Greg Joly

Greg Joly, born on May 30, 1954, in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, is a former Canadian ice hockey player known for his time in the National Hockey League (NHL). Over the course of nine seasons, he played for the Washington Capitals and the Detroit Red Wings, showcasing his skills on the ice.

Joly's career began with a significant achievement when he won the Memorial Cup in 1974 with the Regina Pats. Shortly after this victory, he was drafted first overall by the Washington Capitals in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft, just days before his twentieth birthday. At the time, Capitals general manager Milt Schmidt praised Joly, likening his potential to that of the legendary Bobby Orr.

Despite the high expectations, Joly's journey in the NHL was challenging. He spent parts of seven seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the farm teams of the Capitals and Red Wings. His first three seasons in the NHL were marked by struggles, as he played for teams that finished in last place. Over his career, he participated in three hundred sixty-five NHL games, ultimately concluding his professional career in the AHL.

Joly's legacy includes scoring the last goal at Detroit’s Olympia Stadium, a notable moment in his career. While he is often regarded as a draft bust, his early promise and achievements, including the Calder Cup win in 1981 with the AHL's Adirondack Red Wings, remain a part of his story.