olympic guide - Vancouver

Transcription

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
OLYMPIC GUIDE
Canada • Czech Republic • Finland • Germany
Italy • Kazakhstan • Latvia • Russia
Slovakia • Sweden • Switzerland • United States
N ATIONAL H OCKEY L EAGUE
O LYMPIC G UIDE
2006
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS
A list of league and tournament abbreviations is found on page 232.
A key to phonetic pronunciation is found on page 232
An asterisk (*) is used to indicate league- or tournament-leading statistics.
Abbreviations used in International Tournamnet data panels:
G – Gold medal; S – Silver medal; B – Bronze medal;
1st – World Cup/Canada Cup winner; 2nd – World Cup/Canada Cup finalist.
Abbreviations used in player data panels:
GP – Games Played; G – Goals scored; A – Assists; PIM – Penalties in minutes;
Pts – Points; ◆ – Member of Stanley Cup-winning team.
Additional abbreviations used in team rosters:
PP – Powerplay goals scored; SH – Shorthand goals scored.
Abbreviations used in goaltender data panels:
GP – Games Played; W – Wins; L – Losses; T – Ties; Mins – Minutes played;
GA – goals against; SO – Shutouts; Avg – Goals-against average – Goals allowed per
60 minutes of play. Goals-against average (Avg) is calculated by dividing goals
against (GA) by minutes played (Mins) and multiplying the results by 60. Note
that some minor leagues and college conferences calculate goaltender Mins
down to the second. These fractional totals are reflected in their goaltender
averages. In addition, some U.S. high school leagues play 40 or 45-minute games.
Goaltender averages for these leagues reflect these shorter game lengths.
◆ – Member of Stanley Cup-winning team
Copyright © 2006 by the National Hockey League.
Compiled by the NHL Public Relations Department.
Also available in electronic form on media.nhl.com
Printed in Canada. All rights reserved under the Pan-American and International Copyright Conventions.
The book may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented,
without written permission from the publisher.
Staff
For the NHL: Gary Meagher, Frank Brown.
Supervising Editors: Greg Inglis, David Keon, Julie Young.
Statistician: Benny Ercolani.
Editorial Staff: Amy Sweeney, Jamey Horan, Krystle Krasnaj.
Special thanks to the Public Relations departments of the NHL’s 30 member clubs.
For Dan Diamond and Associates:
Managing Editor: Eric Zweig.
International Editor: Igor Kuperman
Assistant Editors: Paul Bontje, Ralph Dinger.
Publisher: Dan Diamond.
Data Management: Caledon Data Management, Orangeville, Ontario.
Player Data Panels: Total Hockey, the official encyclopedia of the NHL.
Design: Lancaster Reid Creative Toronto, Ontario.
Printing: Sunrise Consulting Inc., Port Perry, Ontario; Webcom Limited, Toronto, Ontario.
Project Management: Dan Diamond and Associates, Inc., Toronto, Ontario.
Front Cover and Player Photos: Getty/NHL Images.
Front Cover: Goaltender Martin Brodeur celebrates Canada’s gold medal win
at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
The National Hockey League
1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020-1198
1800 McGill College Avenue, Suite 2600, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3J6
50 Bay Street, 11th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2X8
TABLE
OF
C ONTENTS
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE OLYMPIC GUIDE, 2006
NHL and Olympic Hockey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
The world’s top league and sport’s greatest event intertwined
2006 Men’s Olympic Hockey Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2006 Women’s Olympic Hockey Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Olympic Hockey History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Scores, standings, medal winners and leading scorers, 2002 to 1920
Olympic Pre-Qualifying and Qualifying Tournaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Previous Olympic Results and Rankings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Medal Winners, Major International Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
NHL-International Hockey Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Top Ten Games in Olympic Hockey, 2002–1920 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Olympic Hockey at Cortina d’Ampezzo, 1956 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Olympic Hockey Record Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Olympic Shootout Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
NHL and IIHF Rules Compared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Olympic Scoring, Active NHL Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
NHL Players at 2006 Olympics by NHL Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Seven Hockey Nations
2006 Olympic Rosters, All-Time NHL Players, Hockey Today, Hockey History
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Czech Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Russia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Slovakia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Sweden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
United States of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Additional 2006 Olympic Rosters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia and Switzerland
2006 Olympic Player and Goaltender Profiles . . . . . . 65
Other Olympic Eligible NHL Players and Goaltenders . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Key to League and Event Abbreviations Used in Data Panels . . . . 232
Management • NHL Coaches and Managers at the Olympics . . . . 233
NHL Referees and Linesmen at the Olympics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
3
D
uring the National Hockey League season, our players focus on a quest
for sterling silver – the 35 pounds of it that form the most cherished
trophy in sports, the Stanley Cup. During the 2006 Olympics, as Torino
becomes the center of the international hockey world, our athletes strive for
precious metal of a different sort: the gold medal that represents Olympic
hockey supremacy for their homeland. The hockey will be spectacular, the
tension will be palpable and the global exposure for our great game will be
exceptional, thanks to the coverage commanded by an event of this
magnitude.
The hockey world gets smaller as each day passes. NHL players hail from nearly
two dozen nations. Their exploits can be followed closely on the Internet, on
satellite television or radio, on any number of new media outlets that provide,
in real time, information and photographs which – not that many years ago –
never would have been available with such immediacy.
On behalf of the NHL and National Hockey League Players’ Association, it is our
pleasure to welcome the members of the media who, through their words and
pictures, will connect our fans to the excitement and drama of these Games.
The NHL Olympic Guide 2006 offers a wealth of information that we hope
will make it a valued resource as you document every moment of athletic
excellence and patriotic passion during the tournament.
Enjoy the Games!
Gary B. Bettman
Commissioner
National Hockey League
Ted Saskin
Executive Director
National Hockey League Players’ Association
4
NHL AND OLYMPIC HOCKEY
tending was echoed 20 years later by Jim Craig, played with the
New York Rangers and the Minnesota Fighting Saints in the
World Hockey Association. Williams played 14 seasons in the
NHL, and through much of the 1960s was the only U.S.-born
player in the league.
The first two European-trained players to play in the NHL
both participated in the 1960 Olympics. Swedish superstar Ulf
Sterner spent the 1964-65 season in North America and played
for the New York Rangers, St. Paul Rangers (Central Hockey
League) and Baltimore Clippers (American Hockey League)
before returning to Sweden. Czechoslovakian forward Jaroslav
Jirik was the first player from an Iron Curtain country to be
allowed to play in North America. He spent the 1969-70 season
with the St. Louis Blues and Kansas City Blues (CHL). While Jirik
was given permission to play overseas, his wife and children
were not allowed to accompany him. So, although he had the
option of remaining in North America, he decided to return to
Czechoslovakia following the season to be with his family.
Boston Bruins president Harry Sinden was the captain of the
1960 Canadian Olympic team.
The last player cut from the 1960 USA Olympic team was the
late Herb Brooks, who later became the bench boss of the 1980
“Miracle on Ice” team and coached the 2002 USA Olympic team.
He also coached France at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano.
Though cut from the team back in 1960, Brooks did get a
chance to play for the USA at the 1964 Games.
The dynamics of the Canadian Olympic team had changed
by the time the 1964 Olympic Games arrived. Previously, top
amateur club teams had represented Canada at the World
Championships and the Olympics, but now a national team program had been formed. As a result, 23 members of the teams
that represented Canada in 1964 and 1968 went on to appear
in the NHL. Included in this group are Brian Conacher, Fran
Huck, Billy McMillan and goaltender Wayne Stephenson, who
won an Olympic medal (bronze in 1968) and a Stanley Cup title
(with Philadelphia in 1975). The only member of the 1964 U.S.
team to play in the NHL was goaltender Pat Rupp, who
appeared in one game with Detroit following the 1964 Games
in Innsbruck, Austria.
The 1968 Olympics introduced the North American audience
to new European-trained players who would later play in the
NHL. Vaclav Nedomansky, Lars-Erik Sjoberg and Veli-Pekka
Ketola all competed at the 1968 Games.The 1968 Olympics also
marked Canada’s last Olympic participation until the 1980
Games in Lake Placid.
The 1970s saw Swedish and Finnish players appear in North
American professional hockey. The decade also saw the “Series
of the Century,” the 1972 eight-game exhibition series between
a team of Canadian NHL stars and the Soviet Nationals that
proved to be more than just a hockey tournament. It opened
the eyes of every hockey fan in Canada and the United States
and proved, without any doubt, that the European game and
the athletes who played it were quickly closing the gap on their
North American counterparts.
The 1972 Series ushered in a new era of hockey diplomacy. A
similar series between the Soviets and stars of the NHL’s rival,
the World Hockey Association, followed in 1974 as did the six-
LTHOUGH IT WASN’T UNTIL THE 1998 OLYMPICS that all NHL players were eligible to play in the Olympics – a total of 122
National Hockey League players represented their countries in Nagano – the NHL and the international game have followed parallel paths that have crossed often.
Ice hockey made its debut during the 1920 Summer
Olympics held in Antwerp, Belgium. Although it was officially
classified as a demonstration sport, there was no doubt it would
be a fully-endorsed Olympic competition when the first Winter
Olympic Games were held in 1924 in Chamonix, France. From
1924 until 1948, Olympic ice hockey games were played in
three 15-minute periods, as opposed to the three 20-minute
periods used elsewhere.
One member of the 1920 USA Olympic team – Herb Drury –
would go on to play in the NHL, while another – Gerry Geran –
already had played in the League. A third American,
Frank “Moose” Goheen, later was inducted into the Hockey Hall
of Fame.
Three members of the 1920 Canadian Olympic team – Frank
Fredrickson, Slim Halderson and Bobby Benson – went on to
play in the NHL. Fredrickson, the captain of the 1920 club, and
Halderson were the first Olympians to play on a Stanley Cupwinning team (Victoria, 1925). Fredrickson was the only member of the team to be elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Clarence “Taffy” Abel, a member of the 1924 USA Olympic
team, was the next Olympian to play on a Stanley Cup winner,
helping the New York Rangers capture the championship in
1928. The goaltender on the 1924 U.S. squad, Alphonse
“Frenchy” Lacroix, was one of the goaltenders recruited by the
Montreal Canadiens to replace Georges Vezina when he contacted tuberculosis during the first game of the 1925-26 season.
The first great upset in Olympic hockey history occurred in
1936 when Great Britain won the gold medal. Five of the 10
members of the British team were Canadians, and three had
played for the Allan Cup (Canadian senior amateur)-champion
Moncton Hawks in 1933.
The only member of the 1952 USA Olympic team who would
go on to play in the NHL was Ken Yackel, who gained fame as a
three-sport athlete. He played briefly with the Boston Bruins,
won a scoring title in the International Hockey League, was a
highly-touted pitching prospect with the New York Yankees and
was drafted by the National Football League’s San Francisco
49ers.
The Canadian goaltender at the 1956 Olympic Games was
Denis Brodeur, the father of New Jersey Devils netminder
Martin Brodeur. The elder Brodeur served as the Montreal
Canadiens’ practice goaltender before forging a successful
career as a photographer.
Canada’s Paul Knox, who collected 14 points during the 1956
Games, was the first Canadian player to appear in the Olympics
after already playing in the NHL. Knox, a Toronto Maple Leafs
prospect, played the only NHL game of his career with the Leafs
during the 1954-55 season. He later attended the University of
Toronto, regained his amateur status, and suited up for Canada
in 1956.
The 1960 U.S. team included two future NHLers – Jack
McCartan and Tommy Williams. McCartan, whose heroic goal-
A
5
The trend of Olympians jumping directly to the NHL continued in 1992 as the Commonwealth of Independent States (formerly the Soviet Union) won gold and had 17 players go on to
play in the NHL
The 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehamer, Norway ended with
a shootout in the gold medal game between Sweden and
Canada. The last two shooters, Peter Forsberg and Paul Kariya,
would soon be NHL superstars. Forsberg’s one-handed goal
clinched Sweden’s first hockey gold medal and later was commemorated on a Swedish postage stamp.
Beginning with the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan,
active NHL players were permitted to play for their national
teams as the NHL regular-season schedule was modified to
allow players to attend. A total of 122 NHL players represented
their countries in Nagano as the NHL took a break from its regular season from February 8-24.
Kazakhstan and Belarus won their respective preliminary
round groups and joined Canada, Sweden, United States, Czech
Republic, Finland and Russia in the Final Round.
En route to their gold medal performance, the Czech
Republic would defeat Canada 2-1 in a Semi-Final shootout as
Dominik Hasek would stop all five Canadian shooters - Theoren
Fleury, Ray Bourque, Joe Nieuwendyk, Eric Lindros and Brendan
Shanahan – a group that had combined for 1,654 career NHL
goals. Robert Reichel would score on the Czechs’ first shot in the
shootout.
The Czechs would go on to defeat Russia in the gold medal
game as Hasek registered his second shutout of the Olympics
and Philadelphia Flyers' defenseman Petr Svoboda scored the
game-winning goal. Finland defeated Canada 3-2 to capture the
bronze medal. Hasek was named the best goaltender of the
Olympic tournament, while Canada's Rob Blake took the honors
as the best defenseman and Pavel Bure of Russia the top forward.
50 years to the day since a group of amateur players from the
Edmonton Mercurys last won an Olympic gold medal for
Canada,Team Canada struck gold again by defeating the U.S. 52 in Salt Lake City. The win culminated a tournament that had
begun slowly for the Canadians in losing to Sweden 5-2 and
edging Germany 3-2. The U.S., on the other hand, had posted a
4-0-1 record enroute to the gold medal game. Tournament
MVP Joe Sakic scored two goals and added two assists in the
game, including the game-winner on the power-play at 18:19 of
the second period and Martin Brodeur provided the Canadians
with solid goaltending.
In Canada, the game was the most-watched TV program sports or otherwise - in the country's history. More than 12 million people (more than a third of the population) watched as
Canada captured Olympic Gold for the first time in 50 years. In
the U.S., the contest was the highest-rated hockey game Olympics or NHL - on U.S. TV since the 1980 Lake Placid Games
as NBC's broadcast drew a 10.7 national rating. About 38 million people watched at least part of the game.
Russia defeated Belarus 7-2 to capture the bronze medal. §
country Canada Cup tournament in 1976, 1981, 1984, 1987 and
1991.Soviet club teams also came to North America to play NHL
clubs in what came to be known as “friendship”tours. Beginning
in December, 1975 and continuing until January, 1991, NHL
teams and Soviet club teams (Red Army, Spartak Moscow, HC
Khimik, Moscow Dynamo, Dynamo Riga and the Soviet Wings)
played numerous mid-season exhibition games.
In addition, the NHL All-Stars and the Soviet national team
played a best-of-three Challenge Cup tournament at New York’s
Madison Square Garden during the All-Star break in the 197879 season. The Soviets rebounded from a 4-2 loss in the series
opener to win the tournament with back-to-back 5-4 and 6-0
victories. During the All-Star break in the 1986-87 campaign, the
NHL and Soviet Union met again in Quebec City where they
played a two-game series known as “Rendez-Vous ’87.”The NHL
All-Stars won the opener 3-2 with the Soviet Union taking the
closing game by a 5-3 score. The quality demonstrated by
Soviet national and club teams in their games against NHL competition made it clear to NHL scouts and general managers that
European-trained players could compete in the NHL.
Although future NHLers have participated in every Olympic
tournament, the 1980 Olympics marked a significant change in
the relationship between the NHL and the international hockey
community. For the first time, several players who competed in
the Olympics were immediately signed and made their NHL
debuts in the final six weeks of the 1979-80 NHL season. This
trend would continue until 1998.
Eleven members of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” USA Olympic
team went on to play in the NHL. Eight of them (Dave Christian,
Steve Christoff, Jim Craig, Mark Johnson, Rob McClanahan, Ken
Morrow, Mike Ramsey and Dave Silk) made their NHL debuts
immediately following their gold medal victory, while three others (Mark Pavelich, Bill Baker and Neal Broten) played in the
world’s top professional league later in the decade. Ken Morrow
became the first player to play on an Olympic gold medal-winning team and a Stanley Cup-winning team (New York
Islanders) in the same season.
The 1980 Canadian Olympic team that finished sixth had 12
members (Dave Hindmarch, Ken Berry, Kevin Primeau, Paul
MacLean, Kevin Maxwell, Jim Nill, Randy Gregg,Tim Watters, Don
Spring, Bob Dupuis, Paul Pageau and Glenn Anderson) who
went on to play in the NHL. Six members of the 1980 Soviet
team (Vladimir Krutov, Helmut Balderis, Slava Fetisov, Alexei
Kasatonov, Sergei Makarov and Sergei Starikov) eventually
played in the NHL, an astounding number considering that it
would be a decade before they were granted permission to
leave the Soviet Union.
By the time the 1984 Olympics arrived, each of the major
hockey playing powers had between eight and 15 future NHL
players on its roster.This trend continued throughout the 1980s
and into the 1990s.
The 1988 Olympic tournament was significant because it
marked the first time that a limited number of NHL players were
allowed to compete in the Olympic Games. Canada added Jim
Peplinski, Brian Bradley, Steve Tambellini, Ken Yaremchuk and
Tim Watters to the roster after they were loaned to the Olympic
team by their NHL clubs.
6
MEN’S 2006 OLYMPIC HOCKEY SCHEDULE
F E B R U A R Y, 2 0 0 6
MONDAY
TUESDAY
13 WELVE TEAMS, divided14into two groups
T
of six, will play for Olympic gold. Each
team will play the five opponents in its
group from Feb. 15 to Feb. 21.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
15
16
17
18
19
Preliminary Round Preliminary Round
(round robin)
Preliminary Round Preliminary Round
(round robin)
(round robin)
(round robin)
Group A: Canada, Czech Republic,
Finland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland
Kazakhstan vs. Sweden
11:30 local • 5:30 am EST
Esposizioni
Finland vs. Italy
12 noon local • 6 am EST
Palasport
Kazakhstan vs. Russia
Esposizioni
Germany vs. Switzerland
12 noon local • 6 am EST
Palasport
Group B: Kazakhstan, Latvia, Russia,
Sweden, Slovakia, USA.
Italy vs Canada
1 pm local • 7 am EST
Palasport
Czech Rep. vs. Switzerland
Esposizioni
Italy vs. Germany
Palasport
Russia vs. Latvia
Esposizioni
The top four teams from each group
will advance to the quaterfinals where the
two groups cross over: A1 vs. B4,
A2 vs. B3, B2 vs. A3 and B1 vs. A4.
Single-game playoffs will then determine
the winner of the…
Quarterfinals …………Feb. 22
Semifinals ……………Feb. 24
Bronze medal game …Feb. 25
Gold medal game ……Feb. 26
Switzerland vs. Finland
Sweden vs. Russia
3:30 pm local • 9:30 am EST
Esposizioni
Palasport
Canada vs. Switzerland Slovakia vs. Kazakhstan
Esposizioni
Palasport
Germany vs. Czech Republic Slovakia vs. Latvia
Palasport
Esposizioni
Sweden vs. Latvia
Palasport
USA vs. Sweden
Esposizioni
Russia vs. Slovakia
8 pm local • 2 pm EST
Esposizioni
Canada vs. Germany
Palasport
Slovakia vs. USA
Esposizioni
Czech Republic vs. Italy
Palasport
Latvia vs USA
Palasport
USA vs. Kazakhstan
Esposizioni
Czech Republic vs. Finland Finland vs. Canada
Palasport
Esposizioni
20
21
22
23
24
Preliminary Round Quarterfinals
(round robin)
Latvia vs. Kazakhstan
Esposizioni
Semifinals
(single elimination)
(single elimination)
A1 vs. B4
Esposizioni
Semifinal 1
Palasport
Switzerland vs. Italy
A2 vs. B3
Palasport
Palasport
25
Bronze Medal Game Gold Medal Game
8:30 pm local • 2:30 pm EST
Palasport
Semifinal 2
Palasport
Finland vs. Germany
B2 vs. A3
Esposizioni
Esposizioni
Canada vs. Czech Republic B1 vs. A4
Palasport
Palasport
Sweden vs. Slovakia
Esposizioni
USA vs. Russia
Palasport
OLYMPIC HOCKEY ON TELEVISION Consult local listings.
Canada: CBC, CBC Newsworld, TSN (English), SRC, RDI, RDS (French);
USA: NBC, MSNBC, CNBC & USA with HD coverage on NBC’s HD
Affiliates and Universal HD.
7
26
Palasport
WOMEN’S 2006 OLYMPIC HOCKEY SCHEDULE
Playoff Round (single elimination)
Preliminary Round (round robin)
Saturday, February 11
Monday, February 13
Friday, February 17
Finland vs. Germany
Esposizioni
Sweden vs. Italy
Esposizioni
Classification Game A3 vs. B4
Esposizioni
Sweden vs. Russia
Palasport
Finland vs. Switzerland
Palasport
Semifinal A1 vs. B2
Palasport
United States vs. Switzerland
6 pm local • 12 noon EST
Esposizioni
Tuesday, February 14
Classification Game B3 vs. A4
Esposizioni
Italy vs. Russia
Esposizioni
Canada vs. Italy
Palasport
Semifinal B1 vs. A2
Palasport
Canada vs. Sweden
Palasport
Monday, February 20
Russia vs. Canada
Esposizioni
Switzerland vs. Germany
6 pm local • 12 noon EST
Esposizioni
7th place game
Esposizioni
Germany vs. USA
Palasport
United States vs. Finland
Palasport
Bronze Medal Game
Palasport
Sunday, February 12
5th place game
Esposizioni
Gold Medal Game
Palasport
Women’s Olympic Results and Rankings, 2002 and 1998
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA • 2002
Women
Canada
Sweden
USA
Finland
Russia
Sweden
Finland
China
Kazakhstan
USA
Germany
Canada
7
3
10
4
0
7
3
1
1
5
5
11
Kazakhstan 0
Russia
2
Germany
0
China
0
Canada
7
Kazakhstan 0
Germany
1
USA
12
Russia
4
Finland
0
China
5
Sweden
0
Classification Round
Russia
Germany
5
4
China
Kazakhstan
0
0
Semifinal Games
Canada
USA
7
4
Finland
Sweden
3
0
Seventh-Place Game
China
2
Nagano, Japan • 1998
Women
Kazakhstan1 (OT)
Fifth-Place Game
Russia
5
Germany
Sweden
Canada
China
Finland
USA
Canada
Sweden
Japan
USA
China
USA
Finland
Japan
Finland
Canada
0
Bronze Medal Game
Sweden
2
Finland
0
Gold Medal Game
Canada
3
USA
2
2002 Final Rankings, Women
1
Canada
2
USA
3
Sweden
4
Finland
5
Russia
6
Germany
7
China
8
Kazakhstan
0
13
0
11
7
2
3
1
4
3
10
2
0
6
4
Finland
Japan
USA
Japan
Sweden
China
Canada
China
Finland
Sweden
Japan
Canada
Sweden
China
USA
6
0
5
1
1
0
5
6
2
1
0
4
5
1
7
Bronze Medal Game
Finland
4
China
1
Gold Medal Game
USA
8
3
Canada
1
1998 Final Rankings, Women
1
USA
2
Canada
3
Finland
4
China
5
Sweden
6
Japan
Cumulative Medal Standings,
Women’s Olympic Hockey,
1998-2002
1.
2.
3.
4.
Canada
USA
Sweden
Finland
G
S
B TOTAL LAST MEDAL
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
2
1
1
Gold 02
Silver 02
Bronze 02
Bronze 98
2006 QUALIFICATION PREVIOUS RESULTS
Qualification for the
2006 Olympic Winter Games
Pre-Qualifying Round • 2006
Qualifying Round • 2006
(IIHF Ranking in brackets)
✔ advanced to Qualifying Round
(IIHF Ranking in brackets)
◆ qualified for Olympic Games
✔ advanced from Pre-Qualifying Round
Group D
Group A
L
T
3
2
1
0
0
1
2
3
0 30 0
0 10 12
0 14 12
0 2 32
GP W
L
T
GF GA
0
1
2
3
0
0
0
0
18
13
13
23
3
3
3
3
GF GA
Pts
Team
6✔
4
2
0
Group E
Team
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
0
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
0
1
9
2
0
Pts
Team
GP W
Latvia (10)
Belarus (13)
Slovenia (16)
Poland (20)
6✔
4
2
0
Group F
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
0
GP W
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
0
L
T
0
0
2
0
1 40 5
1 20 6
0 8 22
3 2 37
GF GA
Pts
Team
5✔
5
2
0
GP W
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
0
GP W
Belarus
Ukraine
Switzerland
France
L
T
GF GA
Pts
0
1
2
2
0 10 3
1 11 12
0 7 9
1 8 12
6
3
2
1
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
0
L
T
1
1
1
2
0
0
1
1
GF GA
5
9
7
6
Pts
3
5
9
10
Team
Team
GP W
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
0
L
T
GF GA
Pts
0
1
1
3
0 14 4
1 12 7
1 8 10
0 5 18
6
3
3
0
Team
T
0 12 4
0 9 6
0 7 10
0 6 14
GF GA
L
T
0
1
2
3
0 10 6
0 14 9
0 7 12
0 6 10
GF GA
GP W
USA
3
Finland
3
Russia
3
Belarus
3
Quarterfinals
Pts
6◆
4✔
2
0
Belarus
Russia
USA
Canada
Pts
2
2
1
0
L
T
GF GA
Pts
0
1
1
3
1 16 3
0 11 8
1 9 9
0 6 22
5
4
3
0
4
2
5
2
Sweden
Czech Rep.
