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Dirk Graham
Dirk Graham
from Wikipedia

Dirk Milton Graham (born July 29, 1959) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward who played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota North Stars in the National Hockey League. He was honored in 1991 as the Frank J. Selke Trophy winner for outstanding defensive play by a forward. Graham served as head coach of the Blackhawks for the first 59 games of the 1998–99 season. Graham was both the first NHL captain and head coach of African descent.[1]

Key Information

Playing career

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Graham was selected 89th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft after spending four years with the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League. Graham spent four years in the minor leagues which included the International Hockey League and the Central Hockey League. In 1980–81, Graham scored 40 goals with the Toledo Goaldiggers of the IHL, and he was named to the second all-star team. In 1982–83, he scored 70 goals with the Goaldiggers and was named to the first all-star team. This caught the attention of some, and he was signed as a free agent by the Minnesota North Stars after never playing a game with the Canucks. Graham spent two more years developing in the American Hockey League and Central Hockey League. He was selected to the CHL First All-Star Team in 1983–84. In 1985–86, Graham was playing full-time with the North Stars. He recorded consecutive 20 goal seasons in Minnesota and was chosen to represent Team Canada in the 1987 World Ice Hockey Championships. On January 2, 1988, Graham was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for Curt Fraser.

Graham played his best hockey in Chicago. In his first full season with the Blackhawks (1988–89), Graham topped the 30 goal mark for the first time in his career and finished with a career high 78 points (A stunning 10 of his 33 goals were short-handed; thus he joins Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Marcel Dionne as one of only four players to achieve ten or more short-handed goals in a season). He scored 20 goals or more four times with the Blackhawks.

In 1990–91, he won the Frank J. Selke Trophy for best defensive forward in the league and represented Team Canada in the Canada Cup tournament. Canada would beat the United States to take first place. Late in 1988–89, Graham was named team captain (replacing Denis Savard), the first player of African descent to become team captain in the National Hockey League.[2] He captained the team all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1991–92, where they were swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Graham retired in 1995 after the lockout shortened season.[3]

Post-playing career

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Shortly after retiring, Graham served as assistant coach for Craig Hartsburg with the Chicago Blackhawks. Graham took a year off, then returned as a scout for the Chicago Blackhawks. He served briefly as a head coach in 1998–99 until he was replaced by Lorne Molleken. He is currently a scout for the San Jose Sharks.[4][5]

Awards and achievements

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Dirk Graham
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
Canada Cup
Gold medal – first place 1991 Canada Ice Hockey
Dirk Graham won the Frank Selke Trophy
  • WHL Second All-Star Team – 1979
  • Selected to the IHL Second All-Star Team in 1981.
  • Selected to the IHL First All-Star Team in 1983.
  • Selected to the CHL First All-Star Team in 1984.
  • Frank J. Selke Trophy winner in 1991.
  • First player of African descent to be named team captain in the NHL.
  • First person of African descent to be named head coach in the NHL.

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1975–76 Regina Blues SJHL 54 36 32 68 82
1975–76 Regina Pats WCHL 2 0 0 0 0 6 1 1 2 5
1976–77 Regina Pats WCHL 65 37 28 65 66
1977–78 Regina Pats WCHL 72 49 61 110 87 13 15 19 34 37
1978–79 Regina Pats WHL 71 48 60 108 252
1979–80 Dallas Black Hawks CHL 62 17 15 32 96
1980–81 Fort Wayne Komets IHL 6 1 2 3 12
1980–81 Toledo Goaldiggers IHL 61 40 45 85 88
1981–82 Toledo Goaldiggers IHL 72 49 65 105 68 13 10 11 21 8
1982–83 Toledo Goaldiggers IHL 78 70 55 125 88 11 13 7 20 30
1983–84 Minnesota North Stars NHL 6 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 2
1983–84 Salt Lake Golden Eagles CHL 57 37 57 94 72 5 3 8 11 2
1984–85 Minnesota North Stars NHL 36 12 11 23 23 9 0 4 4 7
1984–85 Springfield Indians AHL 37 20 28 48 41
1985–86 Minnesota North Stars NHL 80 22 33 55 87 5 3 1 4 2
1987–88 Minnesota North Stars NHL 28 7 5 12 39
1987–88 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 42 17 19 36 32 4 1 2 3 4
1988–89 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 80 33 45 78 91 16 2 4 6 38
1989–90 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 73 22 32 54 102 5 1 5 6 2
1990–91 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 80 24 21 45 88 6 1 2 3 19
1991–92 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 80 17 30 47 89 18 7 5 12 8
1992–93 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 84 20 17 37 139 4 0 0 0 0
1993–94 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 67 15 18 33 45 6 0 1 1 4
1994–95 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 40 4 9 13 42 16 2 3 5 8
NHL totals 772 219 270 489 919 90 17 27 44 94

