Defenceman Uli Hiemer spent parts of three seasons with the New Jersey Devils in the 80s. He was a clever playmaker with a hard shot from the point and could also play abrasively in his own end. Most of his career was spent as a domestic and international star for West Germany/Germany.
Born in Fussen, West Germany, Hiemer began his career with his hometown club in 1979-80 and eventually joined Kolner Haie. He represented Germany at the 1980 and 1981 World Junior Championships, the World Championships in 1981, 1982 and 1983 and was on hand in 1984 when his country competed in the Sarajevo Olympics and Canada Cup.
Chosen 48th overall by the Colorado Rockies in 1981, Hiemer remained in Germany and helped Kolner win the Bundesliga title in 1984. A few months later he joined the NHL franchise which had been relocated to New Jersey. Hiemer recorded 29 points and added stability to the Devils' young blueline. He remained for two more years as a solid worker though he spent some time in the AHL with the Maine Mariners.
In 1987-88, the veteran rearguard returned home to play for Dusseldorfer EG and was a tower of strength as the team dominated the league for several years. Between 1990 and 1996 Hiemer helped the club win five German titles. Internationally he played for his country at five more World Championships as well as the Albertville (1992) and Lillehammer (1994) Olympics before retiring in 1996.
