Born in Oakland, California, Norwood grew up in the Detroit suburb of Trenton and eventually ventured to Canada for top amateur competition. He spent the 1977-78 season with the QMJHL's Hull Olympiques before spending two years in the OHA with the Oshawa Generals. After scoring 23 goals for the Gens in 1978-79, Norwood was selected 62nd overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the NHL entry draft. He played a handful of games with the Nords but spent most of his first two pro seasons in the minors. After a trade to Washington, he played sparingly on his new club before spending nearly three full seasons in the minors. In 1984-85 he scored 77 points for the IHL's Peoria Rivermen and was named to the IHL first all-star team and named the league's top defenseman.

Following a trade to the St. Louis Blues, "Hack's" NHL career began to improve. Under coach Jacques Demers, he thrived playing a physical role and working the point on the second power play unit. In the post-season he was particularly effective with nine points in 19 games as the Blues came within a game of reaching the Stanley Cup finals.

When Demers signed to coach the Red Wings in 1986-87, he made a point of trading for Norwood. The veteran played over four seasons in Motown and helped the club reach the semifinals in 1987 and 1988. He was particularly effective when partnered with Gilbert Delorme. In November 1990, Norwood was sent to the New Jersey Devils for speedy forward Paul Ysebaert. The veteran provided stability on the Jersey blueline and helped the team reach the playoffs for the second time in three years.

Norwood began the 1991-92 season in Hartford but was reacquired by the Blues early in the season as defensive insurance. He struggled with injuries in 1992-93 then played 16 games for the Calgary Flames in 1993-94 before retiring. After a year away from the game, Norwood returned in 1995-96 and played two years in the IHL and Colonial League before hanging up his skates for good in 1997.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame