Counting the Stars - #33 Don Beaupre

by Art Middleton on Aug 7, 2009 9:05 AM CDT in Dallas Stars History

Every day this summer (well almost every day anyway...) Defending Big D will count down the greatest players in franchise history (both Dallas and Minnesota), based on the sweater number they wore. Keep coming back for a look at who's the best in Stars history. For a recap on the list so far, click here.

The history of the Dallas/Minnesota franchise has seen more than it's fair share of standout goalies that have suited up for them. From Gilles Meloche to Marty Turco, the Stars have always had a very capable player between the pipes and our next pick at number 33 is no different...

#33 - Don Beaupre

After a stand out junior career in Sudbury, the Minnesota North Stars drafted Don early in the 2nd round (37th overall) in the 1980 draft. The 19 year old rookie quickly played himself into a co-starter role beside veteran Gilles Meloche and posted some of th ebest numbers he'd have in his career, played in the 1981 All-Star game and most importantly helped lead the North Stars to a very unexpected Stanley Cup final berth in the 1981 playoffs.

He remained with the team for the following eight seasons after mostly as a backup goalie to Gilles Meloche before getting his chance to be the lone number one starter in 1985 after yet another solid effort getting the North Stars to the semi-finals in the 84 playoffs. His time as the North Stars number one goalie started off decently enough, but his play and the play of the club overall started fading over the next three seasons. While not horrible, Beaupre's record usually hovered around the .500 mark while his other stats were considered very average for an NHL goalie at the time.

Coming into the 88-89 season, Beaupre's less than ideal play combined with the play of the up-and-coming Jon Casey led Minnesota to trade Don to Washington where he found a second life as a Capital and went on to have a very respectable 17 season NHL career.

Don left the North Stars with a record of 126-125-45 in 316 games played, a 3.74 goals against average and 3 shutouts.

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hogue should be the best with #33

by elric186 on Aug 7, 2009 8:29 PM CDT reply actions

I was about to inquire about where Hogue played into this as well

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by RPT on Aug 8, 2009 1:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Hogue

He was a fine player for the Stars in the three different stints he had in Dallas, a pretty good two-way player and of course a member of the 1999 Stanley Cup winning team, but other than his 19 goal season of 96-97 his play wasn’t all that remarkable. He was picked up late in the 99 season to add depth to the roster, but that’s really all he brought to the team.

Beaupre on the other hand was a key reason why the North Stars made it to the final in 1981 and again in 84 had another very good playoff run. His numbers – while rather inflated in comparison to today’s stats – were quite respectable in a more offensive era of the National Hockey League. In the 85-86 season (his first as the Stars starting goalie remember), his save percentage of .892 was actually good for 5th in the league. Better than the likes of Grant Fhur and Billy Smith.

by Art Middleton on Aug 8, 2009 2:48 AM CDT up reply actions