Don Lever — Center
Seasons: 1985-86–1986-87 | Number(s) Worn:
Birthdate: November 14th, 1952 | Birthplace: South Porcupine, ON, CAN

Left-winger Don Lever was strong at both ends of the ice during a career that lasted 1,020 games. He was useful killing penalties and working the power play and registered nine 20-goal seasons.

Born in South Porcupine, Ontario Lever accumulated 197 points in two years with the Niagara Falls Flyers of the OHA. He was selected third overall by the Vancouver Canucks at the 1972 Amateur Draft and went on to be a stalwart on the club for nearly eight full seasons. He was also named to the OHA first all-star team in 1972.

The talented forward hit the 20-goal mark six times in Vancouver and played for Canada at the 1978 World Championships. His best season was 1974-75 when he scored 38 goals playing on a line with Andre Boudrias and Dennis Ververgaert. That year, he was a key factor behind the club's first place finish in the Smythe Division with 86 points. The likeable veteran was also the club's captain from 1977 to 1979.

After years of missing the playoffs or accomplishing very little when they qualified, the Canucks started making changes in 1979-80. The experienced forward was sent to the Atlanta Flames in the deal that also involved Ivan Boldirev and Darcy Rota. Lever was on hand when the Flames transferred to Calgary and reached the semi-finals in 1981. The next year, he was traded to the Colorado Rockies and went through a second franchise shift when the club became the New Jersey Devils in 1982-83. Before leaving Denver, he made his only appearance at the NHL All-Star Game as the Rockie's representative. Lever was a solid two-way worker on the weak Devils for three years and served briefly as team captain beginning in 1982. He later joined the Buffalo Sabres as a part-time player before retiring in 1987.

Source: Legends of Hockey (HHOF)