International

[edit]
Year Team Event GP G A Pts PIM
1987 Canada WC 9 0 3 3 9
1991 Canada CC 8 3 1 4 0
Senior totals 17 3 4 7 9

Coaching record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
G W L T Pts Division rank Result
Chicago Blackhawks 1998–99 59 16 35 8 40 3rd in Central Fired
NHL totals 59 16 35 8 40

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Dirk Graham (born July 29, 1959) is a Canadian former player and coach, renowned as a right winger who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the and , amassing 219 goals and 489 points in 772 regular-season games. Drafted in the fifth round (89th overall) of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft by the , Graham spent his early professional years in the minor leagues before establishing himself as a top defensive forward, highlighted by his 1991 win as the league's best at the position—the first for a Black player. As the Blackhawks' captain from 1989 to 1995, he became the NHL's first Black team captain and led the team to the 1992 Final, while later serving as the league's inaugural Black head coach during the 1998–99 season. Graham's playing career began in the (WHL) with the , where he recorded 283 points over 210 games from 1975 to 1979. After signing with the North Stars organization post-draft, he debuted in the NHL during the 1983–84 season and played five seasons there, contributing to consistent playoff appearances before being traded to the Blackhawks on January 2, 1988. In , he reached career highs of 33 goals, 45 assists, and 78 points in his first full season (1988–89), including a franchise-record 10 goals, and helped extend the team's playoff streak to 11 consecutive postseasons. Internationally, Graham represented at the , where he scored three goals in eight games en route to the championship victory over the . Following his retirement after the 1994–95 season, Graham transitioned into coaching and scouting roles with the Blackhawks, serving as an assistant coach in 1995–96 before his historic appointment as on June 29, 1998. Over 59 games, he compiled a record of 16 wins, 35 losses, and 8 ties, guiding the team through a transitional period amid roster changes. He currently serves as a pro scout for the and was inducted into the in 2025. Graham's trailblazing contributions extended beyond statistics, as his captaincy and coaching milestone opened doors for diversity in professional hockey, earning recognition during NHL initiatives.

Early life and junior career

Early life

Dirk Milton Graham was born on July 29, 1959, in , . He was born to a family of mixed heritage, with one parent of African descent and the other of European descent, making him biracial and one of the first prominent Canadian hockey players of African descent. Graham grew up in North-Central Regina, across from Taylor Field, living with his grandparents. Hockey became a key outlet for Graham, as he first laced up skates on frozen ponds and community rinks in Regina, honing basic skills through informal play and local youth programs, including an outdoor rink made from a flooded sand parking lot used for games. By his early teens, Graham joined organized youth in Regina's minor hockey system, participating in local tournaments that emphasized play and resilience. These experiences built his foundation before transitioning to junior hockey with the at age 16.

