Joseph Patrick Mullen is a celebrated American hockey player who successfully transitioned to coaching after hanging up his skates. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and three-time NHL All-Star, Mullen also holds the distinction of being the first American-born player in NHL history to score 500 goals. Read on at i-manhattan to discover more fascinating details about this gifted athlete. More on i-manhattan.com.
Early Life and Path to the Pros
Joseph Mullen was born and raised in Manhattan, one of New York City’s iconic boroughs. During his youth, he honed his skills playing roller hockey in the gritty “Hell’s Kitchen” neighborhood. After four years in youth hockey, Mullen took his talents to the collegiate level at Boston College. He launched his notable amateur career with the Boston College Eagles, delivering three seasons of impressive goal-scoring performances. He was a key leader for the Boston College team. In the 1978-1979 season, Joseph earned recognition as an All-American. As a junior in 1978, he spearheaded the Eagles’ drive to the NCAA championship game against their rivals, Boston University.
Following college, Mullen was selected for the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic “Miracle on Ice” team. However, due to his father’s illness at the time, he opted to turn professional, using his earnings to support his family. In August 1979, he inked a contract with the St. Louis Blues. He was initially assigned to their Central Hockey League (CHL) affiliate, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, for two seasons. There, he quickly made his mark, capturing CHL Rookie of the Year and League MVP honors, establishing himself as a dominant offensive force.
NHL Journey and Fan Favorite Status
As an undrafted free agent, Mullen embarked on his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues. He made an immediate impact, tallying 49 points in the 1981-1982 season. His prolific scoring, honed in the minor leagues, translated well to the NHL. In subsequent seasons with the Blues, Mullen continued to shine, setting franchise scoring records for goals and points.
Over the next 15 years, he became a prominent NHL figure, playing for the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins. A swift and powerful scorer, Mullen was a beloved figure among fans wherever he played. His relentless determination and unwavering approach made him a winner both on and off the ice.
Landmark Achievements and Retirement
Throughout his illustrious 17-year NHL career, Joseph Patrick Mullen hoisted the Stanley Cup three times: once with the Calgary Flames in 1989, and twice with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992. He concluded his playing career in 1997, amassing an impressive 1,063 points in 1,062 games.
At the time of his retirement in 1997, Joe Mullen had scored more goals (502) and points (1,063) than any other American-born player in NHL history. His distinguished career also included two Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, the prestigious Lester Patrick Trophy for contributions to hockey in the United States, and a First-Team All-Star selection. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.
Perhaps his most memorable season came in 1989. He not only led the Calgary Flames to their first-ever Stanley Cup victory but was also named a First-Team All-Star and awarded the Lady Byng Trophy. Later, in 1995, he achieved another historic milestone, becoming the first American-born player ever to reach 1,000 career points in the NHL.
The late Bob Johnson, a U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member, famously commented on Mullen when the Penguins acquired him in 1990: “I’d go to war with Joe Mullen.”
Mullen retired from the Penguins in 1997 at the age of 40, embarking on a new chapter as a coach. It’s also noteworthy that Mullen’s brother, Brian, also had a career in the NHL.