Mike Vernon
Two-time Stanley Cup champion and Hall of Fame goaltender
Mike Vernon (born February 24, 1963) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 19 seasons in the NHL for the Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks and Florida Panthers. He won over 300 NHL games, two Stanley Cup championships (1989 with the Flames, 1997 with the Red Wings), appeared in five NHL All-Star Games, was named a second team All-Star in 1989, shared the William M. Jennings Trophy in 1996 with Chris Osgood, and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1997. The Flames retired his number 30 in 2007. He was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023.
Quick Facts
- Jersey number
- 30 (Retired)
Lore & Background
Vernon played junior hockey for the Calgary Wranglers of the WHL, where he was named both goaltender of the year and most valuable player in 1982 and 1983. He was loaned to the Portland Winterhawks for the 1983 Memorial Cup and was named the top goaltender of the tournament in leading Portland to the championship. Selected by the Flames in the third round, 56th overall, in the 1981 NHL entry draft, he began his professional career in 1982 and ended it 20 years later, also in Calgary.
Did You Know?
- Vernon made his NHL debut on December 12, 1982, against the Detroit Red Wings.
- He recorded his first career shutout on February 26, 1986, against the Vancouver Canucks.
- Vernon's glove save on Stan Smyl in the 1989 playoffs was called 'the save that won the Cup'.
- He represented Canada at the 1983 World Junior Championship (bronze) and the 1991 World Championship (silver).
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