Ted Nolan

Ted Nolan is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach.

Ted Nolan is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach. He is known for coaching in the NHL, winning the Jack Adams Award in 1997, and for his advocacy and community work with Indigenous youth and women. Nolan is Ojibwe and a member of the Garden River First Nation in Ontario.

Early life and playing career

Ted Nolan was born in 1958 and grew up on the Garden River First Nation in northern Ontario. He played junior hockey in Ontario before being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1978 and later played in the NHL and AHL. He retired from playing in 1986.

Coaching career

After retiring as a player, Nolan began coaching in 1989 with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He coached the team to three straight Memorial Cup appearances and won the Memorial Cup in 1993. He later became head coach of the Buffalo Sabres and won the Jack Adams Award in 1997. He also coached the New York Islanders and led Latvia’s men's national team to the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Awards and recognition

Nolan won the Jack Adams Award in 1997 as NHL coach of the year. He has also received recognition for his broader contributions to sport and Indigenous communities.

Indigenous advocacy and community work

Nolan has been involved in Indigenous-focused initiatives, including the Ted Nolan Foundation and 3Nolans Hockey School. These efforts support education, leadership, and hockey development for Indigenous youth and women. He co-founded 3Nolans Hockey School with his sons Brandon and Jordan.

Legacy

Nolan is notable as one of the few First Nations head coaches in NHL history. His career is often discussed in connection with both his on-ice success and his advocacy work off the ice.