Junior hockey career

Dirk Graham began his major junior hockey career at the age of 16, joining the of the Western Canada Junior Hockey League (WCHL) during the 1975–76 season after playing with the Regina Pat Blues of the (SJHL). In his debut WCHL season, he appeared in just two regular-season games without recording a point, though he contributed two points in six playoff contests. The following year, 1976–77, Graham established himself as a key offensive contributor, scoring 37 goals and 65 points in 65 games while accumulating 66 penalty minutes, showcasing his blend of scoring ability and physical play. Graham's development accelerated in the 1977–78 season, where he posted career-high numbers with 49 goals and 110 points in 72 games, leading the Pats in scoring and helping the team reach the WCHL playoffs. He carried that momentum into the postseason, tallying 34 points in 13 games. By his final junior season in 1978–79, with the league now rebranded as the Western Hockey League (WHL), Graham served as team captain and delivered another prolific performance, notching 48 goals and 108 points in 71 games despite serving 252 penalty minutes, reflecting his aggressive style. His consistent production earned him a spot on the WHL Second All-Star Team that year. Following the 1978–79 season, Graham's junior success culminated in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, where he was selected in the fifth round, 89th overall, by the . Rather than joining Vancouver immediately, he transitioned directly to professional hockey, signing with the Canucks' affiliate, the Dallas Black Hawks, for the 1979–80 season. Over his four seasons with the Regina Pats in the WCHL/WHL, Graham played 210 games, recording 134 goals, 149 assists, and 283 points, establishing himself as one of the league's top forwards. Including his SJHL rookie year, his overall major junior totals stood at 264 games, 170 goals, 181 assists, and 351 points.

Professional playing career

Minor league beginnings

Following his selection in the fifth round (89th overall) of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft by the , Graham signed a multi-year contract with the team on September 7, 1979, and was assigned to their (CHL) affiliate, the Dallas Black Hawks, for the 1979–80 season. In 62 games, he recorded 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points, marking his introduction to professional hockey's increased physical demands as a right winger transitioning from junior eligibility. In the 1980–81 season, Graham shifted to the International Hockey League (IHL), beginning with a brief stint at the where he tallied 1 goal and 2 assists in 6 games before joining the Toledo Goaldiggers for 61 games, scoring 40 goals and 45 assists for 85 points. His performance earned him a selection to the IHL Second All-Star Team, highlighting his emerging offensive prowess in minor professional play. Graham remained with the Goaldiggers for the next two seasons, solidifying his status as a top scorer. During 1981–82, he posted 49 goals and 56 assists for 105 points in 72 games, contributing to Toledo's Turner Cup championship. In 1982–83, he led the IHL with 70 goals and added 55 assists for 125 points in 78 games, securing another Turner Cup title and earning IHL First All-Star Team honors. Prior to the 1983–84 season, Graham signed as a with the , ending his affiliation with and paving the way for his NHL debut. Over his four minor league seasons from 1979 to 1983, he appeared in 279 games, accumulating 177 goals, 173 assists, and 350 points, adapting to the rigors of professional competition while honing his two-way game.

Minnesota North Stars

Graham signed as a with the on August 17, 1983, after a standout season in the International Hockey League with the Toledo Goaldiggers, where he scored 70 goals and was named to the first team. His NHL debut came during the 1983–84 season, where he appeared in six regular-season games, recording one goal and one assist. That year, the reached the Finals, but Graham played just one playoff game without recording a point. In the 1984–85 season, Graham split time between the North Stars and the American Hockey League's Springfield Indians, playing 36 NHL games and scoring 12 goals with 11 assists for 23 points. His role expanded significantly by the 1985–86 season, when he became a full-time NHL player on the top line, appearing in all 80 games and posting 22 goals and 33 assists for 55 points. During the playoffs that year, Graham contributed three goals and one assist in five games against the St. Louis Blues in the division semifinals. The following season, 1986–87, he built on that success with 25 goals and 29 assists in 76 games, solidifying his position as a reliable scoring winger. In the 1984–85 playoffs, he added four assists over nine games as the North Stars advanced to the Norris Division Finals before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks. Graham's tenure with the North Stars ended midway through the 1987–88 season when he was traded to the on January 2, 1988, in exchange for forward Curt Fraser. Over parts of five seasons with , he played 226 regular-season games, accumulating 67 goals and 79 assists for 146 points.

