Caps Alumni Biographies: Kevin Kaminski

Kevin Kaminski was a hard-nosed centre who checked closely and fought hard for the puck in the corners and along the boards. He played with three NHL teams in the 1990s and toiled effectively in the AHL and IHL.

Born in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan, Kaminski scored 99 goals in three seasons with the WHL's Saskatoon Blades while racking up nearly 700 minutes in penalties. Following his first year in 1987, he was chosen 48th overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the NHL Entry Draft. He played only one game in Minnesota during his final junior year then was traded to the Quebec Nordiques for Gaeten Duchesne. His tenure in Quebec consisted of six NHL games and a fair bit of time spent with the Halifax Citadels of the AHL and IHL's Fort Wayne Komets.
Prior to the 1993-94 season, he was acquired by the Washington Capitals who were looking to add grit to their speedy roster. Kaminski split the first two seasons in the organization between the parent club and the AHL's Portland Pirates. In 1994 his fiery play helped Portland win the Calder Cup. Kaminski spent the 1995-96 and 1996-97 seasons with Washington where he supplied grit and enthusiasm. He spent the next three years in the minors before retiring in December of 1999.
Player bios courtesy of the
Hockey Hall of Fame