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Byron Dafoe
View on WikipediaByron Dafoe (born February 25, 1971) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He was born in Worthing, England, United Kingdom and moved to Comox, British Columbia with his mother at the age of two months. Between 1992 and 2004, he played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins and Atlanta Thrashers.
Key Information
Playing career
[edit]Junior and minor leagues
[edit]Dafoe has played for WHL sides Portland Winter Hawks (1986–1990) and Prince Albert Raiders (1990–1991), ECHL side Hampton Roads Admirals, AHL sides Baltimore Skipjacks (1991–1992 and 1992–1993), New Haven Nighthawks (1992) and Portland Pirates (1993–1994 and 1994–1995), and IHL side Phoenix Roadrunners. He was voted a First Team AHL All-Star in 1993-94 and won a Calder Cup championship that season with the Portland Pirates.
During Dafoe's time with the Winter Hawks, he had an on-ice fistfight with Tri-City Americans goaltender Olaf Kölzig, someone with whom he would go on to have a friendly rivalry in the NHL—so friendly that they served as each other's best man when they got married. He and Kolzig also had a "friendly" fight later in their NHL careers on November 21, 1998, when the Boston Bruins took on the Washington Capitals. During the game, a fight broke out that was so violent and all encompassing, the goalies (Dafoe and Kolzig) also got caught up in it. The fight between the goalies was primarily comedic, with both Dafoe and Kolzig laughing as they landed punches.
Washington Capitals
[edit]Dafoe was drafted 35th overall in the second round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals, and made his NHL debut in the 1992–93 NHL season. Dafoe was one of two goalies taken by Washington in that draft, as they used their first round pick to select Olaf Kölzig. After appearing in just one game in 1992–93, Dafoe got into five the next season while veterans Don Beaupre and Rick Tabaracci handled the bulk of the work. In the 1994–95 NHL season Dafoe suited up for four games, in part due to the emergence of another second round pick, 1992 selection Jim Carey, who took the NHL by storm as a rookie. The Capitals had an abundance of riches in goal and packaged Dafoe with winger Dmitri Khristich and traded them to the Los Angeles Kings for a first and fourth round draft pick.
Los Angeles Kings
[edit]
With the Kings, Dafoe not only became an NHL regular but stepped into the starter's role while the previous incumbent, Kelly Hrudey, became his backup. Dafoe played 47 games but won just 14 with a struggling Kings club and posted the worst goals against and save percentage numbers on the team. The following year, Hrudey was with the San Jose Sharks, and Dafoe shared the crease with Stephane Fiset. The duo posted very similar numbers for the club, but in the offseason, the Kings made Fiset their goaltender going forward and Dafoe was again packaged with Dmitri Khristich, and dealt to the Boston Bruins.
Boston Bruins
[edit]With the Bruins, he stepped into the starter's role, pushing aside Jim Carey, who had replaced him back in Washington. Dafoe excelled in Boston, playing 65 games and posting 30 wins with 6 shutouts. The following season, Dafoe helped the Bruins return to the playoffs and win a postseason series. He posted career-best numbers in 1998-99 with a 1.99 goals against average and a .926 save percentage. He finished third in voting for the Vezina Trophy, and was named to the NHL Second All-Star Team, edging out Curtis Joseph in the voting.
Dafoe held out for part of the 1999–2000 season during a contract dispute with Bruins general manager Harry Sinden, and in his return suffered injuries, resulting in a regression from his previous year. He spent three more seasons in Boston, and after playing 41 and 45 games the previous two seasons, in 2002 he played 64 games and won a career-best 35 of them, setting himself up nicely for a new contract. However, when Boston was upset by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2002 post season the Bruins let Dafoe become a free agent.
That summer, the free agent pool included a lot of top netminders including Mike Richter, Ed Belfour and Curtis Joseph, and while the aforementioned earned new contracts, Dafoe remained a free agent as the 2002–03 season began. Nearly two months into the season, Dafoe agreed to a one-year deal with a player's option for a second to join the Atlanta Thrashers.
