Hubbry Logo
Jon CaseyJon CaseyMain
Open search
Jon Casey
Community hub
Jon Casey
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Jon Casey
Jon Casey
Jon Casey
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Jonathon James Casey (born March 29, 1962) is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played in the National Hockey League with the Minnesota North Stars, Boston Bruins, and St. Louis Blues from 1984 to 1997.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Jon Casey was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to James and Colleen Casey. He is the second of four children. He played college hockey for the University of North Dakota from 1980 to 1984 and was part of two NCAA National Championship teams, in 1980 and 1982.

Playing career

[edit]

Casey spent most of his career with the Minnesota North Stars. In 1989-90, Casey tied Patrick Roy and Daren Puppa for the league lead in wins with 31. In 1993, he was a part of the Campbell Conference's roster at the 44th National Hockey League All-Star Game. Casey would also spend time with the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues.

Casey is best remembered for two famous moments when he was scored upon. The first, when Mario Lemieux split two North Stars defensemen (Neil Wilkinson and Shawn Chambers) and scored past Casey in Game 2 of the 1991 Stanley Cup Finals. The second came in the 1996 Stanley Cup playoffs when Steve Yzerman scored the game-winning goal in 2OT of Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals with a long shot from the blue line.

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
1978–79 Grand Rapids High School HS-MN — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
1979–80 Grand Rapids High School HS-MN — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
1980–81 University of North Dakota WCHA 5 3 1 0 300 19 0 3.80 .872 — — — — — — — —
1981–82 University of North Dakota WCHA 18 15 3 0 1038 48 1 2.77 .908 — — — — — — — —
1982–83 University of North Dakota WCHA 17 9 6 2 1020 42 0 2.51 .923 — — — — — — — —
1983–84 North Dakota Fighting Sioux WCHA 37 25 10 2 2180 115 2 3.13 .910 — — — — — — — —
1983–84 Minnesota North Stars NHL 2 1 0 0 84 6 0 4.29 .898 — — — — — — — —
1984–85 Baltimore Skipjacks AHL 46 30 11 4 2646 116 4 2.63 .908 13 8 3 689 38 0 3.31 —
1985–86 Minnesota North Stars NHL 26 11 11 1 1397 91 0 3.91 .884 — — — — — — — —
1985–86 Springfield Indians AHL 9 4 3 1 464 30 0 3.88 .879 — — — — — — — —
1986–87 Springfield Indians AHL 13 1 8 0 770 56 0 4.36 .873 — — — — — — — —
1986–87 Indianapolis Checkers IHL 31 14 15 0 1794 133 0 4.45 .865 — — — — — — — —
1987–88 Minnesota North Stars NHL 14 1 7 4 661 41 0 3.72 .882 — — — — — — — —
1987–88 Kalamazoo Wings IHL 42 24 13 5 2541 154 2 3.64 — 7 3 3 382 26 0 4.08 —
1988–89 Minnesota North Stars NHL 55 18 17 12 2961 151 1 3.06 .900 4 1 3 211 16 0 4.54 .868
1989–90 Minnesota North Stars NHL 61 31 22 4 3407 183 3 3.22 .896 7 3 4 415 21 1 3.04 .904
1990–91 Minnesota North Stars NHL 55 21 20 11 3185 158 3 2.98 .891 23 14 7 1205 61 1 3.04 .893
1991–92 Minnesota North Stars NHL 52 19 23 5 2911 165 2 3.40 .882 7 3 4 437 22 0 3.02 .902
1992–93 Minnesota North Stars NHL 60 26 26 5 3476 193 3 3.33 .885 — — — — — — — —
1993–94 Boston Bruins NHL 57 30 15 9 3192 153 4 2.88 .881 11 5 6 698 34 0 2.92 .890
1994–95 St. Louis Blues NHL 19 7 5 4 872 40 0 2.75 .900 2 0 1 30 2 0 4.00 .800
1995–96 St. Louis Blues NHL 9 2 3 0 395 25 0 3.80 .861 12 6 6 747 36 1 2.89 .905
1995–96 Peoria Rivermen IHL 43 21 19 2 2514 128 3 3.05 .887 — — — — — — — —
1996–97 St. Louis Blues NHL 15 3 8 0 707 40 0 3.39 .866 — — — — — — — —
1996–97 Worcester IceCats AHL 4 2 1 1 245 10 0 2.45 .916 — — — — — — — —
1997–98 Kansas City Blades IHL 24 9 13 2 1340 62 2 2.78 .903 — — — — — — — —
NHL totals 425 170 157 55 23,252 1246 16 3.22 .888 66 32 31 3743 192 3 3.08 .895

