Former Dallas Stars defenseman Craig Ludwig turns 65 years old on Sunday. The Rhinelander, Wisconsin native developed into one of the NHL’s most underrated dependable defensive defensemen.

He played college hockey at the University of North Dakota before beginning his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1982–83 season. During 13 seasons in Montreal he appeared in 564 regular season games and recorded 16 goals and 82 assists for 98 points while helping the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup in 1986 and again in 1993.

Ludwig later spent time with the New York Islanders during the 1995–96 season before joining the Dallas Stars organization. Over eight seasons connected to the Minnesota and Dallas franchise era, he played 584 regular season games with the club and recorded 10 goals and 50 assists for 60 points and winning his second Stanley Cup in 1999, defeating the Buffalo Sabres in the Final.

Ludwig retired after the championship with 1,256 regular season NHL games played, along with 18 goals, 91 assists, and 1,519 penalty minutes. His career is remembered for defensive reliability and durability across 17 NHL seasons.