denver and captained the Pioneers to the NCAA championship in 1968-69. He played in the NHL with the California Golden Seals, St. Louis Blues, Kansas City Scouts, and Washington Capitals from 1971-72 until 1978-79 and was a member of the United States team at the first Canada Cup in 1976. Patrick also represented the United States at the World Championships in 1970 (B-Pool champions), 1971 and 1979. He is best known in international hockey circles, however, as the assistant coach and assistant general manager with the "Miracle on Ice" American hockey team at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. Patrick's success with the 1980 Olympic team and his polished track record earned him the general manager job with the U.S. entry into the 1991 Canada Cup and the silver winning 2002 Olympic team. |
