Andrew Burton McBain, born on January 18, 1965, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. McBain's NHL career began when he was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets as the eighth overall pick in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. McBain played as a right winger and was known for his physical style of play and ability to contribute offensively.
Winnipeg Jets team in 1984-85
Early Career with the Winnipeg Jets
McBain was selected 8th overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Winnipeg Jets after scoring 120 points in junior hockey the previous season for the North Bay Centennials. During his time with the Jets, he developed a reputation as a reliable forward, contributing both in scoring and in physical play.
McBain would struggle to build off his rookie campaign, however, and slumped to just 7 goals and 22 points in 1984-85. After scoring just 3 goals in 28 games to start the 1985-86 campaign, he suffered a serious knee injury which required surgery and ended his season. December 8, 1985 - Missed majority of 1985-86 due to knee injury.
However, McBain's career would take an upward turn when he was placed on a line with superstar center Dale Hawerchuk for the 1987-88 season and was finally able to show the talent which had made him such a high draft pick, finishing the year with 32 goals and 31 assists for 63 points. He proved especially deadly on the powerplay, where his 20 goals ranked him amongst the league leaders.
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He would be even better in 1988-89, as he recorded career highs of 37 goals and 40 assists for 77 points, and again scored 20 goals on the powerplay. His best season with the Jets came in the 1988-1989 campaign when he recorded 18 goals and 37 assists, totaling 55 points. This performance highlighted his ability to be an effective player on the ice, combining skill with a strong physical presence.
Time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks
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Following the season, though, McBain was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a move which would ultimately derail his career. In 1989, McBain was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Expected to be another offensive weapon on a star-studded Penguin team, McBain was beaten out for a scoring-line right wing spot by rookie Mark Recchi and found himself mired on the team's fourth line.
He scored only 5 goals and 14 points in 41 games for Pittsburgh before being dealt mid-season to the Vancouver Canucks. After his stint in Pittsburgh, McBain found himself on the move again, this time to the Vancouver Canucks. His time with the Canucks was marked by consistent play, although he did not reach the same level of offensive production as he had with the Jets.
Later Career and the Ottawa Senators
In 1990-91, McBain was assigned to the minors for the first time in his career, and spent most of the next two seasons in the IHL with the Milwaukee Admirals. NHL expansion in the early 1990s provided an opportunity for McBain to get his career back on track, and he signed with the Ottawa Senators for their inaugural season in 1992-93.
McBain's career continued with the Ottawa Senators, where he played during the early years of the franchise. As a member of the Senators, he brought experience to a young team, helping to guide the newer players through the challenges of the NHL. He appeared in 59 games for the Senators, scoring 7 goals and 23 points. He fared better in 1993-94, with 11 goals in 55 games for Ottawa, his highest total since 1989.
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His veteran presence was valued in the locker room, and he played a role in the development of the team during its formative years. After his time in Ottawa, McBain played briefly for the Quebec Nordiques.
McBain spent two more seasons toiling in the IHL before retiring in 1996. His NHL career concluded after the 1993-1994 season, marking the end of a decade-long journey in professional hockey.
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