Peter Paul Sidorkiewicz (born June 29, 1963) is a Polish-Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Sidorkiewicz played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Hartford Whalers, Ottawa Senators, and New Jersey Devils, representing the Wales Conference in the 1993 NHL All-Star Game. Since retiring as a player, Sidorkiewicz has worked for the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL as a coach and player personnel director.

Peter Sidorkiewicz
Born (1963-06-29) June 29, 1963 (age 60)
Dąbrowa Białostocka, Poland
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb)
Position Goaltender
Caught Left
Played for Hartford Whalers
Ottawa Senators
New Jersey Devils
National team  Canada
NHL Draft 91st overall, 1981
Washington Capitals
Playing career 1987–1998

Junior hockey edit

Oshawa Generals (1980–1984) edit

Sidorkiewicz joined the Oshawa Generals of the OHL in 1980–81, going 3–3–0 with a 4.68 GAA in seven games. Sidorkiewicz also saw some playing time in the post-season, going 2–2 with a 4.51 GAA in five games.

Sidorkiewicz saw his playing time increase during the 1981–82 season, playing in 29 games with the Generals, earning a 14–11–1 record with a 4.75 GAA. Sidorkiewicz would only see action in one playoff game, going 0–0 with a 4.62 GAA in 13 minutes of playing time.

He became the Generals starting goaltender in 1982–83, as in 60 games, Sidorkiewicz posted a 36–20–3 record with a 3.61 GAA. In the playoffs, Sidorkiewicz helped lead the Generals to the J. Ross Robertson Cup by posting a 15–1–1 record with a 3.68 GAA in 17 games, as the Generals qualified for the 1983 Memorial Cup. In the Memorial Cup, Oshawa would make it to the final game, however, lost to the Portland Winterhawks. In the tournament, Sidorkiewicz had a 3–2 record with a 5.12 GAA in five games.

Sidorkiewicz returned to the Generals for the 1983–84 season, going 28–21–1 with a 5.06 GAA in 52 games with Oshawa. In the post-season, he had a 3–4 record with a 3.86 GAA in seven games, as the Generals lost in the quarter-finals.

Professional career edit

Washington Capitals (1984–1985) edit

Sidorkiewicz was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the fifth round, 91st overall, at the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. In 10 games with the Capitals IHL affiliate, the Fort Wayne Komets, Sidorkiewicz had a 4–4–2 record with a 4.37 GAA. He then joined the Binghamton Whalers, the Capitals AHL affiliate that they shared with the Hartford Whalers.

On March 12, 1985, Washington traded Sidorkiewicz and Dean Evason to the Hartford Whalers for David Jensen.

Hartford Whalers (1985–1992) edit

When Sidorkiewicz was acquired by the Hartford Whalers from the Washington Capitals, he remained with the Binghamton Whalers of the AHL, as the two clubs shared the team. Sidorkiewicz had an impressive 1984–85 season with Binghamton, going 31–9–5 with a 3.05 GAA in 45 games. In the post-season, Sidorkiewicz went 4–4 with a 3.87 GAA in eight games with the AHL Whalers.

In 1985–86, Sidorkiewicz had a 21–22–3 record with a 3.19 GAA in 49 games with Binghamton, helping the club reach the playoffs. In four post-season games, Sidorkiewicz had a 1–3 record with a 3.06 GAA.

Sidorkiewicz had a very solid 1986–87 with Binghamton, earning a 23–16–0 record in 57 games with a 2.92 GAA and a .889 save percentage. In the playoffs, Sidorkiewicz had a 6–7 record with a 2.72 GAA in 13 games.

Sidorkiewicz returned to Binghamton for the 1987–88, going 19–17–3 with a 3.68 GAA in 42 games, helping the club reach the post-season. In three playoff games, Sidorkiewicz was 0–2 with a 3.27 GAA. Sidorkiewicz also saw his NHL debut in 1987–88, as he started for the Hartford Whalers on October 16, 1987 against the Washington Capitals. Sidorkiewicz made 30 saves in his NHL debut, however, suffered a 6–2 loss to Washington in his only NHL game for the season.

Sidorkiewicz would stay in the NHL for good in 1988–89, as he began the season as the back-up goaltender with Hartford, playing behind Mike Liut. On October 15, 1988, Sidorkiewicz earned his first career NHL victory, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 7–5 at the Hartford Civic Center. On December 6, 1988, Sidorkiewicz earned his first career shutout, as the Whalers crushed the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 9–0. With Liut suffering through injuries, Sidorkiewicz became the Whalers starting goaltender by the end of the season. Overall, in 44 games, Sidorkiewicz had a 22–18–4 record with a 3.03 GAA and a .890 save percentage, as well as four shutouts, helping the Whalers make the playoffs. In two playoff games, Sidorkiewicz went 0–2 with a 3.87 GAA and a .822 save percentage as the club was swept by the Montreal Canadiens in the Adams Division semi-finals. Sidorkiewicz finished fourth in Calder Memorial Trophy voting, and 11th in Vezina Trophy voting.