Atlanta Thrashers
[edit]Thrashers general manager Don Waddell was thrilled to add Dafoe to his club, saying "He's a proven goaltender. His stats prove he's not only a No. 1 goaltender, but one of the top goaltenders in this elite league of the NHL."[1] That optimism proved to be misplaced as Dafoe struggled mightily in Atlanta, posting just five wins in 17 games, and a bloated 4.36 goals against average. He exercised his player option and returned for the 2003–04 season and while his play improved with the goals against cut down dramatically to 3.14, he was an afterthought for the club playing just 18 games and winning only four.
Dafoe retired from professional hockey following the 2004–05 NHL lockout.
Personal life
[edit]Along with fellow NHL players Olaf Kölzig and Scott Mellanby, Dafoe is a founder of Athletes Against Autism, as his son has autism. Dafoe has two sons and resides in Kelowna, British Columbia, running a custom home electrical fit-out business.[2]
Career statistics
[edit]| Regular season | Playoffs | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | W | L | T | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | SV% | GP | W | L | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | SV% | ||
| 1988–89 | Portland Winter Hawks | WHL | 59 | 29 | 24 | 3 | 3279 | 291 | 1 | 5.32 | .861 | 18 | 10 | 8 | 1091 | 81 | 1 | 4.45 | — | ||
| 1989–90 | Portland Winter Hawks | WHL | 40 | 14 | 21 | 3 | 2265 | 193 | 0 | 5.11 | .871 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1990–91 | Portland Winter Hawks | WHL | 8 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 414 | 41 | 0 | 5.94 | .843 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1990–91 | Prince Albert Raiders | WHL | 32 | 13 | 12 | 4 | 1839 | 124 | 0 | 4.04 | .893 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1991–92 | Hampton Roads Admirals | ECHL | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 562 | 26 | 0 | 2.78 | .910 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1991–92 | Baltimore Skipjacks | AHL | 33 | 12 | 16 | 4 | 1847 | 119 | 0 | 3.86 | .885 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1991–92 | New Haven Nighthawks | AHL | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 364 | 22 | 0 | 3.63 | .898 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1992–93 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1.000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1992–93 | Baltimore Skipjacks | AHL | 48 | 16 | 20 | 7 | 2617 | 191 | 1 | 4.38 | .865 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 241 | 22 | 0 | 5.47 | .845 | ||
| 1993–94 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 230 | 13 | 0 | 3.39 | .871 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 118 | 5 | 0 | 2.54 | .872 | ||
| 1993–94 | Portland Pirates | AHL | 47 | 24 | 16 | 4 | 2661 | 148 | 1 | 3.34 | .891 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7.50 | .857 | ||
| 1994–95 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 187 | 11 | 0 | 3.53 | .863 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 3.00 | .667 | ||
| 1994–95 | Portland Pirates | AHL | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 330 | 16 | 0 | 2.91 | .920 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 417 | 29 | 0 | 4.17 | .877 | ||
| 1994–95 | Phoenix Roadrunners | IHL | 49 | 25 | 16 | 4 | 2744 | 169 | 2 | 3.70 | .889 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1995–96 | Los Angeles Kings | NHL | 47 | 14 | 24 | 8 | 2666 | 172 | 1 | 3.87 | .888 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1996–97 | Los Angeles Kings | NHL | 40 | 13 | 17 | 5 | 2162 | 112 | 0 | 3.11 | .905 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1997–98 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 65 | 30 | 25 | 9 | 3693 | 138 | 6 | 2.24 | .914 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 422 | 14 | 1 | 1.99 | .912 | ||
| 1998–99 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 68 | 32 | 23 | 11 | 4001 | 133 | 10 | 1.99 | .926 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 768 | 26 | 2 | 2.03 | .921 | ||
| 1999–2000 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 41 | 13 | 16 | 10 | 2307 | 114 | 3 | 2.96 | .889 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2000–01 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 45 | 22 | 14 | 7 | 2536 | 101 | 2 | 2.39 | .906 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2001–02 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 64 | 35 | 26 | 3 | 3827 | 141 | 4 | 2.21 | .907 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 358 | 19 | 0 | 3.18 | .865 | ||