Germany
Finland
3
1
0
1
Team
Canada
USA
7
3
Belarus
Russia
1
2
Team
7
Belarus
2
GP W
2
1
1
1
L
T
1
1
1
2
0
1
1
0
GF GA
3
8
5
8
5
5
5
9
Canada
Pts
4◆
3
3✔
2
G
S
B TOTAL
LAST MEDAL
USSR/Russia* ................8
Canada..........................6
USA...............................2
Czechoslovakia/Czech Rep. ...1
Sweden .........................1
Great Britain..................1
Finland ..........................0
W. Germany...................0
Switzerland....................0
2
4
6
4
2
0
1
0
0
2
2
1
3
4
1
2
2
2
Bronze 02
Gold 02
Silver 02
Gold 98
Gold 94
Gold 36
Bronze 98
Bronze 76
Bronze 48
12
12
9
8
7
2
3
2
2
5
USA
2
Team
* Soviet Union/Russia played as the Unified Team in 1992.
9
Team
Sweden
USA
USA
Canada
Slovakia
Switzerland
France
Germany
Canada
Canada
Sweden
USA
2
2
1
0
GP W
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
0
GP W
Canada
Czech Republic
Finland
Russia
3
2
1
0
4
4
2
4
Semifinals
Czech Republic 2
Russia
7
0
0
0
1
1
0
1.52
1.80
2.01
2.34
2.34
2.35
L
T
GF GA
Pts
0
1
2
1
1 14 11
1 9 9
0 11 11
2 9 12
5
3
2
2
L
T
GF GA
Pts
0
1
2
2
1 14 4
0 7 9
0 5 8
1 5 10
5
4
2
1
L
T
GF GA
Pts
0
1
2
3
0 12 3
0 11 7
0 8 10
0 4 15
6
4
2
0
L
T
GF GA
Pts
0
1
2
3
0 15 6
0 12 4
0 11 9
0 6 25
6
4
2
0
Kazakhstan
1
USA
1
Sweden
1
Belarus
1
Note: SO = Shootout
Canada
1 (SO)
Finland
4
Bronze Medal game
Finland
3
Canada
2
Russia
0
Gold Medal game
Czech Republic 1
2002 Scoring Leaders
Mats Sundin
Brett Hull
John LeClair
Joe Sakic
Marian Hossa
J-J Aeschlimann
Philippe Bozon
Len Soccio
Mario Lemieux
Steve Yzerman
Nicklas Lidstrom
Mike Modano
3
3
3
3
Russia
3
Czech Rep. 3
Finland
3
Kazakhstan 3
Quarterfinals
2002 Final Rankings, Men
1
Canada
2
USA
3
Russia
4
Belarus
5-8
Czech Republic
5-8
Finland
5-8
Germany
5-8
Sweden
9
Latvia
10
Ukraine
11
Switzerland
12
Austria
13
Slovakia
14
France
Player
2
1
1
0
GP W
Canada
Sweden
USA
Belarus
Group B
Gold Medal game
Kazakhstan (17) 3
Austria (11) 3
France (18) 3
Ukraine (12) 3
157 4
300 9
239 8
240 9
359 14
179 7
Final Round
Group A
Bronze Medal game
Russia
3
3
3
3
Belarus
Germany
France
Japan
Semifinals
6◆
4
2
0✔
GP W
Kazakhstan
Slovakia
Italy
Austria
Group B
Group D
L
3
5
4
4
6
3
Preliminary Round
Group A
Group C
Sweden
Czech Rep.
Canada
Germany
0
1
2
3
GP Min GA SO GAA
Nagano, Japan • 1998
Men
4
4
3
1
Final Round
Cumulative Medal Standings,
Men’s Olympic Hockey, 1924-2002
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Switzerland
Canada
Czech Rep.
USA
Russia
Sweden
Team
Group C
Norway (21)
Hungary (22)
China (28)
Serb&Mont (29)
Team
Martin Gerber
Martin Brodeur
Dominik Hasek
Mike Richter
N. Khabibulin
Tommy Salo
(Minimum 150 Mins)
Group B
Group B
Poland (20)
Netherlands (23)
Lithuania (27)
Croatia (31)
Team
GP W
Switz. (9)
Norway (21)
Denmark (14)
Japan (15)
Player
Germany
Latvia
Austria
Slovakia
With three more berths to determine, Pre-Qualifying and Qualifying tournaments
were staged. National teams ranked 9th through 17th were seeded in the Qualifying
Round. Teams ranked 18th or lower played in the Pre-Qualifying Round, November
11-14, 2004. France, Poland and Norway, the three highest-ranked teams in the
Pre-Qualifying Round, earned sports in the Qualifying Round, February 10-13, 2005.
Switzerland (ranked 9th), Latvia (10th) and Kazakhstan (17th) finished on top of their
respective Qualifying groups to earn berths in Torino.
GP W
Preliminary Round
Team
UALIFYING FOR THE MEN’S ICE HOCKEY COMPETITION at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games
in Torino, Italy began in 2004. Using the International Ice Hockey Federation’s
World Rankings, the top eight countries (Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany,
Russia, Slovakia, Sweden and the United States) were guaranteed a spot in Torino. They
were joined by host nation Italy, ranked 19th by the IIHF.
France (18)
Romania (26)
Estonia (24)
Bulgaria (32)
2002 Goaltending Leaders
Group A
Q
Team
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA • 2002
Men
GP
G
A PTS PIM
4
6
6
6
2
4
4
7
5
6
4
6
5
3
6
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
1
0
4
5
1
3
2
3
3
3
4
4
5
6
9
8
7
7
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
10
6
2
0
0
2
2
8
0
2
0
0
1998 Final Rankings, Men
1
Czech Republic
2
Russia
3
Finland
4
Canada
5–8 USA
5–8 Sweden
5–8 Belarus
5–8 Kazakhstan
9
Germany
10
Slovakia
11
France
12
Italy
13
Japan
14
Austria
Previous Olympic Results, 1998–1980
Player
Team
Teemu Selanne
Saku Koivu
Pavel Bure
Alex. Koreshkov
Phillipe Bozon
K. Shafranov
Dominik Lavoie
Jere Lehtinen
Alexei Yashin
Serge Poudrier
Sergei Fedorov
Finland
Finland
Russia
Kazakhstan
France
Kazakhstan
Austria
Finland
Russia
France
Russia
GP
G
A PTS PIM
Player
Team
GP
G
A PTS PIM
5
6
6
7
4
7
4
6
6
6
6
4
2
9
3
5
4
5
4
3
2
1
6 10
8 10
0 9
6 9
2 7
3 7
1 6
2 6
3 6
4 6
5 6
Ziggy Palffy
Miroslav Satan
Peter Stastny
Hakan Loob
Gates Orlando
Patrik Juhlin
Jiri Kucera
Marty Dallman
Mika Nieminen
David Sacco
Peter Forsberg
Slovakia 8
Slovakia 8
Slovakia 8
Sweden 8
Italy
7
Sweden 8
Czech Rep. 8
Austria
7
Finland
8
USA
8
Sweden 8
3
9
5
4
3
7
6
4
3
3
2
7 10 8
0 9 0
4 9 9
5 9 2
6 9 41
1 8 16
2 8 4
4 8 8
5 8 0
5 8 12
6 8 6
8
4
2
2
4
6
8
2
0
4
8
Team
Czech Rep.
Canada
Russia
Sweden
Japan
Italy
GP Min GA SO GAA
6
6
5
4
3
4
369 6
369 9
290 8
238 9
189 8
215 12
2
1
0
0
0
0
0.97
1.46
1.65
2.27
2.54
3.35
Team
Lillehammer, Norway • 1994
Group A
Team
Finland
Germany
Czech Rep.
Russia
Austria
Norway
Group B
Team
GP W
L
T
GF GA PTS
5
3
3
3
1
0
0
2
2
2
4
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
25
11
16
20
13
5
GP W
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
1
1
1
4
4
2
1
1
3
0
1
26
17
23
21
15
11
5
5
5
5
5
5
3
3
3
1
1
0
14
11
13
17
31
27
8
7
7
5
2
1
GF GA PTS
1
2
1
0
0
0
18
22
22
11
18
4
Team
GP W
L
T
GF GA PTS
1
1
1
3
4
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
28
32
25
14
13
7
Canada
5
Unified Team*5
Czech.
5
France
5
Switzerland 5
Norway
5
4
4
4
2
1
0
Medal Round
Canada
Czechoslovakia
USA
Unified Team
7
11
11
12
24
30
9
8
7
4
2
0
9
10
15
22
25
38
Team
Soviet Union
Finland
Sweden
Canada
W. Germany
Czech.
8
8
8
4
2
0
4
3
4
6
Note: SO = Shootout
Germany
3 (SO)
Sweden
1
France
1
Finland
1
4
5
Czechoslovakia 2
USA
2
Semifinals
Canada
Unified Team
2
1
0
2
Bronze Medal Game
5
4
Finland
Russia
3
3
1992 Final Rankings
1.
Unified Team
2.
Canada
3.
Czechoslovakia
4.
USA
5.
Sweden
6.
Germany
7.
Finland
8.
France
9.
Norway
10.
Switzerland
11.
Poland
12.
Italy
4
Russia
0
Gold Medal Game Note: SO = Shootout
Sweden
T
0
0
0
3
4
5
Czech Rep.
USA
Germany
Slovakia
Bronze Medal Game
Finland
L
4
3
3
2
1
0
5
5
5
5
5
5
3
6
3
3
Semifinals
Canada
Sweden
GP W
* Soviet Union/Russia played as Unified Team in 1992.
Slovakia
5
Canada
5
Sweden
5
USA
5
Italy
5
France
5
Quarterfinals
Canada
Finland
Sweden
Russia
4 10
14 6
11 6
14 6
28 2
19 0
Group A
USA
Sweden
Finland
Germany
Italy
Poland
Group B
3
Canada
1994 Final Standings
1.
Sweden
2.
Canada
3.
Finland
4.
Russia
5.
Czech Republic
6.
Slovakia
7.
Germany
8.
USA
9.
Italy
10.
France
11.
Norway
12.
Austria
2 (SO)
Czechoslovakia 6
3
Team
Joe Juneau
Andrei Khomutov
Robert Lang
Teemu Selanne
Eric Lindros
H. Jarvenpaa
V. Bykov
Yuri Khmylev
Mika Nieminen
N. Borschevsky
Canada
Unified
Czech.
Finland
Canada
Finland
Unified
Unified
Finland
Unified
3
2
3
3
0
1
GP W
5
4
3
2
0
0
GP W
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
3
2
2
1
1
T
GF GA PTS
1
0
1
2
4
4
1
3
1
0
1
0
22
23
17
19
3
10
8
10
12
10
13
41
7
7
7
6
1
0
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
1
2
3
4
4
0
0
0
0
1
1
32
19
23
27
12
11
10 10
12 8
14 6
27 4
29 1
32 1
L
T
GF GA PTS
1
1
1
2
4
4
0
1
2
1
0
0
25
18
15
17
8
12
7
10
16
14
26
22
8
7
6
5
2
2
1988 Final Rankings
1.
Soviet Union
2.
Finland
3.
Sweden
4.
Canada
5.
W. Germany
6.
Czechoslovakia
7.
USA
8.
Switzerland
9.
Austria
10.
Poland
11.
France
12.
Norway
USA
1
Canada
1
Player
Team
Vladimir Krutov
Igor Larionov
V. Fetisov
Corey Millen
Dusan Pasek
Sergei Makarov
Erkki Lehtonen
Anders Eldebrink
Igor Liba
Gerd Truntschka
Raimo Helminen
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
USA
Czech.
Soviet Union
Finland
Sweden
Czech.
W. Germany
Finland
G
A PTS PIM
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
6
7
5
7
5
5
4
4
4
7
9
7
8
4
6
6
7
6
6
2
15
14
13
11
11
11
11
10
10
9
Team
W. Germany
USA
Finland
Poland
5
2
8
6
5
14
2
4
6
0
GP W
1
1
1
1
Team
Czech.
Canada
Finland
USA
Austria
Norway
10
5
3
3
1
1
1
GP W
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
2
1
1
0
L
T
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
6
4
2
0
GF GA PTS
7
7
4
4
4
4
7
7
2
2
0
0
Team
GP
G
A PTS PIM
Erich Kuhnhackl
Peter Gradin
N. Drozdetski
V. Fetisov
Petri Skriko
Vladimir Ruzicka
R. Summanen
Darius Rusnak
Jiri Hrdina
Vincent Lukac
Viktor Tjumenev
W. Germany 6
Sweden
7
Soviet Union 7
Soviet Union 7
Finland
6
Czech.
7
Finland
6
Czech.
7
Czech.
7
Czech.
7
Soviet Union 6
8
9
10
3
6
4
4
4
4
4
0
6
4
2
8
4
6
6
6
6
5
9
14 12
13 6
12 2
11 8
10 8
10 0
10 4
10 6
10 10
9 2
9 2
Lake Placid, NY, USA • 1980
Red Division
GP
G
A PTS PIM
8
8
8
6
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
6
4
4
6
6
3
4
4
4
3
2
9
9
9
5
5
8
6
6
6
7
8
15 0
13 4
13 6
11 4
11 8
11 10
10 2
10 4
10 8
10 10
10 4
GP W
Soviet Union 5
Finland
5
Canada
5
Poland
5
Holland
5
Japan
5
Blue Division
Team
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
1
1
4
4
4
0
1
1
0
0
0
42
34
27
16
15
8
5 10
15 7
17 7
37 2
31 2
37 2
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
1
2
2
4
4
0
0
1
2
0
1
38
24
27
16
13
15
7 10
10 8
19 5
17 4
37 2
43 1
USA
Soviet Union
Sweden
Finland
5
3
3
2
1
0
GP W
Team
5
5
5
5
5
5
GF GA PTS
Player
Group A
Soviet Union
Sweden
W. Germany
Poland
Italy
Yugoslavia
Group B
1
1
0
0
T
0 16 1
0 6 2
0 3 12
0 0 10
Sarajevo, Yugoslavia • 1984
GP W
L
1984 Final Rankings
1.
Soviet Union
2.
Czechoslovakia
3.
Sweden
4.
Canada
5.
W. Germany
6.
Finland
7.
USA
8.
Poland
Sweden
5
USA
5
Czech.
5
Romania
5
W. Germany 5
Norway
5
Final Round
Team
GP
GP W
Soviet Union 3 3 0
Czech.
3 2 1
Sweden
3 1 2
Canada
3 0 3
Consolation Round
Team
Player
5
5
5
5
5
5
L
Gold Medal Game
Unified Team
GP W
Soviet Union 5
W. Germany 5
Czech.
5
USA
5
Austria
5
Norway
5
Final Round
Albertville, France • 1992
Team
Team
Finland
Sweden
Canada
Switzerland
Poland
France
Group B
(Minimum 150 Mins)
Dominik Hasek
Patrick Roy
M. Shtalenkov
Tommy Salo
Dusty Imoo
Mike Rosati
Final Round
Group A
Team
1998 Goaltending Leaders
Player
Calgary, Alberta, Canada • 1988
4
4
3
1
1
0
GP W
3
3
3
3
2
2
0
0
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
2
2
3
3
4
0
0
0
0
1
1
51
26
28
15
16
7
11 10
18 6
12 6
23 4
43 3
36 1
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
0
2
3
4
4
1
1
0
1
0
1
26
25
34
13
21
9
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
1
1
2
1 10 7
0 16 8
2 7 14
1 7 11
7
10
16
29
30
36
9
9
6
3
2
1
5
4
2
1
1980 Final Rankings
1.
USA
2.
Soviet Union
3.
Sweden
4.
Finland
5.
Czechoslovakia
6.
Canada
7.
Poland
8.
Holland
9.
Romania
10.
W. Germany
11.
Norway
12.
Japan
Sapporo, Japan • 1972
Group A
Team
Soviet Union
USA
Czech.
Sweden
Finland
Poland
Group B
Team
Player
Team
GP
G
A PTS PIM
Milan Novy
Peter Stastny
Jaroslav Pouzar
Alexander Golikov
Jukka Porvari
Boris Mikhailov
Vladimir Krutov
Sergei Makarov
Marian Stastny
Mark Johnson
Czech.
6
Czech.
6
Czech.
6
Soviet Union 7
Finland
7
Soviet Union 7
Soviet Union 7
Soviet Union 7
Czech.
6
USA
7
7
7
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
5
8
7
5
6
4
5
5
6
6
6
15
14
13
13
11
11
11
11
11
11
0
6
8
6
4
2
4
2
4
6
Innsbruck, Austria • 1976
Group A
Team
Soviet Union
Czech.
W. Germany
Finland
USA
Poland
Group B
Team
Romania
Austria
Japan
Yugoslavia
Switzerland
Bulgaria
GP W
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
3
2
2
2
0
GP W
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
3
3
3
2
0
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
2
3
3
3
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
40
17
21
19
15
9
11 10
10 6
24 4
18 4
21 4
37 0
L
T
GF GA PTS
1
2
2
2
3
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
23
18
20
22
24
19
15
14
18
19
22
38
8
6
6
6
4
0
W. Germany
Norway
Japan
Switzerland
Yugoslavia
GP W
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
3
3
2
2
0
GP W
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
2
0
0
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
2
2
2
3
5
1
0
0
1
0
0
33
18
26
17
14
9
L
T
GF GA PTS
1
1
1
2
3
0 22 10
0 16 14
1 17 16
2 9 16
1 9 17
13
15
13
13
24
39
9
6
6
5
4
0
6
6
5
2
1
1972 Final Rankings
1.
Soviet Union
2.
USA
3.
Czechoslovakia
4.
Sweden
5.
Finland
6.
Poland
7.
W. Germany
8.
Norway
9.
Japan
10.
Switzerland
11.
Yugoslavia
Player
Team
Valeri Kharlamov
V. Nedomansky
Vladimir Vikulov
Craig Sarner
Kevin Ahearn
Alexander Maltsev
Anatoli Firsov
Yuri Blinov
Jiri Kochta
Richard Farda
Soviet Union
Czech.
Soviet Union
USA
USA
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Czech.
Czech.
GP
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
G
A PTS PIM
9
6
5
4
4
4
2
3
3
1
6 15
3 9
4 9
5 9
3 7
3 7
5 7
3 6
3 6
5 6
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Grenoble, France • 1968
Soviet Union
Czech.
Canada
Sweden
Finland
USA
W. Germany
E. Germany
Group B
Team
Player
Team
Vladimir Shadrin
Alexander Maltsev
Victor Shalimov
Erich Kuhnhackl
Valeri Kharlamov
Ernst Kopf
Vladimir Petrov
A. Yakushev
Bob Dobek
Lorenz Funk
Victor Zhluktov
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
W. Germany
Soviet Union
W. Germany
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
USA
W. Germany
Soviet Union
GP
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
G
A PTS PIM
6
5
5
5
3
3
4
3
3
2
1
4
5
5
5
6
5
3
4
4
5
6
10 0
10 0
10 2
10 10
9 6
8 2
7 8
7 2
7 4
7 4
7 2
Yugoslavia
Japan
Norway
Romania
Austria
France
GP W
L
T
GF GA PTS
6
5
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
1
2
2
3
4
6
7
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
48
33
28
23
17
23
13
13
GP W
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
1
2
3
4
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
33
27
15
22
12
9
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
3
2
1
0
10 12
17 11
15 10
18 9
23 7
28 5
39 2
48 0
9 10
12 8
15 6
23 4
27 2
32 0
Player
Team
Sven Tumba
Ulf Sterner
Victor Yakushev
Boris Mayorov
Jiri Dolana
Vy. Starshinov
Josef Cerny
A. Andersson
K. Loktev
Gary Dineen
Sweden
Sweden
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Czech.
Soviet Union
Czech.
Sweden
Soviet Union
Canada
Player
Team
Anatoli Firsov
Vladimir Vikulov
Vyatch. Starshinov
Victor Populanov
Josef Golonka
Jan Hrbaty
Fran Huck
Marshall Johnston
Jack Morrison
V. Nedomansky
Soviet Union 7
Soviet Union 7
Soviet Union 7
Soviet Union 7
Czech.
7
Czech.
7
Canada
7
Canada
7
USA
7
Czech.
7
GP
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
G
A PTS PIM
8
6
7
7
7
7
5
7
4
3
3
5
3
3
3
3
5
2
5
6
11 0
11 0
10 0
10 0
10 0
10 6
10 2
9 8
9 8
9 10
Squaw Valley, CA, USA • 1960
Group A
Team
GP
G
A PTS PIM
12 4 16 4
2 10 12 2
6 6 12 2
6 6 12 10
4 6 10 8
2 7 9 2
4 5 9 10
2 6 8 4
2 6 8 10
5 2 7 4
Canada
Sweden
Japan
Group B
Team
GP W
L
T
GF GA PTS
2 2 0 0 24 3
2 1 1 0 21 5
2 0 2 0 1 38
GP W
L
T
Team
GP W
L
T
Group A
Team
Soviet Union
Sweden
Czech.
Canada
USA
Finland
W. Germany
Switzerland
Group B
Poland
Norway
Japan
Romania
Austria
Yugoslavia
Italy
Hungary
GP W
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
5
5
5
2
2
2
0
GP W
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
6
5
4
3
3
3
2
0
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
2
2
2
5
5
5
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
54
47
38
32
29
10
13
9
14
10
10
10
4
4
4
0
L
T
GF GA PTS
1
2
2
3
3
3
5
7
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
40
40
35
31
24
29
24
14
1964 Final Rankings
1.
Soviet Union
2.
Sweden
3.
Czechoslovakia
4.
Canada
5.
USA
6.
Finland
7.
W. Germany
8.
Switzerland
9.
Poland
10.
Norway
11.
Japan
12.
Romania
13.
Austria
14.
Yugoslavia
15.
Italy
16.
Hungary
11
10
16
19
17
33
31
49
57
13 12
19 10
31 9
28 7
28 7
37 7
42 4
39 0
4
2
0
L
T
GF GA PTS
USA
5 5 0
Canada
5 4 1
Soviet Union 5 2 2
Czech.
5 2 3
Sweden
5 1 3
W. Germany 5 0 5
Consolation Round
0
0
1
0
1
0
29
31
24
21
19
5
Team
T
GF GA PTS
Finland
Japan
Australia
GP W
4
2
0
GF GA PTS
Innsbruck, Austria • 1964
Team
4
2
0
GF GA PTS
Soviet Union 2 2 0 0 16 4
W. Germany 2 1 1 0 4 9
Finland
2 0 2 0 5 12
Group C
USA
2 2 0 0 19 6
Czech.
2 1 1 0 23 6
Australia
2 0 2 0 2 30
Final Round
Team
Team
Group A
1976 Final Rankings
1.
Soviet Union
2.
Czechoslovakia
3.
W. Germany
4.
Finland
5.
USA
6.
Poland
7.
Romania
8.
Austria
9.
Japan
10.
Yugoslavia
11.
Switzerland
12.
Bulgaria
1968 Final Rankings
1.
Soviet Union
2.
Czechoslovakia
3.
Canada
4.
Sweden
5.
Finland
6.
USA
7.
W. Germany
8.
E. Germany
9.
Yugoslavia
10.
Japan
11.
Norway
12.
Romania
13.
Austria
14.
France
GP W
L
11 10
12 8
19 5
23 4
19 3
45 0
4 3 0 1 50 11
4 2 1 1 32 22
4 0 4 0 8 57
7
5
0
1960 Final Rankings
1.
USA
2.
Canada
3.
Soviet Union
4.
Czechoslovakia
5.
Sweden
6.
W. Germany
7.
Finland
8.
Japan
9.
Australia
Player
Team
Fred Etcher
Bobby Attersley
Bill Cleary
Bill Christian
G. Samolenko
Lars E. Lundvall
Vaclav Panucek
John Mayasich
Nisse Nilsson
V. Alexandrov
Butch Martin
Ronald Petersson
Canada
7
Canada
7
USA
7
USA
7
Canada
7
Sweden
7
Czech.
7
USA
7
Sweden
7
Soviet Union 7
Canada
7
Sweden
7
GP
G
A PTS PIM
9 12 21 0
6 12 18 4
7 7 14 2
2 11 13 2
8 4 12 0
8 4 12 2
7 5 12 0
7 5 12 2
7 5 12 4
7 5 12 8
6 6 12 14
4 8 12 2
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy • 1956
Group A
Team
Canada
W. Germany
Italy
Austria
Group B
Team
Czech.
