Hinote accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy in 1995, and initially planned on a career with the FBI. He left the Academy in 1996 when he became the first NHL player ever to be drafted from West Point when the Colorado Avalanche selected him in the 7th round (167th overall pick) of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.\n', '

Dan subsequently spent one and a half seasons playing major junior hockey for the Oshawa Generals of the OHL before turning pro with Colorado\'s AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, midway through the 1997–98 season.\n', '

Hinote cracked the Avs\' roster in the 1999–2000 season out of training camp, but spent most of that season in Hershey before making the NHL roster for good the next season. Though he would only score once during that brief call-up in 1999-2000, the goal itself marked the first time a Florida-born player ever scored an NHL goal. Hinote demonstrated good offensive potential as an NCAA, OHL and AHL player. However, at the NHL level he has been known more for his defensive skills and efficient penalty killing than for scoring. Hinote was a member of the Stanley Cup champion Avalanche in 2001.\n', '

Return to Dan Hinote Autograph Profile