David Littman (ice hockey)

David K. Littman (born June 13, 1967 in Cranston, Rhode Island) is a former ice hockey goaltender. He was drafted in the eleventh round, 211th overall, of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He played three games in the National Hockey League: two with the Sabres and one with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

David Littman
Born (1967-06-13) June 13, 1967
Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight 195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position Goaltender
Caught Right
Played for Buffalo Sabres
Tampa Bay Lightning
National team  United States
NHL Draft 211th overall, 1987
Buffalo Sabres
Playing career 1989–2000

Playing career

Collegiate

Littman spent four years at Boston College studying Communications. In his senior year, Littman served as one of three captains on the team as the Eagles qualified for the NCAA final eight. He ended his season with .912 saves and a .895 percentage.[1] In 2000, his BC record of 2,548 career saves was broken by Scott Clemmensen.[2] As a result, he was selected for the AHCA East Second-Team All-American.[3] He was drafted in the eleventh round, 211th overall, of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres.[4]

Professional

Littman attended the Sabres training camp but was reassigned to their International Hockey League (IHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans, to begin the 1989–90 season.[5] However, the 1990–91 would prove to be a breakout season for him. On January 29, 1991, Littman made his NHL debut by replacing Darcy Wakaluk in the second period. Littman saved 15 of 18 shots in an 8–3 loss to the St. Louis Blues.[6] Upon their return to the IHL, both Littman and Wakaluk also set a new Rochester record for most points and assists by a goaltender with seven each.[7] He was also selected for the 1991 All-Star Game. Littman shared the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award as the AHL’s outstanding goaltender, with teammate Darcy Wakaluk.[8]

The following year, he was again the recipient of the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award.[9]

On August 28, 1992, Littman signed with the new NHL expansion team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.[10] Although he began the season in the minor leagues with the Atlanta Knights, Littman was recalled to the NHL in November 1992.[11] His stay in the National Hockey League was short-lived and he was reassigned to the IHL. He became a free agent at the end of the season.[12]

As a result of his successful stints with the Atlanta Knights, Littman was selected to compete with Team USA at the 1994 IIHF World Championship, where they finished fourth in the tournament. Before his retirement, Littman played with the IHL’s Orlando Solar Bears, recording 53 wins over two years before a career-ending knee injury.[13]

Later life

After working for the Solar Bears as a color commenter, Littman joined EA Sports. He began as a quality assurance associate but later was promoted to producer on the NHL series of games.[14]

Personal life

Littman was born in Queens, New York but grew up on Long Island. His family moved to Rhode Island prior to his acceptance to Boston College.[13] Littman was raised Jewish.[15]

Awards and honors
Award Year
All-Hockey East Second Team 1987–88 [16]
All-Hockey East First Team 1988–89 [16]
AHCA East Second-Team All-American 1988–89 [3]

References
  1. "Stars who will be missed after careers at BC". The Heights. May 1, 1989.
  2. "Hockey Prepares To Take On Harvard Saturday Night". bceagles.com. November 22, 2000. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  3. "1988-1989 All-Americans". ahcahockey.com. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  4. "THERE'S NO BLUE-RIBBON TALENT DEVELOPING DOWN ON SABRES' FARM". The Buffalo News. February 25, 1992. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  5. DiCesare, Bob (September 22, 1989). "WAKALUK, LOEWEN, AUDETTE SENT TO AMERKS AS 27 ARE CUT". The Buffalo News. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  6. Wechsler, Bob (2008). Day by Day in Jewish Sports History. KTAV Publishing House, Inc. p. 29. ISBN 9780881259698.
  7. "2018 AHL Affiliate Media Guide" (PDF). sabresmedia. p. 350. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  8. "A HALL OF FAME NIGHT TO REMEMEBR". amerks.com. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  9. "HARRY "HAP" HOLMES MEMORIAL AWARD". ahlhalloffame.com. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  10. "Transactions". Joplin Globe. August 28, 1992. p. 15.
  11. "Transactions". Frederick News Post. November 3, 1992. p. 14.
  12. "Hockey:Free Agents List". Gettysburg Times. Pennsylvania. June 16, 1992. p. 10.
  13. Roman J. Uschak (December 2013). "From Crease To Console: From NHL'er to Video Gamer". USA Hockey Magazine. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
  14. Littman, David (November 12, 2008). "GOING FROM HOCKEY PLAYER TO VIDEO GAME PRODUCER". thehockeynews.com. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  15. Rosen, Harvey (October 21, 2009). "HANDFUL OF JEWISH SKATERS START NHL SEASON". Canadian Jewish News. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  16. "Hockey East All-Teams". College Hockey Historical Archives. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Jean-Claude Bergeron
and
Andre Racicot		 Winner of the Hap Holmes Memorial Award
1990–91 (with Darcy Wakaluk)
1991–92		 Succeeded by
Corey Hirsch
and
Boris Rousson
Preceded by
Scott King		 Hockey East Goaltending Champion
1988–89		 Succeeded by
Scott King
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