| 2002–03 | Atlanta Thrashers | NHL | 17 | 5 | 11 | 1 | 895 | 65 | 0 | 4.36 | .862 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2003–04 | Atlanta Thrashers | NHL | 18 | 4 | 11 | 1 | 973 | 51 | 0 | 3.14 | .898 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| NHL totals | 415 | 171 | 170 | 56 | 23,478 | 1,051 | 26 | 2.68 | .904 | 27 | 10 | 16 | 1,686 | 65 | 3 | 2.31 | .915 | ||||
Awards and honours
[edit]| Award | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| AHL | ||
| First All-Star Team | 1994 | |
| Hap Holmes Memorial Award | 1994 | |
| Calder Cup (Portland Pirates) | 1994 | |
| NHL | ||
| Second All-Star Team | 1999 | |
| Boston Bruins | ||
| Bruins Three Stars Awards | 1998, 1999, 2002 | |
| Seventh Player Award | 1999 | |
| Elizabeth C. Dufresne Trophy | 1999 | |
| Named One of Top 100 Best Bruins Players of all Time | 2024 | [3] |
Acting career
[edit]In 1999, Dafoe played himself in an episode of The Jersey called "Ouch"[4] where Morgan Hudson (played by Courtnee Draper) uses a magical jersey as she jumps into his body in order to get some "real" playing time.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Thrashers Welcome Byron Dafoe". CBC.ca.
- ^ "Bryon Dafoe: Lord of Automation". pucksandrecreation.com. 2016-09-07. Retrieved 2016-09-07.
- ^ "Bruins Announce "Historic 100" Ahead of All-Centennial Team Reveal | Boston Bruins". www.nhl.com. 2023-09-12. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
- ^ "The Jersey Season 1 Ouch". Retrieved 2018-08-21.
External links
[edit]- Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
Byron Dafoe
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Birth and upbringing
Byron Dafoe was born Byron Jaromir Dafoe on February 25, 1971, in Worthing, Sussex, England.[2][5] His mother was English and his father Czech, reflecting his multicultural heritage.[6] Dafoe spent his early childhood in Comox, British Columbia, Canada, where he was raised after his family relocated there when he was two months old.[7] He developed an early interest in hockey, playing for the Juan de Fuca Whalers in Victoria, British Columbia, during his youth.[3] This period laid the foundation for his goaltending skills in a region known for its strong hockey culture.[7]Relocation to Canada and early hockey involvement
Dafoe's family relocated to Comox, British Columbia, Canada, when he was two months old, where he was raised and developed an early interest in hockey amid the region's strong sporting culture.[7] Dafoe's introduction to organized hockey came in British Columbia's youth leagues, reflecting the province's prominent role in Canadian junior development. He joined the Juan de Fuca Whalers of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League (BCJHL), where he played during the 1987–88 season.[8][3]Playing career
Junior and minor league career
Dafoe began his organized hockey career in British Columbia's junior ranks, playing for the Juan de Fuca Whalers of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League (BCJHL) during the 1986–87 and 1987–88 seasons. In his rookie year, he appeared in 22 games, posting a 7–10–0 record with a 5.59 goals-against average (GAA). Improving in his second season, Dafoe played 31 games, achieving a 14–14–0 mark and a 4.64 GAA, helping the Whalers reach the league playoffs.[8][3] Transitioning to major junior hockey, Dafoe joined the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL) late in the 1986–87 season, appearing in two games before committing fully the following year. His breakout came in 1988–89, when he served as the team's primary goaltender in 59 regular-season games, recording 29 wins, a 5.32 GAA, and one shutout while leading Portland to the WHL playoffs, where he posted a 10–8–0 record with a 4.45 GAA and another shutout. The Winter Hawks advanced to the WHL finals that year, though they fell to the Swift Current Broncos. In 1989–90, Dafoe played 40 games for Portland with a 14–21–3 record and 5.11 GAA. His WHL career concluded in 1990–91 after a midseason trade to the Prince Albert Raiders, where he excelled in 24 games with a 12–7–0 record and 3.49 GAA, contributing to their playoff run. Overall, Dafoe appeared in 129 WHL games, establishing himself as a promising prospect. During his time with Portland, he was selected 35th overall in the second round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals.[8][3][1] Turning professional in 1991–92, Dafoe split his debut season across three leagues as a member of the Capitals' system. He started in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the Hampton Roads Admirals, where he went 6–4–0 in 10 games with a strong 2.78 GAA and one shutout. Promoted to the American Hockey League (AHL), he played 33 games for the Baltimore Skipjacks (3.87 GAA) and seven for the New Haven Nighthawks (3.63 GAA), showing adaptability in his first pro year. The following season, 1992–93, Dafoe remained with Baltimore, appearing in 48 games with a 16–20–7 record, 4.38 GAA, and one shutout, while making his NHL debut with the Capitals late in the year.[8][3] Dafoe's minor league career peaked in 1993–94 with the Portland Pirates, the Capitals' new AHL affiliate and coincidentally his junior team's city counterpart. As the primary goaltender, he played 47 games, posting a 24–16–4 record, 3.34 GAA, and one shutout, earning selection to the AHL First All-Star Team. Sharing duties with Olaf Kolzig, Dafoe helped the Pirates win the Calder Cup championship, their first in franchise history, after defeating the Rochester Americans in the finals; he also shared the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award with Kolzig for the league's lowest team goals against. Dafoe appeared in one playoff game during Portland's successful title run. Later that season, seeking more playing time, he was loaned to the International Hockey League's Phoenix Roadrunners, where he thrived in 49 games with a 25–16–6 record, 3.70 GAA, and two shutouts. These performances solidified Dafoe's reputation as a reliable minor league netminder, paving the way for expanded NHL opportunities.[8][3][9]Washington Capitals tenure
Dafoe was selected by the Washington Capitals in the second round, 35th overall, of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.[2] Following his junior career, he joined the Capitals' organization, initially playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) with affiliates such as the Baltimore Skipjacks before transitioning to the Portland Pirates in 1993.[8] His early professional development focused on refining his goaltending skills in the minors, where he established himself as a reliable performer behind the Capitals' established NHL netminders, including Don Beaupre and Jim Carey.[3] Dafoe made his NHL debut with the Capitals during the 1992–93 season, appearing in one game and allowing no goals in 1:25 of relief action.[2] He saw expanded but still limited action in 1993–94, playing five regular-season games with a 2–2–0 record, a 3.39 goals-against average (GAA), and a .871 save percentage.[1] His first NHL win came on March 31, 1994, against the Chicago Blackhawks.[8] In the playoffs that year, Dafoe backed up in two games during the Capitals' first-round loss to the New York Rangers, posting a 2.54 GAA in 53 minutes.[2] Much of Dafoe's success during his Capitals tenure came in the AHL with the Portland Pirates, where he played 47 games in 1993–94, recording a 24–16–4 mark and a 3.34 GAA while helping the team capture the Calder Cup championship.[3] For his contributions to Portland's league-leading defensive performance, Dafoe shared the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award with teammate Olaf Kolzig, recognizing the goaltenders on the team with the lowest goals-against average.[9] He also earned a spot on the AHL First All-Star Team that season.[3] In the lockout-shortened 1994–95 season, Dafoe appeared in four regular-season games for Washington, going 1–1–1 with a 3.53 GAA and .863 save percentage.[2] He dressed for one playoff game in the Capitals' first-round series against the Ottawa Senators.[1] Earlier that year, he had brief stints in the AHL with Portland, playing six games.[8] On July 8, 1995, Dafoe was traded by the Capitals, along with forward Dmitri Khristich, to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 1996 first-round draft pick (Alexandre Volchkov) and a 1996 fourth-round pick (Justin Davis).[10] This transaction marked the end of his time in the Capitals organization after six seasons of development.Los Angeles Kings tenure
