Ken Hodge Jr.
Kenneth David Hodge Jr. is a Canadian born-American former professional ice hockey player for the Minnesota North Stars, Boston Bruins, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Born in Canada and raised in the United States, he is the son of former Bruins star Ken Hodge.
Playing career
Hodge began playing for his high-school team as a 16-year-old forward for the St. John's [Preparatory School |St. John's Prep] and playing two years, appearing in 44 games and recording 47-71-118 numbers. After graduating he entered the NHL draft.Hodge was selected by Minnesota in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft">National Hockey League">NHL Entry Draft. He then played three seasons with Boston College, being named Hockey East Rookie of the Year during his freshman year in 1984–85 [NCAA Division I men's ice hockey season|1984-85]. He scored 20 goals and 64 points in 44 games, after only appearing in 21 games in his sophomore year. He then had 62 points in 37 games during the 1986–87 [NCAA Division I men's ice hockey season|1986-87] season, helping Boston College claim the Hockey East regular season and tournament titles.
He began his professional career in 1987–88 with the Kalamazoo Wings in the International Hockey League. He played three seasons with Kalamazoo, having a 71 point season in 1988-89 and a 86 point season the following year in 1989-90. His NHL debut with five games with the North Stars in 1988–89. He was traded to the Boston Bruins on August 21, 1990 in exchange for the draft pick later used to select Dallas Stars defensive forward and multiple Selke Trophy winner Jere Lehtinen.
Hodge's best season was with the Bruins in 1990–91, when he scored 30 goals and added 29 assists, and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. On September 4, 1992, the Bruins traded him to the Tampa Bay Lightning with Matt Hervey for Darin Kimble and future considerations. Hodge's last NHL season was 1992–93 with Tampa Bay, when he had two goals and seven assists in 25 games. He played several more seasons in the minors, then two seasons in Europe, putting up decent numbers but ultimately retired after the 1997–98 season.
Since retirement hodge has served as a coach and senior advisor for the Boston hockey academy. He is also a member of the Bruins alumni organization playing in games to help raise money for charitable causes.