Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sean Burke
Discover the career path of Sean Burke, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Sean Burke is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 18 seasons in the NHL from 1988 to 2007 for several teams, including the New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, and Vancouver Canucks. He is currently the director of goaltending for the Vegas Golden Knights, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Born in Windsor, Ontario, and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Burke's career transitioned from playing to a management role within the NHL.
1983: Junior B Hockey
In 1983, Sean Burke played junior B hockey for the St.Michael's Buzzers.
1985: Played for Canadian National Team
From 1985, Sean Burke has played in 130 games for other Canadian national teams.
1985: Drafted by the New Jersey Devils
In 1985, Sean Burke was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft.
1987: Joined the New Jersey Devils
In 1987, Sean Burke transitioned from Canada's Olympics national team to the New Jersey Devils.
1987: Played with the Devils
In the 1987-88 regular season, Sean Burke played 11 games and maintained his rookie status.
December 1988: The Hockey Digest Cover
In December 1988, Sean Burke became the first New Jersey Devil to appear on the cover of The Hockey Digest.
1988: Maintained Rookie Status
Because he played just 11 games in the 1987-88 regular season, Burke maintained his rookie status for the 1988-89 season.
1988: Winter Olympics
In 1988, Sean Burke played in 11 games for the Canadian national team in the Winter Olympics.
1989: All-Star Game Selection
In 1989, Sean Burke was named to the NHL All-Star Game.
1990: Played for the Devils
Sean Burke played for the Devils in 1990-91 season.
1991: Canada Cup
In 1991, Sean Burke served as the back-up goaltender in the Canada Cup.
1991: Played for the Devils
Sean Burke played for the Devils through the 1990-91 season.
August 28, 1992: Traded to the Hartford Whalers
On August 28, 1992, Sean Burke was traded to the Hartford Whalers.
1992: Winter Olympics
In 1992, Sean Burke played in 11 games for the Canadian national team in the Winter Olympics.
1992: Winter Olympics Silver Medal
In 1992, Sean Burke won a silver medal at the Winter Olympics playing for the Canadian national team.
2000: NHL All-Star Game
Sean Burke was selected to represent the Arizona Coyotes in the 2000-01 NHL All Star game.
2001: NHL All-Star Game
Sean Burke was selected to represent the Arizona Coyotes in the 2001-02 NHL All Star game.
2003: Played for Canadian National Team
Through 2003, Sean Burke has played in 130 games for other Canadian national teams.
2006: 300th Career Win
In 2006, Sean Burke recorded his 300th career NHL win while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers (for the second time).
September 18, 2007: Retirement Announcement
On September 18, 2007, Sean Burke announced his retirement from professional hockey.
2007: End of NHL Career
In 2007, Sean Burke concluded his 18-season NHL career.
March 4, 2008: Hired by Phoenix Coyotes
On March 4, 2008, the Phoenix Coyotes hired Sean Burke to become its director of prospect development.
2015: IIHF World Championships Gold Medal
In 2015, Sean Burke was part of the management group that led Canada to a gold medal at the IIHF World Championships.
September 2016: Joined Montreal Canadiens as Scout
In September 2016, Sean Burke joined the Montreal Canadiens as a professional scout.
2016: Spengler Cup Gold Medal
In 2016, Sean Burke was the General Manager for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup, where the team took home a gold medal.
July 25, 2017: General Manager of Canada's Men's Olympic Team
On July 25, 2017, Sean Burke was announced as the general manager of Canada's men's team for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
2017: IIHF World Championships Silver Medal
In 2017, Sean Burke co-managed Team Canada at the IIHF World Championships, where Canada took home the silver medal.
2017: Spengler Cup Gold Medal
In 2017, Sean Burke was the General Manager for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup, where the team took home a gold medal.
2018: Spengler Cup Silver Medal
In 2018, Sean Burke managed Team Canada at the Spengler Cup, where the team took home a silver medal.
2018: Winter Olympics Bronze Medal
In 2018, Team Canada went on to win the bronze medal at the Winter Olympics, managed by Sean Burke as the general manager.
2019: Spengler Cup Gold Medal
In 2019, Sean Burke was the General Manager for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup, where the team took home a gold medal.
2020: Goaltending Coach with the Canadiens
In 2020-21 season, Sean Burke spent the season as the full time goaltending coach with the Montreal Canadiens.
March 2021: Director of Goaltending for Montreal Canadiens
In March 2021, Sean Burke was appointed as the director of goaltending for the Montreal Canadiens.
June 25, 2022: Director of Goaltending for Vegas Golden Knights
On June 25, 2022, Sean Burke was appointed as director of goaltending for the Vegas Golden Knights.
2023: Stanley Cup Win
In 2023, Sean Burke helped coach the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup.
