Brad Lukowich

Brad Lukowich was competitive rearguard. He was prone to many mistakes early on in his career, but what young defenseman doesn't go through that. He matured in a stay-at-home defender with decent ability to move the puck out of harm's way. He was at his best when he was playing physically. Listed at 6'1" and 200lbs, at his best he hit opponents as though he was much bigger than that.

Lukowich, who was born in Cranbrook, BC, has a nice collection of championships on his resume.

He played his junior hockey with the Kamloops Blazers, winning back-to-back Memorial Cup championships in 1994 and 1995. What a team that was! His teammates included Jarome Iginla, Shane Doan, Darcy Tucker and, on the blue line with him, Nolan Baumgartner, Jason Strudwick and Jason Holland.

Lukowich was drafted 90th overall by the New York Islanders in 1994 though he was moved to the Dallas organization before graduating from junior. It was a good thing for Lukowich, who got to develop slowly on a solid Stars blue line and he was part of the 1999 Stanley Cup championships team though he did not play enough games to have his name etched on the Stanley Cup.

No worries though, as Lukowich would get that chance again. In 2004, now a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Lukowich did get his name on the Cup as he helped the Lightning win a memorable Stanley Cup.

Following the lost 2004-05 season due to the lockout Lukowich began his life as a NHL vagabond, making stops with the Islanders, Devils, the Lightning and Stars again, and the Sharks and Canucks.

All told Brad Lukowich played in 658 NHL games as a solid depth defenseman. He scored 23 goals and 90 assists for 113 points.