USA
Poland
Group C
Team
GP W
L
T
3
1
0
0
0
1
1
2
0 30 1
1 9 6
2 5 7
1 2 32
GP W
L
T
3
3
3
3
GF GA PTS
GF GA PTS
2 2 0 0 12 6
2 1 1 0 7 4
2 0 2 0 3 12
GP W
L
T
4
2
0
L
T
GF GA PTS
Soviet Union 5 5 0
USA
5 4 1
Canada
5 3 2
Sweden
5 1 3
Czech.
5 1 4
W. Germany 5 0 4
Consolation Round
0
0
0
1
0
1
25
26
23
10
20
6
Team
Italy
Poland
Switzerland
Austria
GP W
4
2
0
GF GA PTS
Soviet Union 2 2 0 0 15 4
Sweden
2 1 1 0 7 10
Switzerland 2 0 2 0 8 16
Final Round
Team
6
3
2
1
GP W
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
0
5 10
12 8
11 6
17 3
30 2
35 1
L
T
0
1
2
3
0 21 7
0 12 10
0 12 8
0 9 19
GF GA PTS
6
4
2
0
1956 Final Rankings
1.
Soviet Union
2.
USA
3.
Canada
4.
Sweden
5.
Czechoslovakia
6.
W. Germany
7.
Italy
8.
Poland
9.
Switzerland
10.
Austria
Team
Jim Logan
Paul Knox
Vsevolod Bobrov
Gerry Theberge
Jack McKenzie
John Mayasich
Alexei Guryshev
Vlastimil Bubnik
George Scholes
Canada
Canada
Soviet Union
Canada
Canada
USA
Soviet Union
Czech.
Canada
Canada
USA
Sweden
Czech.
Switzerland
Poland
Finland
W. Germany
Norway
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
6
6
6
4
2
2
1
0
Canada
Czech.
Switzerland
Sweden
Great Britain
Poland
Austria
Italy
Great Britain
Canada
USA
Czech.
GP W
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
6
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
0
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
57 2 13
76 15 13
62 17 10
53 23 8
36 43 6
25 74 4
31 64 2
23 125 0
* USA also competed as an unofficial entry.
8
8
7
8
8
7
7
7
8
G
A PTS PIM
7
7
9
9
7
7
7
5
5
5
5
2
2
4
3
2
4
3
12 2
12 2
11 4
11 8
11 4
10 2
9 0
9 14
8 2
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
1
2
2
4
5
6
6
8
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
71
43
48
47
40
21
21
21
15
1
21
19
18
40
56
60
53
46
15
13
12
12
8
5
4
3
0
Canada
Austria
Poland
Latvia
Group B
Team
Germany
USA
Italy
Switzerland
Group C
Team
Czech.
Hungary
France
Belgium
Group D
Team
GP W
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
0
GP W
T
GF GA PTS
0
1
2
0
0 24 3
0 11 7
0 11 12
3 3 27
T
0
0
0
0
GP W
L
T
0
1
2
3
0 10 0
0 14 5
0 4 7
0 4 20
GP W
L
T
Great Britain
Canada
Germany
Hungary
GP W
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
0
6
4
2
0
GF GA PTS
5
5
2
1
1
2
5
5
4
4
2
2
GF GA PTS
6
4
2
6
GF GA PTS
Great Britain 2 2 0 0 4 0
Sweden
2 1 1 0 2 1
Japan
2 0 2 0 0 5
Group A Semifinal Round
Team
2
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
L
T
0
1
1
3
1
0
1
0
5
6
3
1
1
4
6
4
6
4
2
0
GF GA PTS
7
9
2
0
1
2
1
14
5
4
3
0
1928 Final Rankings
1.
Canada
2.
Sweden
3.
Switzerland
4.
Great Britain
5.
France
5.
Czechoslovakia
5.
Austria
8.
Belgium
8.
Poland
8.
Germany
11.
Hungary
Chamonix, France • 1924
Group A
Team
Canada
Sweden
Czech.
Switzerland
Group B
L
T
0
1
1
0
1 8 3
0 22 4
1 5 8
3 2 22
4
2
0
GP W
3
3
3
3
Lake Placid, NY, USA • 1932
Team
Team
USA
3
Great Britain 3
France
3
Belgium
3
Final Round
GP W
6
6
6
6
5
4
2
0
L
T
GF GA PTS
0
1
4
6
1 32 4 11
1 27 5 9
0 7 26 4
0 3 34 0
Canada
USA
Great Britain
Sweden
St. Moritz, Switzerland • 1928
L
L
3
2
1
0
3
3
3
3
0
1
2
3
GF GA PTS
Team
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
3
GP W
T
1932 Final Rankings
1.
Canada
2.
USA
3.
Germany
4.
Poland
2
2
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
0
L
1936 Final Rankings
1.
Great Britain
2.
Canada
3.
USA
4.
Czechoslovakia
5.
Germany
5.
Sweden
7.
Hungary
7.
Austria
Canada
USA
Germany
Poland
1948 Final Rankings
1.
Canada
2.
Czechoslovakia
3.
Switzerland
4.
Sweden
5.
Great Britain
6.
Poland
7.
Austria
8.
Italy
Team
GP
GP W
Team
St. Moritz, Switzerland • 1948
Team
GP W
USA
3
Czech.
3
Sweden
3
Austria
3
Final Round
Group A
Oslo, Norway • 1952
Team
Group B Semifinal Round
Team
Garmisch-Partenkirchen,
Germany • 1936
Player
1952 Final Rankings
1.
Canada
2.
USA
3.
Sweden
4.
Czechoslovakia
5.
Switzerland
6.
Poland
7.
Finland
8.
W. Germany
9.
Norway
Group A
Team
Great Britain
France
Belgium
Hungary
Group B
Team
Sweden
Czech.
Poland
Group C
Team
GP W
L
T
2
2
2
0
1
1
1
3
0 10 6
0 6 5
0 9 10
0 2 6
GP W
L
T
3
3
3
3
2 1 0 1
2 1 1 0
2 0 0 1
GP W
L
T
Switzerland 2 1 0 1
Austria
2 0 0 2
Germany
2 0 0 1
Final Round
Team
Canada
Sweden
Switzerland
Great Britain
GF GA PTS
5
4
3
0
12
GP W
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
0
GF GA PTS
4
4
4
0
GF GA PTS
5 2
3 5
4 5
3
2
1
GF GA PTS
5 4
4 4
0 1
3
2
1
L
T
0
1
2
3
0 38 0 6
0 7 12 4
0 4 17 2
0 1 21 O
GF GA PTS
3
2
1
0
GP W
3
2
1
0
GP W
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
0
L
T
0
1
2
3
0 85 0
0 18 25
0 14 41
0 2 53
GF GA PTS
L
T
0
1
2
3
0 52 0
0 34 16
0 9 42
0 8 35
6
4
2
0
GF GA PTS
L
T
0
1
2
3
0 47 3
0 32 6
0 6 33
0 3 46
6
4
2
0
GF GA PTS
6
4
2
0
1924 Final Rankings
1.
Canada
2.
USA
3.
Great Britain
4.
Sweden
5.
Czechoslovakia
5.
France
7.
Switzerland
7.
Belgium
Antwerp, Belgium • 1920
(unofficial)
Hockey was played at the 1920
Summer Olympics in Antwerp,
Belgium. This tournament is not
counted in cumulative Winter Olympic
Hockey statistics. The IIHF has
declared it the first World
Championship.
1920 Final Rankings
1.
Canada
2.
USA
3.
Czechoslovakia
4.
Sweden
5.
Switzerland
MEDAL WINNERS
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES
YEAR
1920
1924
1928
1932
1936
1948
1952
1956
1960
1964
1968
1972
1976
1980
1984
1988
1992
1994
1998
VENUE
Antwerp, Belgium*
Chamonix, France
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Lake Placid, USA
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Oslo, Norway
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Squaw Valley, USA
Innsbruck, Austria
Grenoble, France
Sapporo, Japan
Innsbruck, Austria
Lake Placid, USA
Sarajevo, Yugoslavia
Calgary, Canada
Albertville, France
Lillehammer, Norway
MEN
Nagano, Japan
2002
Salt Lake City, USA
WOMEN
MEN
WOMEN
GOLD
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Great Britain
Canada
Canada
Soviet Union
United States
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
United States
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Russia (Unified Team)
Sweden
Czech Republic
United States
Canada
Canada
SILVER
United States
United States
Sweden
United States
Canada
Czechoslovakia
United States
United States
Canada
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
United States
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
Finland
Canada
Canada
Russia
Canada
United States
United States
BRONZE
Czechoslovakia
Great Britain
Switzerland
Germany
United States
Switzerland
Sweden
Canada
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
Canada
Czechoslovakia
West Germany
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Finland
Finland
Finland
Russia
Sweden
* Hockey played at Summer Olympics in 1920.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
YEAR
GOLD
SILVER
1930
Canada
Germany
1931
Canada
United States
1933
United States
Canada
1934
Canada
United States
1935
Canada
Switzerland
1937
Canada
Great Britain
1938
Canada
Great Britain
1939
Canada
United States
1940 to 1946
no event held
1947
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
1949
Czechoslovakia
Canada
1950
Canada
United States
1951
Canada
Sweden
1953
Sweden
West Germany
1954
Soviet Union
Canada
1955
Canada
Soviet Union
1957
Sweden
Soviet Union
1958
Canada
Soviet Union
1959
Canada
Soviet Union
1961
Canada
Czechoslovakia
1962
Sweden
Canada
1963
Soviet Union
Sweden
1965
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
1966
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
1967
Soviet Union
Sweden
1969
Soviet Union
Sweden
1970
Soviet Union
Sweden
1971
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
1972
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
1973
Soviet Union
Sweden
1974
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
1975
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
1976
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
1977
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
BRONZE
YEAR
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Switzerland
Austria
Czechoslovakia
Germany
Great Britain
Switzerland
Czechoslovakia
Switzerland
1978
1979
1981
1982
1983
1985
1986
1987
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Sweden
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Sweden
Sweden
Russia
Canada
Finland
Czech Republic
Canada
Sweden
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Canada
Canada
Czech Republic
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Canada
Sweden
Soviet Union
Canada
Sweden
Canada
Finland
Sweden
Finland
Sweden
Canada
Sweden
Finland
Finland
Slovakia
Finland
Russia
Sweden
Sweden
Canada
Canada
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Canada
Canada
Soviet Union
Canada
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
Czech Republic
Sweden
Canada
United States
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Sweden
Finland
Sweden
Sweden
Slovakia
United States
Russia
Austria
United States
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
United States
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
Canada
Canada
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Soviet Union
Note: In Winter Olympic years, a separate World Championship did not take place
with the exception of 1972, 1976, 1992, 1994 and 1998. The 1920 hockey competition held at the Summer Olympics in Antwerp is considered to be the first official
IIHF World Championship.
13
Medal Winners, International Tournaments
WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
EUROPEAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
YEAR
1990
1992
1994
1997
1999
2000
2001
2004
2005
(Under 18)
GOLD
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
USA
SILVER
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
Canada
BRONZE
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Russia
Finland
Sweden
WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
(Under 20)
YEAR
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Sweden
Canada
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Canada
Soviet Union
Finland
Canada
Soviet Union
Canada
Canada
Russia
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Finland
Russia
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Russia
Russia
United States
Canada
Canada
Canada
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Finland
Finland
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Finland
Czechoslovakia
Canada
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Sweden
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Russia
Sweden
USA
Russia
Canada
Russia
Finland
Canada
Canada
Canada
Russia
Russia
Czechoslovakia
Canada
Sweden
Sweden
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Canada
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
USA
Sweden
Finland
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
USA
Czechoslovakia
Russia
Sweden
Russia
Russia
Switzerland
Slovakia
Canada
Canada
Finland
Finland
Finland
Czech Republic
Finland
YEAR
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Sweden
Soviet Union
Sweden
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Sweden
Finland
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Sweden
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Sweden
Finland
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
Sweden
Finland
Russia
Finland
Sweden
Soviet Union
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
Soviet Union
Sweden
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Finland
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Finland
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Finland
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Sweden
Russia
Russia
Germany
Finland
Sweden
Finland
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Finland
Sweden
Finland
Soviet Union
Sweden
Soviet Union
Sweden
Sweden
Soviet Union
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union
Soviet Union
Finland
Czechoslovakia
Finland
Russia
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Sweden
Sweden
Switzerland
Russia
WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
(Under 18)
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
CANADA CUP • WORLD CUP
YEAR
WINNER
RUNNER-UP
1976
1981
1984
1987
1991
1996
2004
Canada
Soviet Union
Canada
Canada
Canada
United States
Canada
Czechoslovakia
Canada
Sweden
Soviet Union
United States
Canada
Finland
14
Finland
Finland
Russia
United States
Canada
Russia
United States
Sweden
Russia
Switzerland
Russia
Slovakia
United States
Canada
Slovakia
Sweden
Finland
Czech Republic
Russia
Czech Republic
Sweden
NHL–I NTERNATIONAL T IMELINE
1875–1880 – The first organized hockey games are
1956 – At the 1956 Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy,
played in Montreal.
the Soviet Union defeated Canada's entry, the KitchenerWaterloo Dutchmen, 2-0, to win their first Olympic gold
medal. Immediately after the February 4th game, Jim
Hendy, General Manager of the American Hockey
League's Cleveland Barons sent a telegram to Soviet
goaltender Nikolai Puchkov, offering him a two-year contract at $10,000 per year. Puchkov allowed just five goals
in five games, including back-to-back shutouts over the
U.S. and Canada.
1896 – The first bandy club is formed in Sweden.
(The game of bandy is a form of field hockey on ice.
Hockey was not introduced in Sweden until 1919).
1899 – The first hockey game is played in Finland. Bandy
would remain the game of choice until hockey was taken
up again in 1927.
1905 – The game of hockey is introduced to Bohemia
1956 – Despite finishing second in four previous Olympic
(Czechoslovakia). Bandy had been played there since
1890 and provided a basis for the growth of hockey.
Winter Games, the silver medal-winning effort in Italy in
1956 sparked a dramatic upsurge in the game's popularity across the United States. Under Coach Johnny
Mariucci's direction, the U.S. team's performance was
front-page news in many newspapers and their game
against the Soviet Union was broadcast coast-to-coast on
radio. Boston Bruins' General Manager Lynn Patrick
observed: "Amateur hockey in this country has been
growing by leaps and bounds since World War II. The
Olympic team's success in Italy will accelerate the spread
of the game. The impact will be felt all the way down the
line, from our National League teams to the pond level."
1920 – The International Olympic Committee agrees to
recognize ice hockey as a demonstration sport at the
1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp.
1924 – Ice Hockey is officially introduced as an Olympic
sport at the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix,
France.
1932 – The 1932 Winter Olympics, staged for the first time
in the United States (Lake Placid), feature the first international hockey tournament ever held in North America.
1938 – The Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings
1957 – Sweden’s Sven “Tumba” Johansson becomes the
play a series of postseason exhibition games in Europe.
This is the first overseas tour by NHL players. New York
Herald Tribune sportswriter Sparrow Robertson on the
games played in Paris: "The professional ice hockey players of the two teams in Paris are a fine lot of players. Next
week the two teams are scheduled to play in London and
the hockey enthusiasts of the big city will see the fastest
competition game played by humans as it should be
played. It is really thrilling to witness ice hockey such as
we have seen played in Paris by the Montreal Canadiens
and Detroit Red Wings."
first European-trained player to attend an NHL team’s
training camp (Boston Bruins). He never plays in the NHL.
1957 – The Moscow Selects become the first Soviet team
to tour North America, playing an eight-game series
against Senior and Junior teams in Canada.
1959 – The Soviets make their debut in the United States
with a 5-1 win over the U.S. national team on January 1 at
Madison Square Garden in New York.
1959 – The Boston Bruins and New York Rangers make
the second tour of Europe by NHL clubs.
1946 – After sporadic attempts to start up the game in
the 1930s, hockey is first officially played in the Soviet
Union. Legendary Soviet coach Anatoly Tarasov recalled
the advent of "Canadian hockey" in the Soviet Union:
"This Canadian hockey came to the Soviet Union in 1946,
but before that I started playing hockey when I was nine
years old. But it was different hockey, Russian hockey with
a ball, and when Canadian hockey started in the Soviet
Union, [we quickly] switched to it. The first game of
Canadian hockey played in the Soviet Union was on
December 22, 1946.
1960 – The United States wins its first Olympic gold
medal at Squaw Valley, California.
1962 – While the Soviets made their debut in North
1947 – Czechoslovakia’s Jaroslav Drobny becomes the
first European player to be placed on an NHL team’s
reserve list when selected by the Boston Bruins, though
he never plays in North America. Tennis was his primary
sport. He won the French Open in 1951 and 1952 and
Wimbledon in 1954.
15
America in 1957 in Canada and 1959 in the U.S. against
various amateur teams, Ekaterine Furtceva, Minister of
Cultural Affairs in the Soviet Union was very anxious to
arrange a cultural hockey exchange between her country
and the NHL, whereby Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal
Canadiens would travel to play Soviet teams in Moscow,
Leningrad and Kiev. Her formal invitation of November,
1962 was rejected by NHL President Campbell. It would
be 10 years later - the 1972 Summit Series - when NHL'ers
would compete for the first time against the Soviets.
Legendary coach Anatoly Tarasov said of the proposed
NHL-Soviet showdown: "Never matter the score. We are
NHL – International Timeline, 1964–1973
just interested to see how our hockey compares with the
professionals."
1971 – After three years of discussion by NHL owners of
the possibility of the NHL expanding to Europe, Montreal
Canadiens GM Sam Pollock put forth the idea of a four
division League, including a European loop comprised of
two teams in the Soviet Union, two teams in
Czechoslovakia and one each in Finland and Sweden.
1964 – While NHL players would not compete against the
Soviets until 1972, a handful of NHL'ers bolstered the
Montreal Junior Canadiens club that hosted a Soviet
touring team on December 11, 1964. Doug Harvey, Gump
Worsley, Red Berenson, Leon Rochefort and Jim Morrison,
who had a combined 2,336 games of NHL experience
suited up for the Junior Canadiens team that lost 3-2 to
the Soviets. The game was seen as a breakthrough in
opening the doors to more games involving professional
players from the NHL and "amateurs" from the Soviet
Union by NHL President Campbell.
"We should be proud that a major nation like Russia
wants to adopt our game," said Campbell. "I'm not a communist nor pro-Communist but I do want to see hockey
flourish. The Russians represent the most advanced hockey culture outside of Canada. If this type of game is not
misused, it holds the promise of much more extensive participation between the countries."
1971 – In July, 1971, NHL President Campbell proposed to
IIHF President Bunny Ahearne that the Stanley Cup winner meet the European champion: "At this time I would
like to explore with you the feasibility and the desirability
of a genuine World's Championship series between the
European winner and the NHL Stanley Cup winner of the
1971-72 season. I am confident that the public on both
sides of the Atlantic would not only welcome, but would
relish the prospect of such a series."
1972 – Sweden’s Thommie Bergman becomes the first
European player to play as a regular in the NHL (Detroit
Red Wings).
1972 – On April 18, 1972, an historic agreement was
signed in Prague for a first-ever series between Canadian
NHL players and the Soviets. The agreement between
Joseph Kryczka, President of the Canadian Amateur
Hockey Association and Andrei Starvoitov of the Soviet
Federation, called for an eight game series that came to
be known as the "Summit Series". Canada won the series
4-3-1. While the NHL was not directly involved in the
series, President Campbell made it clear that future international series involving NHL players would be run jointly by the League and NHLPA. "Any future international
competition involving NHL players will be determined
and controlled by the NHL and the NHL Players'
Association," Campbell said. "The NHL team owners and
our players alone will determine the terms and conditions of such competition with other teams and leagues
from countries throughout the world." The full NHL player share for competing in the series was $4,487.
1965 – On January 27, 1965, Swede Ulf Sterner becomes
the first European-trained player to appear in the NHL as
his New York Rangers defeat Boston 5-2.
1968 – The first formal rules governing the transfer of
European players to the NHL are adopted on September
24.
1969 – At the IIHF Congress, NHL President Campbell
offered to hire two European referees to work in the NHL
for the 1969-70 season. The reason for the offer: Campbell
said that he felt games between NHL teams and
European clubs would be played "very soon and the
biggest problem will be officiating." Czech referee
Zdenek Korinek was in fact hired by the NHL in
September '69 for the 1969-70 season and after having
received permission from the Czech Federation for his
release, the Czechs reversed their decision a month later.
1969 – The NHL conducts its first universal Amateur Draft.
1972 – The Buffalo Sabres issue a formal invitation to the
Czechoslovakian Ice Hockey Federation for forward Vaclav
Nedomansky to attend their 1972-73 season training
camp. The Czech Federation declines the request. Two
years later, in 1974, Nedomansky becomes the first
player from an Eastern bloc country to defect to North
America, joining the Toronto Toros of the World Hockey
Association.
For the first time in NHL history, a European-trained player is selected. The St. Louis Blues choose Finland’s Tommi
Salmelainen 66th overall.
1970 – Czechoslovakian Jaroslav Jirik becomes the second European to play in the NHL, five years after Ulf
Sterner’s debut with the Rangers. Jirik plays three NHL
games with St. Louis in 1969-70.
1973 – The Czechs become the first European league to
1970 – In May, Canada withdraws from international com-
institute the three official system utilized in the NHL.
Czech referee Rudy Bata attends the NHL's pre-season
officials training camp to become familiar with the system. Bata wrote of the experience: "It was the best school
at the right time that I could ever get. I have learned and
petition over a dispute as to whether professional players
should be permitted to compete in international events.
Canada would not compete in official IIHF events until
the 1977 World Championships.
16
seen a lot of new things concerning officiating and I try
to put these new facts, signals and tricks in life in our
game."
1975 – Viktor Khatulev becomes the first player from the
1986 – In the 1985-86 season, Finland’s Jari Kurri
(Edmonton Oilers) becomes the first European to lead
the NHL in goal scoring with 68.
1988 – In January, the International Olympic Committee
Soviet Union to be drafted by an NHL club when the
Philadelphia Flyers make him the 160th selection. He
would never play an NHL game.
agrees to allow limited participation in the Olympics by
professional hockey players. Seven NHL players join Team
Canada for the Olympics: Brian Bradley, Andy Moog,
Randy Gregg, Jim Peplinski, 2002 Canadian Olympic
director of player personnel Steve Tambellini, Tim Watters
and Ken Yaremchuk.
1975 – On June 11, 1975, the NHL and the Soviet Sports
Committee signed an agreement calling for an eightgame series between Soviet club teams (1975 champion
Red Army and finalist Soviet Wings) and NHL clubs. The
first such series would take place during the 1975-76 season and would become almost an annual fixture until
1990. The agreement also called for: a series of games
between the Stanley Cup winner and Soviet national
champion in 1976 (a series that would never happen)
and an exchange of visits of coaches to each country as
well as the exchange of ideas with respect to training
methods, records and statistics.
1975 – At the 1975 IIHF Congress, a motion was passed
1989 – On June 17, Sweden’s Mats Sundin becomes the
first European player to be chosen first overall in the NHL
Entry Draft (Quebec Nordiques).
1989 – On March 29, Sergei Priakin, a right winger with
the Soviet national team, becomes the first player to be
permitted by the USSR Ice Hockey Federation to play in
the NHL. Priakin signs a contract with the Calgary Flames
and makes his NHL debut on March 31.
1989 – In September, the Calgary Flames and Washington
Capitals make NHL history when they conduct a portion
of training camp in the Soviet Union where they played
four games against Soviet club teams.
which allowed professional players to again compete in
international events.
1976 – In April, 1976, the Washington Capitals and Kansas
City Scouts played a four-game series in Japan, marking
the NHL's first-ever tour of Asia. Washington won three of
the four games played in Tokyo and Sapporo.
1976 – The NHL’s California Seals become the first club to
select a European player in the first round of the Draft.
Sweden’s Bjorn Johansson is selected fifth overall but
never plays an NHL game.
1976 – The NHL and NHL Players' Association jointly
staged their first international tournament – the Canada
Cup. Canada Cups would also be staged in 1981, 1984,
1987 and 1991 before being replaced by the World Cup
of Hockey in 1996 and 2004.
1980 – Twenty-six players drafted by NHL clubs participate in the Olympics at Lake Placid, including 15 members of the gold medal-winning U.S. team. Ken Morrow
becomes the first player to win a gold medal and the
Stanley Cup in the same year (NY Islanders).
1989 – Three days after helping his Soviet team capture
the World Championship, on May 4, Alexander Mogilny
becomes the first player to defect to the NHL from the
Soviet Union. He joins the Buffalo Sabres.
1989 – On November 9, the Berlin Wall falls, further
paving the way for players from the former Eastern bloc
countries to join the NHL.
1989 – The percentage of European players in the NHL tops
10 for first time in the 1989-90 season (12 percent).
1990 – The NHL embarks on expanding international
broadcast reach, distributing a weekly highlights
package to 20 countries.
1992 – The NHL distributes approximately 20 taped-delay
regular-season games to approximately 25 countries
overseas through various syndicated distributors.
1994 – Five years after the arrival of the first Soviet players in the NHL, the New York Rangers win the Stanley Cup
with four Soviet regulars in their lineup: Alexander
Karpovtsev, Alexei Kovalev, Sergei Nemchinov and Sergei
Zubov.
