Luke Bradley Bombardir (born May 5, 1972) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played for the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild and the Nashville Predators in the NHL. He currently serves as the Minnesota Wild's Director of Player Development and Senior Director of Community Relations. Playing career Amateur Growing up in British Columbia, Bombardir played minor hockey with the Powell River Paper Kings in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League from 1988 until 1990. As a result of his play, in which he recorded 10 goals and 25 assists in 60 games, Bombardir was selected in the third round, 56th overall, in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils. He did not expect to be drafted and thus showed up at BC Place in a T-shirt and faded jeans instead of a suit and tie. Prior to the draft, Bombardir was expected to enrol at the University of North Dakota but considered playing in the Western Hockey League for the Victoria Cougars. Professional After graduating from the University of North Dakota with a degree in economic development, Bombardir began his professional career with the Albany River Rats in the American Hockey League (AHL). In 1996, his second year with the team, Bombardir was selected for the American Hockey League All-Star team. While entering his third professional season, an NHL lockout happened and Devils assistant coach Larry Robinson spent six weeks training the AHL team. When reflecting on the ordeal, Bombardir said: "I learned more from him in those six weeks than from any other coach." However, Bombardir suffered a broken leg while chasing the puck and missed most of the 1996–1997 season. He returned to the lineup for the 1997–98 season where he made his NHL during a 4–1 loss to the Washington Capitals. Coach Jacques Lemaire praised Bombardir after his debut, saying: "He played well. He was in control...We were confident when he was on the ice." On April 15, 1998, Bombardir recorded his first career NHL goal in a 5–4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. During the 1999–2000 season, Bombardir made his NHL post-season debut while Scott Niedermayer was suspended. The Devils eventually won the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals and he brought the Cup to Powell River. His play during the 2000–01 season earned him a three-year contract extension with the Wild after he posted a career-high 15 assists. As well, although