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Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteYear: 1985See School Profile Page
Adam Oates is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player, former co-head coach for the New Jersey Devils and former head coach for the Washington Capitals. He played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and Edmonton Oilers. Known as an elite playmaker, his career total of 1,079 assists was the fifth highest total in NHL history at the time of his 2004 retirement. After retiring as a player, he served as an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning and New Jersey Devils prior to joining the Capitals as their head coach for two seasons between 2012 and 2014. On January 27, 2017, in a ceremony during the All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Oates was part of the second group of players to be named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history. He holds the record for most points all-time of any NHL player who also played NCAA Hockey. As a college player at RPI for three seasons, Oates was a standout forward for the RPI Engineers. He lead the team to the 1985 NCAA National Championship. 1985 proved to be a stand-out year for Oates in college hockey as he established school single-season records for points (91) and assists (60) as well as career assists (150) – all of which he still holds. He also scored 66 goals in his 110 collegiate games. A two-time All-American and All-ECAC selection, he led Rensselaer in assists every year, helping the team to an overall record of 85-19-1 (.814) and two league championships. A management major from Weston, Ont., Oates went on to score 341 goals with 1,079 assists for 1,420 points in 1,337 games for seven NHL teams. A five-time All-Star Game participant, he retired the spring of 2005, ranking fifth all-time in NHL history in assists and 13th in points. First player inducted into PRI Hockey Ring of Honor, 2005. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 12, 2012 along with Joe Sakic, Pavel Bure, and Mats Sundin. Named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history.

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