International

[edit]
Year Team Event GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA
1982 United States WJC 5 1 2 0 219 15 0 4.11
1990 United States WC 6 4 2 0 334 15 0 2.69
Junior totals 5 1 2 0 219 15 0 4.11
Senior totals 6 4 2 0 334 15 0 2.69

"Casey's stats". The Goaltender Home Page. Retrieved August 7, 2017.

Awards and honors

[edit]
Award Year
All-WCHA First Team 1981–82 [1]
All-WCHA Second Team 1982–83 [1]
All-WCHA First Team 1983–84 [1]
AHCA West First-Team All-American 1983–84 [2]
  • Played in NHL All-Star Game (1993)
  • AHL First All-Star Team (1985)
  • Harry Hap Holmes Memorial Award (fewest goals against - AHL) (1985)
  • Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award (Outstanding Goaltender - AHL) (1985)

Transactions

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jon Casey

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jon Casey (born March 29, 1962) is an American former undrafted who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1983 to 1997, appearing in 425 games with the , , and . Over his NHL career, he compiled a record of 170 wins, 157 losses, and 55 ties, with a goals-against average of 3.19 and 16 shutouts, while earning four selections in 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1993. Casey is particularly noted for his role in leading the North Stars to the 1991 Stanley Cup Finals, where he posted a 14–7 playoff record with a 3.04 goals-against average across 23 games. Prior to his professional career, Casey starred at the from 1980 to 1984, where he helped the Fighting Sioux secure two (WCHA) titles in 1981 and 1982. During his senior year in 1983–84, he recorded 25 wins (fifth-most in school history) and a school-record 1,160 saves in 37 games, earning First-Team honors, a finalist nomination, and his second First-Team All-WCHA selection. Casey ranks fifth all-time at UND in winning percentage (.711), eighth in save percentage and total saves, and was inducted into the university's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021. Internationally, Casey represented the at the 1982 World Junior Championships, where he appeared in five games, and at the 1990 IIHF World Championship, contributing to a fifth-place finish with a 5-1-0 record and 2.69 goals-against average in six outings. After his final NHL season in 1996–97, Casey played one last professional season with the of the International Hockey League (IHL) in 1997–98 before retiring, and has since maintained a low public profile with no further involvement in professional hockey.

Early life and education

Childhood in Grand Rapids

Jon Casey was born on March 29, 1962, in , a small town in the region renowned for its deep-rooted hockey culture and community passion for the sport. Growing up in the nearby mining community of , Casey was immersed in an environment where winter outdoor rinks and youth hockey programs were central to local life, fostering his initial interest in the game from a young age. His family, part of the area's working-class fabric tied to industries like and , relocated to Grand Rapids during his teenage years when his father secured employment at the Blandin paper mill, a move that aligned with the region's economic shifts and further embedded Casey in its hockey-centric traditions. As a youth, Casey began playing hockey in local programs typical of northern Minnesota's , where community leagues emphasized skill development amid harsh winters and a culture that viewed the sport as a pathway for opportunity. Standing at a relatively modest 5 feet 10 inches even as an adult—which influenced his agile, positionally aware style as a —Casey honed his reflexes through these early experiences, transitioning to organized play as a sophomore at Greenway High School in . The move to Rapids High School for his junior and senior years in 1979 sparked significant controversy in Minnesota's competitive prep hockey scene, as the transfer to a perennial powerhouse was seen as bolstering an already strong program; nonetheless, Casey quickly adapted, serving as the starting and contributing to the Thunderhawks' 1980 Class AA state championship victory. Local coaches in the Grand Rapids area, drawing from the Iron Range's storied emphasis on toughness and teamwork, played a pivotal role in shaping Casey's goaltending fundamentals, encouraging a scrappy approach suited to his build and the region's fast-paced, physical style of play. This upbringing in a hockey-mad community, where high school tournaments drew massive crowds and statewide attention, laid the groundwork for his athletic progression, culminating in his recruitment to college hockey at the .

