Career
He was the first Norwegian to play in the National Hockey League, playing a single game with the Detroit Red Wings during the 1978-1979 National Hockey League season. Skaare"s talent was evident at an early age. He made his debut for Furuset before he had turned 16.
In 1976, he was signed by Färjestad of the Swedish Elitserien, although he returned to Furuset within a year.
In the fall of 1977, Skaare moved to Canada, where he was signed by the Ottawa 67"s of the Ontario Hockey League, where he became a teammate of future National Hockey League star Bobby Smith. Skaare scored 12 goals and had 30 assists for Ottawa, and was drafted in the 4th round (62nd pick overall) of the 1978 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings.
Skaare was assigned to the Kansas City Red Wings of the Central Hockey League. After impressive play for Kansas City, he was called up to Detroit.
He made his National Hockey League debut against the Colorado Rockies on November 28, 1978.
However, this would also be Skaare"s only appearance in the National Hockey League. He picked up an injury when he was checked by Barry Beck, and was later sent back to Kansas City. Skaare had 8 goals and 26 assists in 37 games for Kansas City, but decided to move back to Norway in February 1979. He was named player of the year in 1981, earning him the Golden Puck.
However, Skaare was homesick, and once again moved back to Furuset.
In 1984, he briefly returned to North America, playing for the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League, but once again returned home within a few months. On the night of 21 June 1989, Skaare was killed in a car accident.
He was driving from Norrköping in Sweden towards Oslo. He lost control of the car between Karlskoga and Kristinehamn.
He was only 30 years of age.