1980 – Anders Kallur and Stefan Persson of Sweden
become the first European-trained players to have their
names engraved on the Stanley Cup (NY Islanders).
1980 – Czechoslovakia’s Peter Stastny becomes the first
1994 – On September 16, the NHL and IIHF reach agree-
player to defect to the NHL, joining the Quebec
Nordiques. He also becomes the first European to finish
in the top 10 in NHL scoring (1980-81 season).
ment on NHL players participating at the 1998 Olympic
Winter Games.
17
1994 – The NHL signs an agreement with ESPN
1999 – Pittsburgh’s Jaromir Jagr becomes the first
International to create an overseas programming arm.
Approximately 50 games (two-three per week) are distributed on a live or taped-delay basis to 77 countries
worldwide, plus weekly highlights.
European to win the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP.
2000 – A record 123 European players are selected at the
2000 NHL Entry Draft (42 percent of total drafted players).
1995 – The percentage of European players tops 20 for
2000 – On May 22, Finland’s Alpo Suhonen becomes the
the first time in the 1995-96 season (20.8 percent).
first European to be named a head coach in the NHL
(Chicago Blackhawks). One month later, on June 21, Ivan
Hlinka of the Czech Republic is named head coach of the
Pittsburgh Penguins.
1995 – On May 3, Czech native Jaromir Jagr of the
Pittsburgh Penguins becomes the first European player
to lead the NHL in scoring.
1997 – The NHL opens the regular season with games
2000 – The percentage of European players in the NHL
outside North America for the first time. Two games in
Tokyo between Vancouver and Anaheim are broadcast
back to North America (CBC-ESPN2).
tops 30 for first time during the 2000-01 season (31.8 percent).
2001 – For the 2001-02 season, 300 NHL telecasts are dis-
1997 – The NHL World Feed is created, with the coopera-
tributed to 180 countries worldwide. NHL programming
includes five-to-seven regular-season games per week,
the NHL All-Star Game, the Stanley Cup playoffs and
Power Week, the League’s international weekly highlight
show. NHL overseas distribution now has the potential to
reach 260 million households worldwide on a weekly
basis.
tion of ESPN, and the NHL All-Star Game (San Jose) and
Stanley Cup Finals are distributed live or on taped-delay
to 150 countries. During the regular season, approximately 100 games (three-four per week) are transmitted
worldwide.
1998 – The NHL changes its All-Star Game format from
Conference-based to North America vs. The World AllStars.
2002 – The NHL suspends the 2001-02 regular season for
12 days to allow more than 125 NHL players to represent
their countries in the XIX Olympic Winter Games in Salt
Lake City, Utah. Canada earns its first gold medal in 50
years, while the USA claims silver and Russia earns
bronze.
1998 – 122 players from the NHL represent their countries at the Winter Olympics in Nagano. The Czech
Republic captures the gold medal.
18
TOP TEN GAMES IN OLYMPIC HOCKEY, 2002–1920
February 24, 2002. Salt Lake City, USA
CANADA 5, USA 2
This gold medal final game was played on
February 24, exactly 50 years since Canada
played the United States in 1952 to win its last
Olympic title. The 50-year drought was over as
the Canadian team celebrated a well-deserved
victory in a game that saw Jarome Iginla score
twice. The Olympic gold medal also began the
new era of Canadian hockey domination as the
national team proceeded to win other major
international tournaments.
February 20, 1998. Nagano, Japan
CZECH REPUBLIC 2, CANADA 1
(OT AND SHOOTOUT)
A semifinal game and an absolute thriller ended
in a dramatic shootout. Czech goalie Dominik
Hasek stoned all five Canadians shooters while
just one Czech penalty shot – the first, taken by
Robert Reichel – was successful. The fact that
Wayne Gretzky was not selected as one of
Canada’s shooters was the subject of much discussion at the time. The Czechs’ semifinal win
propelled them to another victory – 1-0 over the
Russians in the final. This excellent performance
brought the Czech Republic its first Olympic
hockey gold. Making the victory sweeter was the
fact that this was the first tournament in which
the best NHL players took part.
February 27, 1994.
Lillehammer, Norway
SWEDEN 3, CANADA 2
(OT AND SHOOTOUT)
Sweden won its first Olympic hockey gold in a
dramatic game that was the first major tournament final to be decided by a shootout. The
score was still tied 2-2 after the first five penalty shots were taken by each team. With the format reverting to sudden death, Sweden’s Peter
Forsberg scored on a nifty one-hand move on his
team’s seventh shot. Swedish goaltender Tommy
Salo then stopped Canada’s Paul Kariya to clinch
victory for the Tre Kronor. The Swedish post
office would soon issue a postage stamp that
depicted Forsberg’s winning goal.
February 22, 1980. Lake Placid, USA
USA 4, USSR 3
The USA’s Olympic team was made up of college
hockey players who undertook a punishing
training regimen devised by their brilliant coach
Herb Brooks. By the time they played the Soviet
Union’s mighty Big Red Machine in the secondlast game of the tournament, the American players were beginning to believe both in themselves and in miracles. Despite trailing three
times, and being outshot by a wide margin, the
Americans stormed back to win. Mark Johnson
scored a surprising goal just as time expired in
the second period to tie the game before captain Mike Eruzione potted the winner with ten
minutes to play. Goaltender Jim Craig made the
lead stand up. In their final game, Team USA
beat the Finns and won the Olympic title. This
victory over the Soviets would later be selected
the number one American sporting moment of
the 20th century.
February 14, 1976. Innsbruck, Austria
USSR 4, CZECHOSLOVAKIA 3
This memorable game saw the Czechoslovakian
team come close to winning its first Olympic
title. Leading after the first period, 2-0, the
Czechoslovaks opened the second period with a
two-man advantage for a full two minutes.
Soviets Yuri Lyapkin, Gennady Tsygankov and
Vladimir Shadrin defended brilliantly, staying on
the ice for the full two minutes successfully
killing the penalties. Gradually, the Soviets took
over the play, finally scoring two late goals in a
span of 24 seconds to clinch the gold medal.
With the win, the Soviet Union won its fourth
straight Olympic hockey tournament, matching a
Canadian record set in the earliest era of Winter
Olympic play.
February 17, 1968. Grenoble, France
USSR 5, CANADA 0
The Olympic hockey tournament was played in
Grenoble at the Stade de Glace, an arena that
featured transparent boards around the ice. The
last game of the tournament saw the Soviet
Union’s ultra-powerful national team record its
39th consecutive game in World and Olympic
play without a loss, defeating an amateur
Canadian squad led by Father David Bauer by a
5–0 score. This result made it abundantly clear
that for elite international hockey to progress, it
must include the world's best players, particularly those who played in the National Hockey
League. This "best-on-best" philosophy led to
the Canada–Soviet Summit Series in 1972 and,
eventually, to NHLers at the Olympics beginning
with Nagano in 1998.
February 28, 1960. Squaw Valley, USA
USA 9, CZECHOSLOVAKIA 4
The USA won its first Olympic title in a game
that was determined as much by what happened on the bench as on the ice. Trailing after
the second period, 4-3, the Americans got unexpected help from the Soviet national team.
Already eliminated from a chance at the gold
medal, some Soviet players were not pleased
that the top prize could end up in the hands of
their sporting rivals from Czechoslovakia. To
aid the American cause, they offered the weary
19
American team use of their oxygen tanks for the
remainder of the game. The result of this experiment was astonishing. The Americans scored six
unanswered goals and won the Olympic title on
home ice, a feat they would duplicate twenty
years later.
February 4, 1956.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
USSR 2, CANADA 0
A new era of Olympic hockey began when the
Soviet Union defeated Canada, represented by
the Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen, in the final
game of the tournament. It became clear that
the Soviets, newcomers to Olympic competition,
were ready to challenge Canada’s long-time
domination of the sport. "There is one area,"
wrote the New York Times, "where the Russians
have shown results bordering on the impossible
and that area is hockey."
February 10, 1936.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
GREAT BRITAIN 2, CANADA 1
The preliminary group game between Canada
and Great Britain would later determine the
Olympic champion as the result was carried over
to the final round. Canada (represented by the
Port Arthur (Ontario) Bear Cats) suffered
Canada’s first loss in Olympic hockey history as
the winning goal was scored by Edgar Brenchley
who slotted home a rebound after defenseman
Gordon Dailley had been stopped on a breakaway with just 72 seconds to go in the game.
The only consolation for Canadian fans was the
fact that almost all the players on the British
team had grown up in Canada and learned their
hockey there. Britain became the first team in
the history of the sport to win the European,
World and Olympic titles.
April 26, 1920. Antwerp, Belgium
CANADA 12, SWEDEN 1
Canada, represented by the Winnipeg Falcons,
the Allan Cup champions, won the final game of
the so-called "exhibition tournament" during
the Summer Olympic Games, allowing their only
goal during the tournament. The status of the
tournament was debated many years later, and
finally the IIHF decided to recognize it as the first
hockey Olympic tournament. Two Canadian
players, Frank Fredrickson and Harold
Halderson, later won the Stanley Cup and
became the first players to win both the Olympic
gold medals and the most prestigious North
American trophy.
OLYMPIC HOCKEY AT CORTINA D’AMPEZZO • 1956
The 2006 Winter Games mark the second time the Olympics have
come to Italy. The first occurred exactly fifty years ago when the
small resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo lit the Olympic cauldron on
January 26, 1956. To mark this anniversary, international hockey
expert Igor Kuperman reflects on the first appearance by
Russian/Soviet athletes at the Winter Olympics.
prepararing for the tournament. Despite the opening of
the country’s first artificial ice rink in Moscow, the 1955-56
regular-season schedule started very late and ran from
December 4 to May 25, 1956. In addition, the top three
Moscow clubs that supplied all the players to the national team – CSK MO (Central Red Army), Dynamo and Krylja
Sovetov – didn’t have any games scheduled until after the
Olympics.
And that was just part of the Soviet preparation plan.
Remembering how their team was outchecked, outhit
and outscored 5-0 by the Penticton Vees at the 1955
World Championship in West Germany, team managers
sought out exhibition games against tough opponents
who would play a physical style of hockey. They played a
series of games against British professional teams largely
made up of Canadian-trained players. Despite winning all
these games, the Soviets were unhappy about losing
players to injuries, including Vsevolod Bobrov, their international superstar. The British league players cautioned
that they hadn’t punished their Soviet opponents the
way a motivated Canadian team surely would. One player
said, “We played very carefully. The Kitchener-Waterloo
players would consider these game as a chess match, not
hockey!”
The paths of the Canadians and Russians crossed long
before the decisive game. In a true Olympic spirit of
sportsmanship, Canadian head coach Bobby Bauer visited the Soviet team in their hotel and talked to his counterpart, Arkadi Chernyshev. Canadian management also
invited the Soviet journalists to their headquarters and literally bombarded them with all kinds of questions ranging from the state of hockey in the Soviet Union to the
marital status of the Soviet players!
Once competition began, the Soviets were quick to
scout the Canadians. After beating West Germany on
January 31, the entire Soviet team and their coaches
remained in the triple-decked, 12,000-seat Stadio
Olimpico del Ghiaccio to watch Canada play the United
States. This game had an unexpected outcome as the
Americans beat their rivals, 4-1, with Denis Brodeur (father
of Martin, the current Team Canada goaltender) in the net
for Canada.
This era of Olympic hockey consisted only of roundrobin play without playoffs, so the Americans‘ upset win
made them a gold-medal contender heading into their
game with the Soviets, adding additional drama to any
T WAS IN 1949 that the International Olympic
Committee awarded the 1956 Winter Olympics to
Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Italian organizers outbid
Montreal, Colorado Springs and Lake Placid for the right
to stage the Games, but at the time Cortina was selected,
they had no idea that these would be the first Winter
Olympics to play host to athletes from the Soviet Union.
Soviet athletes would make their summer Olympic debut
at the 1952 Games in Helsinki where they enjoyed considerable success, leading many to speculate that they
would emerge as a winter sports powerhouse on the ice
and snow of Cortina.
The 1956 Olympic ice hockey tournament held intriguing possibilities. Although Canada was still considered
the game’s traditional power, much had changed since
the surprising and decisive Soviet victory at the 1954
World Championship in Stockholm.
Preparations for the Olympic hockey tournament
began long before the puck was dropped in Cortina
d’Ampezzo. In this era, Canada was represented in international play by its top senior amateur club, usually the
defending Allan Cup champion. The Canadian Amateur
Hockey Association made an obvious choice, picking the
Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen, a team which won two
straight Allan Cup titles, to represent Canada. Despite
their upcoming role as Canada’s Olympians, the
Dutchmen didn’t get any breaks in the regular-season
schedule of the Ontario Hockey Association’s tough
Senior “A” league.This was surprising as, in the past, senior
amateur teams representing Canada at the Olympics
were assigned a lighter schedule prior to the tournament.
The Dutchmen played their last league game on
January 14, 1956 and flew to Europe bearing their nation’s
expectations of another gold medal. On this same day,
the national hockey team of the Soviet Union arrived in
Cortina d’Ampezzo to begin training at the same high
altitude (1000+ meters above sea level) where their
games would be played.
The Soviets had a much different approach to
I
20
Hockey at Cortina d’Ampezzo, 1956
sporting confrontation between the Cold War rivals. The
game itself, however, proved anticlimactic as, despite a
great performance by American goaltender Willard Ikola,
the Soviets prevailed, 4-0. Ikola was so frustrated that he
threw down his stick after the game and left it on the ice
when the teams returned to their dressing rooms. “This
stick didn’t bring me luck,” he explained later. “I wouldn’t
play with it again anyway…”
Less than 24 hours after this game, on a cold Saturday
evening of February 4th, the long anticipated game
between Canada and the Soviets finally took place. As the
game was played outdoors, the Soviet players wrapped
themselves in warm blankets while sitting on the bench.
The Canadians felt comfortable in their heavy wool
sweaters. (This was the last outdoor Olympic final. Heavy
wool sweaters would soon be out of fashion.) The game
began with the Canadians furiously storming the net of
Soviet goaltender Nikolai Puchkov, outshooting their
opponents 9-3. The Soviet defense held, however, sticking
with coach Chernyshev’s game plan.“There are three periods in hockey,” he said before the game,“but the first one
will be decisive.”
The rest of the game followed the same scenario as the
Soviets successfully stopped Jim Logan, Paul Knox, Jack
MacKenzie and others. At the other end of the ice, the
Canadians shut down the first Russian line led by Bobrov,
but surrendered a goal at the beginning of the second
and third periods. This 2-0 victory gave the Soviet Union
its first Olympic hockey gold medal. Seven more would
follow, with the most recent coming in 1992.
The 1956 tournament was a real celebration of hockey.
“In my humble opinion, the hockey tournament at the
Seventh Olympic Winter Games of Cortina d’Ampezzo
was the finest in history,” said Walter A. Brown, the IIHF
President, “Not only was the competition beyond compare but all the arrangements left nothing to be desired.”
J. F. “Bunny” Ahearne, the IIHF’s technical delegate, generally agreed with his boss, but said, ”It was a great pity that
for so many games, including the final, all the very best
seats were so empty. For the final game they should have
been filled with all the sports competitors thus bringing
them together for the first and only occasion.”(The Winter
Games did not end with a grand closing ceremony as is
customary today.) Apparently, all the best seats were
reserved for the members of the IOC and national
Olympic committee and federation authorities, many of
whom did not attend.
Most importantly, the tournament established a new
rivalry between Canada and the Soviet Union for
supremacy of the hockey world. Canadian teams were no
longer “sure” winners in international play. The Russians
and, later, other national teams from Europe and the USA,
were now entirely capable of winning.
Dennis Waddleton, the Canadian radio commentator in
Cortina, had prepared two thousand postcards that featured a signed team photo and a line on the bottom of
the card that read,“Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen – 1956
World and Olympic Champions.” Symbolically, he started
to shred them after the last game. §
21
O LYMPIC H OCKEY R ECORD B OOK
TEAM RECORDS
564 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, in 118 games
528 – USSR/Russia, in 88 games
499 – Sweden, in 117 games
Most Goals, One Tournament (Pre-War Era)
110 – Canada, in 5 games, 1924
73 – USA, in 5 games, 1924
Most Goals, One Tournament (Modern Era)
86 – USA, in 8 games, 1948
80 – Czechoslovakia, in 8 games, 1948
Most Goals, One Team, One Game (Pre-War Era)
33 – Canada, vs Switzerland, 33-0, 1924
30 – Canada, vs Czechoslovakia, 30-0, 1924
29 – USA, vs Switzerland, 29-0, 1920
Most Goals, One Team, One Game (Modern Era)
31 – USA, vs Italy, 31-1, 1948
23 – USA, vs Poland, 23-4, 1948
23 – Sweden, vs Italy, 23-0, 1948
23 – Canada, vs Austria, 23-0, 1956
Most Goals, Both Teams, One Game (Pre-War Era)
33 – Canada vs Switzerland, 33-0, 1924
30 – Canada vs Czechoslovakia, 30-0, 1924
29 – USA vs Switzerland, 29-0, 1920
Most Goals, Both Teams, One Game (Modern Era)
32 – USA vs Italy, 31-1, 1948
27 – USA vs Poland, 23-4, 1948
25 – Czechoslovakia vs Italy, 22-3, 1948
Team Tournaments Played
Most Tournaments Played, All-Time
19 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, 1920-2002, excluding 1932
19 – USA, 1920-2002, excluding 1928
18 – Canada, 1920-2002, excluding 1972 & 1976
18 – Sweden, 1920-2002, excluding 1932 and 1976
Team Games Played
Most Games Played, All-Time
122 – USA, 1920-2002, excluding 1928
119 – Canada, 1920-2002, excluding 1972 & 1976
118 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, 1920-2002, excluding 1932
117 – Sweden, 1920-2002, excluding 1932 and 1976
Team Wins
Most Wins, All-Time
90 – Canada
74 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic
72 – USSR/Russia
70 – USA
Team Losses
Most Losses, All-Time
61 – FRG/Germany
51 – Poland
41 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic
40 – USA
39 – Sweden
Team Ties
Most Ties, All-Time
Team Goals Against
Fewest Goals Against, One Tournament (Pre-War Era)
14 – Sweden
12 – USA
9 – Finland
1 – Germany, in 2 games, 1928
2 – USA, in 4 games, 1920
Wins and Losses
Fewest Goals Against, One Tournament (Modern Era)
Longest Winning Streak, All-Time
5 – USSR, in 7 games, 1984
6 – Czech Republic, in 6 games, 1998
16 – Canada, Apr. 24, 1920 – Feb. 9, 1932
15 – USSR, Feb. 24, 1980 – Feb. 26, 1988
13 – USSR, Feb. 9, 1972 – Feb. 20, 1980
Most Goals Against, All-Time
Best Winning Record, One Tournament
465 – FRG/Germany, in 102 games
423 – Poland, in 66 games
367 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, in 118 games
349 – Sweden, in 117 games
343 – USA, in 122 games
Most Goals Against, One Tournament (Pre-War Era)
53 – Switzerland, in 3 games, 1924
49 – Sweden, in 5 games, 1924
45 – Belgium, in 3 games, 1924
Most Goals Against, One Tournament (Modern Era)
156 – Italy, in 8 games, 1948
97 – Poland, in 8 games, 1948
87 – Australia, in 6 games, 1960
7 – USA, in 7 games, 1960
Most Losses, One tournament
8 – Norway, in 8 games, 1952
7 – Switzerland, in 7 games, 1964
7 – GDR, in 7 games, 1968
6 – Australia, in 6 games, 1960
Team Penalties
Most Penalty Minutes, One Tournament
141 – Kazakhstan, in 7 games, 1998
133 – Slovakia, in 8 games, 1994
120 – USA, in 8 games, 1994
120 – Czechoslovakia, in 8 games, 1988
Team Goals
Most Goals, All-Time
760 – Canada, in 119 games
636 – USA, in 122 games
22
Olympic Hockey Record Book
INDIVIDUAL RECORDS (ALL-TIME)
Tournaments Played
INDIVIDUAL
Assists
Most Tournaments Played, All-Time
21 – Valeri Kharlamov, USSR, in 17 games, 1972-1980
21 – Viacheslav Fetisov, USSR, in 22 games, 1980-1988
19 – Mats Naslund, Sweden, in 23 games, 1980-1994
Most Assists, One Tournament
Games Played
12 – Bob Attersley, Canada, in 7 games, 1960
12 – Fred Etcher, Canada, in 7 games, 1960
11 – Bill Christian, USA, in 7 games, 1960
Most Games Played, All-Time
Points
Most Points
36 – Valeri Kharlamov, USSR, in 17 games (15G, 21A), 1972-1980
33 – Viacheslav Fetisov, USSR, in 22 games (12G, 21A), 1980-1988
31 – Vladimir Krutov, USSR, in 22 games (16G, 15A), 1980-1988
Most Points, One Tournament
Goals
21 – Fred Etcher, Canada, in 7 games (9G, 12A), 1960
18 – Bob Attersley, Canada, in 7 games (6G, 12A), 1960
16 – Anatoli Firsov, USSR, in 7 games (12G, 4A), 1968
16 – Valeri Kharlamov, USSR, in 7 games (9G, 7A), 1972
Most Goals, All-Time
36 – Harry Watson, Canada, in 5 games, 1924
28 – Herbert Drury, USA, in 8 games, 1920-1924
25 – Sven "Tumba" Johansson, Sweden, in 29 games, 1952-1964
24 – Vladimir Zabrodsky, Czechoslovakia, in 15 games. 1948-1956
22 – Vlastimil Bubnik, Czechoslovakia, in 29 games, 1952-1964
Most Goals, One Tournament (Pre-War Era)
36 – Harry Watson, Canada, in 5 games, 1924
22 – Herbert Drury, USA, in 5 games, 1924
20 – Bert McCaffery, Canada, in 5 games, 1924
Most Goals, One Tournament (Modern Era)
22 – Vladimir Zabrodsky, in 8 games, 1948
21 – Wally Halder, Canada, in 8 games, 1948
17 – George Mara, Canada, in 8 games, 1948
17 – Bruce Cunliffe, USA, in 8 games, 1948
17 – Jack Riley, USA, in 8 games, 1948
Scoring by a Center
Most Goals by a Center
25 – Sven "Tumba" Johansson, Sweden, in 29 games,
1952-1964
13 – Erich Kuhnhackl, FRG, in 11 games, 1976-1984
13 – Vyacheslav Starshinov, USSR, in 14 games, 1964-1968
13 – Jozef Golonka, Czechoslovakia, in 21 games
Most Assists by a Center
18 – Raimo Helminen, Finland, in 39 games, 1984-2002
16 – Igor Larionov, USSR/Russia, in 20 games, 1984-2002
16 – Gerd Truntschka, FRG/Germany, in 26 games, 1980-1992
Most Points by a Center
32 – Sven "Tumba" Johansson, Sweden, in 29 games (25G, 7A),
1952-1964
25 – Jozef Golonka, Czechoslovakia, in 21 games (13G, 12A), 1960-1968
25 – Gerd Truntschka, FRG/Germany, in 26 games (9G, 16A), 1980-1992
Goaltending
Most Games Appeared in by a Goaltender, All-Time
19 – Vladislav Tretiak, USSR, 1972-1984
19 – Jim Marthinsen, Norway, 1980-1994
15 – Jarmo Myllys, Finland, 1988-1998
15 – Dominik Hasek, Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, 1988-2002
(1960-2002)
Most Assists
6 – Raimo Helminen, Finland, 1984-2002
5 – Udo Kiessling, FRG/Germany, 1976-1992
5 – Petter Thoresen, Norway, 1980-1994
5 – Dieter Hegen, FRG/Germany, 1984-1998
39 – Raimo Helminen, Finland, 1984-2002
33 – Dieter Hegen, FRG/Germany, 1984-1998
32 – Udo Kiessling, FRG/Germany, 1976-1992
29 – Sven "Tumba" Johansson, Sweden, 1952-1964
29 – Vlastimil Bubnik, Czechoslovakia, 1952-1964
29 – Petter Thoresen, Norway, 1980-1994
29 – Andreas Niederberger, FRG/Germany, 1984-1994
RECORDS
Scoring by a Left Wing
Most Goals by a Left Wing
18 – Anatoli Firsov, USSR, in 19 games, 1964-1972
16 – Vladimir Krutov, USSR, in 22 games, 1980-1988
16 – Dieter Hegen, FRG/Germany, in 33 games, 1984-1998
Most Shutouts, All-Time
5 – Murray Dowey, Canada, in 8 games, 1948
4 – Jimmy Foster, Great Britain, in 7 games, 1936
Most Assists by a Left Wing
21 – Valeri Kharlamov, USSR, in 17 games, 1972-1980
19 – Mats Naslund, Sweden, in 23 games, 1980-1994
15 – Vladimir Krutov, USSR, in 22 games, 1980-1988
15 – Josef Cerny, Czechoslovakia, in 26 games, 1960-1972
Most Points by a Left Wing
36 – Valeri Kharlamov, USSR, in 17 games (15G, 21A), 1972-1980
31 – Vladimir Krutov, USSR, in 22 games (16G, 15A), 1980-1988
30 – Anatoli Firsov, USSR, in 19 games (18G, 12A), 1964-1972
23
Olympic Hockey Record Book
Scoring by a Right Wing
Fastest Goals
Most Goals by a Right Wing
Fastest Goal from Start of a Game
15 – Alexander Maltsev, USSR, in 17 games, 1972-1980
14 – Teemu Selanne, Finland, in 17 games, 1992-2002
0:08 – Miroslav Vlach, Czechoslovakia, vs USA, 1960
0:10 – Stefan Chowaniec, Poland, vs FRG, 1976
0:11 – Jozef Stumpel, Slovakia, vs Latvia, 2002
0:12 – Stephen Foyn, Norway, vs Austria, 1984
Most Assists by a Right Wing
17 – Sergei Makarov, USSR, in 22 games, 1980-1988
13 – Vladimir Vikulov, USSR, in 12 games, 1968-1972
Penalties
Most Penalty Minutes, One Tournament
43 – Daniel Kunce, Germany, in 7 games, 2002
39 – Petr Svoboda, Czech Republic, in 6 games, 1998
35 – David Brooks, USA, in 6 games, 1964
Most Points by a Right Wing
37 – Vlastimil Bubnik, Czechoslovakia, in 29 games (22G, 15A),
1952-1964
28 – Sergei Makarov, USSR, in 22 games (11G, 17A), 1980-1988
26 – Alexander Maltsev, USSR, in 17 games (15G, 11A), 1972-1980
Scoring by a Defenseman
Most Goals by a Defenseman
7 – Alexei Kasatonov, USSR, in 21 games, 1980-1988
6 – Udo Kiessling, FRG/Germany, in 32 games, 1976-1992
The first World and unofficial first Olympic champions, the Winnpeg
Falcons of 1920. Before the first Winter Games were staged in 1924,
an ice hockey competition was part of the program at the 1920
Summer Games in Antwerp, Belgium. The Falcons, who were a club
team largely drawn from the Icelandic immigrant community in and
around Winnipeg, were Canada’s senior amateur champions and
winners of the Allan Cup. Beginning with the World Cup of Hockey in
2004, Canadian teams in international competition have occasionally
worn a jersey modeled after the Falcons’ dark yellow, black and red
sweaters shown here.