College career at North Dakota

Jon Casey enrolled at the in 1980, joining the Fighting Sioux hockey program as a freshman under Gino Gasparini. As a member of the team during its dominant era in the (WCHA), Casey quickly integrated into the roster, serving primarily as a backup during his initial seasons while contributing to the program's success. His tenure coincided with a period of excellence for , including WCHA regular-season titles in 1981 and 1982. During his freshman year in 1980-81, Casey appeared in five games with a 3.80 goals-against average (GAA) and .872 save percentage. By his sophomore season in 1981-82, he emerged as the primary starter, playing 18 games and posting a 15-3-0 record, 2.77 GAA, .908 save percentage, and one shutout, earning First Team All-WCHA honors and helping North Dakota secure both the WCHA title and the 1982 NCAA Championship with key starts in the tournament. In the 1982 NCAA final against Wisconsin, Casey's solid play in net contributed to a 5-2 victory, capping a 35-12-2 overall record for the season. As a junior in 1982-83, he split time with 17 games played, achieving a 9-6-2 mark, 2.51 GAA, and .923 save percentage, which garnered him Second Team All-WCHA recognition. Casey's senior year in 1983-84 marked his breakout as the full-time starter, leading the WCHA with 25 wins in 37 games, a 25-10-2 record, 3.13 GAA, .910 save percentage, and two shutouts. This performance included a UND single-season record 1,160 saves and earned him First Team All-WCHA, First Team All-America honors, and a finalist nod for the . Over his four seasons, Casey compiled a .711 winning percentage, ranking fifth all-time at , and an eighth-place save percentage in program history. His development as a evolved from a reactive style reliant on quick reflexes in his early backup role to a more technical approach emphasizing positioning and puck-handling by his senior year, as evidenced by his improved save percentages and leadership in conference wins. Memorable moments included his standout relief appearance in a 1981 WCHA playoff game and his anchoring performance in the 1982 NCAA semifinals against Clarkson, where he allowed just two goals in a 6-2 win.

Professional career

Early minor league years

After a successful college career at the that positioned him for professional opportunities, Jon Casey signed as an undrafted with the [Minnesota North Stars](/page/Minnesota_North Stars) on April 1, 1984. Casey made his NHL debut shortly after signing, appearing in two games for the North Stars at the end of the 1983-84 season and recording a 1-0-0 mark with a 4.31 goals-against average. For the 1984-85 season, he was loaned to the North Stars' AHL affiliate, the , where he adapted to the professional level by anchoring the team's goaltending. In 46 regular-season games with , Casey posted a 30-11-4 record, a 2.63 GAA, a .908 save percentage, and four shutouts, contributing to the Skipjacks' league-best defensive performance that season. His standout play earned him the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award, given to the on the team allowing the fewest goals against, and the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL's top . Casey opened the 1985-86 campaign with the North Stars' primary AHL affiliate, the Springfield Indians, appearing in nine games with a 4-3-1 record and 3.88 GAA before transitioning to a full-time NHL role later that year.

Time with the Minnesota North Stars

Jon Casey signed as a with the on April 1, 1984, and made his NHL debut with the team two days later in a relief appearance during the 1983-84 season. He appeared in just two games that year, posting a 4.31 goals-against average (GAA). Following a season in the (AHL) with the in 1984-85, where he recorded a 30-11-4 mark, a 2.63 GAA, a .908 save percentage, and four shutouts, Casey joined the full-time in 1985-86 as a backup to primary Don Beaupre. In 26 games that season, he went 11-11-1 with a 3.91 GAA, helping the team reach the playoffs, though Minnesota was eliminated in the division semifinals. Casey's role expanded in subsequent seasons as he alternated starts with Beaupre and later other netminders, gradually establishing himself as a reliable presence in net. In the 1987-88 season, he appeared in 14 NHL games with a 1-7-4 record and 3.72 GAA, while spending most of the year in the International Hockey League (IHL) with the , where he posted a 24-13-5 record and 3.64 GAA in 42 games, helping the team reach the Turner Cup Finals. His breakout year came in 1989-90, when he assumed the starting role, tying for the NHL lead with 31 wins in 61 games alongside a 3.22 GAA and three ; he earned his first NHL selection and finished sixth in voting. That postseason, Casey backstopped to the conference finals with a 3-4 record in seven games and a in a 1-0 victory over the . The 1990-91 season marked Casey's peak with the North Stars, as he shared duties with backup in a tandem that provided stability during a franchise-record 98-point campaign. Casey posted 21 wins in 55 games with a 2.98 GAA and three , earning his second nod and a top-10 Vezina finish. In the , he excelled with a 14-7 record over 23 games and a 3.04 GAA, including a , guiding through upsets over the and to reach the Stanley Cup Finals against the . Despite the series loss in six games—highlighted by a memorable breakaway goal by in Game 2 that beat Casey —his performance underscored his importance to the team's deepest playoff run. Amid trade rumors in the early , Casey expressed strong to the North Stars, who had become his hockey home since his undrafted entry into . He continued as the primary starter in 1992-93, finishing with 26 wins in 60 games and a 3.33 GAA, but the team missed the playoffs. After nine seasons and 366 total appearances with —where he compiled a 128-126-42 regular-season record—Casey was traded by the (formerly the North Stars) to the on June 25, 1993, in exchange for .

