Although many Canadian-born hockey players take the junior path to the big leagues, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native Marty Turco went the U.S. college route.
Born August 13, 1975, Turco attended the University of Michigan, earning his degree in physical education while starring with the Wolverines. Through four sensational seasons, Turco led the NCAA in wins each season,and now holds the NCAA record for most career victories (127). The Wolverines went to the Final Four in each of the seasons Turco backstopped the team, and won the championship in 1996 and 1998.
Marty Turco was the Dallas Stars' fourth selection in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. Waiting his turn for NHL action, Turco spent two seasons with the IHL's Michigan K-Wings, winning the rookie of the year award in 1999. Finally, Turco got his chance for NHL action in 2000-01, and made the most of his opportunity. Splitting the season with Ed Belfour, Turco played in 26 games, and led the NHL with a 1.90 goals against average and with the best save percentage (.925). In 2001-02, Turco sparkled again, proving his rookie season was no fluke. He finished third in goals against average (2.05) and third in save percentage with .921. Confident in Turco's ability to lead the Stars that they made previous number one netminder, Ed Belfour expendable for the 2002-03 season.
In his first two seasons as the Stars number one netminder, Turco finished with 31 and 37 wins, while being named to the 2003 NHL's 2nd All-Star team.
Turco would establish himself as one of the league's premiere netminders, appearing in the NHL All-Star Game on three occasions (2003, 2004, 2007) as a member of the Stars.
On January 15, 2009, Turco competed in his 421st game for the Dallas Stars, becoming the club's all-time leader in games played by a goaltender.
On August 2, 2010, Turco's time in Dallas would come to an end. He inked a one-year deal with the Stanley Cup Champion, Chicago Blackhawks as an unrestricted free agent.
