Jim Nahrgang

Jim Nahrgang was a defenseman who wasn't very fast but solid positionally.

This Millbank, Ontario native played his junior hockey for the Ottawa 67's and Kitchener Rangers between 1967-70 before playing four seasons (1970-74) for Michigan Tech (WCHA) where he studied business administration. He was an excellent student. One year he served as vice president of the Michigan Tech chapter of Blue Key, the National Honor Society.

Nahrgang captained the Michigan Tech team in his last year and was also chosen as a 1st team All-American All-Star. Twice he was named as Michigan Tech's Athlete of the Year, and after all was said and done he was induction to the school's athletic Hall of Fame.

Despite his fine college performance he never really caught on in the NHL. He was drafted by Detroit in 1971 (7th choice, 86th overall) and spent most of his time in the minors with Virginia and New-Haven (AHL) and Kansas-City  (CHL) except for a one game stint with Detroit in 1974-75 and a three game stint with Detroit in 1975-76.

In 1976-77 he filled in for 53 games with Detroit, doing quite well, collecting 16 points. he was a real utility player that season, not only playing on defense but taking shifts at all three forward positions. Despite his yeoman's effort, he would not be back the following year.

Nahrgang reported to the minors to play for the Kansas-City Red Wings (CHL) and Philadelphia Firebirds (AHL). After that season he hung up his skates, only 27 years old.

Nahrgang returned to his alma mater and took up coaching until the mid 1980s. He then moved on to become a vice president of Minneapolis based Ryan Companies, a commercial real estate development firm.

By the way, Jim has a couple of interesting family relationships. He is the brother in law of former NHLer Bob Lorimer. He is also the father of 2002 Olympic biathlete Andrea Nahrgang.