Dafoe was acquired by the Los Angeles Kings on July 8, 1995, when the team traded a 1996 first-round draft pick to the Washington Capitals for Dafoe and forward Dmitri Khristich.[10] This move aimed to bolster the Kings' goaltending amid a transitional period following the lockout-shortened 1994–95 season, with Dafoe entering the NHL as a 24-year-old prospect who had spent prior years in the American Hockey League.[2] In his rookie NHL campaign during the 1995–96 season, Dafoe established himself as the Kings' primary goaltender, appearing in 47 games and sharing duties sparingly with veteran Bill Ranford.[2] He recorded a 14–24–8 mark with one shutout, a 3.87 goals-against average (GAA), and an .888 save percentage, reflecting the defensive challenges of a rebuilding Kings squad that finished last in the Pacific Division with a 24–39–19 record and missed the playoffs.[2][11] A highlight came on November 7, 1995, when Dafoe earned his first career NHL shutout in a 3–0 victory over the St. Louis Blues, stopping all 33 shots faced.[12] His efforts as a newcomer garnered recognition, placing him 14th in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie goaltender.[2] Dafoe's second season with the Kings in 1996–97 showed marginal improvement in his individual statistics, as he played 40 games with a 13–17–5 record, a 3.11 GAA, and a .905 save percentage while splitting starts more evenly with Stéphane Fiset.[2] The Kings again failed to qualify for the postseason, ending with a 31–39–12 record and ranking near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.[13] Over his two full seasons in Los Angeles, Dafoe appeared in 87 games, compiling a 27–41–13 record, a 3.49 GAA, an .896 save percentage, and one shutout, underscoring the team's ongoing struggles with defensive structure and offensive support during a period of roster flux.[2] Prior to the 1997–98 season, Dafoe was traded to the Boston Bruins on August 29, 1997, along with Khristich, in exchange for forward Jozef Stumpel, winger Sandy Moger, and a 1998 fourth-round draft pick, marking the end of his tenure with the Kings after just over two years.[10]Boston Bruins tenure
Dafoe was acquired by the Boston Bruins from the Los Angeles Kings on August 29, 1997, along with forward Dmitri Khristich in exchange for forwards Jozef Stumpel and Sandy Moger, plus the Kings' fourth-round draft pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.[10] In his first full season with the team during 1997–98, Dafoe established himself as the primary starter, appearing in 65 games and compiling a 30–25–9 record with a 2.24 goals-against average (GAA), .914 save percentage (SV%), and six shutouts.[1] These efforts helped the Bruins secure a playoff spot as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Washington Capitals in six games (2–4 series). In the postseason, Dafoe recorded a 2–4 mark across six appearances, yielding a 1.99 GAA and .912 SV% while earning one shutout.[14] Dafoe's performance peaked in the 1998–99 season, where he played a league-high 68 games and posted a 32–23–11 record, including a franchise-record-tying 10 shutouts, a 1.99 GAA, and .926 SV%—both league-leading figures that earned him NHL Second All-Star Team honors, a ninth-place finish in Hart Memorial Trophy voting, and third place in Vezina Trophy consideration.[2] His strong play propelled the Bruins to their deepest playoff run since 1992, sweeping the Montreal Canadiens 4–0 in the first round before defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 4–1 in the conference semifinals; Dafoe contributed significantly with a 6–5–1 record, 2.03 GAA, .921 SV%, and two shutouts over 12 games.[15] The run ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Bruins fell to the Buffalo Sabres 1–4, hampered by injuries to key players.[16] After holding out for the first 19 games of the 1999–00 season amid contract negotiations, Dafoe signed a three-year, $9.4 million extension on October 29, 1999, and returned to split duties with backup Rob Tallas, finishing with a 13–16–10 record in 41 games, a 2.96 GAA, .889 SV%, and three shutouts as the Bruins missed the playoffs.[17] The 2000–01 campaign saw similar inconsistency, with Dafoe logging 45 games for a 22–14–7 record, 2.39 GAA, .906 SV%, and two shutouts, but the team again failed to qualify for the postseason. In 2001–02, Dafoe reclaimed the starter role with a 35–26–3 record over 64 games, a 2.21 GAA, .907 SV%, and four shutouts, guiding the Bruins to a first-round matchup against the Montreal Canadiens, where they lost 2–4 despite Dafoe's 2–4 record, 3.19 GAA, and .865 SV% in six outings.[1] Dafoe became an unrestricted free agent following the season and later signed with the Atlanta Thrashers.[18]Atlanta Thrashers and post-NHL career