From left to right: Gordon Sigurjonsson, trainer; Hebbie Axford, president; Wally Byron, goal; Slim Halderson, right wing; Frank Fredrickson
(captain), center; William Hewitt, Canadian Amateur Hockey
Assocation; Konnie Johannesson, defense; Mike Goodman, left wing;
Huck Woodman, substitute; Bobby Benson, defense; Chris Fridfinnson,
rover; Bill Fridfinnson, secretary.
Most Assists by a Defenseman
14 – Alexei Kasatonov, USSR, in 21 games, 1980-1988
11- Vasili Pervukhin, USSR, in 14 games, 1980-1984
11- Brian Leetch, USA, in 16 games, 1988-2002
Most Points by a Defenseman
33 – Viacheslav Fetisov, USSR, in 22 games (12G, 21A), 1980-1988
21 – Alexei Kasatonov, USSR, in 21 games (7G, 14A), 1980-1988
15 – Udo Kiessling, FRG/Germany, in 32 games (6G, 9A), 1976-1992
Photo digitally enhanced by Glen and Brian Johannesson.
24
O LYMPIC S HOOTOUT R ESULTS
Since 1992, a shootout has been used to determine a winner in playoff games tied after regulation time
and an overtime period. Four games have been decided by this format, most recently in 1998:
1992 Quarterfinal • Canada 4 Germany 3
In goal for Germany – Helmet De Raaf
CANADIAN SHOOTERS
1
Eric Lindros
no goal
2
Dave Archibald
no goal
3
Jason Woolley
goal
4
Wally Schreiber
goal
5
Joe Juneau
no goal
6
Eric Lindros
goal
In goal for Canada – Sean Burke
GERMAN SHOOTERS
1
Peter Draisaitl
2
Dieter Hegen
3
Gerd Truntschka
4
Michael Rumrich
5
Andreas Brockmann
6
Peter Draisaitl
no goal
no goal
no goal
goal
goal
no goal
1994 Gold Medal Game • Sweden 3 Canada 2
In goal for Canada – Corey Hirsch
SWEDISH SHOOTERS
1
Hakan Loob
2
Magnus Svensson
3
Mats Naslund
4
Peter Forsberg
5
Roger Hansson
6
Magnus Svensson
7
Peter Forsberg
no goal
goal
no goal
goal
no goal
no goal
goal
In goal for Sweden – Tommy Salo
CANADIAN SHOOTERS
1
Petr Nedved
2
Paul Kariya
3
Dwayne Norris
4
Greg Parks
5
Greg Johnson
6
Petr Nedved
7
Paul Kariya
goal
goal
no goal
no goal
no goal
no goal
no goal
1998 Game for 13th/14th Place • Japan 4 Austria 3
In goal for Japan – Dusty Imoo
AUSTRIAN SHOOTERS
1
Wolfgang Kromp
2
Dieter Kalt
3
Richard Nasheim
4
Dominik Lavoie
5
Simon Wheeldon
6
Dieter Kalt
7
Richard Nasheim
8
Simon Wheeldon
no goal
goal
no goal
no goal
no goal
no goal
goal
no goal
In goal for Austria – Reinhard Divis
JAPANESE SHOOTERS
1
Akihito Sugisawa
goal
2
Shin Yahata
no goal
3
Steven Tsujiura
no goal
4
Kiyoshi Fujita
no goal
5
Toshivuki Sakai
no goal
6
Akihito Sugisawa
no goal
7
Matthew Kabayama
goal
8
Shin Yahata
goal
1998 Semifinal Game • Czech Republic 2 Canada 1
In goal for Czech Republic – Dominik Hasek
CANADIAN SHOOTERS
1
Theoren Fleury
no goal
2
Raymond Bourque
no goal
3
Joe Nieuwendyk
no goal
4
Eric Lindros
no goal
5
Brendan Shanahan
no goal
1
2
3
4
5
25
In goal for Canada – Patrick Roy
CZECH REPUBLIC SHOOTERS
Robert Reichel
goal
Martin Rucinsky
no goal
Pavel Patera
no goal
Jaromir Jagr
no goal
Vladimir Ruzicka
did not shoot
NHL & IIHF R ULES C OMPARED
NHL RULES
Dimensions of Rink – NHL Rule 2(a)
IIHF RULES
Dimensions of Rink – IIHF Rule 101
Rink dimension is 200 ft. by 85 ft.
Goal Lines – NHL Rule 3(a)
Rink dimension is 200 ft. by 100 ft.
Goal Lines – IIHF Rule 111
Goal lines situated 11 ft. from end boards.
Zones – NHL Rule 5(a)
Goal lines are marked 13 ft. from end boards.
Zones – IIHF Rule 112
End zones 75 ft., Neutral zone 50 ft.
Goal Crease – NHL Rule 4(b)
End zones 71 ft., Neutral zone 58 ft.
Goal Crease – IIHF Rule 119
Truncated 6 ft. radius semi-circle.
Goalkeeper Restricted Area – NHL Rule 4(e)
Full 6 ft. radius semi-circle.
Goalkeeper Restricted Area
Restricted trapezoid shaped area behind the goal limiting the area
behind the goal line in which the goalkeeper is permitted to play the
puck.
Players’ Benches – NHL Rule 9(b)
No such restricted area in the IIHF rules.
Players’ Benches – IIHF Rule 140
Maximum number of team officials is not specified, plus max. 1 non-uniformed player.
Signal and Timing Devices – NHL Rule 11(b)
Maximum of six team officials.
Signal and Timing Devices – IIHF Rule 152
Time recording for game time and penalty time shows time remaining to
be played/served.
Players in Uniform – NHL Rule 13(a)
Game time is counted up from 0 to 20 minutes. Penalty time shows time
remaining to be served.
Players in Uniform – IIHF Rule 200
18 skaters plus 2 goalkeepers.
Captain of Team – NHL Rule 14(c)
20 skaters plus 2 goalkeepers.
Captain of Team – IIHF Rule 572
Minor plus misconduct to any player coming off the bench to protest a
call or intervene with the officials, including the Captain.
Starting Line-up – NHL Rule 16(c)
Bench minor for Captain coming off the bench when not invited by the
referee. Minor plus misconduct to any other player coming off the bench
to dispute a ruling.
Starting Line-up
No change in the starting line-up is permitted by either team once it has
been submitted to the Official Scorer. A bench minor penalty is assessed
if the starting line-up is challenged by the opposing team at the first
stoppage of play.
Change of Players – NHL Rule 17(a)
No such rule exists in the IIHF.
Change of Players – IIHF Rule 411
Player and goalkeeper substitution – retiring participant must be within
5 feet of the bench and out of play.
Change of Players – NHL Rule 17(a)
Player and goalkeeper substitution – retiring participant must be within
10 feet of the bench and out of play.
Change of Players
A team that is in violation of Rule 65 – Icing the Puck shall not be permitted to make any player substitutions prior to the ensuring face-off.
Change of Players – NHL Rule 17(e)
No such provision in the IIHF rules.
Change of Players – IIHF Rule 412
During a stoppage of play, the visiting team shall be permitted 5 seconds
to change players, and the home team shall be allowed eight seconds to
change players.
Players’ Stick – NHL Rule 19(b)
For every face-off the Referee allows each team 5 seconds to change
players, visiting team first.
Players’ Stick – IIHF Rule 222
Maximum length from heel to end of shaft must not exceed 63".
Goalkeeper Stick – NHL Rule 19(c)
Maximum length from heel to end of shaft must not exceed 64".
Goalkeeper Stick – IIHF Rule 232
No curvature limit.
Equipment – NHL Rule 19(d) Note 3
0.6 inches (1.5 cm).
Equipment – IIHF Rule 260
No stick measurement allowed after an overtime goal. No stick measurements prior to or during the shootout are permitted.
No equipment measurement shall be allowed during the stoppage of
play immediately following a goal.
26
NHL & IIHF Rules Compared
NHL RULES
Players Helmet – NHL Rule 22(b)
IIHF RULES
Players Helmet – IIHF Rule 223
Helmets must be of a design approved by the Rules Committee. Should a
player lose his helmet during play, he may continue to participate in the
play.
Players Visor
Helmet must be worn both during the game and during the pre-game
warm-up. Must be worn so that lower portion of helmet is not more than
one finger-width above eyebrows. Chinstrap must be properly fastened
so that only enough room for one finger can be inserted between the
strap and the chin. After warning, player is penalized for not wearing his
helmet correctly.
Players Visor – IIHF Rule 224
No such provision in the NHL rules.
Goalkeeper’s Equipment – NHL Rule 21(b)
Players born after Dec. 31, 1974 shall wear a visor.
Goalkeeper’s Equipment – IIHF Rule 260
No goalkeeper equipment measured during a game. Measurement
is done in the pre-season and randomly throughout the season
when necessary.
Goalkeeper’s Leg Pads – NHL Rule 21(b)
A team may request goalkeeper equipment measurement only
immediately at the end of a period. Bench minor penalty if the
equipment is illegal.
Goalkeeper’s Leg Pads – IIHF Rule 235
Shall not exceed 11" in extreme width.
Goalkeeper’s Blocking Glove – NHL Rule 21(g)
Shall not exceed 12" in extreme width.
Goalkeeper’s Blocking Glove – IIHF Rule 233a)
Protective padding attached to the back or forming part of the goalkeeper’s blocking glove shall not exceed 8" in width nor more than 15" in
length at any point.
Goalkeeper’s Catching Glove – NHL Rule 21(f)
Protective padding attached to the back or forming part of the goalkeeper’s blocking glove shall not exceed 81/2" in width nor more than 16" in
length at any point.
Goalkeeper’s Catching Glove – IIHF Rule 233b)
Maximum perimeter of 45" is permitted. Wrist cuff is to be a maximum of
8" in width and 4" in height.
Goalkeepers Protective Mask –
NHL Rule 21(h) and NHL Rule 22(b)
Maximum perimeter of 48" is permitted. Wrist cuff is to be a maximum of
9" in width and 41/2" in height.
Goalkeepers Helmet and Face Mask – IIHF Rule 234
Must wear full facial protection. Should goalkeeper lose helmet and/or
face mask, play to be stopped immediately. Should a hard shot hit the
goalkeeper’s face mask while play is in progress, play shall be stopped
immediately (an immediate and impending scoring opportunity shall be
permitted before stopping play).
Must be of design approved by the Rules Committee. Must not be
designed to increase stopping area. If goalkeeper loses his mask play
stopped immediately if his team is in possession of the puck and
when opposing team has possession of the puck, stopped immediately
provided there is no immediate and impending scoring opportunity.
Blood rule
Blood rule – IIHF Rule 418 & 571
Bleeding player must leave the ice or play must be stopped. A bloodstained uniform must be cleaned or changed.
No specific rules. However 1995/1996 rules bulletin specifies that blood
stained jersey must be replaced. Bleeding player must leave ice and not
return until bleeding has stopped.
Major Penalty Substitution – NHL Rule 18(e) and 28(a)
Major Penalty Substitution – IIHF Rule 416 & 504
The substitute player (for injury) entering the penalty bench in these situations must do so immediately when the penalties are assessed. The
injured penalized player and the substitute shall not be eligible to play
until penalty has expired.
The substitute (for injury) or additional player (for major plus misconduct) may enter the penalty bench at any stoppage prior to expiration of
the major penalty.
Minor Penalties – NHL Rule 26(c)
Minor Penalties – IIHF Rule 501
The first minor penalty shall terminate upon the scoring of a goal. This
rule also applies when a goal is scored on a penalty shot.
The first minor or bench minor penalty shall terminate upon the scoring
of a goal. This rule does not apply when a goal is scored on a penalty
shot.
Major Penalties – NHL Rule 27(b)
Major Penalties – IIHF Rule 503
Game misconduct is automatically assessed to any player assessed a
major penalty.
Game misconduct for third major penalty in a game or any major penalty
for cross-checking, slashing, spearing, butt-ending, clipping, hooking, and
checking from behind.
Major Penalties – NHL Rule 27(d)
Major Penalties – IIHF Rule 503
Penalties are served as normal.
In the last 5 minutes of regulation or overtime, a 3 minute differential (or
1 minute differential if double minor is assessed) is served if one player
receives a major and the opposing player receives a minor penalty at the
same stoppage.
27
NHL RULES
Misconduct Penalties – NHL Rule 28(a)
IIHF RULES
Misconduct Penalties – IIHF Rule 504
Any number of 10-minute misconducts may be assessed to a single player.
Misconduct Penalties – NHL Rule 28(d) Note & Rule 29
Second 10-minute misconduct to the same player becomes a game misconduct.
Misconduct Penalties – IIHF Rule 500
10 minutes in the records for a game misconduct, gross misconduct or
match penalty.
Penalty Shot – NHL Rule 30(a)
20 minutes in the records for a game misconduct or gross misconduct;
25 minutes for a match penalty.
Penalty Shot – IIHF Rule 508
A team that has been awarded a penalty shot has no other option except
to take the penalty shot.
Penalty Shot – NHL Rule 30(c)
If the penalty shot would otherwise be a minor penalty, the non-offending team has the choice of penalty shot or minor penalty.
Penalty Shot – IIHF Rule 509
The Referee designates the player to take a penalty shot in most situations. Where the team has a choice, the Captain designates a player who
was on the ice at the time of the infraction.
Calling of Penalties – NHL Rule 33(b) Note 2
The Captain of the non-offending team may designate any non-penalized player in all cases where a penalty shot has been assessed.
Calling of Penalties – IIHF Rule 514
During a delayed penalty, if the non-offending team shoots the puck into
its own goal, the goal is allowed.
Calling of Penalties – NHL Rule 33(b)
During a delayed penalty, if the non-offending team shoots the puck into
its own goal, the goal is disallowed and a penalty shall be imposed on a
normal manner.
Calling of Penalties – IIHF Rule 514
When a team is short-handed by a minor penalty and a delayed minor
penalty is signaled by the Referee, and the non-offending team scores,
the delayed penalty is assessed and the minor penalty being served
terminates.
Goalkeeper’s Penalties – NHL Rule 31(j)
Under that same scenario, the delayed penalty being signaled terminates
and all penalties being served are unchanged.
Goalkeeper Penalty – IIHF Rule 511
Should a goalkeeper play the puck behind the goal line outside the designated area behind the net, he shall be assessed a minor penalty for
delay of game.
Officiating System – NHL Rule 34(a)
No such restricted area in the IIHF.
Officiating System – IIHF Rule 300
Two Referees and two Linesmen.
Officials’ Visors
One Referee and two Linesmen.
Officials’ Visors – IIHF Rule 311
Not required.
Game Timekeeper – NHL Rule 40(d)
Required.
Game Announcements – IIHF Annex 2
The last minute to play in each period is announced over the public
address system.
Board Checking and Elbowing – NHL Rule 44 & 53
The last minute to play in the first and second periods and the last two
minutes to play in the third period is announced over the public address
system.
Board Checking and Elbowing – IIHF Rule 520 & 526
Minor or major penalty. Game misconduct is assessed if an injury to the
face or head results.
Checking from Behind – NHL Rule 48(a)
Major penalty carries an automatic game misconduct.
Checking from Behind – IIHF Rule 523
A major plus game misconduct is assessed to any player who crosschecks, pushes, or charges an opponent, who is unable to defend himself,
from behind anywhere on the ice surface.
Checking to the Head and Neck Area
The penalty options for checking an opponent from behind are a minor
plus misconduct or major plus an automatic game misconduct or match
penalty.
Checking to the Head and Neck Area – IIHF Rule 540
No specific rule in the NHL.
Charging – NHL Rule 47
A player who directs a check or blow, with any part of his body, to the
head and neck area of an opposing player or "drives" or "forces" the head
of an opposing player into the protective glass or boards, shall be
assessed at the discretion of the Referee, a minor and a misconduct
penalty; a major and game misconduct penalty; or a match penalty.
When injury occurs, a match penalty must be assessed.
Charging – IIHF Rule 522
A major penalty plus game misconduct if injury to the face or head of
opponent results.
Minor or major penalty.
28
NHL RULES
Clipping – NHL Rule 49
IIHF RULES
Clipping – IIHF Rule 524
A minor penalty (major penalty plus game misconduct if injury results)
shall be assessed to any player who delivers a check across or below the
knees of an opponent.
Delaying the Game – NHL Rule 51
Minor or major penalty.
Delaying the Game – IIHF Rule 554(f)
No reference to penalties being assessed for players leaving the bench to
celebrate a goal.
Delaying the Game – NHL Rule 51(a)
A bench minor penalty is assessed to a team that has more than one
change of players on the ice after scoring a goal.
Delaying the Game – IIHF Rule 554(c)
When any player, while in his defending zone, shoots the puck directly
out of the playing surface (except where there is no glass) shall be
assessed a minor penalty for delaying the game.
Delaying the Game – NHL Rule 51(c)
Only applies to the goalkeeper shooting it directly out of play.
Delaying the Game – IIHF Rule 554(b)
When the goal has been deliberately displaced, the attacking player was
in the act of shooting, and the puck would have entered the area normally occupied by the net, a goal may be awarded by the referee.
Diving – NHL Rule 52
When the goal has been deliberately displaced by a defending player, a
minor penalty shall be assessed. If this occurs in the last two-minutes of
the game or anytime in overtime, a penalty shot shall be awarded. If this
occurs when the attacking player is on a breakaway, a penalty shot shall
be awarded. If this occurs when the offending team's goalkeeper has
been removed from the ice, a goal shall be awarded.
Diving – IIHF Rule 550
Assessed as a minor penalty for Diving.
Face-offs – NHL Rule 54(a)
Assessed as a minor penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
Face-offs – IIHF Rule 442
The visiting team center will place his stick on the ice first for all face-offs.
Face-offs – NHL Rule 54(f-m)
The attacking team center will place his stick on the ice first for all
face-offs conducted in the neutral zone or end zone.
Face-offs – IIHF Rule 441
The puck may be faced off anywhere on the ice except within 15 feet of
the goal or side boards.
Fisticuffs – NHL Rule 56(a)
All face-offs (except those at the center spot) must take place along an imaginary line connecting the end zone face-off spots on the same side of the ice.
Fisticuffs – IIHF Rule 528
A major penalty is assessed for fighting. A player deemed to be the instigator of fisticuffs shall be assessed a minor penalty, a major penalty for
fighting, and a 10-minute misconduct.
Goals and Assists – NHL Rule 57(a)
A match penalty shall be assessed to any player who starts or engages in
fisticuffs.
Displacing the Goal – IIHF Rule 554b)
The goal frame is considered to be displaced if either or both goal peg(s)
are no longer in their respective holes in the ice, or the net has come
completely off the peg(s), prior to or as the puck enters the goal.
Gross Misconduct – NHL Rule 58
The net must be flat on the ice and in its normal position in order for a
goal to be allowed.
Gross Misconduct
Assessed for such things as striking a spectator; post-game verbal abuse;
racial taunts or slurs; spitting on an opponent or spectator.
Head-Butting – NHL Rule 60
Gross misconduct does not exist in the IIHF Rules. Spitting at an opponent or official shall result in a match penalty being assessed.
Head-Butting – IIHF Rule 529
A double minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who attempts to
head-butt an opponent. A major plus a game misconduct (match penalty if injury results) will be assessed to any player who head-butts an
opponent.
High Sticking (the Puck) – NHL Rule 61(d) & (e)
A match penalty will be assessed to any player who deliberately headbutts or attempts to head-butt an opponent.
High Sticking (the Puck) – IIHF Rule 492
When a high sticking the puck infraction is called, the ensuing face-off
shall take place at an end-zone face-off spot of the offending team only
when having a man advantage. Otherwise the face-off will occur at the
point of the high stick infraction occurred or where possession is gained,
whichever gives the offending team the least territorial advantage,
except when this occurs by an attacking player in the attacking zone, the
ensuing face-off shall be at the nearest face-off spot in the neutral zone.
The face-off will occur at the point of the high stick infraction occurred or
where possession is gained, whichever gives the offending team the least
territorial advantage, except when this occurs by an attacking player in
the attacking zone, the ensuing face-off shall be at the nearest face-off
spot in the neutral zone.
29
NHL RULES
High Sticking an Opponent – NHL Rule 61(a) & (b)
IIHF RULES
High Sticking an Opponent – IIHF Rule 530
Minor, double minor, or match penalty.
Icing – NHL Rule 65(a) Note 3
Minor, double minor, or major plus game misconduct.
Icing – IIHF Rule 460
Icing is completed when the puck crosses the goal line and is first
touched by a defending player other than the goalkeeper.
Icing – NHL Rule 65
AUTOMATIC ICING – Icing is completed when the puck has crossed the
goal line.
Icing is still called even if the puck passes through the goal crease.
Icing – NHL Rule 65(e)
Icing is always nullified if the puck passes through the goal crease.
Icing is nullified if the goalkeeper leaves his crease and feigns playing the
puck.
Icing – NHL Rule 65(e)
Icing remains in effect in this situation.
Icing
Linesmen have the discretion to waive off apparent icing infractions on
attempted passes if those passes are deemed receivable.
Icing – NHL Rule 65(h)
No such rule in the IIHF.
Icing
A team in violation of this rule shall not be permitted to make any player
substitutions prior to the ensuing face-off.
Leaving Players’ or Penalty Bench – NHL Rule 72
No such rule in the IIHF.
Leaving Players’ or Penalty Bench – IIHF Rule 564
The first and second player from either or both teams to leave the players’ bench during an altercation is assessed a game misconduct. All other
players may be subject to fines.
Protection of Goalkeeper – NHL Rule 78(a)
First player to leave the bench during an altercation receives a double
minor plus game misconduct. All other players receive a misconduct, up
to a maximum of 5 per team.
Protection of Goalkeeper – IIHF Rule 534 & 471
No goal can be scored with an attacking player in the goal crease who is
interfering with the goalkeeper.
Off-side – NHL Rule 74 & 77
Play shall be stopped and a neutral zone face-off shall result whenever an
attacking player deliberately stands in the goal crease. Any goal that is
scored, whether or not the goalkeeper is in the crease, shall be nullified.
Off-sides – IIHF Rule 451
When puck is shot on goal in a delayed off-side situation, play is
permitted to continue. Should the puck enter the net, the goal
would be disallowed.
Throwing Stick – NHL Rule 88 (a) & (b)
If the puck is shot on goal causing the goalkeeper to play the puck, the
play shall be stopped for the off-side infraction.
Throwing Stick – IIHF Rule 569
When a defending player throws or shoots any part of a stick or any
other object at the puck or puck carrier in his defending zone, a penalty
shot shall be awarded if prevents a reasonable shot or pass. A minor
penalty shall be assessed if the thrown stick or object does not actually
interfere with the puck or puck carrier. No penalty if the stick or object is
thrown or shot from the area of play (moved out of the traffic area) and
in no way interferes with the play.