Sidorkiewicz began the 1989–90 season splitting his playing time with Liut, however, the Whalers traded Liut to the Washington Capitals on March 6, 1990, making Sidorkiewicz the undisputed number one goaltender in Hartford. In 46 games, Sidorkiewicz had a 19–19–7 record with a 3.57 GAA and .866 save percentage. In seven playoff games, Sidorkiewicz went 3–4 with a 3.22 GAA and .881 save percentage as the Whalers lost a thrilling seven game series against the Boston Bruins.

In 1990–91, Sidorkiewicz helped the Whalers reach the post-season, as in 52 games, he posted a 21–22–7 record with a 3.33 GAA and .872 save percentage. In six playoff games, he had a 2–4 record with a 4.01 GAA and .862 save percentage as Hartford lost to the Boston Bruins for the second straight season.

Sidorkiewicz suffered through a poor and injury plagued 1991–92 season, going 9–19–6 with a 3.34 GAA and a .882 save percentage in 35 games.

On June 18, 1992, Sidorkiewicz was claimed by the Ottawa Senators in the 1992 NHL Expansion Draft.

Ottawa Senators (1992–1993) edit

Sidorkiewicz joined the Ottawa Senators for their first season in 1992–93. He started the first game in Senators history, earning the win as Ottawa defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5–3. Sidorkiewicz appeared in a career high 64 games with the Senators, going 8–46–3 with a 4.43 GAA and .856 save percentage. Sidorkiewicz appeared in the 44th National Hockey League All-Star Game held at the Montreal Forum, as he earned the victory in a 16–6 win for the Wales Conference over the Campbell Conference.

On June 20, 1993, the Senators traded Sidorkiewicz and future considerations to the New Jersey Devils for Craig Billington and Troy Mallette.

New Jersey Devils (1993–1998) edit

Sidorkiewicz saw very little action with the New Jersey Devils in 1993–94, as he appeared in only three games, going 0–3–0 with a 2.77 GAA and a .891 save percentage. He spent the remainder of the season splitting time between the Albany River Rats of the AHL, as he had a 6–7–2 record with a 3.97 GAA in 15 games, and the Fort Wayne Komets of the IHL, where in 11 games he went 6–3–0 with a 2.74 GAA and two shutouts. In 18 playoff games with the Komets, Sidorkiewicz went 10–8 with a 3.36 GAA.

Sidorkiewicz remained with the Komets for the 1994–95 season, going 8–6–1 with a 3.70 GAA and .879 save percentage in 16 games. In three playoff games, he went 1–2 with a 5.00 GAA.

He returned to the Albany River Rats in 1995–96, as Sidorkiewicz had a 19–7–5 record with 2.95 GAA and .898 save percentage in 32 games. In one playoff game, he had a 0–1 record with a 3.05 GAA.

Sidorkiewicz became the River Rats starting goaltender in 1996–97, earning a 31–23–6 record in 62 games, while posting a 2.90 GAA and a .901 save percentage. In 16 playoff games, he had a 7–8 record with a 3.13 GAA.

In 1997–98, Sidorkiewicz appeared in 43 games with Albany, going 21–15–5 with a 2.85 GAA and a .896 save percentage. In two playoff games, Sidorkiewicz had a 1–1 record with a 4.04 GAA. Sidorkiewicz also appeared in one NHL game in 1997–98, playing the third period, as he allowed a goal, in a 6–2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

After the season, Sidorkiewicz retired from hockey.

Coaching career edit

Erie Otters (1999–2013) edit

Sidorkiewicz became an assistant coach with the Erie Otters in 1999, and remained in this position until he was named the Otters head coach prior to the 2006-07 OHL season.

In his first season as the Otters head coach, Sidorkiewicz led the rebuilding club to a 15–50–3 record, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

In 2007–08, Sidorkiewicz returned as head coach of the team, however, after a 3–12–0 start, he resigned from the position and returned to his previous job as an assistant, as the Otters hired Robbie Ftorek as head coach.

Sidorkiewicz continued as an assistant coach on the Otters until March 23, 2013.

Dornbirner EC (2014–2017) edit

In August 2014, Sidorkiewicz was named assistant coach of Dornbirner EC of the Austrian Hockey League (EBEL)[1] and he remained with the team for three seasons.

In the 2016-17, Sidorkiewicz was named head coach of the team. Dornbirner had a record of 21-24-9, finishing in 9th place in the league standings with 72 points. Dornbirner failed to qualify for the post-season.

