American ice hockey player (b. 1951)
Ice hockey player
Michael Joseph John "Antone" Antonovich (born October 18, 1951) is an American former professional hockey player, and coach. He was selected in the ninth round of the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, 113th overall, by the Minnesota North Stars. He is currently a scout for the Columbus Blue Jackets.[1]
Amateur career
Antonovich played high school hockey for Greenway High School in Coleraine, Minnesota, where he led Greenway to 3 straight Minnesota State High School Hockey Tourney trips, winning the State Championships in 1968 and 1969.
After High School, Antonovich spent three seasons playing for the University of Minnesota, where he was tutored by coaches Glen Sonmor and Herb Brooks. Despite being drafted by the North Stars, when Antonovich turned professional he joined the Minnesota Fighting Saints of the WHA.
Professional career
Antonovich played most of his professional career in the WHA, with the Fighting Saints, Edmonton Oilers and New England Whalers. He also appeared in NHL games with the North Stars, Hartford Whalers and New Jersey Devils, in addition to minor league games in the AHL and CHL. While playing professionally Antonovich also represented the United States at the 1976, 1977 and 1982 Ice Hockey World Championships.
Coaching and scouting
Antonovich spent three seasons as an assistant coach in the International Hockey League, coaching the Minnesota Moose and Quad City Mallards. He joined the amateur scouting staff of the St. Louis Blues in 1997, a position he still holds.
Political career
In November 2008, Antonovich defeated incumbent John Sloan, and became the mayor of Coleraine, Minnesota. He has stated that he has no political motivations beyond his current position.[2]
United States