Stints with the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues

On June 25, 1993, the Boston Bruins acquired Casey from the Dallas Stars in exchange for goaltender Andy Moog, completing an earlier deal that involved defenseman Gord Murphy. During the 1993-94 season, Casey served as the Bruins' primary goaltender, appearing in 57 games with a record of 30-15-9, a 2.88 goals-against average (GAA), and a .881 save percentage. His performance helped Boston finish second in the Adams Division and advance to the Wales Conference Finals, where they lost to the New Jersey Devils; Casey posted a 5-6 record in 11 playoff games with a 2.92 GAA. Additionally, Casey was selected to represent the Campbell Conference at the 1994 NHL All-Star Game held in New York City. Following the season, Casey signed with the as a on June 30, 1994, to serve as a backup to . In the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season, he appeared in 19 games, recording a 7-5-4 mark, a 2.75 GAA, and a .900 save percentage, contributing to the ' strong 41-29-12 overall record and their advancement to the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Casey saw limited action in the playoffs, playing two games with a 4.02 GAA as St. Louis fell to the . Casey's role expanded in the 1995-96 season amid goaltending instability, as he split time between the NHL and the Blues' IHL affiliate in Peoria before taking over as the starter in the after Grant Fuhr's injury. In 12 postseason games, he achieved a 6-6 record, a 2.89 GAA, and a .905 save percentage—including a —while leading to a first-round upset over the before a seven-game loss to the in the conference semifinals, capped by Steve Yzerman's game-winning goal in double overtime of Game 7. The reached the playoffs each year during Casey's tenure, bolstered by his steady veteran presence. In 1996-97, injuries limited Casey to 15 regular-season games as the backup to Joseph, where he posted a 3-8-0 record, 3.40 GAA, and .866 save percentage; he did not appear in the postseason as St. Louis lost in the first round to the Edmonton Oilers.

Final seasons and retirement

After being released by the St. Louis Blues following the 1996–97 season, in which he appeared in 15 games as a backup with a 3.40 goals-against average, Jon Casey signed with the Kansas City Blades of the International Hockey League (IHL) on July 31, 1997. The 35-year-old goaltender, who had served as a backup to Grant Fuhr during his three seasons with the Blues, hoped to contribute as a veteran presence on the Blades roster. In the 1997–98 season, Casey appeared in 24 games for the Blades, posting a 9–13–2 record with a 2.78 goals-against average and .903 save percentage before his playing time was curtailed. On December 16, 1997, he announced his retirement from professional hockey, citing the need to prioritize his amid personal challenges. “My was having some problems,” Casey told . “My children are in their teenage years and I need to be around to help control them.” This decision came after a professional career spanning 1980 to 1998, during which he played 425 NHL games across stints with the , , and , compiling a 170–157–55 record with a 3.22 goals-against average and 16 shutouts. Casey's exit from the sport was low-profile, with no immediate involvement in coaching or roles following his . His tenure with the had included a notable capstone in the 1996 playoffs, where he started 12 games, including a , during their run to the Western Conference Semifinals.