Chicago Blackhawks

Dirk Graham joined the via trade from the [Minnesota North Stars](/page/Minnesota_North Stars) on January 2, 1988, in exchange for left winger Curt Fraser, a move that allowed him to expand his offensive contributions on a contending team. In his first full season with Chicago during 1988–89, Graham recorded 33 goals and 45 assists for 78 points in 80 games, marking a career high in scoring and helping the Blackhawks reach the semifinals. In March 1989, following an injury to , Graham was named the 31st in Blackhawks history on an interim basis and later made permanent, becoming the first NHL of African descent, a milestone that highlighted his qualities and on-ice tenacity. He held the through the 1994–95 season, guiding the team to notable successes, including the 1989–90 title and the 1990–91 for the league's best regular-season record with 49 wins and 106 points. Under his , Chicago advanced deep into the multiple times, culminating in a run to the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the in four games despite Graham's natural in Game 4. Graham's tenure peaked in terms of team accomplishment during the early , though injuries began to impact his play later on; in the 1989–90 season, he contributed 22 goals in 73 games while the Blackhawks won the with 52 victories. The 1994–95 lockout-shortened season proved particularly challenging, as he managed just 4 goals and 9 assists in 40 games before a series of injuries, including issues that limited his mobility, prompted his retirement on August 7, 1995, at age 36. Over his seven seasons with from 1988 to 1995, Graham appeared in 546 regular-season games, scoring 152 goals and 191 assists for 343 points, while serving as for six full seasons and overseeing consistent playoff contention, including three Conference Finals appearances.

International career

1987 IIHF World Championship

Dirk Graham earned his first selection to Team Canada for the senior level at the 1987 IIHF World Championship, held in , from April 10 to 26. Following consecutive 20-goal seasons with the in the NHL, Graham joined the roster as a 27-year-old forward, bringing his checking-style play to the international stage. In the featuring eight teams, Graham appeared in 9 games on a checking line, focusing on defensive matchups against skilled European forwards while contributing offensively with 3 assists for 3 points and accumulating 8 penalty minutes. Team finished fourth overall with a 4-2-2 record, securing wins over , the , , and but falling short of the medals behind gold medalist , silver medalist , and bronze medalist . This tournament represented Graham's initial exposure to high-stakes global competition, where he adapted to the more structured , leveraging his NHL as a reliable defensive winger with the North Stars.

1991 Canada Cup

Dirk Graham was selected to represent Team Canada for the tournament, held from August 31 to September 16, where he joined an elite roster featuring superstars such as and under head coach . As a two-way forward fresh off winning the as the NHL's top defensive forward, Graham was chosen for his reliability in checking duties and penalty killing, complementing the offensive firepower of his linemates. His as captain of the further enhanced his value on the international stage. Over eight games in the tournament, Graham recorded three goals and one assist for four points, while posting a plus-three rating and contributing to Canada's undefeated run through the round-robin and playoffs, culminating in a victory. His goals came in high-stakes situations: one in the 4–1 round-robin win over on September 5, one in the 4–0 semifinal win over on September 12, and one in the best-of-three final series against the . In the 4–2 Game 2 clincher, Graham sealed the victory with an empty-net goal assisted by and at 19:18 of the third period on September 16, securing Canada's fourth title after a 4–1 Game 1 win. Graham's contributions extended beyond scoring, as his defensive prowess was instrumental in neutralizing opponents during crucial moments, including strong penalty-killing shifts in the semifinal against and the finals against the U.S., where he helped limit high-danger chances against goaltender . This two-way reliability earned praise from observers for allowing Canada's offensive stars to thrive while providing balance to the lineup. The gold medal marked Graham's only international title in his career, following a fourth-place finish at the 1987 IIHF World Championship.