A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who throws his stick or
any part thereof or any other object in the direction of the puck in any
zone, except when such action has been penalized by the assessment of
a penalty shot or an awarded goal.
Start of Game and Periods – NHL Rule 87(c)
A major penalty shall be assessed to any player who throws his stick or
any part thereof or any other object in the direction of the puck in any
zone, except when such action has been penalized by the assessment of
a penalty shot or an awarded goal.
Warm-up Procedures – IIHF Annex 2
Pre-game warm-up shall not exceed 16 minutes in duration.
Pre-game warm-up shall be 20 minutes in duration.
30
NHL RULES
Tied Game – NHL Rule 89 – Overtime and Shootouts
IIHF RULES
Overtime Period – IIHF Rule 421 – Tied Games and Shootouts
In regular-season games, a five-minute overtime played four skaters
against four and then a shootout is used to decide tied games. In a
shootout, each team takes three shots. If still tied, teams take additional
alternating shots until a winner is determined. No player can take a second shot in the shootout until all skaters on his team have shot.
In Stanley Cup playoffs, 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods are
played until a goal is scored. Playoff overtime is played five skaters
against five.
Time-outs – NHL Rule 92
Round robin or regular-season games can end in a tie.In a play-off game
where a winner must be declared, the game will be prolonged by a tenminute sudden-victory overtime period played four skaters against four.
This overtime period will commence following a three-minute break and the
teams will not change ends. For the gold medal final game, this shall be a
20-minute period following a 15-minute intermission, with teams changing
ends. If no goal is scored, game-winning penalty shots (a shootout) will be
used to determine a winner. In this situation, each team takes five shots. If
still tied, teams take additional alternating shots until a winner is determined. After the initial five shots have been taken by each team, players
who have taken a shot can be selected by their coach to shoot again.
Time-outs – IIHF Rule 422
Each team is allowed one 30-second time-out per game. Only one team
is allowed to use its time-out during a single stoppage of play. There are
3 100-120 second commercial time-outs per period during NHL games.
When a penalty shot has been awarded, no time-outs shall be granted
once instructions have been given to the player taking the shot and the
goalkeeper defending the shot. No time-out shall be granted during the
shootout.
Tripping – NHL Rule 91(a)
One 30-second time-out per team per game. Each team may use their
time-out during the same stoppage of play. No commercial time-outs in
IIHF competition.
Tripping – IIHF Rule 539
Only a minor penalty may be assessed for tripping. Slew-footing is a
match penalty.
Tripping – Fouled from Behind – NHL Rule 91(b)
A minor or major penalty may be assessed for tripping.
Tripping - Fouled from Behind – IIHF Rule 539
Penalty shot if occurring on the attacking side of the center red line.
Player does not have to have possession and control of the puck but, in
the judgment of the referee, would have gained possession and control
of the puck.
Penalty shot if occurring in the neutral zone or the fouled player’s attacking zone. Must have control of the puck.
THIS SUMMARY highlights most of the differences in rules between the National
Hockey League and the International Ice Hockey Federation. However, it does
not address every possible rule difference and should not be used as a sole
information source.
Please consult the appropriate Rule Book for the full and complete knowledge
of the rules for the game that is being played.
Prepared by: Dave Baker, Officiating Manager, National Hockey League, with
assistance from Bob Nadin, Referee Supervisor and Konstantin Komissarov,
Sport Development Manager, Officiating, both of the International Ice Hockey
Federation.
31
OLYMPIC SCORING, ACTIVE NHL PLAYERS
Medal Name
B
S
S
B
G
G
S
B
S
B
S
S
B
G
G
G
S
B
S
G
G
G
G
S
G
B
B
S
Afinogenov,Maxim
Alfredsson, Daniel
Alfredsson, Daniel
Amonte, Tony
Amonte, Tony
Aucoin, Adrian
Axelsson, P.J.
Berard, Bryan
Berg, Aki
Berg, Aki
Blake, Rob
Blake, Rob
Bondra, Peter
Brewer, Eric
Brind'Amour, Rod
Bure, Valeri
Bure, Valeri
Cajanek, Petr
Campbell, Jim
Carney, Keith
Chelios, Chris
Chelios, Chris
Chelios, Chris
Czerkawski, Mariusz
Datsyuk, Pavel
Demitra, Pavol
Desjardins, Eric
Drury, Chris
Dvorak, Radek
Ehrhoff, Christian
Elias, Patrik
Fedorov, Sergei
Fedorov, Sergei
Fedotenko, Ruslan
Foote, Adam
Foote, Adam
Forsberg, Peter
Forsberg, Peter
Gagne, Simon
Gonchar, Sergei
Gonchar, Sergei
Guerin, Bill
Guerin, Bill
Hagman, Niklas
Hamrlik, Roman
Hamrlik, Roman
Handzus, Michal
Hatcher, Derian
Havlat, Martin
Hecht, Jochen
Hecht, Jochen
Hedican, Bret
Hejduk, Milan
Hejduk, Milan
Hill, Sean
Hohener, Martin
Hossa, Marian
Hrdina, Jan
Iginla, Jarome
Jagr, Jaromir
Jagr, Jaromir
Johnson, Greg
Johnsson, Kim
Jokinen, Olli
Jovanovski, Ed
Kaberle, Tomas
Kapanen, Sami
Kapanen, Sami
Kapanen, Sami
Kariya, Paul
Year
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
1994
2002
1998
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
1998
2002
2002
1994
1998
1984
1998
2002
1992
2002
2002
1998
2002
2002
2002
2002
1998
2002
2002
1998
2002
1994
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
2002
1998
2002
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
1992
1998
2002
1992
2002
2002
2002
2002
1998
2002
1994
2002
2002
2002
2002
1994
1998
2002
1994
Team GP
RUS
SWE
SWE
USA
USA
CAN
SWE
USA
FIN
FIN
CAN
CAN
SVK
CAN
CAN
RUS
RUS
CZE
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
POL
RUS
SVK
CAN
USA
CZE
GER
CZE
RUS
RUS
UKR
CAN
CAN
SWE
SWE
CAN
RUS
RUS
USA
USA
FIN
CZE
CZE
SVK
USA
CZE
GER
GER
USA
CZE
CZE
USA
SUI
SVK
CZE
CAN
CZE
CZE
CAN
SWE
FIN
CAN
CZE
FIN
FIN
FIN
CAN
6
4
4
4
6
4
4
2
6
4
6
6
2
6
6
6
6
4
8
4
6
4
6
5
6
2
6
6
4
7
4
6
6
1
6
6
8
4
6
6
6
4
6
4
6
4
2
4
4
4
4
8
4
4
8
4
2
4
6
6
4
8
4
4
6
4
8
6
4
8
G
2
2
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
1
0
1
2
1
1
0
0
0
4
1
1
0
1
0
3
1
1
0
0
1
2
0
4
0
3
1
2
0
1
2
0
0
1
0
1
3
A
2
3
4
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
1
2
2
0
0
0
0
1
5
2
0
1
0
6
4
3
2
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
4
3
3
1
1
3
1
0
1
2
4
Pts
4
5
5
1
4
0
0
0
0
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
1
0
0
0
4
2
1
1
3
3
0
0
0
0
2
6
4
1
1
1
8
5
4
2
0
3
4
3
1
1
1
0
4
1
2
0
0
1
2
0
6
0
4
5
5
3
2
3
3
1
1
1
3
7
PIM
4
2
2
4
0
2
2
0
6
2
2
2
25
0
0
0
2
0
6
2
8
2
4
4
0
2
2
0
0
8
0
8
4
4
4
2
6
6
0
0
2
2
4
0
2
2
6
0
27
6
2
4
2
0
6
0
0
0
0
2
4
0
0
0
4
2
2
0
4
2
2005-06 Club
Medal Name
G
G
S
B
B
B
Buffalo
Ottawa
Ottawa
Calgary
Calgary
Chicago
Boston
Columbus
Toronto
Toronto
Colorado
Colorado
Atlanta
St. Louis
Carolina
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
St. Louis
Tampa Bay
Anaheim
Detroit
Detroit
Detroit
Toronto
Detroit
Los Angeles
Philadelphia
Buffalo
Edmonton
San Jose
New Jersey
Columbus
Columbus
Tampa Bay
Columbus
Columbus
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
Calgary
Calgary
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Ottawa
Buffalo
Buffalo
Carolina
Colorado
Colorado
Florida
Nashville
Atlanta
Columbus
Calgary
NY Rangers
NY Rangers
Nashville
Philadelphia
Florida
Vancouver
Toronto
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Nashville
B
G
B
B
B
G
S
S
B
B
G
S
G
G
B
B
S
S
G
S
S
G
G
B
S
B
G
S
G
S
S
32
Kariya, Paul
Kasparaitis, Darius
Kasparaitis, Darius
Kasparaitis, Darius
Koivu, Saku
Koivu, Saku
Koltsov, Konstantin
Kovalchuk, Ilya
Kovalev, Alex
Kovalev, Alex
Kubina, Pavel
Kvasha, Oleg
Lang, Robert
Lang, Robert
Lang, Robert
Langenbrunner, Jamie
LeClair, John
LeClair, John
Leetch, Brian
Leetch, Brian
Leetch, Brian
Lehtinen, Jere
Lehtinen, Jere
Lehtinen, Jere
Lemieux, Mario
Lidstrom, Nicklas
Lidstrom, Nicklas
Linden, Trevor
Lindros, Eric
Lindros, Eric
Lindros, Eric
Majesky, Ivan
Malakhov, Vladimir
Malakhov, Vladimir
Marchant, Todd
Markov, Danny
McEachern, Shawn
Miller, Aaron
Modano, Mike
Modano, Mike
Mogilny, Alexander
Morozov, Aleksey
Naslund, Markus
Nedved, Petr
Niedermayer, Scott
Nieminen, Ville
Nieuwendyk, Joe
Nieuwendyk, Joe
Niinimaa, Janne
Niinimaa, Janne
Norstrom, Mattias
Norstrom, Mattias
Numminen, Teppo
Numminen, Teppo
Numminen, Teppo
Nylander, Michael
Nylander, Michael
Ohlund, Mattias
Ohlund, Mattias
Ozolinsh, Sandis
Peca, Michael
Ponikarovsky, Alexei
Poti, Tom
Primeau, Keith
Pronger, Chris
Pronger, Chris
Rafalski, Brian
Recchi, Mark
Roenick, Jeremy
Roenick, Jeremy
Year
2002
1992
1998
2002
1994
1998
2002
2002
1992
2002
2002
2002
1992
1998
2002
1998
1998
2002
1988
1998
2002
1994
1998
2002
2002
1998
2002
1998
1992
1998
2002
2002
1992
2002
1994
2002
1992
2002
1998
2002
1988
1998
2002
1994
2002
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
1988
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
2002
2002
2002
2002
1998
1998
2002
2002
1998
1998
2002
Team GP
CAN
RUS
RUS
RUS
FIN
FIN
BLR
RUS
RUS
RUS
CZE
RUS
TCH
CZE
CZE
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
FIN
FIN
FIN
CAN
SWE
SWE
CAN
CAN
CAN
CAN
SVK
RUS
RUS
USA
RUS
USA
USA
USA
USA
USSR
RUS
SWE
CAN
CAN
FIN
CAN
CAN
FIN
FIN
SWE
SWE
FIN
FIN
FIN
SWE
SWE
SWE
SWE
LAT
CAN
UKR
USA
CAN
CAN
CAN
USA
CAN
USA
USA
6
8
6
6
8
6
2
6
8
6
4
5
8
6
4
3
4
6
6
4
6
8
6
4
5
4
4
6
8
6
6
4
8
6
8
5
8
6
4
6
6
6
4
8
6
4
6
6
6
4
4
4
6
6
4
4
4
4
4
1
6
4
6
6
6
6
6
5
4
6
G
3
0
0
1
4
2
0
1
1
3
0
0
5
0
1
0
0
6
1
1
0
3
4
1
2
1
1
1
5
2
1
0
3
1
1
0
1
0
2
0
3
2
2
5
1
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
1
A
1
2
2
0
3
8
0
2
2
1
1
0
8
3
2
0
1
1
5
1
5
0
2
2
4
1
5
0
6
3
0
1
0
3
1
1
0
0
0
6
2
2
1
1
1
1
3
1
3
3
1
0
4
1
1
0
2
1
2
4
2
1
1
1
0
1
2
2
1
4
Pts
4
2
2
1
7
10
0
3
3
4
1
0
13
3
3
0
1
7
6
2
5
3
6
3
6
2
6
1
11
5
1
1
3
4
2
1
1
0
2
6
5
4
3
6
2
1
5
2
3
3
1
0
5
2
1
0
3
1
2
4
2
2
1
3
0
1
3
2
1
5
PIM
0
2
6
4
12
4
0
14
14
4
0
0
8
0
2
4
0
2
4
0
0
0
2
2
0
2
0
10
5
2
8
4
4
4
6
0
10
4
0
4
2
0
0
6
4
2
2
0
8
2
2
0
0
2
0
6
0
4
2
0
2
6
4
4
4
2
2
0
6
2
2005-06 Club
Nashville
NY Rangers
NY Rangers
NY Rangers
Montreal
Montreal
Pittsburgh
Atlanta
Montreal
Montreal
Tampa Bay
NY Islanders
Detroit
Detroit
Detroit
New Jersey
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Boston
Boston
Boston
Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
Pittsburgh
Detroit
Detroit
VAN.
Toronto
Toronto
Toronto
Washington
New Jersey
New Jersey
Anaheim
Nashville
Boston
Los Angeles
Dallas
Dallas
New Jersey
Pittsburgh
Vancouver
Phoenix
Anaheim
NY Rangers
Florida
Florida
Dallas
Dallas
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Buffalo
Buffalo
Buffalo
NY Rangers
NY Rangers
Vancouver
Vancouver
Anaheim
Edmonton
Toronto
NY Rangers
Philadelphia
Edmonton
Edmonton
New Jersey
Pittsburgh
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Olympic Scoring and Goaltending, Active NHL Players
Medal Name
S
G
G
B
S
B
G
B
G
G
G
G
S
B
S
B
S
S
S
B
S
S
G
G
S
B
G
S
G
Rolston, Brian
Rolston, Brian
Rucinsky, Martin
Rucinsky, Martin
Ruutu, Jarkko
Sakic, Joe
Sakic, Joe
Salei, Ruslan
Salei, Ruslan
Salo, Sami
Samsonov, Sergei
Satan, Miroslav
Satan, Miroslav
Savage, Brian
Schneider, Mathieu
Schubert, Christoph
Seidenberg, Dennis
Selanne, Teemu
Selanne, Teemu
Selanne, Teemu
Shanahan, Brendan
Shanahan, Brendan
Skoula, Martin
Skrastins, Karlis
Slegr, Jiri
Slegr, Jiri
Smyth, Ryan
Spacek, Jaroslav
Spacek, Jaroslav
Straka, Martin
Stumpel, Jozef
Sturm, Marco
Sturm, Marco
Sundin, Mats
Sundin, Mats
Sundstrom, Niklas
Sundstrom, Niklas
Sykora, Petr
Therien, Chris
Timonen, Kimmo
Timonen, Kimmo
Tkachuk, Keith
Tkachuk, Keith
Tkachuk, Keith
Tverdovsky, Oleg
Vaananen, Ossi
Visnovsky, Lubomir
Weight, Doug
Weight, Doug
Weinrich, Eric
Woolley, Jason
Yashin, Alexei
Yashin, Alexei
York, Mike
Young, Scott
Young, Scott
Young, Scott
Yzerman, Steve
Yzerman, Steve
Zetterberg, Henrik
Zhamnov, Alex
Zhamnov, Alex
Zhamnov, Alex
Zhitnik, Alexei
Zhitnik, Alexei
Zubov, Sergei
Year
1994
2002
1998
2002
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
2002
2002
1994
2002
1994
1998
2002
2002
1992
1998
2002
1998
2002
2002
2002
1992
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
2002
1994
1998
2002
1992
1998
2002
2002
2002
2002
1998
2002
1988
1992
1998
2002
2002
1988
1992
2002
1998
2002
2002
1992
1998
2002
1992
1998
1992
Team GP
USA
USA
CZE
CZE
FIN
CAN
CAN
BLR
BLR
FIN
RUS
SVK
SVK
CAN
USA
GER
GER
FIN
FIN
FIN
CAN
CAN
CZE
LAT
TCH
CZE
CAN
CZE
CZE
CZE
SVK
GER
GER
SWE
SWE
SWE
SWE
CZE
CAN
FIN
FIN
USA
USA
USA
RUS
FIN
SVK
USA
USA
USA
CAN
RUS
RUS
USA
USA
USA
USA
CAN
CAN
SWE
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
8
6
6
4
4
4
6
7
6
4
6
8
2
8
4
7
7
8
5
4
6
6
4
1
8
6
6
6
4
6
2
2
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
6
4
8
4
5
6
2
3
4
6
3
8
6
6
6
6
8
6
6
6
4
8
6
6
8
6
8
G
7
0
3
0
0
1
4
1
2
0
1
9
0
2
0
0
1
7
4
3
2
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
3
5
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
2
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
1
0
2
2
4
1
2
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
A
0
3
1
3
0
2
3
0
1
0
2
0
1
2
0
1
1
4
6
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
2
1
0
1
0
4
1
3
0
0
1
1
1
2
0
1
1
2
2
3
0
5
3
1
1
6
1
0
1
4
1
3
1
0
0
2
1
Pts
7
3
4
3
0
3
7
1
3
0
3
9
1
4
0
1
2
11
10
3
2
1
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
3
3
0
1
3
9
2
4
1
0
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
3
2
3
0
5
6
2
1
8
3
4
2
6
1
3
3
1
1
2
1
PIM
8
0
4
2
4
4
0
4
4
0
4
0
0
6
6
6
8
6
8
2
0
0
0
0
14
8
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
4
10
2
0
0
4
2
2
12
6
2
0
0
0
2
4
0
4
0
0
0
4
2
2
10
2
0
8
2
4
0
2
0
2005-06 Club
Minnesota
Minnesota
NY Rangers
NY Rangers
Vancouver
Colorado
Colorado
Anaheim
Anaheim
Vancouver
Boston
NY Islanders
NY Islanders
Philadelphia
Detroit
Ottawa
Philadelphia
Anaheim
Anaheim
Anaheim
Detroit
Detroit
Dallas
Colorado
Boston
Boston
Edmonton
Chicago
Chicago
NY Rangers
Florida
Boston
Boston
Toronto
Toronto
Montreal
Montreal
NY Rangers
Philadelphia
Nashville
Nashville
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
Carolina
Colorado
Los Angeles
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
Detroit
NY Islanders
NY Islanders
NY Islanders
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
Detroit
Detroit
Detroit
Boston
Boston
Boston
NY Islanders
NY Islanders
Dallas
Olympic Results, Active NHL Goaltenders
Medal Name
G
G
B
S
S
G
G
G
B
S
33
Aebischer, David
Belfour, Ed
Brodeur, Martin
Brodeur, Martin
Bryzgalov, Ilya
Burke, Sean
Burke, Sean
Divis, Reinhard
Dunham, Mike
Dunham, Mike
Dunham, Mike
Gerber, Martin
Hasek, Dominik
Hasek, Dominik
Hasek, Dominik
Hedberg, Johan
Hedberg, Johan
Huet, Cristobal
Huet, Cristobal
Joseph, Curtis
Joseph, Curtis
Khabibulin, Nikolai
Khabibulin, Nikolai
Kolzig, Olaf
Legace, Manny
Markkanen, Jussi
Snow, Garth
Stana, Rastislav
Tellqvist, Mikael
Year
Team GP W
2002
2002
1998
2002
2002
1988
1992
2002
1992
1994
2002
2002
1988
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
1998
2002
1992
2002
1998
1994
2002
1994
2002
2002
SUI
CAN
CAN
CAN
RUS
CAN
CAN
AUT
USA
USA
USA
SUI
TCH
CZE
CZE
SWE
SWE
FRA
FRA
CAN
CAN
RUS
RUS
GER
CAN
FIN
USA
SVK
SWE
L
T Mins
GA SO
2 1 0 0 81
6 0
Did not play – Spare Goaltender
5 4 0 1 300
9 0
4 1 2 1 238 12 0
7 5 2 0 429 17 0
4 1 1 2 238 12 0
3 0 1 2 180 15 0
1 1 0 0 60
0 1
3 1 1 1 158
4 0
5 3 2 0 217 18 1
6 5 1 0 369
6 2
4 1 2 1 239
8 0
1 1 0 0 60
1 0
2 1 1 0 120
5 0
3 0 2 1 179 10 0
1 0 1 0 60
5 0
6 3 2 1 359 14 1
2 2 0 0 120
2 1
5 1 3 1 299 17 0
1 1 0 0 60
1 0
Avg
2005-06 Club
4.43 Colorado
Toronto
New Jersey
1.80 New Jersey
Anaheim
3.02 Tampa Bay
2.37 Tampa Bay
3.02 St. Louis
Atlanta
5.00 Atlanta
0.00 Atlanta
1.52 Carolina
4.98 Ottawa
0.97 Ottawa
2.01 Ottawa
Dallas
1.00 Dallas
2.50 Montreal
3.36 Montreal
Phoenix
5.00 Phoenix
Chicago
2.34 Chicago
1.00 Washington
Detroit
Edmonton
3.41 NY Islanders
1.00 Washington
Toronto
NHL PLAYERS AT THE 2006 OLYMPICS
PLAYERS ON CURRENT NHL ROSTERS
PARTICIPATING AT 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS
(as of January 20, 2006 • Does not include designated reserves)
NHL CLUB
Anaheim
Atlanta
Boston
Buffalo
Calgary
Carolina
Chicago
Colorado
Columbus
Dallas
Detroit
Edmonton
Florida
Los Angeles
Minnesota
Montreal
Nashville
New Jersey
NY Islanders
NY Rangers
Ottawa
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Pittsburgh
St. Louis
San Jose
Tampa Bay
Toronto
Vancouver
Washington
Total
Olympic Team
RUS
SWE
SVK
CAN
USA
CZE
FIN
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
2
1
1
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
1
3
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
2
2
0
0
2
1
0
0
3
3
0
0
3
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
3
0
0
5
1
0
0
0
1
0
2
1
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
0
2
0
4
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
2
1
1
2
2
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
0
0
1
0
1
2
4
0
23
23
22
20
19
19
34
GER
SUI
KAZ
LAT
ITA
TOTAL
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
1
2
1
1
0
0
1
1
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
4
4
5
3
3
2
11
4
7
9
3
4
6
4
6
5
5
6
9
8
10
3
1
4
4
7
5
8
3
18
7
3
2
2
0
158
PLAYERS AT 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS
BY NHL CLUB
(as of January 20, 2006)
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (5): Scott Niedermayer (CAN);
Teemu Selanne (FIN); Sandis Ozolinsh (LAT); Ilya Bryzgalov
(RUS); Samuel Pahlsson (SWE).
Montreal Canadiens (6): Jan Bulis (CZE); Saku Koivu (FIN);
Alexei Kovalev and Andrei Markov (RUS); Mark Streit (SUI);
Richard Zednik (SVK).
Atlanta Thrashers (4): Kari Lehtonen (FIN); Ilya Kovalchuk
(RUS); Peter Bondra and Marian Hossa (SVK).
Nashville Predators (5): Martin Erat, Tomas Vokoun
and Marek Zidlicky (CZE); Kimmo Timonen (FIN);
Danny Markov (RUS).
Boston Bruins (4): Marco Sturm (GER); Alex Zhamnov (RUS);
Milan Jurcina (SVK); P.J. Axelsson (SWE).
Buffalo Sabres (5): Toni Lydman and Teppo Numminen (FIN);
Jochen Hecht (GER); Maxim Afinogenov (RUS); Chris Drury
(USA).
Calgary Flames (3): Jarome Iginla and Robyn Regehr (CAN);
Jordan Leopold (USA).
Carolina Hurricanes (3): Frantisek Kaberle (CZE); Martin
Gerber (SUI); Erik Cole (USA).
Chicago Blackhawks (2): Jaroslav Spacek (CZE); Nikolai
Khabibulin (RUS).
Colorado Avalanche (11): Rob Blake and Joe Sakic (CAN);
Milan Hejduk (CZE); Antti Laaksonen and Ossi Vaananen
(FIN); Vitaly Kolesnik (KAZ), Karlis Skrastins (LAT), David
Aebischer (SUI), Peter Budaj and Marek Svatos (SVK);
John-Michael Liles (USA).
Columbus Blue Jackets (4): Adam Foote and Rick Nash (CAN);
David Vyborny (CZE), Radoslav Suchy (SVK).
Dallas Stars (7): Marty Turco (CAN); Jussi Jokinen, Niko
Kapanen, Jere Lehtinen and Antti Miettinen (FIN); Bill
Guerin and Mike Modano (USA).
New Jersey Devils (5): Martin Brodeur (CAN); Viktor Kozlov
(RUS); Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez and Brian Rafalski (USA).
NY Islanders (6): Alexei Yashin and Alexei Zhitnik (RUS);
Miroslav Satan (SVK); Jason Blake, Rick DiPietro and Mark
Parrish (USA).
