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Adam Deadmarsh
Adam Deadmarsh
from Wikipedia

Adam Richard Deadmarsh (born May 10, 1975) is a Canadian-born American former professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL with the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings. Deadmarsh was later a video coordinator and assistant coach with the Avalanche,[1] before concussion issues forced him to step down after the 2011–12 season, nine years after his playing career ended for the same reason.

Key Information

Deadmarsh won the Stanley Cup in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche — however his name was misspelled on the Cup as "Deadmarch". It was later corrected, marking the first correction on the Cup.

Playing career

[edit]
Deadmarsh with the Colorado Avalanche

Deadmarsh was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, first round, 14th overall, from the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. He played for the Avalanche team that won the Stanley Cup in 1996. His name was initially misspelled "Deadmarch" on the Cup, but was later corrected; it was the first time a misspelling on the Stanley Cup had ever been corrected.[2][3] He was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on February 21, 2001, along with Aaron Miller, a player to be named later (Jared Aulin), and Colorado's first round pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft (Dave Steckel) for Rob Blake and Steve Reinprecht.[4]

Among his final accomplishments in the NHL, Deadmarsh became a playoff hero for vaulting the Kings past the heavily favoured Detroit Red Wings in round one of the 2001 Stanley Cup Playoffs, after trailing late in Game 4 by three goals while his team was already down two games to one. Los Angeles went on to lose in the conference semifinals to his former team, the Avalanche, in seven games; the Avalanche would eventually win their second Stanley Cup.

A U.S. citizen by virtue of having an American mother, Deadmarsh played for Team USA in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, the 1998 Winter Olympics, and the 2002 Winter Olympics, winning a gold medal in 1996 and a silver medal in 2002.

After missing most of the 2002–03 NHL season and the entire 2003–04 NHL season due to two concussions (and the next season due to the NHL lockout), Deadmarsh (unofficially) announced his retirement on September 22, 2005, citing the previous concussion as an inability to play further. He was honored on March 20, 2006, before a game between the Avalanche and Kings at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, California, for his dedication to both teams.

He had previously played junior hockey for the Portland Winter Hawks in the Western Hockey League and was a 3 time member of the U.S. National Junior Team, where he shares the all-time U.S. record of 21 games played at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He resides in Idaho with his wife and twin daughters.

Adam is a second cousin of former NHL player Butch Deadmarsh.[5]

Post-playing career

[edit]

After seven years away from hockey, the Colorado Avalanche hired Adam Deadmarsh as their Video/Development Coach On June 19, 2009, where he served in that role from 2009 to 2011.[6] After spending 2 seasons as Video/Development Coach with the Colorado Avalanche, Deadmarsh was promoted to be an Assistant Coach for the team on June 16, 2011.[7] After only serving 1 season as an Assistant Coach with Colorado, Adam ultimately resigned from his position behind the bench due to concussion issues on June 7, 2012, and took on a new role with the organization working in their player development office.[8]

On August 22, 2017, it was announced that the Spokane Chiefs (WHL) had hired Deadmarsh as an assistant coach with their club, where he served from 2017 to 2020.[9][10]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1990–91 Beaver Valley Nitehawks KIJHL 35 28 44 72 95
1991–92 Portland Winter Hawks WHL 68 30 30 60 111 6 3 3 6 13
1992–93 Portland Winter Hawks WHL 58 33 36 69 126 16 7 8 15 29
1993–94 Portland Winter Hawks WHL 65 43 56 99 212 10 9 8 17 33
1994–95 Portland Winter Hawks WHL 29 28 20 48 129
1994–95 Quebec Nordiques NHL 48 9 8 17 56 6 0 1 1 0
1995–96 Colorado Avalanche NHL 78 21 27 48 142 22 5 12 17 25
1996–97 Colorado Avalanche NHL 78 33 27 60 136 17 3 6 9 24
1997–98 Colorado Avalanche NHL 73 22 21 43 125 7 2 0 2 4
1998–99 Colorado Avalanche NHL 66 22 27 49 99 19 8 4 12 20
1999–2000 Colorado Avalanche NHL 71 18 27 45 106 17 4 11 15 21
2000–01 Colorado Avalanche NHL 39 13 13 26 59
2000–01 Los Angeles Kings NHL 18 4 2 6 4 13 3 3 6 4
2001–02 Los Angeles Kings NHL 76 29 33 62 71 4 1 3 4 2
2002–03 Los Angeles Kings NHL 20 13 4 17 21
NHL totals 567 184 189 373 819 105 26 40 66 100

