Playing career

Crawford was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 1979. Crawford's 10-year professional career saw him play for the NHL's New York Rangers, St Louis Blues, Washington Capitals and his favorite Hartford Whalers. His playing career saw many highlights; among them was his 36 goal season with Hartford in 1984 and his trip the 1986 Stanley Cup semi-finals as a member of the New York Rangers. Crawford finished his playing career with the Krefeld Pinguine in the German professional league retiring in 1989. Winner of two Championships with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, Crawford also won regular season championships with Krefeld in his two seasons there.

Coaching career

Crawford's coaching career has seen him win multiple championships and has seen him transform the Connecticut Junior Clippers/Wolfpack into one of the top programs in the nation with over 150 of his players graduating to NCAA Division I and III college hockey. The teams have had two national tournament showings and in 2000 the Clippers finished 3rd and won the USA National Championship the following 2001 season. Winner of the AJHL Coach of the year award in 2004, Bob Crawford was most recently honored to be selected as a coach for the USA Hockey Select 18 National team that won a bronze medal in Canada. 2012 was his 8th year of service on the USA Hockey Board of Directors as a New England Director. He serves currently on the International Council and Junior Council of the USA Hockey councils and committees.

Professionally Bob Crawford is now (2013) working in his 17th year as owner/operator of the multi-rink/fitness facility "Champions Skating Center" which includes the New England Athletic Club a 35,000 square ft center that includes a 6 lane 25 meter pool. Over the years he has added to his holdings with the purchase of the Bolton Ice Palace and the internationally known ISCC the International Skating Center of Connecticut. These facilities hosted their fourth USA Hockey National Championships in April of 2013.

Crawford is also in his third year as the Director and Developer of The City Hartford "Winterfest" Ice Arena located outdoors in Hartford's Bushnell Park. To date well over 100,000 people have attended this now major attraction complementing Hartford's cultural and recreational attractions.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]