Rick Middleton

Richard David "Nifty" Middleton (born December 4, 1953) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who spent 14 seasons in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins. Born in Toronto to parents Terry and Dick Middleton, he began skating at age four.

Middleton played most prominently for the Bruins, where he served as captain alongside Ray Bourque from 1985 until his retirement in 1988. Known for his exceptional stickhandling and scoring ability, he recorded multiple 90-plus- and 100-plus-point seasons. In 1982 he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded for sportsmanship. Internationally, he represented Team Canada twice in the Canada Cup, winning a gold medal in 1984.

After retiring as a player, Middleton served as head coach of the United States 2002 Paralympic Sled Hockey team, coaching them to their first gold medal at the 2002 Paralympic Games. He was subsequently inducted into both the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame and the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. He has remained involved with the Bruins in commentary and ambassador roles.