International

[edit]
Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
Winter Olympics
Silver medal – second place 2002 Salt Lake City
World Cup
Gold medal – first place 1996 Canada
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
1993 United States WJC 4th 7 0 0 0 10
1994 United States WJC 6th 7 0 0 0 8
1995 United States WJC 5th 7 6 4 10 10
1996 United States WCH 1st place, gold medalist(s) 7 2 2 4 8
1998 United States OG 6th 4 1 0 1 2
2002 United States OG 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 6 1 1 2 2
Junior totals 21 6 4 10 28
Senior totals 17 4 3 7 12

Awards and honors

[edit]
Award Year
NHL
Stanley Cup (Colorado Avalanche) 1996 [11]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Adam Deadmarsh (born May 10, 1975) is a Canadian-born American former player and coach who spent nine seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a right winger, known for his physical, power-forward style of play. Drafted 14th overall in the first round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft by the , he debuted in the 1994–95 season and went on to play for the Nordiques (later the ) from 1995 to 2001 and the from 2000 to 2003, amassing 184 goals and 189 assists in 567 regular-season games. His career highlights include winning the with the in 1996, where he contributed 5 goals and 12 assists in 22 playoff games, and scoring two pivotal goals—including the winner—in of the 2001 playoffs to help the Kings eliminate the . Internationally, Deadmarsh represented the at the 1998 and , earning silver medals in both, and won gold at the ; he also competed for the in three IIHF World Junior Championships (1993–1995). Holding dual Canadian-American citizenship, he was born in , and developed his game in the with the Portland Winter Hawks before turning professional. Deadmarsh's NHL tenure ended prematurely due to recurring concussions, including a severe one sustained against the Phoenix Coyotes on December 15, 2002, which caused chronic headaches, dizziness, and ; he played 20 games in his final NHL season (2002–03) and officially retired on September 22, 2005, at age 30. Following his playing career, he returned to the Avalanche organization in 2009 as a video and development coach, later advancing to assistant coach before stepping down after the 2011–12 season due to ongoing concussion-related issues. In 2017, he joined the of the as an assistant coach, a role he continues to hold as of 2025, focusing on player development amid his continued management of health challenges.

Early life and junior career

Birth and family background

Adam Deadmarsh was born on May 10, 1975, in , , a small mining town in the West Kootenays region known for its deep-rooted industrial heritage centered on lead and zinc smelting. His father was Canadian, while his mother was American, which granted him dual citizenship from birth and later influenced his eligibility to represent the internationally. Deadmarsh grew up in a family with a notable hockey heritage; he is the second cousin of Butch Deadmarsh, a former NHL player who skated for teams including the Black Hawks and in the 1970s. Trail's strong hockey culture, fostered by its mining community and history of producing world-class teams like the —who won world championships in 1939 and 1961—provided an early and immersive environment for the sport. From a young age, Deadmarsh demonstrated a commitment to pursuing hockey professionally, beginning with minor hockey in the nearby Beaver Valley area, where local rinks and community leagues nurtured his skills amid the region's passionate fanbase. This foundational period in British Columbia's youth leagues laid the groundwork for his development, leading to his transition to junior hockey with the in the .

Portland Winterhawks tenure

At age 16, Adam Deadmarsh relocated from , to , in 1991 to join the Western Hockey League's (WHL) , marking the start of his major junior career. In his rookie season of 1991–92, Deadmarsh quickly established himself as a physical right winger, scoring 30 goals and 30 assists for 60 points in 68 regular-season games while accumulating 111 penalty minutes, reflecting his aggressive, hard-nosed style. His performance extended to the , where he contributed 6 points in 6 games. Over the following seasons, Deadmarsh's scoring improved markedly; in 1992–93, he tallied 33 goals and 69 points in 58 games, helping the Winterhawks reach the WHL finals, and in 1993–94, he erupted for a career-high 43 goals and 99 points in 65 games, leading the team with 212 penalty minutes that underscored his fearless willingness to engage in physical battles. This gritty approach, often involving intense forechecking and net-front presence, earned him strong loyalty from Winterhawks fans, who admired his intensity despite his youth. He appeared in a partial 1994–95 season, notching 28 goals and 48 points in 29 games before turning professional. Deadmarsh's standout junior tenure culminated in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, where the Quebec Nordiques selected him 14th overall in the first round, recognizing his potential as a prototypical power forward with size, skill, and tenacity.

NHL playing career

Quebec Nordiques era

Adam Deadmarsh made his NHL debut with the Quebec Nordiques on January 21, 1995, at the age of 19, during the 1994–95 season shortened by a labor dispute. In 48 games that year, he recorded 9 goals and 8 assists for 17 points, along with 56 penalty minutes, showcasing his transition from junior hockey where he had been selected 14th overall in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. His plus-minus rating of +16 highlighted his defensive contributions on a talented Nordiques roster featuring stars like Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg. Deadmarsh's rugged, physical playing style quickly aligned with the Nordiques' aggressive, high-energy approach, earning him a role as a checking winger known for delivering hard hits and engaging in fights to protect teammates and shift momentum. Early in his rookie season, he dropped the gloves in notable bouts, such as against forward Brent Hughes on April 12, 1995, and Tampa Bay Lightning's Roman Hamrlik on April 20, 1995, accumulating penalties that underscored his willingness to battle in the corners and along the boards. Described as a "bruising " with strong skating and courage, his crash-and-bang presence added grit to Quebec's fast-paced offense, though his offensive output remained modest due to the team's depth. Despite his promising start, Deadmarsh saw limited ice time as a bottom-six forward behind established veterans, averaging under 12 minutes per while honing his reliability as an energy player who energized shifts with physicality and forechecking. This period ended abruptly when the Nordiques relocated to following the 1994–95 season, rebranding as the ; Deadmarsh moved with the franchise, carrying his developing reputation into the team's new era in the Western Conference.

Colorado Avalanche years

Deadmarsh joined the following the franchise's relocation from in , where he quickly established himself as a vital top-line winger and checking forward alongside stars and . Over six seasons from 1995 to 2001, he appeared in 405 regular-season games, scoring 129 goals and 142 assists for 271 points while accumulating 667 penalty minutes, averaging 23 goals per season over his first five full years with the team (21 in 1995–96, 33 in 1996–97, 22 in 1997–98, 22 in 1998–99, and 18 in 1999–00). His physical style made him a leader in hits and penalties, often protecting teammates in high-stakes matchups and earning a reputation as one of the Avalanche's premier enforcers with 723 career penalty minutes during his tenure in the organization. In the 1995–96 season, Deadmarsh played a pivotal role in the Avalanche's first championship, contributing 17 points (5 goals and 12 assists) in 22 playoff games, including three goals against the in the Conference Finals that helped advance to the Final. Notable clutch moments included scoring just seven seconds after (at 19:44 of the second period in Game 3) to narrow Detroit's lead to one goal late in the second period of that critical game. However, his name was initially misspelled as "Adam Deadmarch" on his , marking the first such error to be officially corrected by the NHL. Deadmarsh's Avalanche career concluded on February 21, 2001, when he was traded to the along with defenseman Aaron Miller, prospect Jared Aulin, and two first-round draft picks in exchange for defenseman and center Steve Reinprecht, a deal that bolstered Colorado's blue line during their contending years.

Los Angeles Kings stint

Deadmarsh was traded to the from the Colorado on February 21, 2001, along with defenseman Aaron Miller, prospect Jared Aulin, and two first-round draft picks (in 2001 and 2003), in exchange for defenseman and forward Steve Reinprecht. This deal came amid the 's continued contention for the , following their 2001 Finals appearance. In the 18 games he played for the Kings during the remainder of the 2000–01 season, Deadmarsh contributed 4 goals and 2 assists, providing an immediate offensive spark to the squad. The following 2001–02 season marked a strong start to his Los Angeles tenure, as Deadmarsh posted career-high totals of 29 goals and 33 assists for 62 points in 76 games, helping power ' playoff push while adapting to a more prominent scoring role on a team seeking to rebound from recent mediocrity. His physical, two-way play—evident in 71 penalty minutes—aligned with ' gritty style, though the team ultimately fell in the first round of the playoffs to the eventual champion . Across his stint with the Kings spanning parts of four seasons (2000–04), Deadmarsh suited up for 114 regular-season games, gradually shifting to a depth forward position amid the franchise's rebuilding phase after trading away veterans like Blake. In 2002–03, he opened with 13 goals in just 20 games before injuries derailed his progress. Deadmarsh's time in Los Angeles was overshadowed by escalating problems, stemming from his hard-nosed playing style and on-ice collisions. He endured multiple , including a first earlier in the 2002–03 season that briefly sidelined him. The most severe occurred on December 15, 2002, when he was accidentally kneed in the head by teammate Craig Johnson during a game against the Phoenix Coyotes, resulting in that forced him to miss the remaining 62 games of the season and all of 2003–04, with symptoms including persistent headaches and . The lingering effects of these concussions extended into the 2003–04 season, where Deadmarsh was unable to play a single game despite re-signing with on a one-year deal in July 2003. With the team struggling in a rebuilding year and his health preventing a return, his NHL career with effectively concluded after the season, leading to the expiration of his contract and entry into unrestricted free agency without further play.

