Cornell University Athletics

Regarded as the premier offensive player in college hockey during his three years at Cornell, he was a two-time selection to the Titlan All-America first team for his superlative play during his sophomore and junior seasons. H was also named to eh 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. Joe appeared in the NHL All-Star game hi first three years. He is a graduate of Henry Street High School in Whitby, Ont., and played hockey for the Pickering Panthers.