Dafoe signed with the Atlanta Thrashers as a free agent on July 3, 2002, bringing his experience from a career-high 35 wins with the Boston Bruins the previous season to help stabilize the team's goaltending, which had struggled with a combined 34 wins over the prior two years.[19] In the 2002–03 season, he appeared in 17 games as the primary goaltender, posting a 5–11–1 record with a 4.36 goals-against average (GAA) and .862 save percentage, reflecting the Thrashers' defensive challenges during their expansion-era struggles.[1] The following year, 2003–04, Dafoe shared duties amid a crowded crease that included Mike Dunham and rookie Kari Lehtonen, playing 18 games with a 4–11–1 record, 3.15 GAA, and .898 save percentage, but the team's overall performance remained poor, finishing last in the Southeast Division.[8][20] Following the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Dafoe briefly returned to professional play, appearing in two games for Omskie Yastreby of Russia's third-tier league in 2005–06, where he recorded a 0.50 GAA.[3] He then retired from professional hockey, citing chronic knee issues that required eight surgeries over his career. Post-retirement, Dafoe founded Diamante Custom Automation in Kelowna, British Columbia, a company specializing in high-end Crestron home automation systems for luxury residences, serving affluent clients including fellow NHL alumni like Wade Redden and Cody Franson; the venture began as a hobby and expanded after partnering with a Crestron dealer. Dafoe has remained involved in hockey through recreational play, skating as a forward in a local doctors' league to avoid stressing his knees in net, and coaching his youngest son in peewee hockey. He co-founded Athletes Against Autism, a nonprofit organization with fellow NHL goaltenders Olaf Kölzig and Scott Mellanby, aimed at raising awareness and funds for autism research and support. Additionally, Dafoe has invested in real estate, owning a 13,000-square-foot mansion in Kelowna and stakes in golf courses, resorts, and subdivisions.Personal life
Family and philanthropy
Dafoe is married and has two sons, one of whom has autism.[21][4] The family resides in Kelowna, British Columbia.[4] Motivated by his son's diagnosis, Dafoe co-founded Athletes Against Autism in 2008 alongside fellow NHL players Olaf Kolzig and Scott Mellanby.[22][23] The nonprofit organization aims to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders and fund research and support services for affected individuals and families.[22] Initially launched with eight athlete participants, the initiative grew to include over 100 professional athletes committed to advocacy and fundraising efforts. Through Athletes Against Autism, Dafoe has participated in events and campaigns to promote early diagnosis and access to therapeutic resources, emphasizing the personal impact of autism on families like his own.[21] The organization collaborates with medical experts and other charities to direct donations toward practical support, such as educational programs and family assistance grants.[23] Dafoe's involvement underscores his commitment to leveraging his platform as a former NHL goaltender for broader social good.[21]Post-retirement business ventures
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2005, Byron Dafoe transitioned into entrepreneurship, focusing on luxury home automation and real estate development in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. He co-founded Diamante Custom Automation in 2005, a company specializing in high-end smart home systems using Crestron technology to enable remote control of lighting, security, audiovisual, and climate features via smartphone apps.[21] The business, initially based in Atlanta and later headquartered in Kelowna, caters primarily to affluent clients, including fellow NHL players such as Wade Redden and Cody Franson, by integrating automation during the pre-construction phase of luxury estates.[21] Dafoe has described the systems' flexibility, noting, "You can go as elaborate as you want... we can control it from any mechanism."