NY Rangers (9): Jaromir Jagr, Marek Malik, Petr Prucha, Martin
Rucinsky and Martin Straka (CZE); Darius Kasparaitis and
Fedor Tyutin (RUS); Marcel Hossa (SVK); Henrik Lundqvist
(SWE).
Ottawa Senators (8): Dany Heatley and Wade Redden (CAN);
Dominik Hasek (CZE); Christoph Schubert (GER); Anton
Volchenkov (RUS); Zdeno Chara and Andrej Meszaros (SVK);
Daniel Alfredsson (SWE).
Philadelphia Flyers (10): Simon Gagne (CAN); Sami Kapanen
Antero Niittymaki and Joni Pitkanen (FIN); Michal Handzus
(SVK); Peter Forsberg and Kim Johnsson (SWE); Robert
Esche, Derian Hatcher and Mike Knuble (USA).
Phoenix Coyotes (2): Shane Doan (CAN); Dennis Seidenberg
(GER); Ladislav Nagy (SVK).
Pittsburgh Penguins (1): Sergei Gonchar (RUS).
Detroit Red Wings (9): Kris Draper (CAN); Robert Lang (CZE);
Pavel Datsyuk (RUS); Niklas Kronwall; Nicklas Lidstrom;
Mikael Samuelsson and Henrik Zetterberg (SWE); Chris
Chelios and Mathieu Schneider (USA).
St. Louis Blues (4): Petr Cajanek (CZE); Christian Backman
(SWE); Keith Tkachuk and Doug Weight (USA).
Edmonton Oilers (3): Chris Pronger and Ryan Smyth (CAN);
Ales Hemsky (CZE).
Tampa Bay Lightning (7): Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards
and Martin St. Louis (CAN); Pavel Kubina and Vaclav Prospal
(CZE); Fredrik Modin (SWE); John Grahame (USA).
Florida Panthers (4): Roberto Luongo (CAN); Rostislav Olesz
(CZE), Olli Jokinen (FIN); Jozef Stumpel (SVK).
Los Angeles Kings (6): Alexander Frolov (RUS); Pavol Demitra
and Lubomir Visnovsky (SVK); Mattias Norstrom (SWE);
Craig Conroy and Aaron Miller (USA).
Minnesota Wild (4): Filip Kuba (CZE); Mikko Koivu (FIN);
Marian Gaborik (SVK); Brian Rolston (USA).
San Jose Sharks (4): Joe Thornton (CAN); Christian Ehrhoff
and Marcel Goc (GER); Evgeni Nabokov (RUS).
Toronto Maple Leafs (5): Tomas Kaberle (CZE); Aki Berg (FIN);
Nik Antropov (KAZ); Mats Sundin and Mikael Tellqvist
(SWE).
Vancouver Canucks (8): Todd Bertuzzi and Ed Jovanovski
(CAN); Jarkko Ruutu and Sami Salo (FIN); Markus Naslund,
Mattias Ohlund, Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin (SWE).
Washington Capitals (3): Olaf Kolzig (GER); Alexander
Ovechkin (RUS); Ivan Majesky (SVK).
35
C ANADA • NHL S KATERS & G OALTENDERS
NHL SKATERS BORN IN CANADA SEASON-BY-SEASON, BY PROVINCE, 1974-75 TO 2003-04
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
ALTA.
B.C.
MAN.
32
28
28
31
30
47
52
54
60
57
52
61
59
69
66
62
63
67
63
79
61
67
67
78
83
87
79
84
95
97
22
25
28
24
29
32
35
37
37
44
45
50
50
52
54
50
44
46
43
55
53
57
53
51
57
55
48
55
49
58
28
28
26
26
25
33
32
28
23
27
22
23
23
19
20
18
19
23
18
18
15
18
20
19
16
14
21
21
20
22
N.B.
NFLD.
N.S.
ONT.
PEI
QUE.
4
4
5
6
4
4
3
5
5
3
3
3
6
6
5
4
5
5
6
6
4
4
3
4
4
4
3
4
5
5
2
1
1
1
….
3
2
2
3
3
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
4
4
3
5
5
5
5
4
5
9
10
4
2
3
6
7
7
6
8
8
10
7
6
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
4
6
4
5
6
6
5
8
13
13
14
193
196
199
196
183
218
211
233
233
233
215
213
215
233
214
206
208
207
189
200
180
196
201
186
188
174
181
201
215
202
5
5
5
4
4
7
4
3
3
5
4
2
2
4
3
4
3
2
2
2
1
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
2
3
72
68
62
68
60
84
70
77
69
61
61
60
62
71
74
78
85
86
86
90
89
83
84
82
90
86
92
92
91
80
SASK.
45
40
44
41
38
53
43
47
45
47
44
48
49
54
52
51
45
49
49
45
43
41
36
33
40
40
45
50
51
56
Y/NWT
1
….
1
….
….
2
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
TOTAL
408
397
402
403
380
490
459
494
486
490
455
468
472
515
494
479
478
492
464
504
458
475
475
465
490
471
483
527
551
549
NHL GOALTENDERS BORN IN CANADA SEASON-BY-SEASON, BY PROVINCE, 1974-75 TO 2003-04
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
ALTA.
B.C.
2
4
1
2
5
6
4
4
5
7
5
7
6
6
6
5
7
5
5
6
7
11
9
8
9
6
6
4
6
6
2
2
2
2
2
1
3
1
1
2
4
2
1
2
1
1
4
4
3
1
3
3
2
2
1
1
3
1
1
3
MAN.
N.B.
NFLD.
N.S.
ONT.
PEI
QUE.
2
2
2
3
1
3
4
3
2
3
4
4
6
5
5
5
6
5
4
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
2
2
3
2
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
….
1
1
1
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
1
1
1
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
….
….
1
3
2
3
2
3
2
1
2
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
24
21
25
24
21
27
28
29
33
28
26
28
26
27
31
27
27
24
22
24
20
22
19
23
27
26
23
20
24
22
1
1
1
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
17
18
18
15
17
21
20
19
17
16
15
15
12
13
11
14
12
16
17
20
10
13
15
12
18
18
18
23
18
22
36
SASK.
1
3
2
2
3
2
4
3
3
3
2
2
1
….
1
2
2
1
2
1
2
3
3
1
1
2
1
2
2
2
Y/NWT
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
TOTAL
50
52
52
50
50
61
64
60
63
60
57
60
56
56
59
56
62
58
55
60
48
58
54
52
62
59
53
52
54
57
C ANADA
2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER
Managers and Coaches
Executive Director.......................Wayne GRETZKY
Assistant Executive Director........Kevin LOWE
Director of Player Personnel .......Steve TAMBELLINI
Head Coach.................................Pat QUINN
Associate Coach ..........................Wayne FLEMING
Associate Coach ..........................Marc HABSCHEID
Associate Coach ..........................Ken HITCHCOCK
Associate Coach ..........................Jacques MARTIN
CANADA • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAM
§ – reserve player
Skaters
HEIGHT
POS.
PLAYER
SHOOTS
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006
KG
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/–
Forwards
RW BERTUZZI,Todd
L
6’3” 191
245 111
Sudbury, Ont.
2/2/1975
Vancouver
43
12
28
40
74
-10
RW DOAN, Shane
R
6’2” 188
216
98
Halkirk, Alta.
10/10/1976
Phoenix
44
12
19
31
81
-9
C DRAPER, Kris
L
5’11” 180
190
86
Toronto, Ont.
5/24/1971
Detroit
43
3
8
11
26
-2
LW GAGNE, Simon
L
6’0” 183
190
86
Ste-Foy, Que.
2/29/1980
Philadelphia
38
31
21
52
14
22
RW HEATLEY, Dany
L
6’3” 191
215
98
Freiburg,W. Ger.
1/21/1981
Ottawa
42
27
30
57
52
26
RW IGINLA, Jarome
R
6’1” 185
208
94
Edmonton, Alta.
7/1/1977
Calgary
44
18
16
34
44
7
C LECAVALIER,Vincent L
6’4” 193
207
94
Ile Bizard, Que.
4/21/1980
Tampa Bay
42
17
22
39
30
8
L
6’4” 193
206
93
Brampton, Ont.
6/16/1984
Columbus
15
10
5
15
21
2
C RICHARDS, Brad
L
6’1” 185
198
90
Murray Harbour, PEI 5/2/1980
Tampa Bay
43
12
29
41
6
1
C SAKIC, Joe
L
5’11” 180
195
88
Burnaby, B.C.
7/7/1969
Colorado
45
17
28
45
28
-5
L
6’1” 185
190
86
Banff, Alta.
2/21/1976
Edmonton
38
19
18
37
34
-3
C SPEZZA, Jason §
R
6’2” 188
206
93
Mississauga, Ont. 6/13/1983
Ottawa
31
13
35
48
23
19
RW ST. LOUIS, Martin
L
5’9” 175
185
84
Laval, Que.
Tampa Bay
41
15
17
32
26
2
91
LW NASH, Rick
LW SMYTH, Ryan
6/18/1975
C STAAL, Eric §
L
6’3” 191
200
Thunder Bay, Ont. 10/29/1984
Carolina
42
26
28
54
30
-1
C THORNTON, Joe
L
6’4” 193
223 101
London, Ont.
7/2/1979
San Jose
40
15
45
60
32
9
D BLAKE, Rob
R
6’4” 193
225 102
Simcoe, Ont.
12/10/1969
Colorado
44
7
24
31
60
-13
D FOOTE, Adam
R
6’2” 188
215
98
Toronto, Ont.
7/10/1971
Columbus
29
5
4
9
45
-11
D JOVANOVSKI, Ed
L
6’2” 188
210
95
Windsor, Ont.
6/26/1976
Vancouver
37
6
22
28
48
-4
D McCABE, Bryan §
Defensemen
L
6’2” 188
220 100
St. Catharines, Ont. 6/8/1975
Toronto
42
15
34
49
56
5
D NIEDERMAYER, Scott L
6’1” 185
200
Edmonton, Alta.
8/31/1973
Anaheim
42
5
24
29
42
6
D PRONGER, Chris
L
6’6” 198
220 100
Dryden, Ont.
10/10/1974
Edmonton
43
4
22
26
34
4
D REDDEN,Wade
L
6’2” 188
205
Lloydminster, Sask. 6/12/1977
Ottawa
32
7
27
34
38
24
D REGEHR, Robyn
L
6’2” 188
226 103
Recife, Brazil
4/19/1980
Calgary
30
3
8
11
36
9
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
W
L
T
MINS.
GA
SO
Montreal, Que.
5/6/1972
New Jersey
35
18
14
3
2094
97
2 2.78
4/3/1975
Florida
36
21
11
2
2041
86
3 2.53
Dallas
43
18
18
6
2411 120
2 2.99
91
93
Goaltenders
HEIGHT
GOALTENDER
G BRODEUR, Martin
CATCHES
L
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
KG
6’2” 188
210
95
G LUONGO, Roberto
L
6’3” 191
205
93
Montreal, Que.
G TURCO, Marty
L
5’11” 180
183
83
Sault Ste.Marie, Ont. 8/13/1975
37
AVG.
H OCKEY
IN
C ANADA
T
CANADA. Conflicting claims surround the origins of the game, but it is generally accepted
that antecedents of hockey were first placed in Nova Scotia
and later in various garrison towns such as Kingston, Ontario.The
rules of the sport were first codified in Montreal, and a hockey
game first was advertised in the Montreal Gazette in 1875. By the
early 1890s, the game had taken root throughout the young
country.
HE GAME OF HOCKEY WAS BORN IN
In 1893, Canada’s Governor-General, Lord Stanley of Preston,
donated a silver bowl to be awarded to the top senior amateur
team in the country. The Stanley Cup helped to encourage the
growth of the game in every part of Canada.
Openly professional players began competing for the Stanley
Cup in the first decade of the 20th century. Accounts of the
exploits of storied teams such as the Ottawa Silver Seven,
Montreal Wanderers and Kenora Thistles filled newspapers of the
day. The National Hockey Association was formed in 1910, and in
1917 it was reorganized as the NHL. At first, the NHL faced competition for the Stanley Cup from the rival Pacific Coast Hockey
Association and Western Hockey League, but by the end of its
first decade, it stood alone as the game’s number one
professional circuit.
the 2003 World Junior Under-18 Championships. Canadian teams
also earned silver medals at the Olympics in 1992 and 1994, plus
gold in 2002, and won World Championship titles in 1994, 1997,
2003 and 2004. These recent back-to-back titles mark the first
time Canada has won consecutive World Championships since
1958 and 1959.At the World Juniors, Canada won five consecutive
gold medals from 1993 to 1997, and is the only country to earn a
medal (two golds, four silvers, two bronze) at each of the last
eight tournaments, including back-to-back gold medals in 2005
and 2006.
Hockey Canada has also supported the development of
women’s hockey and has operated a national women’s team that
has won eight gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World
Championships. The Canadian team finished second behind the
United States when women’s hockey made its Olympic debut at
Nagano in 1998, but avenged that loss with a 3–2 win over the
Americans in the gold medal game at the 2002 Salt Lake City
Winter Olympics. Canadian men finally ended a lengthy gold
drought with a 5–2 win over the USA in Salt Lake City, 50 years to
the day after the Edmonton Mercurys won Canada’s last Olympic
gold medal in hockey in Oslo, Norway in 1952.
As hockey in Canada became increasingly professionalized, the
Allan Cup was donated in 1908 to honor Canada’s senior amateur
champions. In 1914, the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association
was created and in 1920 the CAHA was accepted by the
International Ice Hockey Federation as Canada’s representative in
international hockey. Canada competed at the 1920 Olympics in
Antwerp, Belgium, and was represented by the Allan Cup-champion Winnipeg Falcons, who easily won the gold medal
at the event later considered to be the first World Championship.
The Toronto Granites won gold as well at the first Winter Olympics
in 1924.
By using top amateur club teams, Canada was able to remain
the dominant nation in international hockey until 1954.That year,
the Senior B East York Lyndhursts were defeated by the Soviet
national team when the USSR made its debut at the World
Championships. Senior clubs continued to carry Canada’s colors
into the early 1960s, with teams like the Penticton Vees and
Whitby Dunlops still able to defeat the Soviets. However, the Trail
Smoke Eaters would prove to be the last Canadian amateur club
to win the World Championship when they captured the title in
1961. From 1964 to 1969, Canada was represented internationally by Father David Bauer’s national hockey team.
Canada withdrew from international competition after 1969,
but returned in 1972 for the famed eight-game series against the
Soviet Union. From that point on, professional players began to
participate more and more in international events.
Hockey Canada (created in 1969) has operated successful
national junior and national/Olympic team programs. Canada has
won 12 World Junior Championships since 1982, and took gold at
38
Hockey Today in Canada
T
HERE ARE SIX CANADIAN TEAMS in the National
Hockey League: Calgary Flames, Edmonton
Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators,
Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks.
Three Canadian cities are also represented in the
27-team American Hockey League, the NHL’s top
developmental league. In the three major junior
leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey
League—the Ontario Hockey League, the
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the
Western Hockey League—49 of the current 58
teams are based in Canada. Many Canadian
hockey players are members of teams all across
Europe, and players from these European teams
are selected annually to compete in the Spengler
Cup. Canadian Hockey, formerly the Canadian
Amateur Hockey Association, oversees Canadian
minor hockey. More than 4.5 million Canadians
are involved in minor hockey in some capacity,
with more than 1.5 million games and 2 million
practices held each year in Canada in more than
2,500 arenas across the country.
CANADA
CANADA
Population
32,805,041
Arctic Ocean
Russia
Registered Players
543,390 male
62,640 female
Greenland
United
States
(Alaska)
Canadians on
NHL teams at
start of 2005-06
371
North
Atlantic
Ocean
North
Pacific
Ocean
CANADA
United States
TLEY
DANY HE.AGERMANY
GW
R
U
IB
E
FR
CANADA
JAROME IGINLA
SCOTT NIEDERMAYER
WADE REDDEN
LLOYDMINSTER SK
EDMONTON AB
JOE SAKIC
BURNABY BC
RYAN SMYTH
SHANE DOAN
CHRIS PRONGER
HALKIRK AB
DRYDEN ON
MARTIN ST. LOUIS
MARTY TURCO
SAULT STE. MARIE ON
LAVAL QC
MARTIN BRODEUR
ROBERTO LUONGO
TODD BERTUZZI
BANFF AB
BRAD RICHARDS
MURRAY HARBOUR PEI
SIMON GAGNE
STE-FOY QC
SUDBURY ON
MONTREAL QC
ERIC STAAL
THUNDER BAY ON
BRAMPTON ON
R
ROBYN REGAZEH
IL
RECIFE BR
0
500
1000 KM
500
650
ILE BIZARD QC
KRIS DRAPER
ADAM FOOTE
JASON SPEZZA
TORONTO ON
MISSISSAUGA ON
BRYAN MCCABE
ST. CATHARINES ON
ED JOVANOVSKI
WINDSOR ON
0
VINCENT LECAVALIER
OTTAWA ON
RICK NASH
1000 Mi
CANADIAN PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON
JOE THORNTON
ROB BLAKE
LONDON ON
SIMCOE ON
436
Toronto ON area
317
Montreal QC area
600
Winnipeg MB area
550
Edmonton AB area
Ottawa ON-Hull QC
500
Calgary AB
450
90
Thunder Bay ON* 88
Regina SK 75
400
185
171
163
ALL-TIME
TOP TEN
BIRTHPLACES
CANADIAN
NHL PLAYERS
Sudbury ON 73
350
402
458
449
454
453
430
551
523
554
549
550
512
528
528
571
553
535
540
550
519
564
506
533
529
517
552
530
536
579
605
606
73-74
74-75
75-76
76-77
77-78
78-79
79-80
80-81
81-82
82-83
83-84
84-85
85-86
86-87
87-88
88-89
89-90
90-91
91-92
92-93
93-94
94-95
95-96
96-97
97-98
98-99
99-00
00-01
01-02
02-03
03-04
300
Vancouver BC 72
39
0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 425 450
* Includes Fort William and Port Arthur
CZECH REPUBLIC • NHL SKATERS & GOALTENDERS
NHL SKATERS
BORN IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA
SEASON-BY-SEASON
NHL GOALTENDERS
SEASON-BY-SEASON
1974-75 TO 2003-04
1974-75 TO 2003-04
Includes players now eligible to compete
for Czech Republic or Slovakia.
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
1
1
1
2
2
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
….
….
….
….
….
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
2
5
9
14
10
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1
1
….
….
….
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
13
11
12
12
17
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
….
….
….
….
….
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
13
21
24
28
37
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
….
1
1
1
1
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
35
43
42
49
61
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
1
1
3
2
3
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
70
95
111
114
119
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
4
5
7
6
7
40
C ZECH R EPUBLIC
2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER
General Manager ...................Zbynek KUSY
Team Leader ..........................Martin URBAN
Head Coach ............................Alois HADAMCZIK
Assistant Coach ......................Mojmir TRLICIK
Assistant Coach ......................Ondrej WEISSMANN
CZECH REPUBLIC • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAM
Skaters
HEIGHT
POS.
PLAYER
SHOOTS
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
KG
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/–
Forwards
L
6’1” 185
208
94
Pardubice
3/18/1978
Montreal
37
7
11
18
28
-2
RW CAJANEK, Petr
C BULIS, Jan
L
5’11” 180
191
87
Gottwaldov
8/18/1975
St. Louis
35
3
20
23
22
-15
LW ERAT, Martin
L
6’0” 183
195
88
Trebic
8/29/1981
Nashville
43
8
15
23
44
-5
RW HEJDUK, Milan
R
5’11” 180
185
84
Usti-nad-Labem 2/14/1976
Colorado
39
11
18
29
14
1
RW HEMSKY, Ales
R
6’0” 183
192
87
Pardubice
8/13/1983
Edmonton
44
12
32
44
40
-1
RW JAGR, Jaromir
L
6’2” 188
224 102
Kladno
2/15/1972
NY Rangers
44
28
39
67
36
13
C LANG, Robert
R
6’2” 188
216
98
Teplice
12/19/1970
Detroit
36
10
23
33
40
12
C OLESZ, Rostislav
L
6’1” 185
207
94
Bilovec
10/10/1985
Florida
30
5
6
11
8
-5
C PROSPAL,Vaclav
L
6’2” 188
195
88
Ceske Budejovice 2/17/1975
Tampa Bay
43
17
29
46
30
7
R
5’10” 178
161
73
Chrudim
NY Rangers
38
21
6
27
14
4
RW PRUCHA, Petr
9/14/1982
LW RUCINSKY, Martin
L
6’1” 185
205
93
Most
3/11/1971
NY Rangers
29
10
20
30
30
6
C STRAKA, Martin
L
5’9” 175
178
81
Plzen
9/3/1972
NY Rangers
44
11
36
47
30
9
RW VYBORNY, David
L
5’10” 178
189
86
Jihlava
6/2/1975
Columbus
41
8
17
25
24
-8
Defensemen
D KABERLE, Frantisek L
6’1” 185
190
86
Kladno
11/8/1973
Carolina
39
5
20
25
20
3
D KABERLE,Tomas
L
6’1” 185
198
90
Rakovnik
3/2/1978
Toronto
43
4
31
35
26
8
D KUBA, Filip
L
6’3” 191
205
93
Ostrava
12/29/1976
Minnesota
37
4
10
14
24
4
D KUBINA, Pavel
R
6’4” 193
230 104
Celadna
4/15/1977
Tampa Bay
41
2
13
15
66
-1
D MALIK, Marek
L
6’5” 196
215
98
Ostrava
6/24/1975
NY Rangers
43
1
9
10
48
15
D SPACEK, Jaroslav
L
5’11” 180
206
93
Rokycany
2/11/1974
Chicago
39
7
16
23
68
4
D ZIDLICKY, Marek
R
5’11” 180
190
86
Most
2/3/1977
Nashville
42
9
22
31
56
1
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
W
Goaltenders
HEIGHT
GOALTENDER
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
KG
L
T
MINS.
GA
SO
L
5’11” 180
180
82
Pardubice
1/29/1965
Ottawa
31
21
7
2
1856
63
3 2.04
✔ G HNILICKA, Milan
L
6’0” 183
180
82
Litomerice
6/25/1973
Liberec
35
.... ....
....
2045
61
4 1.79
G VOKOUN,Tomas
R
6’0” 183
195
88
Karlovy Vary
7/2/1976
Nashville
33
21
3
1948
83
1 2.56
G HASEK, Dominik
CATCHES
✔ - See Other Players section beginning on page 226.
41
9
AVG.
H OCKEY
IN THE
C ZECH R EPUBLIC
(field hockey on ice) was introduced to
Czechoslovakia by Josef Rossler-Orovsky in 1890 when the
country was known as Bohemia. Orovsky brought sticks
and a ball to Bohemia from Paris and translated rules that had
been brought into the country from England.When the game of
ice hockey first was demonstrated in Prague in 1905 by
Canadian Ruck Anderson, the country’s bandy background provided players with a solid basis for the new game. As a result,
hockey’s growth here occurred much sooner than in countries
like Sweden and Finland, whose climates were better suited to
the game.
T
HE GAME OF BANDY
The spread of hockey in the future Czechoslovakia was largely due to the efforts of Josef Gruss, a professor at Karlov
University, who made the first translation of Canadian rules into
Czech.In the summer of 1908, Gruss began establishing the first
hockey clubs in Prague (I. CLTK, Slavia, AC Sparta, ASK and others) which led to the formation in principle of a Czech Hockey
Union on November 6, 1908. Because Gruss was well-connected
with the founder of the organization that would become the
International Ice Hockey Federation, Bohemia joined France as
the organization’s second member on November 15, 1908.
(After Bohemia became Czechoslovakia following World War I, it
was readmitted to the IIHF under its new name on April 26,
1920.)
Czechs would be denied a chance to repeat in 1950 when the
entire team was arrested prior to the tournament amid accusations the players planned to defect. The Soviet Union would
emerge as a world power in 1954, but Czechoslovakia would
continue to rank among the best teams in Europe.
After the fall of Communism, the Czech Republic succeeded
Czechoslovakia in the IIHF in 1993 and won the World
Championships in 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2005 as well as
an Olympic gold medal in 1998.The Czech Republic also won the
World Junior Championships in 2000 and 2001.
The most glorious moment in the Czech Republic’s hockey
history occurred at the Nagano Olympics in 1998 when a starstudded squad backstopped by goaltender Dominik Hasek won
gold with a 2–1 shootout semifinal win against Canada and a
1–0 gold-medal clinching victory against Russia. After the
medal presentation a government aircraft carried the players
and coaches from Japan to Prague where Wenceslas Square was
jammed with chanting supporters eager to salute their
champions.
The constituent meeting of the Czech Hockey Union actually
was not held until December 11, 1908. Speed skating champion
Jaroslav Potucek was elected as the first chairman of the ice
hockey union, which included 12 member clubs. An invitation
was extended to the Czech players to attend the upcoming
inaugural international hockey tournament in Chamonix and
seven Prague players went to France with their bandy equipment. Although they lost all four games they played, the experience proved invaluable. In 1911, the Bohemian national team
won the European Championship. Their victory in 1912 was
annulled later due to a technicality, but Bohemia won again in
1914. After World War I, the Czechoslovakian national team continued to rank as one of the top squads in Europe, winning the
European championships in 1922, 1925, 1929 and 1933.