International career

1996 World Cup of Hockey

Adam Deadmarsh, at age 21, was selected to represent Team USA in the just months after contributing to the Colorado Avalanche's victory in June 1996. Born in , but eligible through U.S. ties via his American mother, Deadmarsh made his senior international debut in the tournament, held from August 25 to September 14, 1996, showcasing his NHL-honed physicality alongside stars like Mike Modano and . As a physical forward known for his aggressive checking and forechecking, Deadmarsh played all seven games for the Americans, registering 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points, along with 8 penalty minutes and a +1 rating. His contributions included delivering key body checks against during the best-of-three final series, helping to disrupt their play and energize Team USA's momentum. In Game 3 of the final on , Deadmarsh scored the fifth and final goal unassisted at 19:43 of the third period, sealing a 5-2 victory after the U.S. rallied from a 2-1 deficit with four goals in the final frame. The triumph marked the first major international of Deadmarsh's career and Team USA's inaugural title, defeating the heavily favored in a series that also saw the U.S. win Game 1 (5-2) before dropping Game 2 (4-3 in overtime). This success elevated Deadmarsh's profile as a clutch performer on the international stage, blending his rugged style with offensive output in high-stakes matchups.

1998 Winter Olympics

Deadmarsh represented the at the in Nagano, , making his Olympic debut. Playing as a forward for the , he appeared in four games, scoring one with no assists for one point, two penalty minutes, and a -3 rating. His came in a 5-2 preliminary round win over . Team USA finished fifth overall, losing in the quarterfinals to the eventual gold medal-winning .

2002 Winter Olympics

Adam Deadmarsh represented the at the in , his second Olympic appearance after the 1998 Games in Nagano. Selected for the roster despite a major sustained in November 2000, while with the , during a game against the after a fight with —which caused him to miss multiple contests and raised early concerns about his long-term health—Deadmarsh traveled with Team USA as a right winger for the . His inclusion highlighted his value as a physical presence on the ice, even as he managed recovery from head trauma. Throughout the tournament, Deadmarsh appeared in all six games, contributing one goal and one assist for two points, a +3 plus/minus rating, and two penalty minutes. His lone goal was a short-handed tally against Belarus in a 5-1 round-robin victory on February 10, showcasing his effectiveness in penalty-killing scenarios where he focused on defensive reliability and physical play to neutralize opponents. Health management from prior injuries restricted his ice time and offensive opportunities, positioning him primarily in a checking role to support the team's depth rather than leading scoring efforts. Team USA finished as runners-up, earning a after a 5-2 loss to in the gold medal game on February 24—a physically demanding matchup marked by intense rivalries and hard-checking exchanges. Deadmarsh's tenacious style was evident in these confrontations, where he helped maintain defensive structure amid the high-stakes physicality. The silver marked a strong showing for the Americans, building on their prior international experiences. The Olympics accelerated scrutiny of Deadmarsh's injury history, as lingering effects from his 2000 concussion contributed to vulnerability; just months later, on December 15, 2002, he endured a severe during a game against the Phoenix Coyotes when accidentally kneed in the head by a teammate, sidelining him for the remainder of the season and ultimately influencing his limited return to professional play.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

