Don Biggs
Quick Facts
Biography
Donald R. Biggs (born April 7, 1965) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player.
Biggs is the father of Tyler Biggs, who was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Playing career
Don Biggs was drafted from the OHL's Oshawa Generals by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1983 NHL entry draft. Biggs honed his pro game with their AHL team and was called up for one game with the Stars. In 1985 Biggs' rights were traded to the Edmonton Oilers, but due to their talent-laden centre position with Gretzky and Messier, Biggs at 20 years old, remained with their AHL affiliate in Nova Scotia. In 1987 Biggs signed with the Philadelphia Flyers and eventually played 12 games notching 2 goals.
While Biggs never managed to become a regular member of an NHL club, he was a valuable member and usually the captain of many minor league hockey teams in the OHL, AHL, IHL, ECHL, and a European professional hockey club. During his seasons with the Binghamton Rangers in 1992-93 Biggs set the AHL single-season scoring mark with 54 goals and 84 assists for 138 points. Biggs experienced his greatest success as Captain of the Cincinnati Cyclones from 1993–1999 and for a stint in 2002. During his time with the team he became a fan favorite and a local celebrity.
Biggs was also the on ice double for Patrick Swayze's skating scenes in the 1986 movie Youngblood filmed at Toronto's Lakeshore arena and two other rinks in the summer of 1984, starring Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves.
Life after hockey
Don Biggs now lives in Loveland, Ohio not far from Cincinnati. Biggs' number 22 jersey was retired in his honor and hung from the rafters of the local arena. He now works for a local electrical supply company and is involved in local hockey programs, where he runs elite, private and team skill clinics as well as youth hockey clinics. He has been the Head Coach and General Manager of the Queen City Steam in the Tier III junior hockey league for the past 3 years. His most gratifying personal achievement is coaching and mentoring his son from squirt level in the local CAHA league to becoming the Captain of Team USA. (U17 & U18)
Personal life
Raised in Mississauga, Ontario on Carrera Lane and attended Clarkson High School. Biggs has been criticized heavily for his unsportsmanlike demeanor and angry outbursts during youth hockey games. As coach of the Cincinnati Swords U18 team, Biggs has a repeatedly refused to shake hands with opposing teams after losses and has been accused of breaking sticks and throwing chairs inside of the lockerroom.