Drafted by the Washington Captials in the first round of the 1982 NHL Entry Draft, Scott Stevens was known best for his bone crunching body checks throughout his junior career with the Kitchener Rangers.

Playing junior with his hometown Rangers, Stevens and his Kitchener teammates were the Memorial Cup champions in 1982. That summer, Scott was the first round selection of the Washington Capitals, the fifth overall pick in the NHL's Entry Draft.

Debuting that fall with the Capitals, the big, sturdy rearguard earned a regular spot with Washington, and so impressed that pundits that he was selected to the NHL's All-Rookie Team.

Stevens spent several seasons as a member of the Washington Capitals where he was immersed in the club's defense-first ideology early in his career.

After signing with the St.Louis Blues and spending a single season with the club, Stevens was transferred to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Brendan Shanahan.

The captain took on an increased role as inspirational leader of the Devils, who won the Stanley Cup in 1995. The Devils players and fans were galvanized by Stevens' thundering hits on opponents; key psychological elements in the victory. New Jersey won the Stanley Cup again in 2000 and 2003. While Stevens had been a star in the NHL for many years, including All-Star nods in 1996-97 and 2000-01, the 2000 playoffs must be considered Scott's defining moment. His thunderous checks, most notably on Eric Lindros in the semifinals, both inspired and dominated the post-season, and when his Devils won the Cup there was no question that he would be chosen winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the post-season.

As captain of the New Jersey Devils, Stevens was the emotional and physical leader behind the club's three Stanley Cups won in 1995, 2000, and 2003.

Scott Stevens retired from the game after 1,635 career games played. He is widely considered to be the best player in the history of the New Jersey Devils, and was known as one of the games greatest all time open-ice hitters.

Outside his NHL career, Stevens also represented Canada on the international stage at the World Championships in 1983, 1985, 1987 and 1989, the Canada Cup in 1991 and the World Cup of Hockey in 1996. In 1998, Scott was selected as part of Team Canada competing in the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

A dominant figure on the blueline of any team with which he played, Scott Stevens will be remembered with great enthusiasm as a great captain, inspiring teammate, outstanding bodychecker and, most important of all, a champion.