The New Jersey Devils have announced former Devil and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski will be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.
The 40-year-old spent 15 seasons playing pro hockey, including 11 great years in the NHL split between New Jersey and Detroit.
Of all the things he did, perhaps the most impressive is never missing the playoffs once during his NHL career. This allowed him to compete for the Stanley Cup every year, and he managed to win three of them (two with New Jersey, one with Detroit) while playing a large role each time.
Rafalski had to cut his career short due to injury problems and was unable to succeed in a comeback attempt this past season, but he will be remembered as an elite defenseman and one of the best of his era.
Rafalski was known for his smooth skating, ability to move the puck up ice and simply make smart, heady plays most players wouldn't think of.
He finished his career with 515 points in 833 regular season games, and 100 points in 165 playoff contests.
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