One of the most highly decorated college goaltenders of all time, Turco left the University of Michigan as the owner of the NCAA record for career victories (127) and had brought the Wolverines to four consecutive Frozen Fours, winning championships in 1996 and 1998. In the latter championship run, he was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. He stayed in Michigan at the start of his pro career as well, earning Rookie of the Year honors for the Michigan K-Wings of the International Hockey League, finishing second in save percentage and setting a franchise record with a 2.61 goals-against average. The athletic goalie was drafted in the fifth round (124th overall) by the Dallas Stars at the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut Oct. 10, 2000 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Ten nights later, he earned his first victory in a 5-1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks. In 2001-02, he finished the season with the League's best save percentage (.925) and lowest GAA (1.90).