Awards and achievements

NHL individual awards

Dirk Graham's defensive prowess as a forward earned him significant individual recognition in the National Hockey League during his time with the . In 1991, Graham won the , presented annually to the NHL forward who demonstrates the most outstanding defensive play. The award, voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, honors excellence in areas such as checking, penalty killing, faceoffs, and overall defensive responsibility while maintaining offensive contributions. Graham received the trophy for his 1990–91 season performance, in which he tallied 24 goals, 21 assists, and 45 points over 80 games, posting a +12 rating and accumulating 88 penalty minutes. He secured 157 voting points, including 21 first-place votes, outpacing runner-up of the (133 points) and third-place finisher of the Blackhawks (74 points). Graham's checking-line role was pivotal, as he scored seven shorthanded goals, underscoring his effectiveness in neutralizing opponents and contributing to special teams. These honors highlighted his reputation as a reliable, hard-working forward whose defensive reliability complemented his scoring touch, though he did not receive nominations for major offensive awards like the Hart Memorial Trophy or Art Ross Trophy.

Team and milestone honors

Dirk Graham made history as the first NHL captain of African descent when he was named to lead the Chicago Blackhawks in 1989, a role he held until his retirement in 1995, breaking significant barriers in a league long dominated by white players. This appointment highlighted his emergence as a respected leader capable of guiding a competitive team through the challenges of the era. Under Graham's captaincy, the Blackhawks achieved notable team successes, including winning the in the 1990–91 season for the league's best regular-season record with 106 points. The following year, in 1991–92, he led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they faced the , marking Chicago's first appearance in the Finals since 1973 and showcasing their resurgence as a playoff powerhouse. Graham's leadership contributed to several playoff milestones, including the Blackhawks' 1989–90 Norris Division championship, where they finished first in the division with 41 wins (41–33–6 record) and advanced to the Finals. During his tenure as captain, Chicago secured multiple Norris Division titles in 1989–90, 1990–91, 1992–93, and 1994–95, establishing the team as a consistent contender in the Campbell Conference. Over his NHL career, Graham played in 862 games, including 772 regular-season contests and 90 playoff appearances, with much of his impact felt in Chicago's revival that transformed the franchise from mid-tier status to frequent deep playoff runs. His Selke Trophy win in 1991 further exemplified the defensive leadership that bolstered these team accomplishments.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Graham was appointed head coach of the on June 29, 1998, succeeding , who had been dismissed after the team missed the for the first time since 1970. Drawing from his playing career as a defensive specialist and former team captain, Graham emphasized a system rooted in forechecking, team commitment, and defensive structure to revive the franchise's identity. In the 1998–99 season, Graham coached the first 59 games, posting a record of 16–35–8 and a .339 , as the Blackhawks struggled with an inconsistent roster blending veterans and prospects. The team finished 3rd in the Central Division with 70 points, marking their worst performance in over four decades, and failed to qualify for the . Graham provided increased ice time to emerging players like , who tallied 22 goals and 42 points in 72 games under his guidance. On February 22, 1999, amid the team's dismal start and last-place standing, Graham was relieved of his duties, with assistant Lorne Molleken assuming interim head coaching responsibilities for the remainder of the season. Over his brief NHL head coaching tenure of 59 games, Graham's Blackhawks compiled a 16–35–8 record without any playoff appearances, reflecting broader challenges in the post-1994–95 lockout era as the franchise navigated constraints and roster turnover.

Scouting and development positions

Following the conclusion of his head coaching tenure with the in 1999, Dirk Graham returned to , leveraging his extensive playing and background in player evaluation roles across the NHL. He initially resumed pro duties with the Blackhawks, where he had begun in that capacity during the 1997–98 and 1998–99 seasons prior to his promotion to . Graham continued his scouting career with the from 2003 to 2008, serving as a pro scout during a period that included the team's 2004 championship. During this time, he also served as of the Lightning's AHL affiliate, the , from 2004 to 2006. In this role, he focused on professional player assessments to support the Lightning's roster construction and trades. In 2008, Graham joined the organization as a pro , a position he has held continuously since then, continuing into the 2025–26 season and marking his 18th year with the team. His responsibilities have encompassed professional talent for acquisitions and contributing to draft preparations. Additionally, Graham has played a direct role in player development within the system, serving as a development coach for the team's AHL affiliates—the in 2014–15 and the from 2015–16 to 2019–20—where he emphasized leadership and character building among prospects. Graham's prior coaching experience has informed his perspective on two-way players, drawing from his own success as a defensive forward. Throughout his administrative career, he has not pursued positions, remaining focused on and development contributions. In 2025, Graham was inducted into the .

