Doug Soetaert, Canadian ice hockey player

Born on April 21, 1955, Douglas Henry Soetaert is a notable figure in the world of professional ice hockey, particularly recognized for his career as a skilled Canadian goaltender. His journey in the sport saw him achieve success both on the ice in the National Hockey League and later in various significant executive roles within hockey organizations, contributing to the game's growth and operations for decades.

A Promising Start: The NHL Draft

Soetaert's professional hockey career officially began when he was selected by the New York Rangers in the second round of the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft, making him the 30th overall pick. This selection was a significant moment for the young Canadian goaltender, signaling his potential to become a key player in the demanding environment of the National Hockey League. The draft process is a pivotal event for aspiring hockey players, and being chosen early by an Original Six franchise like the Rangers highlighted the high expectations placed upon his shoulders.

A Distinguished Playing Career

Douglas Soetaert's playing career in the National Hockey League spanned an impressive twelve seasons, a testament to his dedication, skill, and resilience as a professional goaltender. During this period, he defended the net for three distinct franchises, each with its own rich history and fan base: the iconic New York Rangers, where his NHL journey began; the Winnipeg Jets, representing a different era of the league and a passionate hockey market; and the storied Montreal Canadiens, one of the most decorated franchises in hockey history. His time with these teams allowed him to experience various locker room cultures, competitive challenges, and the unique pressures associated with playing in the world's premier hockey league.

Transition to Management: Executive Leadership

Upon concluding his successful playing career, Soetaert seamlessly transitioned from life on the ice to leadership in the front office. He dedicated his expertise and deep understanding of the game to various hockey executive roles, contributing to the organizational success of several teams. These roles saw him work with a diverse range of clubs, including the Kansas City Blades, where he gained valuable experience in the International Hockey League (IHL); the Everett Silvertips, a prominent team in the Western Hockey League (WHL), a major junior hockey league known for developing future NHL talent; and the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights, an American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. These positions allowed him to cultivate skills in player evaluation, team management, and the intricate business aspects of running a professional hockey organization.

General Manager of the Tucson Roadrunners

His extensive experience and leadership culminated in a significant role during the 2016–17 season when he served as the general manager of the Tucson Roadrunners in the American Hockey League (AHL). As general manager, Soetaert was responsible for overseeing all hockey operations for the team, including player acquisitions, trades, drafting, development, and managing the coaching staff. This crucial position involves building a competitive roster and fostering a winning culture, all while developing prospects for the team's NHL affiliate. His tenure in Tucson further solidified his reputation as a respected and capable hockey executive.

Frequently Asked Questions about Doug Soetaert

When was Douglas Henry Soetaert born?

Doug Soetaert was born on April 21, 1955.

What position did Doug Soetaert play in ice hockey?

He played as a professional ice hockey goaltender.

Which NHL team drafted him and when?

He was selected by the New York Rangers in the second round (30th overall) of the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft.

How many seasons did he play in the National Hockey League?

Doug Soetaert played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League.

Which NHL teams did he play for?

He played for the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, and Montreal Canadiens.

What roles did he take on after his playing career?

After retiring as a player, he took on various hockey executive roles, including with the Kansas City Blades (IHL), Everett Silvertips (WHL), and Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights (AHL).

Did he ever serve as a General Manager?

Yes, he was the general manager of the Tucson Roadrunners in the American Hockey League during the 2016–17 season.