Doug Weight, who attended LSSU 1989 through 1991, has been chosen as the 2023 recipient of the LSSU Outstanding Alumnus Award. The award established in 1968, is the highest honor that the association presents. It recognizes recipients for their personal and professional accomplishments and their involvement with LSSU, highlighting the significant achievements of alumni who serve as leaders in our region, state and nations. Weight is married to Allison and have three children – daughters Ryan (24) and Addison (20), and son Danny (22).
Weight, a Laker standout from 1989-1991, established the Doug Weight Hockey Endowment in 2002 to support Laker hockey operations, noting that it was his intention to establish an endowment that reflects his desire to benefit the growth and success of the program while inspiring others to contribute as well. His endowment represented the first major financial contribution by a former Laker Hockey player in the university’s history. In 2021, the Doug Weight Performance Center was made possible through a distribution from the Doug Weight Endowment at LSSU. The newly renovated facility includes all new floor to ceiling décor and state-of-the-art weight equipment.
“I absolutely loved my time and experience at Lake Superior State University,” Weight reminisced. “The years I spent as a resident of the Soo, an LSSU student and a Laker hockey player are beyond memorable. Sharing great times with teammates, staff and fellow students and creating many lifelong friendships. It is truly a wonderful place and I’m proud and honored to continue to be able to be a part of the University and Laker Hockey. For Always, Go Lakers! “
A Warren, MI native, Weight played two seasons at Lake Superior State, where he helped lead LSSU to CCHA regular-season and playoff titles in 1991 and two NCAA Quarterfinals appearances, 1990, 1991. He was drafted by the New York Rangers in the second round (34th overall) of the 1990 NHL entry draft. This was LSSU’s second-highest NHL Draft pick. Weight went on to represent the United States at nine major international competitions throughout his professional career including three Olympic Winter Games (1998, 2002 and 2006), three IIHF Men’s World Championships (1993, 1994 and 2005), two World Cups of Hockey (1996 and 2004) – winning a gold medal in his first appearance – and one IIHF World Junior Championship (1991). He was inducted into the LSSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010, and into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
A veteran of 1,238 NHL games, Weight finished his career placing 65th on the NHL’s scoring list with 1,033 points (755 assists and 278 goals). He is one of nine American-born players with more than 1,000 NHL points, which he earned across 20 years in the league. His playing career included stints with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks and the New York Islanders.
After retiring from playing, Weight became an assistant coach of the New York Islanders in the 2011-12 season. In January 2017, he was promoted to Interim Head Coach. In April 2017, he was officially named head coach after he led the team to a 24–12–4 record after taking the coaching duties mid-season.
Weight is currently a key member of the San Jose Sharks’ organization, with one of the most intriguing roles and job titles, Hockey Operations Adviser.