Did Jim Craig Play in the NHL
Jim Craig played in the NHL. He was a goaltender who appeared in 30 regular season games for the Atlanta Flames, Boston Bruins, and Minnesota North Stars between 1980 and 1984. His NHL career followed his prominent role as the starting goaltender for the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, where he led the team to a gold medal in the famous "Miracle on Ice" game against the Soviet Union. NHL official player page lists his full career stats and team history.
Jim Craig NHL Career Overview
Craig was drafted by the Atlanta Flames in the second round of the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft. He spent most of his early professional career in the minor leagues and with the Flames' roster. He later played brief stints with the Boston Bruins and Minnesota North Stars, compiling a record of 10 wins, 13 losses, and 4 ties with a goals against average of 4.43 and a save percentage of .868. Hockey Reference provides detailed season-by-season splits and advanced goaltending metrics.
What Teams Did Jim Craig Play For in the NHL
Jim Craig's NHL tenure included three franchises. He started with the Atlanta Flames, where he was originally drafted. He later joined the Boston Bruins and finished his NHL time with the Minnesota North Stars. Across these teams, he served primarily as a backup goaltender, with limited starts due to the presence of established starters on each roster.
Atlanta Flames
Craig's first NHL organization was the Atlanta Flames. He was part of the Flames' system during the late 1970s and early 1980s, splitting time between the NHL club and the Central Hockey League affiliate teams. His NHL appearances for Atlanta were infrequent, as the team relied on veteran goaltenders for the majority of starts.
Boston Bruins and Minnesota North Stars
After his time with the Flames, Craig moved to the Boston Bruins organization, where he continued to serve in a depth goaltending role. He later finished his NHL career with the Minnesota North Stars. In both situations, he provided organizational depth while spending significant time in the minor leagues, which was common for goalies of that era.
Jim Craig's Post NHL Career and Legacy
After leaving the NHL, Jim Craig transitioned to other professional leagues and business ventures. He played in the Central Hockey League and later in European leagues, continuing his professional hockey career beyond the NHL. His legacy remains strongly tied to his Olympic gold medal performance, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest moments in American sports history.
Business and Media Career
Following his playing days, Craig built a career in business and media. He founded and led companies in the financial services and real estate sectors. He has also been involved in broadcasting and public speaking, often reflecting on his experiences in hockey and the lessons learned from the 1980 Olympic team. Forbes has covered his approach to leadership and performance under pressure.
Enduring Recognition
Jim Craig's name remains synonymous with the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's victory. He is frequently featured in documentaries, books, and retrospectives about the "Miracle