Craig Ludwig

Craig Ludwig
Ludwig skating with the Montreal Canadiens' alumni team.
Born	(1961-03-15) March 15, 1961 (age 56) Rhinelander, WI, USA
Height	6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight	210 lb (95 kg; 15 st 0 lb)
Position	Defense
Shot	Left
Played for	Montreal Canadiens New York Islanders Minnesota North Stars Dallas Stars
National team	United States
NHL Draft	61st overall, 1980 Montreal Canadiens
Playing career	1982–1999

Craig Lee Ludwig (born March 15, 1961) is an American former professional hockey player. He played as a defenceman in the National Hockey League from 1982–1999 and was renowned for his shot-blocking ability. Ludwig currently is an analyst for the Dallas Stars television pre-game, intermission, and post-game shows.

Ludwig played high school hockey at Northland Pines High School in Eagle River, Wisconsin from 1975–1979. He helped the Eagles to the semi-finals in 1978–1979. He played on the USA Hockey National Junior Team that toured Germany in 1979–80. Ludwig went on to attend the University of North Dakota from 1979–1982 as a walk on. He won two National Championships while playing for the Fighting Sioux, alongside other future NHL players James Patrck, Mark Taylor, Doug Smail, Dave Tippett, Rick Zombo, Phil Sykes, Troy Murray, and Jon Casey.

Ludwig was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 3rd round of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, 61st overall. He won a Stanley Cup with the team in 1986. In 1990 he was traded to the New York Islanders for Gerald Diduck. After one season with the Isles, Ludwig signed as a free agent with the Minnesota North Stars.