"Wild Thing" Al Iafrate & the Washington Capitals

"The Planet," “Human Highlight Reel," and “Wild Thing” were monikers earned by Al Iafrate during his NHL career. His best fit was with the Washington Capitals and their colorful players.

Between 1984 and 1999, Iafrate's professional ice hockey career spanned 799 games, and included 152 goals with 311 assists for a total of 463 points. A big man at 6'3” and 220 pounds, Iafrate played for the U.S.A. National and Olympic teams. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1984, Iafrate was a speedy skater for such a big man, and could rush the puck from the defense zone, but never quite learned to use his size to his advantage. He played for the Boston Bruins and the San Jose Sharks, but spent most of his career with the Washington Capitals. His premier season came with the Capitals in 1992-1993, when Iafrate scored 25 goals for 66 points and 41 assists. He earned the “The Planet” nickname from a sportswriter who was referring to Iafrate's world of talent. Most notable of Iafrate's outstanding moments was when he slapped a puck registering 105.2 miles per hour.

IaFrate is known for his outrageous behavior as well as his hockey playing skills. He would sometimes light his cigar during intermission with a flame torch used to warp hockey sticks. His passion that was greater than hockey was his love of Harley Davidsons and heavy metal music. He liked to show up for practice in full leather on his Harley. A series of serious knee injuries ended a stellar career. No one forgets the color, excitement, and life “Wild Thing” brought to ice hockey.