After retiring from professional hockey, Adam Deadmarsh joined the organization in 2009 as a video and development coach, focusing on player evaluation and skill enhancement through video analysis. In this role, he contributed to the team's scouting and developmental processes during the 2009–10 and 2010–11 seasons. He was promoted to assistant coach ahead of the 2011–12 season, where he assisted head coach with on-ice strategies and player mentoring. Deadmarsh resigned from his assistant coaching position with the in June 2012, transitioning to a development coach role within the organization, due to recurring symptoms from previous concussions sustained during his . He continued in the development capacity through the 2012–13 season before stepping away from full-time involvement with the team. In August 2017, Deadmarsh returned to coaching as an assistant with the Western Hockey League's , where he emphasized video analysis, player development on and off the ice, and serving as a for young athletes. His contract was extended through the 2019–20 season, and he remained in the position through the 2021–22 campaign, contributing to the team's preparation and skill-building efforts. Deadmarsh has not held any professional coaching roles since the end of the 2021–22 season, reflecting a reduced involvement in hockey operations amid ongoing health considerations from his playing days.

Health challenges and personal life

Deadmarsh retired from the NHL on September 22, 2005, at the age of 30, due to post-concussion syndrome stemming from repeated head injuries, including a significant concussion in November 2000 during a fight with Vancouver Canucks defenseman Ed Jovanovski and a more severe one on December 15, 2002, when he was accidentally kneed in the head by teammate Craig Johnson during a game against the Phoenix Coyotes. Despite attempts at rehabilitation and failed comebacks over the subsequent two years, persistent symptoms prevented his return to professional play. In the years following his retirement, Deadmarsh has continued to experience chronic effects from his concussions, including recurrent headaches and dizziness triggered by prolonged physical exertion, though he reports feeling otherwise normal in daily life. These ongoing health challenges also interrupted his brief coaching career, leading him to step down as an assistant coach with the in 2012 after suffering another concussion-related episode, prioritizing his long-term well-being and family. Through interviews, Deadmarsh has shared his experiences with to highlight the risks of in hockey, contributing to broader discussions on player safety. Deadmarsh maintains a private, low-profile lifestyle in with his wife, Christa, whom he married in 1999, and their twin daughters, Alexis and Madison. The family focuses on everyday activities such as outdoor pursuits and walks, with no notable public engagements or business ventures outside of occasional hockey involvement, emphasizing recovery and family time as of 2020.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Deadmarsh played 567 games in the NHL regular season over nine seasons, scoring 184 goals and 189 assists for 373 points, with a rating of +43 and accumulating 819 penalty minutes. His physical playing style often led to high penalty minutes, reflecting his role as a tough, checking forward. The following table summarizes his regular season performance by season and team:
SeasonTeamGPGAPTS+/-PIM
1994–95489817+1656
1995–9678212748+20142
1996–9778332760+8136
1997–98732221430125
1998–9966222749-299
1999–0071182745-10106
2000–0139131326-259
2000–0118426+34
2001–0276293362+871
2002–032013417+221
Career567184189373+43819
In the playoffs, Deadmarsh appeared in 105 games, recording 26 goals and 40 assists for 66 points, with a plus/minus of +7 and 100 penalty minutes. He contributed notably during the 's 1996 Stanley Cup run, scoring 5 goals in 22 games. The following table summarizes his playoff performance by season and team:
SeasonTeamGPGAPTS+/-PIM
1994–956011-30
1995–962251217+825
1996–9717369-624
1997–987202-14
1998–99198412+220
1999–001741115+721
2000–011333604
2001–02413402
Career105264066+7100

International play

Deadmarsh represented Team USA in three major international tournaments during his career, contributing both offensively and physically on the ice.
TournamentGPGAP+/-PIM
7224+18
4101-32
2002 Winter Olympics6112+32
In these appearances, Deadmarsh accumulated 17 , 4 goals, 3 assists, and 7 points overall, while racking up 12 penalty minutes that underscored his aggressive, physical style of play as a right winger. Team earned a at the 1996 , placed sixth at the 1998 Olympics, and a at the 2002 Olympics with Deadmarsh on the roster.

Junior international

Deadmarsh represented Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 1993, 1994, and 1995.
YearTournamentGPGAPPIM
19934th place700010
19945th place732516
19955th place7641010
Total21961536

Awards and honors

Junior

  • IIHF World U20 Championship silver medal: 1993
  • Bob Clarke Trophy (WHL top scorer): 1995
  • (WHL most sportsmanlike player): 1995
  • CHL Top Scorer Award: 1995
  • CHL Player of the Year: 1995
  • WHL First Team: 1995

NHL

International

References

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