Nelson Debenedet

"Debenedet" redirects here. For American actress and singer, see Rachel deBenedet.

Nelson Flavio Debenedet (born December 31, 1947) is an Italian-born Canadian retired ice hockey forward from Cordenons, Italy, and grew up in Copper Cliff, Ontario, Canada. He was the first Italian-born player in the NHL.

Nelson Debenedet
Born	(1947-12-31) December 31, 1947 (age 77) Cordenons, Italy
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position	Left wing
Shot	Left
Played for	Detroit Red Wings Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL draft	Undrafted
Playing career	1971–1976

Debenedet began his National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings, playing his last season at top level with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Career statistics

				Regular Season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1966–67	Michigan State University	WCHA		27	0	7	7	14		—	—	—	—	—
1967–68	Michigan State University	WCHA		29	4	3	7	25		—	—	—	—	—
1968–69	Michigan State University	WCHA		28	10	7	17	40		—	—	—	—	—
1969–70	Fort Wayne Komets	IHL		8	0	3	3	6		—	—	—	—	—
1970–71	University of Toronto	CIAU		—	3	9	12	0		—	—	—	—	—
1971–72	Tidewater Wings	AHL		22	4	3	7	12		—	—	—	—	—
1971–72	Fort Worth Wings	CHL		14	2	4	6	15		—	—	—	—	—
1971–72	Port Huron Wings	IHL		30	7	5	12	19		—	—	—	—	—
1972–73	Virginia Red Wings	AHL		76	29	27	56	64		13	2	5	7	6
1973–74	Virginia Red Wings	AHL		39	8	15	23	40		—	—	—	—	—
1973–74	Detroit Red Wings	NHL		15	4	1	5	2		—	—	—	—	—
1974–75	Hershey Bears	AHL		25	6	6	12	13		12	2	4	6	2
1974–75	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		31	6	3	9	11		—	—	—	—	—
1975–76	Hershey Bears	AHL		69	14	19	33	12		9	4	5	9	6
NHL totals				46	10	4	14	13		—	—	—	—	—

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database