International career

1982 World Junior Championships

Jon Casey was selected to represent the United States at the 1982 IIHF World Junior Championship, held from December 22, 1981, to January 2, 1982, across venues in Bloomington and Duluth, Minnesota, as well as Halifax, Nova Scotia. As a 19-year-old goaltender from the University of North Dakota, he joined the roster alongside future NHL stars like Chris Chelios, integrating college talent into the national junior team during the tournament's North American hosting. This appearance marked Casey's debut on the international stage, providing early exposure amid Cold War-era tensions that heightened rivalries with teams like Canada and the Soviet Union. Serving primarily as the backup to , Casey appeared in five of the ' seven games, posting a 1-2-0 record while facing 94 shots. He allowed 15 goals over 219 minutes, resulting in a 4.11 goals-against average and an .840 save percentage, with notable stops during pool play that helped stabilize the defense in competitive matches. His performances contributed to the U.S. team's overall 2-5-0 record and sixth-place finish out of eight nations, as they navigated a challenging round-robin format against strong European and North American opponents. The tournament represented a pivotal moment in Casey's development, offering his first taste of high-stakes international hockey and bridging his collegiate success at —where he had earned WCHA First All-Star honors earlier that season—with emerging professional prospects. Despite the team's mid-pack result, Casey's experience honed his skills in a pressure-filled environment, foreshadowing his resilience as a pro .

1990 IIHF World Championship

Jon Casey was selected to represent the at the 1990 IIHF World Championship, held in and , from April 16 to May 2, 1990, as an NHL player with the . This marked his sole appearance at the senior international level. Casey shared goaltending duties with John Blue, appearing in 6 of Team USA's 10 games with a 5-1-0 record. He recorded a 2.69 goals-against average and .914 save percentage, allowing 15 goals on 174 shots faced over 335 minutes played. His performances included starts in the preliminary round and placement games, contributing to victories such as 2–1 and 3–2 against , as well as 6–3 and 5–3 over . The team finished fifth overall, with a 6–4 record, after losses to powerhouses including a 1–6 defeat to , 1–10 to the , 3–6 to , and 0–3 to . Casey's steady play against these European and North American opponents highlighted his adaptability to the international game's larger ice surface (200 feet by 85–100 feet) compared to NHL rinks. This tournament occurred during Casey's breakout 1989–90 NHL season, where he tied for the league lead with 31 wins, affirming his selection as a reliable option for national team duties.

Career statistics and records

NHL regular season and playoffs

Jon Casey played 425 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) over 13 seasons from 1984 to 1997, primarily as a starting goaltender for the Minnesota North Stars, with later stints for the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues. His career regular-season record stood at 170 wins, 157 losses, and 55 ties, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.22 and a save percentage of .888, alongside 16 shutouts. These totals reflect his role as a reliable workhorse netminder, often logging heavy minutes—over 23,000 in total—while contributing to multiple playoff runs for his teams.
SeasonTeamGPWLTGAASV%SO
1988–89Minnesota North Stars551817123.06.9001
1989–90Minnesota North Stars61312243.22.8963
1990–91Minnesota North Stars552120112.98.8913
1993–94Boston Bruins57301592.88.8814
Career-425170157553.22.88816
Casey's performance peaked in the early 1990s with the North Stars, where he tied for the league lead in wins with 31 during the 1989–90 season, helping the team secure a playoff spot. The following year, 1990–91, marked his most acclaimed regular season: he posted a 21–20–11 record with a 2.98 GAA and three shutouts over 55 games, earning 10 votes as a Vezina Trophy candidate while anchoring the North Stars' unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Across teams, Casey's wins were distributed heavily toward the North Stars (124 of his 170 total from 1984–1993), where he evolved into the primary starter after 1988, reducing his GAA from 3.72 in 1987–88 (14 games) to a career-low 2.88 in 1993–94 with the Bruins. With (1993–1995), he added 43 wins in 110 games, including a standout 1993–94 campaign that propelled the Bruins to the second round of the . His time with the (1995–1997) yielded 23 wins in 64 games, often as a backup, before retiring at age 35. This progression highlighted his adaptability and consistency, with post-1988 seasons averaging a sub-3.10 GAA and contributing to a team playoff qualification rate of over 70% during his starts. In the , Casey appeared in 66 , compiling a 32–31 record with a 3.10 GAA, .895 save percentage, and three . His most notable postseason came in 1990–91, starting all 23 for the North Stars en route to , where he recorded a 14–7 mark, 3.04 GAA, and one before a 4–2 series loss to the . Other key appearances included seven in 1989–90 (3–4, 3.04 GAA, one ) and 12 in 1995–96 with the (6–3, 2.89 GAA, one ), underscoring his ability to elevate team performance in high-stakes situations.

