Regarded as the premier offensive player in college hockey during his three years at Cornell, Nieuwendyk was a two-time selection to the Titlan All-America first team for his superlative play during his sophomore and junior seasons. He was also named to the ECAC and All-Ivy first squads both seasons and was co-captain an team MVP in 1986-87. The talented center closed out his Cornell career with 73 goals and 78 assists for 151 points to finish sixth on the all-time goal-scoring chart and 10th on the all-time scoring list. His other honors included Ivy League and ECAC Rookie of the Year recognition in 1984-85, while garnering All-Ivy and All-East second-team honors. He was the ECAC Player of the Year in 1987, when he led the league in scoring with 25-24-49 and was among 10 finalists for the Hoby Baker Award as the top college player in the nation. In March 1990, he was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Decade (1980-89) Team. A second round draft choice by Calgary in 1985, Nieuwendyk left Cornell following his junior season to begin a fine pro hockey career with the Flames. He was the runaway winner of the Calder Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year in 1987-88 and became only the second rookie (along with Mike Bossy) in NHL history to reach the 50-goal mark. He was also only the third player in NHL history to score at least 50 goals in each of his first two seasons. Nieuwendyk enjoyed a 20-year career in the NHL, winning Stanley Cups with three different teams (Calgary, Dallas and New Jersey). He was a two-time Olympian, helping Canada win the gold medal in 2002. Nieuwendyk later served as the general manager of the Dallas Stars for four years.
