Dave Lewis joined the Detroit Red Wings coaching staff immediately after retiring as a player on November 6, 1987, amid his 15th NHL season. A native of Kindersley, Saskatchewan, Lewis played junior hockey for Saskatoon in the WHL and was the New York Islanders' second pick, 33rd overall, in the 1973 Entry Draft. Lewis immediately jumped to the NHL and never played in the minor leagues. Dave played in his 1,000th NHL game on April 1, 1987 against Philadelphia at Joe Louis Arena.