Minor leagues and international

Jon Casey's minor league career spanned several seasons across the (AHL) and International Hockey League (IHL), providing him with extensive professional experience outside the NHL. His debut came in the 1984–85 AHL season with the , where he recorded a 30–11–4 record in 46 games, a 2.63 goals-against average (GAA), and four shutouts, leading the team to the lowest goals against in the league and helping them advance to the Finals. For this performance, Casey earned the Baz Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding and the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award for his team's goaltending excellence. Subsequent AHL appearances were more limited, including nine games with the Springfield Indians in 1985–86 (4–3–1, 3.88 GAA) and 13 games in 1986–87 (3–8–2, 4.36 GAA). Casey also played extensively in the IHL, beginning with 31 games for the in 1986–87 (14–15–0, 4.45 GAA). The following season, he had a standout year with the , appearing in 42 games with a 24–13–5 record and 3.64 GAA, contributing to the team's Turner Cup playoff run. After a period focused on the NHL, he returned to the IHL in 1991–92 for four games with (2–1–1, 2.64 GAA) and in 1995–96 for 43 games with the Peoria Rivermen (21–19–2, 3.05 GAA, three shutouts). His final minor league season came in 1997–98 with the , where he posted a 9–13–2 record in 24 games, a 2.78 GAA, and two shutouts. A brief AHL stint with the in 1996–97 saw him go 2–1–1 in four games with a 2.45 GAA. Overall, Casey's play demonstrated resilience and consistency, with his early AHL success directly facilitating his transition to NHL rosters the following season. The following table summarizes Casey's regular-season statistics in the AHL and IHL:
SeasonLeagueTeamGPWLTMINGAGAASO
1984–85AHL463011426461162.634
1985–86AHLSpringfield Indians9431464303.880
1986–87AHLSpringfield Indians13382770564.360
1986–87IHLIndianapolis Checkers311415017941334.450
1987–88IHL422413525411543.640
1991–92IHL4211250112.640
1995–96IHLPeoria Rivermen432119225141283.053
1996–97AHL4211245102.450
1997–98IHL2491321340622.782
AHL Career Totals: 72 GP, 39–23–8, 3.08 GAA, 4 SO.
IHL Career Totals: 144 GP, 70–61–10, 3.47 GAA, 5 SO. In international competition, Casey represented the at the 1982 World Junior Championships, where he played five games with a 1–2–0 record, allowing 15 goals for a 4.11 GAA and .840 save percentage as the U.S. team finished eighth. He did not participate in the Olympics. Casey returned to international play at the 1990 IIHF World Championship, starting six games with a 5–1–0 record and 2.69 GAA, contributing to the U.S. fifth-place finish. The table below details Casey's international statistics:
TournamentYearGPWLTGAGAASV%
World Junior Championships19825120154.11.840
IIHF 19906510162.69N/A

Awards, honors, and legacy

Collegiate and accolades

During his collegiate career with the Fighting Sioux from 1980 to 1984, Jon Casey contributed to the NCAA team in 1982. In the 1981-82 and 1983-84 seasons, he earned All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) First Team honors, while receiving Second Team recognition in 1982-83, reflecting his consistent performance as a key in the conference. These accolades highlighted his role in bolstering the team's defense during successful campaigns, including a standout 1983-84 season where he posted a 3.13 goals-against average and recorded 25 wins. Casey culminated his college tenure with selection to the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) West First-Team All-American in 1983-84, underscoring his elite status among national goaltenders. He was also a finalist for the that year, recognizing top amateur players in NCAA hockey. These honors, combined with his championship experience, elevated his profile and led to his signing as a by the on April 1, 1984, facilitating a swift transition to professional hockey. In his lone full minor league season with the American Hockey League's (AHL) in 1984-85, Casey earned First All-Star Team honors, acknowledging his exceptional play across 80 games. He received the Harry "Hap" Holmes for contributing to the league's lowest team goals-against average (2.63), a testament to his reliability in net for a squad that reached the Finals. Additionally, Casey won the Aldege "Baz" Bastien as the AHL's top , an honor that celebrated his technical prowess and poise despite his compact 5-foot-10 frame, which was undersized for the era's standards. These achievements solidified his readiness for the NHL, prompting his call-up to the North Stars later that season after just one prior professional appearance.