[21] As of 2024, Diamante continues to operate, outfitting high-end residences with advanced automation solutions.[24] Dafoe also serves as a partner in the firm, which has been showcased in projects like his own 13,000-square-foot mansion in Kelowna, featuring custom rinks and integrated tech.[25] In parallel, Dafoe entered real estate development through Eagle Mountain Development, established in 2004, targeting upscale properties in the Okanagan region. One early project was Eagle Mountain Estates, where he acquired 40 hectares of waterfront land north of Naramata in 2004 and subdivided it into premium lots appealing to luxury buyers.[26] His portfolio expanded to include interests in golf courses, resorts, and subdivisions, managed from Kelowna, reflecting a strategic pivot to leverage the area's booming tourism and real estate market.[21] A flagship endeavor was Trepanier Manor (later associated with Tabletop Mountain Resort) in Peachland, announced around 2010 as a 25-acre development featuring a 38-room five-star hotel and 20 deluxe cottages adjacent to a redeveloped Greg Norman-designed golf course. By mid-2010, half of the homes were pre-sold, with construction slated to begin that fall.[26] Dafoe partnered with investors including Richard Dudelzak and local developer Scott Wilshaw on the project, which aimed to offer exclusive Okanagan Valley accommodations.[27] Site preparation advanced, including one cottage and a garden suite, but the initiative faced delays. As an original investor, Dafoe remains involved; by 2022, the district of Peachland reported ongoing permit reviews for additional cottages under the valid CD-6 zoning, with potential resumption of construction pending approvals, though hotel plans remain uncertain.[27] Dafoe has additional development interests in Mexico, though specifics are limited.[26]Acting career
In 1999, Dafoe appeared as himself in a cameo role in the episode "Ouch" of the Disney Channel television series The Jersey, which aired on October 15, 1999. In the episode, a character uses a magical jersey to experience playing as a professional hockey player, including time in Dafoe's body as the Boston Bruins goaltender.[28][29]Career statistics
Regular season
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | T | OTL | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992–93 | WSH | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | ||
| 1993–94 | WSH | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 230 | 13 | 0 | 3.39 | .871 | |
| 1994–95 | WSH | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 187 | 11 | 0 | 3.53 | .863 | |
| 1995–96 | LAK | 47 | 14 | 24 | 8 | 2,666 | 172 | 1 | 3.87 | .888 | |
| 1996–97 | LAK | 40 | 13 | 17 | 5 | 2,163 | 112 | 0 | 3.11 | .905 | |
| 1997–98 | BOS | 65 | 30 | 25 | 9 | 3,693 | 138 | 6 | 2.24 | .914 | |
| 1998–99 | BOS | 68 | 32 | 23 | 11 | 3,996 | 133 | 10 | 2.00 | .926 | |
| 1999–00 | BOS | 41 | 13 | 16 | 10 | 2,307 | 114 | 3 | 2.97 | .890 | |
| 2000–01 | BOS | 45 | 22 | 14 | 7 | 2,532 | 101 | 2 | 2.39 | .906 | |
| 2001–02 | BOS | 64 | 35 | 26 | 3 | 3,827 | 141 | 4 | 2.21 | .907 | |
| 2002–03 | ATL | 17 | 5 | 11 | 1 | 895 | 65 | 0 | 4.36 | .862 | |
| 2003–04 | ATL | 18 | 4 | 11 | 1 | 973 | 51 | 0 | 3.15 | .898 | |
| Career | 415 | 171 | 170 | 56 | 23,479 | 951 | 26 | 2.69 | .904 |
Playoffs
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–94 | WSH | 2 | 0 | 2 | 118 | 5 | 0 | 2.54 | .872 |
| 1994–95 | WSH | 1 | 0 | 1 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 3.00 | .667 |
| 1997–98 | BOS | 6 | 2 | 4 | 422 | 14 | 1 | 1.99 | .912 |
| 1998–99 | BOS | 12 | 6 | 6 | 768 | 26 | 2 | 2.03 | .921 |
| 2001–02 | BOS | 6 | 2 | 4 | 358 | 19 | 0 | 3.19 | .865 |
| Career | 27 | 10 | 17 | 1,686 | 65 | 3 | 2.31 | .903 |
Awards and honors
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| AHL | |
| Calder Cup (Portland Pirates) | 1993–94 |
| Hap Holmes Memorial Award (shared with Olaf Kolzig) | 1993–94 |
| First All-Star Team | 1993–94 |
| NHL | |
| Calder Memorial Trophy voting (14th) | 1995–96 |
| Vezina Trophy voting (8th) | 1997–98 |
| Hart Memorial Trophy voting (12th) | 1997–98 |
| NHL Second All-Star Team | 1998–99 |
| Vezina Trophy voting (3rd) | 1998–99 |
| Hart Memorial Trophy voting (9th) | 1998–99 |
| Led league in shutouts (10) | 1998–99 |
| Vezina Trophy voting (10th) | 2001–02 |