Career statistics

NHL regular season and playoffs

Dirk Graham competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 12 seasons from 1983 to 1995, primarily with the and . In 772 games, he amassed 219 goals, 270 assists, and 489 points, achieving a rating of +2 while accumulating 919 penalty minutes. His performance varied across teams and eras, with early years showing offensive promise and later seasons emphasizing defensive reliability. The following table details his season-by-season statistics:
SeasonAgeTmGPGAPTS+/-PIMEVPPSHGWSOGSPCT
1983-8424MNS61121010001010.0
1984-8525MNS36121123-152393018114.8
1985-8626MNS80223355-3871714317312.7
1986-8727MNS76252954-51421465219712.7
1987-88282TM70242448-77113101217313.9
1988-8929CHI8033457889118510521715.2
1989-9030CHI7322325411021723118012.2
1990-9131CHI8024214512881446718912.7
1991-9232CHI80173047-589106112227.7
1992-9333CHI8420173701391712518710.7
1993-9434CHI6715183313451302512212.3
1994-9535CHI4049132422110685.9
Career7722192704892919145393532181912.0
Graham's output peaked offensively in 1988–89 with 33 goals and 78 points in 80 games for , following a solid 55-point season in 1985–86 with . By the early , his role shifted toward defense, as evidenced by fewer even-strength goals and increased contributions, including a career-high 10 in 1988–89. His career regular season average stood at 0.63 , reflecting this evolution from primary scorer to two-way forward. In the playoffs, Graham participated in 11 postseasons, playing 90 games and registering 17 goals, 27 assists, and 44 points, with a of +10. The table below summarizes his postseason statistics:
SeasonAgeTmGPGAPTS+/-PIMEVPPSHGWSOGSPCT
1983-8424MNS10000200000
1984-8525MNS9044-570000150.0
1985-8626MNS53143220122313.0
1987-8828CHI4123-141000812.5
1988-8929CHI16246-3381100375.4
1989-9030CHI51560200101010.0
1990-9131CHI61232191000520.0
1991-9232CHI1875129870014515.6
1992-9333CHI4000-100000100.0
1993-9434CHI6011040000110.0
1994-9535CHI16235682001219.5
Career901727441094141241859.2
Graham's playoff production highlighted his clutch ability, notably in 1991–92 when he scored 7 goals over 18 games en route to the Stanley Cup Finals with . His postseason average of 0.49 points per game underscored a consistent, if less prolific, contribution compared to the regular season, often in a checking-line capacity.

International tournaments

Dirk Graham represented Team in two major international tournaments during his career: the 1987 IIHF World Championship and the . As a depth forward known for his defensive reliability, Graham contributed to Canada's efforts in these events, where his NHL-honed checking and penalty-killing skills translated effectively to the international stage. In the 1987 IIHF World Championship, held in , , the tournament featured eight teams in Pool A competing in a round-robin format followed by classification games for final placements. finished fourth overall, with Graham appearing in nine games as a supportive role player on the forward lines.
TournamentGPGAP+/-PIM
1987 IIHF World Championship9033+18
The was an invitational involving six nations, where went undefeated with six wins and two ties across eight games to claim gold. Graham played all eight contests, scoring three goals—including the empty-net clincher in the decisive 4-2 victory over the —and adding one assist, while posting a positive plus-minus rating reflective of his two-way play.
TournamentGPGAP+/-PIM
8314+30
Across his international career, Graham accumulated 17 games played, 3 goals, 4 assists, and 7 points for . He did not participate in the Olympics, as NHL professionals were ineligible until the 1998 Nagano Games, after his .

References

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