Today in Wheeling History: December 3--Craig Ferguson becomes the first Wheeling Thunderbird to graduate to the National Hockey League (1993).
Craig Malcolm Ferguson, born on April 8, 1970, in Castro Valley, California, is a former professional ice hockey player who made a significant impact during his time with the Wheeling Thunderbirds. Ferguson played as a center and was known for his skill and determination on the ice. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the seventh round, 146th overall, in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. After graduating from Riverview Rural High School in 1988, Ferguson played four years of college hockey for the Yale University Bulldogs, where he earned a BA in economics and political science.
Ferguson began his professional career in 1992 and spent much of his time in the minor leagues, including a stint with the Wheeling Thunderbirds in the ECHL. On December 3, 1993, he made history by becoming the first Wheeling Thunderbird to graduate to the NHL, debuting with the Montreal Canadiens. Throughout his career, Ferguson played 27 games in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Florida Panthers. He later played several seasons in Europe, including stints with HC Fribourg-Gottéron in Switzerland and ERC Ingolstadt in Germany, before retiring in 2006.
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/RTS9c), Wheeling Nailers (https://shorturl.at/9MWyz), Wheeling Nailers Timeline (https://shorturl.at/irbGp)
Photo credits: Craig Ferguson (icehockey.fandom.com)
Craig Malcolm Ferguson, born on April 8, 1970, in Castro Valley, California, is a former professional ice hockey player who made a significant impact during his time with the Wheeling Thunderbirds. Ferguson played as a center and was known for his skill and determination on the ice. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the seventh round, 146th overall, in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. After graduating from Riverview Rural High School in 1988, Ferguson played four years of college hockey for the Yale University Bulldogs, where he earned a BA in economics and political science.
Ferguson began his professional career in 1992 and spent much of his time in the minor leagues, including a stint with the Wheeling Thunderbirds in the ECHL. On December 3, 1993, he made history by becoming the first Wheeling Thunderbird to graduate to the NHL, debuting with the Montreal Canadiens. Throughout his career, Ferguson played 27 games in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Florida Panthers. He later played several seasons in Europe, including stints with HC Fribourg-Gottéron in Switzerland and ERC Ingolstadt in Germany, before retiring in 2006.
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/RTS9c), Wheeling Nailers (https://shorturl.at/9MWyz), Wheeling Nailers Timeline (https://shorturl.at/irbGp)
Photo credits: Craig Ferguson (icehockey.fandom.com)
RSS Feed