Norfolk Admirals (2017–2019) edit

Prior to the 2017–18 ECHL season, Sidorkiewicz joined the Norfolk Admirals as an assistant coach,[2] where he was reunited with head coach Robbie Ftorek after working together while they were both part of the Erie Otters coaching staff. After the 2018–19 season concluded, both Sidorkiewicz and Ftorek were released.

Coaching record edit

Ontario Hockey League edit

Team Year Regular season Post season
G W L OTL Pts Finish Result
Erie Otters 2006–07 68 15 50 3 33 5th in Midwest Missed playoffs
Erie Otters 2007–08 15 3 12 0 6 5th in Midwest Resigned
OHL totals 2006–2008 83 18 62 3 39 0-0 (0.000)

Austrian Hockey League edit

Team Year Regular season Post season
G W L OTL Pts Finish Result
Dornbirner EC 2016–17 54 21 24 9 72 9th in AUS Missed playoffs
AUS totals 2016–2017 54 21 24 9 72 0-0 (0.000)

Awards and achievements edit

Career statistics edit

Regular season and playoffs edit

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
1980–81 Oshawa Legionnaires MetJHL 22 1300 70 1 3.23
1980–81 Oshawa Generals OHL 7 3 3 0 308 24 0 4.68 5 2 2 266 20 0 4.52
1981–82 Oshawa Generals OHL 29 14 11 1 1553 123 2 4.75 1 0 0 13 1 0 4.62
1982–83 Oshawa Generals OHL 60 36 20 3 3536 213 0 3.61 17 15 1 1020 60 0 3.53
1982–83 Oshawa Generals MC 5 3 2 293 25 0 5.12
1983–84 Oshawa Generals OHL 52 28 21 1 2966 250 1 4.15 7 3 4 420 27 1 3.86
1984–85 Binghamton Whalers AHL 45 31 9 5 2691 137 3 3.05 .901 8 4 4 481 31 0 3.87
1984–85 Fort Wayne Komets IHL 10 4 4 2 590 43 0 4.37
1985–86 Binghamton Whalers AHL 49 21 22 3 2819 150 2 3.19 .883 4 1 3 235 12 0 3.06
1986–87 Binghamton Whalers AHL 57 23 16 0 3304 161 4 2.92 .889 13 6 7 794 36 0 2.72
1987–88 Hartford Whalers NHL 1 0 1 0 60 6 0 6.00 .833
1987–88 Binghamton Whalers AHL 42 19 17 3 2345 144 0 3.68 .878 3 0 2 147 8 0 3.27 .892
1988–89 Hartford Whalers NHL 44 22 18 4 2635 133 4 3.03 .890 2 0 2 124 8 0 3.87 .822
1989–90 Hartford Whalers NHL 46 19 19 7 2703 161 1 3.57 .866 7 3 4 429 23 0 3.21 .881
1990–91 Hartford Whalers NHL 52 21 22 7 2953 164 1 3.33 .872 6 2 4 359 24 0 4.02 .862
1991–92 Hartford Whalers NHL 35 9 19 6 1995 111 2 3.34 .882
1992–93 Ottawa Senators NHL 64 8 46 3 3388 250 0 4.43 .856
1993–94 New Jersey Devils NHL 3 0 3 0 130 6 0 2.77 .891
1993–94 Albany River Rats AHL 15 6 7 2 907 60 0 3.97 .861
1993–94 Fort Wayne Komets IHL 11 6 3 0 591 27 2 2.74 .912 18 10 8 1054 59 1 3.36 .889
1994–95 Fort Wayne Komets IHL 16 8 6 1 941 58 1 3.70 .879 3 1 2 144 12 0 5.00 .846
1995–96 Albany River Rats AHL 32 19 7 5 1809 89 3 2.95 .898 1 0 1 59 3 0 3.06 .875
1996–97 Albany River Rats AHL 62 31 23 6 3539 171 2 2.90 .901 16 7 8 920 48 0 3.13 .892
1997–98 New Jersey Devils NHL 1 0 0 0 20 1 0 3.00 .875
1997–98 Albany River Rats AHL 43 21 15 5 2422 115 3 2.85 .896 2 1 1 89 6 0 4.01 .813
AHL totals 345 171 116 29 19,836 1027 17 3.11 .891 47 19 26 2725 144 0 3.17
NHL totals 246 79 128 27 13,884 832 8 3.60 .871 15 5 10 912 55 0 3.62 .867

International edit

Year Team Event GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA
1989 Canada WC 1 0 0 0 25 0 0 0.00

References edit

  1. ^ "Ex-NHL Goalie Sidorkiewicz wird neuer Dornbirn-Cotrainer". vol.at. August 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  2. ^ "Norfolk Admirals: PETER SIDORKIEWICZ NAMED ASSISTANT COACH". Retrieved February 22, 2021.

External links edit