NHL achievements and post-retirement recognition

During his NHL career, Jon Casey was selected to the four times (1989, 1990, 1991, 1993), though he appeared in only the 1993 game at in , showcasing his skills as a reliable starter for the North Stars during their final seasons in . Casey never won a major individual award such as the , but he posted several strong seasons in (GAA), reflecting his consistency in net. His career-best GAA of 2.75 came in the lockout-shortened 1994–95 season with the , where he recorded a 7–5–4 mark in 19 games. Earlier, in 1993–94 with the , he achieved a 2.88 GAA over 57 games, contributing to a 30–15–9 team record. These performances underscored his role as a steady performer, particularly during the North Stars' 1991 Final run, though detailed playoff metrics are referenced in broader career statistics. Following his retirement from professional hockey on December 16, 1997, Casey was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021 as part of the Class of 2021. The honor recognized his contributions both at UND, where he helped secure the 1982 NCAA championship, and in his subsequent 12-year NHL tenure with the North Stars, Bruins, and . Post-retirement, he has maintained a low-profile life as a family man in his native , prioritizing time with his loved ones after citing family commitments as a key factor in his decision to retire. Often described as an unsung hero of hockey history for his pivotal role in the North Stars' late-1980s and early-1990s success, Casey's legacy endures among fans as a scrambling, reflexive who exemplified resilience without seeking the spotlight. As of 2025, retrospectives continue to celebrate his contributions to the franchise's memory, even after the team's relocation to .

References

  1. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/caseyjo01.html
  2. https://fightinghawks.com/honors/hall-of-fame/jon-casey/20
  3. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/31329/jon-casey
  4. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=854
  5. https://www.nhl.com/player/jon-casey-8446011
  6. https://www.startribune.com/the-greenway-grand-rapids-rivalry-15-years-after-the-coldest-day-i-can-remember/505094382
  7. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/01/17/NHL-Roundup/4845506322000/
  8. https://www.uscho.com/stats/history/north-dakota/%2Cmens-hockey
  9. https://hobeybaker.com/hbma/jon-casey/
  10. https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/teams/minnesota-north-stars-goalies-1983-84-nhl-stats.html
  11. https://funwhileitlasted.net/2014/10/04/1981-1993-baltimore-skipjacks/
  12. https://ahlhalloffame.com/harry-hap-holmes-memorial-award
  13. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/awards/awarddetail.php?award_id=55
  14. https://www.si.com/nhl/biggest-blowout-in-stanley-cup-final-history-a-full-breakdown
  15. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/06/25/The-Boston-Bruins-Friday-announced-the-trade-of-Andy/6239740980800/
  16. http://www.nhltradetracker.com/user/trade_list_by_player/Casey%2CJon
  17. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BOS/1994.html
  18. https://hockeygoalies.org/bio/casey.html
  19. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/STL/1995.html
  20. http://scottywazz.blogspot.com/2010/04/absurd-goalie-monday-jon-casey.html
  21. https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/74/st.-louis-blues/stats/1995-1996/playoffs
  22. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/STL/1997.html
  23. https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/teams/st-louis-blues-goalies-1996-97-nhl-stats.html
  24. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/08/01/casey-heads-to-the-ihl/43df5e5b-c180-44bf-98db-27c7ee034f52/
  25. https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/613696/53?t=Family%2520man%2520Casey%2520calls%2520it%2520a%2520career
  26. https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/1263335-1982-iihf-world-junior-championship-minneapolis-st-paul-minn-
  27. https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/2923072-1982-wjc-u-s-national-junior-team-roster
  28. https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/2923074-1982-wjc-u-s-national-junior-team-statistics
  29. https://www.quanthockey.com/wjc-u20/en/seasons/1982-wjc-u20-goalies-stats.html
  30. https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/wjc-20/1981-1982
  31. https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/2673871-1990-roster
  32. https://www.quanthockey.com/whc/en/teams/team-usa-goalies-career-whc-stats.html
  33. https://www.quanthockey.com/whc/en/team-rosters/team-usa-1990-whc-roster.html
  34. https://www.quanthockey.com/hockey-stats/en/profile.php?player=906
  35. https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/2668973-1990-iihf-men-s-world-championship
  36. https://www.facebook.com/dailyfaceoff/posts/vezina-candidates-nhl/1114113034053634/
  37. https://fightinghawks.com/news/2021/5/10/football-und-announces-2021-hall-of-fame-class.aspx
  38. https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/613696/53
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFWnu_UA0fs
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4nP1XM6C8A
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.