Dallas Drake was drafted by the
Detroit Red Wings in the
1989 NHL entry draft in the 6th round, 116th overall. In the final game, NMU captain Darryl Plandowski scored the winning goal as the Wildcats defeated Boston University 8–7 in triple overtime. The trade was regrettable for the Wings, as Essensa appeared in only 13 games and was not a factor in the playoffs. Bautin would only appear in one game for the Red Wings. Drake went on to have a successful role on the checking lines and
penalty kill units of the Winnipeg/
Phoenix Coyotes organization. During Drake's time with the
Coyotes, Phoenix-area band, Stone Bogart, wrote and recorded the song "Dallas Drake," depicting many great moments by the player and clipping various radio broadcasts. The song was used on ESPN and ABC broadcasts of NHL games for the few years following the song's release. Drake was known as a tenacious skater and a tough customer in the corners throughout his 16-year career. Although he wasn't a prolific goal scorer as a pro like he was in college, his knowledge of the game, leadership and fierce competitiveness allowed him to skate in 1009
NHL games. Since 1992, he was sent to the minor leagues only once. In the 1993–1994 season, Drake skated one game in
Adirondack on a rehab assignment, scoring two goals before returning to
Detroit the following day and finishing with 10 goals and 22 assists. Drake signed with the
St. Louis Blues for the 2000–01 season, and remained with the organization for six seasons. He achieved his career high in goals with 20 during the 2002–03 season, and was named
captain for the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons. Drake was placed on waivers by the Blues on June 26, 2007 with the purpose of buying out his contract. On July 9, 2007, he was signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Red Wings to a one-year, $550,000 contract. He had considered ending his professional career with other NHL teams, but chose to return to Detroit in hopes of winning the
Stanley Cup with the club that had drafted him over 16 years prior. On June 4, 2008 those dreams were realized when Detroit defeated the
Pittsburgh Penguins to win their 11th franchise
Stanley Cup championship. During the on ice post-game celebrations Detroit captain
Nicklas Lidström passed the Stanley Cup to Drake first. ==Personal==