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Former Blazers blueliner Nolan Baumgartner inducted into AHL Hall of Fame

Victor Kaisar
Feb 7, 2023 | 3:33 PM


Former Blazers blueliner Nolan Baumgartner inducted into AHL Hall of Fame

Nolan Baumgartner (Photo via Manitoba Moose)

Former Kamloops Blazers blueliner, Nolan Baumgartner, has been inducted in the American Hockey League’s Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2022.

The 46-year-old Calgary native was part of the Blazers from 1992 until 1996, winning two Memorial Cups in the process.

A first round draft pick of the Washington Capitals in 1994, Baumgartner played parts of ten seasons in the National Hockey League for six different teams. He spent most of his playing career in the AHL, having had just one full NHL season under his belt with the 2005-06 Vancouver Canucks.

“I remember like it was yesterday, flying down into Portland, Maine after being sent down by the Washington Capitals and not knowing what the journey ahead of me was going to bring,” Baumgartner said, during his induction speech.

“Well, it brought a 16 year pro hockey career and 878 games in the American League and I’ll tell you here today, I wouldn’t trade it in for the world.”

A member of the AHL’s Portland Pirates, Norfolk Admirals, Manitoba Moose, Philadelphia Phantons, Iowa Stars, and Chicago Wolves, Baumgartner retired from hockey at the end of the 2011–12 with 390 AHL points (83 goals and 307 assists) to his name.

He joins fellow Class of 2022 inductees Keith Aucoin, Dave Creighton, and Bill Torrey. Long-time AHL president and CEO Dave Andrews – who were part of the Class of 2021 – were also inducted at a ceremony held at Théâtre Marcellin-Champagnat in Laval Monday.

“It was quite shocking, actually,” Baumgartner said of being told the news of his induction. “After it sunk in, I mean, it’s a huge honour. For me it’s just such an honour just to be recognized with all these other great players.”

In an emotional induction speech, where he noted the influence of coaches and mentors like Barry Trotz, Don Hay, and Trent Yawney, Baumgartner also thanked his parents for the sacrifices they made so he could play hockey.

“Always being there when I was a minor hockey player, supporting me when I left home at 16 to play junior hockey in Kamloops and for always being there for those late night phone calls when I turned pro,” he said.

“The lessons you guys taught me when I was young helped me every step of the way. I love you guys.”

A former assistant coach of the Vancouver Canucks, Baumgartner is currently an assistant coach with the Manitoba Moose in the AHL.