Craig Ludwig

Craig Lee Ludwig (born March 15, 1961 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, U.S.) is a former professional hockey player. He played defense in the National Hockey League from 1983–1999 and was renowned for his shot-blocking ability.

High school and college
Ludwig played high school hockey at Northland Pines High School in Eagle River, Wisconsin from 1975–1979. He helped the Eagles to the semi-finals in 1978–1979. He played on the USA Hockey National Junior Team that toured Germany in 1979–80. Ludwig went on to attend the University of North Dakota from 1979–1982 as a walk on. He won two National Championships while playing for the Fighting Sioux, alongside other future NHL'ers Mark Taylor, Doug Smail, Dave Tippett, Rick Zombo, Phil Sykes, Troy Murray and Jon Casey.

The NHL
Ludwig was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 6th round of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, 51st overall. He won a Stanley Cup with the team in 1986. In 1990 he was traded to the New York Islanders for Gerald Diduck. After one season with the Isles, Ludwig signed as a free agent with the Minnesota North Stars.

Minnesota/Dallas Years
Ludwig's years in Minnesota and Dallas are widely considered his best. He joined the Minnesota North Stars in 1991 and moved with the team to Dallas in 1993 and finished his career in 1999 after helping the Dallas Stars win their first Stanley Cup. Ludwig was an alternate captain for the Stars during his time with the team.

Ludwig was well-known for his shot-blocking ability, aided by the extra-wide shinpads that he designed and constructed himself.

During a game in the 1997–98 season, Ludwig sparked a brawl between the Stars and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim by throwing an elbow at Teemu Selanne, one of Anaheim's best players.

Personal
Ludwig was inducted into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002. After his retirement, he has worked as an assistant coach for the Utah Grizzlies and Dallas Stars. Ludwig currently is the assistant coach for the Junior A Texas Tornado hockey team and also is co-host for the Stars television pregame show.