Category
Athlete
Sport
Hockey
Hometown
St. Stephen
Year Inducted
2009
athlete
Donald “Don" Sweeney
HONOURED MEMBER
Biography
Few players have dressed for more games in a Boston Bruins uniform than St. Stephen native Don Sweeney.When the defenceman retired after the 2003-04 season with the Dallas Stars, he had 52 goals and 221 assists in 1,115 regular season NHL games, plus 19 points in 108 playoff contests.More than 1,000 of those games over his illustrious 16-year career were with the Bruins. Besides many personal honors in his university and professional careers, he was also a member of Canada’s 1997 World Championship team.He was once described as the “type of player every team should have.” Enrolled in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, June 6, 2009.
Quick Facts
Member of Saint John Pepsi's playing in Air Canada Cup 1982-83
Drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1984 (166th overall - 8th round pick) but first completed his education (high school followed by four years at Harvard University obtaining a degree in Economics)
Member of Harvard Crimson - ranked among top defensemen
Co-winner of Harvard's Donald Angier Trophy for most improved player 1986-87
Awarded Harvard's Tudor Cup in 1987-88, presented to the Most Valuable Player
Made his NHL debut with the Bruins on October 6, 1988 against Toronto Maple Leafs
Played for Boston for 15 seasons
Presented with the Bruin's "Seventh Player Award" in 1993 for contributions to the team above and beyond the call of duty
Member of Canada's Gold Medal winning team at the 1997 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
In 2002, presented with a silver hockey stick on the occasion of his 1000th game played
Last player to score a goal in old Boston Gardens: 3 - 0 preseason game between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens on September 28, 1995
Signed, as a free agent, with Dallas Stars on July 14, 2003 where he concluded his career as a player, retiring September 13, 2005
Retired with 52 goals, 221 assists for 273 points, and 681 penalty minutes in 1,115 career regular season games
In career playoff games, retired with 9 goals, 10 assists for 19 points, and 81 penalty minutes in 108 games