Czechoslovakian hockey progressed rapidly during the 1930s.
The first artificial ice rink opened in Prague on January 17, 1931,
with the University of Manitoba playing LTC Prague in the inaugural game en route to representing Canada at the World
Championships in Poland. National championships, first held in
1910, have been held regularly since 1936–37.
Czechoslovakian hockey continued to flourish after World War
II despite two tragic events. The Czechs had won the World
Championships with Canada absent in 1947, and tied the
Canadian team at the 1948 Olympics before settling for the silver medal, but five national team members were killed in a
plane crash in November, 1948. Still, Czechoslovakia was able to
beat Canada to win the World Championships in 1949. The
42
Hockey Today
in the Czech Republic
T
HE CZECH REPUBLIC EXTRALEAGUE is the country’s
top hockey circuit. It currently comprises 14
teams playing a 52-game schedule.The top eight
teams advance to the playoffs, where series are
best-of-seven. In a promotion/relegation round,
the bottom team from the Extraleague plays a
set of best-of-seven series against the top team
from the First League. Czech Hockey also features
a Second League.The top older juniors (under 20)
in the Czech Republic play in the Junior
Extraleague and Junior Liga.The top younger juniors (under 17) in the Czech Republic play in the
Junior Extraleague (under 17) and Junior Liga
(under 17).
CZECH REPUBLIC
CZECH REPUBLIC
Population
10,241,138
Registered Players
83,589 male
600 female
Germany
Czech Republic
Players on NHL teams
at start of 2005-06
52
Poland
CZECH REPUBLIC
Da
nube
Austria
ROBERT LANG
TEPLICE
Slovakia
Hungary
MILAN HEJDUK
USTI-NAD-LABEM
MILAN HNILICKA
MARTIN RUCINSKY
MAREK ZIDLICKY
LITOMERICE
MOST
TOMAS KABERLE
JAROMIR JAGR
FRANTISEK KABERLE
JAN BULIS
DOMINIK HASEK
ALES HEMSKY
KLADNO
RAKOVNIK
FILIP KUBA
MAREK MALIK
PARDUBICE
TOMAS VOKOUN
OSTRAVA
KARLOVY VARY
PRAGUE
ROSTISLAV OLESZ
PETR PRUCHA
BILOVEC
CHRUDIM
MARTIN STRAKA
JAROSLAV SPACEK
PLZEN
ROKYCANY
CZECH REPUBLIC
DAVID VYBORNY
PAVEL KUBINA
CELADNA
JIHLAVA
PETR CAJANEK
MARTIN ERAT
GOTTWALDOV
TREBIC
VACLAV PROSPAL
CESKE BUDEJOVICE
0
50
100 KM
0
50
CZECH PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON*
120
100
80
60
40
Most
11
Prague
11
Kladno
10
Pardubice
10
Gottwaldov/Zlin
7
Jihlava
7
Ostrava
7
Plzen
7
73-74
74-75
75-76
76-77
77-78
78-79
79-80
80-81
81-82
82-83
83-84
84-85
85-86
86-87
87-88
88-89
89-90
90-91
91-92
92-93
93-94
94-95
95-96
96-97
97-98
98-99
99-00
00-01
01-02
02-03
03-04
6
9
14
10
13
11
12
12
17
13
22
25
29
38
36
44
45
51
64
74
100
118
120
126
Brno
* Includes players elegible to compete for Czech Republic and Slovakia
43
ALL-TIME
TOP TEN
BIRTHPLACES*
CZECH
NHL PLAYERS
6
Ceske Budejovice
20
0
100 Mi
5
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
* Does not include cities/towns now located in Slovakia
8
9
10
11
FINLAND • NHL S KATERS & G OALTENDERS
NHL SKATERS
BORN IN FINLAND
SEASON-BY-SEASON
NHL GOALTENDERS
BORN IN FINLAND
SEASON-BY-SEASON
1974-75 TO 2003-04
1974-75 TO 2003-04
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
1
1
2
1
….
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
….
….
….
….
….
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
4
4
14
12
11
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1
2
….
1
1
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
16
15
17
12
17
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1
1
1
1
2
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
15
10
10
10
12
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
2
2
1
….
….
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
13
16
18
18
18
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
….
….
….
….
….
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
25
31
42
38
34
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
1
3
6
6
8
44
FINLAND
2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER
General Manager ...................Jari KURRI
Team Leader ..........................Timo JUTILA
Head Coach ............................Erkka WESTERLUND
Assistant Coach ......................Hannu VIRTA
Assistant Coach ......................Risto DUFVA
FINLAND • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAM
Skaters
HEIGHT
POS.
PLAYER
SHOOTS
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
KG
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/–
Forwards
✔ RW HENTUNEN, Jukka
R
5’10” 178
194
88
Joroinen
5/3/1974
Lugano
33
21
11
32
24
22
C JOKINEN, Jussi
L
5’11” 180
183
83
Kalajoki
4/1/1983
Dallas
42
10
15
25
12
1
C JOKINEN, Olli
L
6’3” 191
205
93
Kuopio
12/5/1978
Florida
46
21
27
48
60
1
C KAPANEN, Niko
L
5’9” 175
180
82
Hameenlinna
4/29/1978
Dallas
43
4
16
20
22
-8
RW KAPANEN, Sami
L
5’10” 178
185
84
Vantaa
6/14/1973
Philadelphia
22
7
13
20
6
-5
C KOIVU, Mikko
L
6’2” 188
205
93
Turku
3/12/1983
Minnesota
28
5
8
13
14
3
C KOIVU, Saku
L
5’10” 178
181
82
Turku
11/23/1974
Montreal
31
10
21
31
32
5
LW LAAKSONEN, Antti
L
6’0” 183
180
82
Tammela
10/3/1973
Colorado
45
9
12
21
22
2
RW LEHTINEN, Jere
R
6’0” 183
200
91
Espoo
6/24/1973
Dallas
42
24
10
34
18
11
R
5’11” 180
180
82
Hameenlinna
7/3/1980
Dallas
42
6
11
17
22
5
C MIETTINEN, Antti
✔ LW PELTONEN,Ville
L
5’11” 180
188
85
Vantaa
5/24/1973
Lugano
28
16
20
36
16
12
RW RUUTU, Jarkko
L
6’2” 188
195
88
Vantaa
8/23/1975
Vancouver
43
7
3
10
63
2
RW SELANNE,Teemu
R
6’0” 183
204
93
Helsinki
7/3/1970
Anaheim
42
19
18
37
30
12
Defensemen
D BERG, Aki
L
6’3” 191
213
97
Turku
7/28/1977
Toronto
41
0
3
3
44
2
D LYDMAN,Toni
L
6’1” 185
202
92
Lahti
9/25/1977
Buffalo
37
1
10
11
40
10
D NUMMINEN,Teppo R
6’2” 188
197
89
Tampere
7/3/1968
Buffalo
43
0
22
22
28
-4
D PITKANEN, Joni
L
6’3” 191
200
91
Oulu
9/19/1983
Philadelphia
25
8
15
23
42
18
D SALO, Sami
R
6’3” 191
215
98
Turku
9/2/1974
Vancouver
43
9
20
29
28
1
D TIMONEN, Kimmo
L
5’10” 178
194
88
Kuopio
3/18/1975
Nashville
42
5
25
30
50
1
D VAANANEN, Ossi
L
6’4” 193
215
98
Vantaa
8/18/1980
Colorado
44
0
3
3
48
9
Goaltenders
HEIGHT
GOALTENDER
LBS.
KG
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
W
L
T
MINS.
GA
SO
L
6’3” 191
200
91
Helsinki
11/16/1983
Atlanta
8
4
2
0
417
21
0 3.02
G NIITTYMAKI, Antero L
6’0” 183
195
88
Turku
6/8/1980
Philadelphia
27
17
6
4
1601
73
2 2.74
G NORRENA, Fredrik
6’0” 183
189
86
Pietarsaari
11/29/1973
Linköpings
30
.... ....
....
1834
63
4 2.06
L
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
G LEHTONEN, Kari
CATCHES
45
AVG.
H OCKEY
IN
F INLAND
to Finland was made by
professor Leonard Borgstrom at the end of the 19th century.Training sessions were held in the early mornings in the
North Harbour area (Pohjoisranta) in Helsinki and were reported
by the press. Interest in the new sport waned, however, and the
second coming of hockey to Finland did not occur until 1927
under the instigation of the Finnish Skating Union.
T
HE FIRST ATTEMPT TO INTRODUCE HOCKEY
Skaters long had been unhappy with bandy (field hockey on
ice) because the huge surface that this game required resulted
in competition for ice time with speed skaters.The Finnish speed
skating organization believed “Canadian” hockey could be
played without interfering with their skating competitions. As a
result, hockey was added to the program of the Finnish Skating
Union.The first club game was played in Tampere on January 15,
1928. On February 10, 1928, Finland was admitted to the IIHF
through the efforts of the skating union.
team earned a silver medal at the Olympics and in 1992 they finished in second place behind Sweden at the World
Championships. In 1995, Finland beat Sweden to win its first
World title.
The Finns have added bronze medals at the Olympics in 1994
and 1998, as well as at four of the last six World Junior
Championships (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006).Finland has earned silver medals at the World Championships in 1999 and 2001.There
have been gold medal victories at the World Junior
Championships in 1998 and at the World Junior Under-18
Championships in 1999 and 2000. Finland also reached the final
of the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
A year after the Finnish Skating Union had become involved
with hockey, the country’s soccer union added hockey to its program in 1928, though the soccer union initially restricted its participation to organizing tournaments.The first national championship was held in 1928 and won by Viipurin Reipas.The soccer
union also entered the international scene by inviting the
Swedish champions (IK Gota of Stockholm) to play in Helsinki on
January 29, 1928. The game received widespread publicity and
resulted in an 8–1 win for the Swedish team.
Recognizing the need for cooperation, representatives from
both the Finnish Skating Union and the Finnish Soccer Union
formed the Finnish Ice Hockey Association on January 20, 1929.
The new group organized an expanded national championship
and found resources to pay visiting Swedish coaches.
The lack of coaches in Finland limited the work of the new
hockey association to the Helsinki-Tampere-Turku area during
the 1930s, but this approach made it possible to keep the teams’
traveling expenses at a minimum.
Interest in hockey grew rapidly in Finland and even the
national team’s 0–5 record at its World Championship debut in
1939 was accepted as a useful step in gaining experience and
knowledge of the game. However, Finland soon was seen to be
losing ground to the other European countries due to its inadequate training facilities. Finland’s first artificial ice rink did not
open until November 22, 1955, in Tampere, but the country had
by that time experienced a great hockey boom because of the
development of a top-notch hockey equipment manufacturing
industry.
By the 1960s, the Finnish national team arrived as a real force
at the international level. The Finns won their first medal (a silver) at the European Championships in 1962, but their greatest
successes came at the junior level, winning a silver medal at the
World Junior Championships in 1974 and gold at the European
Junior Championships in 1978. In 1988, the Finnish national
46
Hockey Today in Finland
T
HE TOP LEAGUE IN FINLAND, the SM-Liiga, was
founded in 1975.There are 14 teams playing a 56-game schedule in this league.The top
ten teams advance to the playoffs, which are
played in a best-of-three format in the first
round, best-of-seven in the quarterfinals and
best-of- five in the semifinals and final.(There
is also a one-game series to decide third place
among the two losers in the semifinals).There
is no promotion/relegation between SM-Liiga
and Mestis, which is Finland’s Division 1.
Division 2 is called Suomi-sarja.The top teams
in Division 2 have a chance to advance to
Division 1 for the next season. Lower divisions
are made up of regional leagues. Junior hockey is very well organized in Finland, with the
country’s top junior players (under 21) playing
in three divisions: SM-Liiga, Division 1 and
Division 2.Top players under 18 are referred to
as Junior B and compete in four divisions;
players under 16 are referred to as Junior C
and compete in two divisions.
FINLAND
Barents
Sea
Norwegian
Sea
Norway
FINLAND
Population
5,223,442
Sweden
Registered Players
60,531 male
2,355 female
JONI PITKANEN
Russia
OULU
FINLAND
Finns on
NHL teams
at start of 2005-06
32
JUSSI JOKINEN
Baltic
Sea
KALAJOKI
FINLAND
Estonia
FREDRIK NORRENA
PIETARSAARI
OLLI JOKINEN
KIMMO TIMONEN
KUOPIO
JUKKA HENTUNEN
TEPPO NUMMINEN
TAMPERE
JOROINEN
NIKO KAPANEN
ANTTI MIETTINEN
HAMEENLINNA
ANTTI LAAKSONEN
TONI LYDMAN
TAMMELA
LAHTI
AKI BERG
MIKKO KOIVU
SAKU KOIVU
ANTERO NIITTYMAKI
SAMI SALO
SAMI KAPANEN
VILLE PELTONEN
JARKKO RUUTU
OSSI VAANANEN
VANTAA
TURKU
JERE LEHTINEN
ESPOO
KARI LEHTONEN
TEEMU SELANNE
0
75
150 KM
HELSINKI
0
FINNISH PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON
75
21
Tampere
50
17
Helsinki
15
Turku
40
9
Oulu
30
20
10
Espoo
6
Vantaa
6
Lahti
5
Lappeenranta
5
Pori
5
ALL-TIME
TOP TEN
BIRTHPLACES
FINNISH NHL
PLAYERS
Hameenlinna 4
5
6
14
13
12
17
16
18
13
19
17
12
11
10
12
13
16
18
18
18
26
34
48
44
42
73-74
74-75
75-76
76-77
77-78
78-79
79-80
80-81
81-82
82-83
83-84
84-85
85-86
86-87
87-88
88-89
89-90
90-91
91-92
92-93
93-94
94-95
95-96
96-97
97-98
98-99
99-00
00-01
01-02
02-03
03-04
0
150 Mi
47
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
R USSIA • NHL S KATERS & G OALTENDERS
NHL SKATERS
BORN IN SOVIET UNION
SEASON-BY-SEASON
NHL GOALTENDERS
BORN IN SOVIET UNION
SEASON-BY-SEASON
1974-75 TO 2003-04
1974-75 TO 2003-04
for Russia, Belarus, Latvia, Ukraine and
other former Soviet republics.
for Russia, Belarus, Latvia, Ukraine and
other former Soviet republics.
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
….
….
….
….
….
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
….
….
….
….
….
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
….
….
….
1
….
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
….
….
….
….
….
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
….
….
….
….
1
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
….
….
….
….
….
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
9
15
25
47
61
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1
….
….
1
2
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
62
60
61
55
62
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
3
3
3
4
4
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
78
79
86
81
85
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
3
4
5
5
4
48
R USSIA
2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER
General Manager ...................Pavel BURE
Head Coach............................Vladimir KRIKUNOV
Assistant Coach......................Boris MIKHAILOV
Assistant Coach......................Sergei NEMCHINOV
Assistant Coach......................Vladimir YURZINOV
RUSSIA • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAM
Skaters
HEIGHT
POS.
PLAYER
SHOOTS
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
KG
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/–
6’0” 183
190
86
Moscow
9/4/1979
Buffalo
38
10
19
29
46
0
L
5’11” 180
180
82
Sverdlovsk
7/20/1978
Detroit
44
17
33
50
6
9
LW FROLOV, Alexander R
6’3” 191
210
95
Moscow
6/19/1982
Los Angeles
46
17
26
43
28
20
80
Forwards
RW AFINOGENOV, Maxim L
C DATSYUK, Pavel
✔ LW KHARITONOV, Alex.
R
5’8” 173
176
Moscow
3/30/1976
Dynamo Moscow 33
8
11
19
26
6
LW KOVALCHUK, Ilya
R
6’2” 188
220 100
Tver
4/15/1983
Atlanta
41
33
32
65
40
-2
RW KOVALEV, Alex
L
6’1” 185
220 100
Togliatti
2/24/1973
Montreal
28
8
19
27
32
1
C KOZLOV,Viktor
R
6’5” 196
235 107
Togliatti
2/14/1975
New Jersey
42
9
13
22
10
3
L
6’3” 191
186
84
Magnitogorsk
7/31/1986
Magnitogorsk
34
16
21
37
26
18
LW OVECHKIN, Alexander R
6’2” 188
212
96
Moscow
9/17/1985
Washington
42
27
25
52
28
-4
✔ C MALKIN, Evgeni
✔ RW SUSHINSKY, Maxim L
5’8” 173
165
75
Leningrad
6/1/1974
Dynamo Moscow 31
10
17
27
26
7
C YASHIN, Alexei
R
6’3” 191
225 102
Sverdlovsk
11/5/1973
NY Islanders
43
15
24
39
46
0
C ZHAMNOV, Alex
L
6’1” 185
204
93
Moscow
10/1/1970
Boston
24
1
9
10
30
-4
Defensemen
✔ D BYKOV, Dmitri
L
5’10” 178
200
91
Ishevsk
5/5/1977
Dynamo Moscow 19
2
1
3
14
-2
L
6’2” 188
215
98
Chelyabinsk
4/13/1974
Pittsburgh
40
6
15
21
60
-15
D KASPARAITIS, Darius L
5’11” 180
215
98
Elektrenai
10/16/1972
NY Rangers
44
0
5
5
52
6
D MARKOV, Andrei
L
6’0” 183
208
94
Voskresensk
12/20/1978
Montreal
38
5
20
25
56
0
D MARKOV, Danny
L
6’1” 185
190
86
Moscow
7/30/1976
Nashville
32
0
9
9
30
7
D TYUTIN, Fedor
L
6’2” 188
210
95
Izhevsk
7/19/1983
NY Rangers
40
4
11
15
42
4
D VOLCHENKOV, Anton L
6’1” 185
227 103
Moscow
2/25/1982
Ottawa
40
2
5
7
25
14
D ZHITNIK, Alexei
5’11” 180
215
Kiev
10/10/1972
NY Islanders
43
3
20
23
74
1
D GONCHAR, Sergei
L
Goaltenders
GOALTENDER
HEIGHT
LBS.
KG
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
W
L
T
MINS.
GA
SO
L
6’3” 191
198
90
Togliatti
6/22/1980
Anaheim
20
7
10
0
993
42
0 2.54
G KHABIBULIN, Nikolai L
6’1” 185
203
92
Sverdlovsk
1/13/1973
Chicago
31
11
17
3
1778
99
0 3.34
G NABOKOV, Evgeni
6’0” 183
200
91
Ust-Kamenogorsk 7/25/1975
San Jose
29
11
11
5
1670
80
1 2.87
L
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
G BRYZGALOV, Ilya
CATCHES
98
49
AVG.
H OCKEY
IN
R USSIA
ANADIAN” HOCKEY was first demonstrated in the
former Soviet Union in Moscow in March, 1932. A
German trade union team called Fichte played a series of
exhibition games against the Central Red Army Sports Club and the
Moscow Selects.The games attracted a small number of spectators
to an outdoor rink and resulted in a 3–0 win by the Red Army and
6–0 and 8–0 victories by the Selects.The Soviet teams were made
up of bandy players (field hockey on ice) and neither the players
nor the spectators were impressed with the new game.
“C
Though the sport was not popular, “Canadian” hockey’s advantage over bandy was that the size of its ice surface made it possible
to play on regulation skating rinks. In 1933, an attempt was made
to start hockey in Moscow. The regulations of the Moscow bandy
championship stipulated that five clubs were each to be represented by a hockey team as well, with the results of those games to
count towards the championship. However, a shortage of proper
sticks meant the hockey plans never materialized.
There have been successes though, such as the silver medal at
the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, bronze at the 2002 Salt Lake City
Winter Games, silver at the World Championships in 2002 and
bronze in 2005. Russia’s gold medals in recent years have all come
from national junior teams. Victories have been won at the World
Junior Championships in 1999, 2002 and 2003 with silver earned in
2005 and 2006. Russia has also earned medals at five of the last six
World Junior Under-18 Championships, with gold medal victories
in 2001 and 2004, plus silver medals in 2000 and 2002 and a
bronze medal in 2003.
The next serious attempt to introduce hockey to the Soviet Union
was undertaken in 1935, but plans for the game were not implemented until the winter of 1938. Efforts to manufacture equipment proved unsuccessful and so this attempt to start hockey also
failed.
Nevertheless, the development of Soviet hockey did not stop. In
1939, the game was introduced into the curriculum of the Physical
Culture Institute in Moscow. Arrangements were made to stage
demonstrations of games, seminars were planned for players to
share their experiences and experts in the manufacturing of hockey equipment were invited to Moscow from the Soviet Baltic
republics of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
World War II interrupted the development of hockey in the
Soviet Union, but training resumed as soon as the war was over.
The opening games of the first official Soviet championship were
played on December 22, 1946, and the first goal was scored by
Arkady Chernyshev—future coach of the Soviet national team. A
major turning point in Soviet hockey occurred in February, 1948,
with the historic visit of the LTC Prague team of Czechoslovakia.
Almost every player on the Prague team had been a member of the
Czech national squad which had received a silver medal at the
recently concluded Winter Olympics.The results of the three-game
series (the Moscow Selects won 6–3, lost 5–3 and tied 2–2) surprised everyone, but even more surprising was the success of the
Soviet national team when it entered the World Championships for
the first time in 1954. The USSR defeated Canada 7–2 in the gold
medal game and would remain a power in international hockey
until the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1992.
Since the breakup, Russia has become the successor to the former USSR, though the Russians have struggled on the international hockey scene. By far the biggest disappointment came on home
ice in St. Petersburg at the 2000 World Championships, where
Russia finished 11th, by far the poorest showing by a Russian or
Soviet team at the tournament.
50
Hockey Today in Russia
USSIAN HOCKEY CONSISTS OF THREE LEAGUES:
the
Superleague, the Top League and the First
League.The Superleague comprises 18 teams.
The top 16 advance to the playoffs. All four
rounds of the playoffs are best-of-five series.
Beneath the Superleague is the Top League.
The top eight teams from both the East and
West divisions of the Top League play
crossover series. At the end of the season,
there is no promotion/relegation between the
Superleague and Top League.
R
The Russian third division is known as the
First League and is made up of four divisions.
Regional competitions also are held every
year for youth teams aged 13 to 18 with the
winners taking part in the All-Russian finals.
These national finals help to determine the
top youth and junior teams in the country and
identify prospects for the upper leagues. All
aspects of hockey development in Russia are
managed by the Russian Hockey Federation.
RUSSIA
RUSSIA
Population
143,420,309
Arctic Ocean
U.K.
Registered Players
76,965 male
237 female
Norway
Sweden
Latvia Finland
Russians on
NHL teams
at start of 2005-06
36*
Belarus
RUSSIA
Ukraine
* Does not include players born
in former Soviet republics
China
Kazakhstan
Japa
Mongolia
MAXIM SUSHINSKY
LENINGRAD
DARIUS KASPARAITIS
ELEKTRENAI (LIT)
ILYA KOVALCHUK
TVER
MAXIM AFINOGENOV
ALEXANDER FROLOV
ALEXANDER KHARITONOV
DANNY MARKOV
ALEXANDER OVECHKIN
ANTON VOLCHENKOV
ALEX ZHAMNOV
RUSSIA
DMITRI BYKOV
FEDOR TYUTIN
IZHEVSK
PAVEL DATSYUK
NIKOLAI KHABIBULIN
ALEXEI YASHIN
ANDREI MARKOV
MOSCOW
VOSKRESENSK
SVERDLOVSK
ALEXEI ZHITNIK
KIEV (UKR)
ILYA BRYZGALOV
ALEX KOVALEV
VIKTOR KOZLOV
TOGLIATTI
SERGEI GONCHAR
CHELYABINSK
EVGENI NABOKOV
UST-KAMENOGORSK (KAZ)
EVGENI MALKIN
MAGNITOGORSK
0
0
500
1000 KM
500
36
Moscow
RUSSIAN PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON
14
Chelyabinsk
120
9
Voskresensk
100
80
Leningrad
7
Togliatti
7
Murmansk 5
60
40
1000 Mi
Sverdlovsk
5
Ufa
5
ALL-TIME
TOP TEN
BIRTHPLACES*
RUSSIAN
NHL PLAYERS
Kharkov 4
20
10
15
25
48
63
65
63
64
59
66
81
83
91
86
89
73-74
74-75
75-76
76-77
77-78
78-79
79-80
80-81
81-82
82-83
83-84
84-85
85-86
86-87
87-88
88-89
89-90
90-91
91-92
92-93
93-94
94-95
95-96
96-97
97-98
98-99
99-00
00-01
01-02
02-03
03-04
0
Novosibirsk4
51
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36
* Does not include Riga (Latvia, 10) and Kiev (Ukraine, 10)
S LOVAKIA • NHL S KATERS & G OALTENDERS
NHL SKATERS
SEASON-BY-SEASON
NHL GOALTENDERS
SEASON-BY-SEASON
1974-75 TO 2003-04
1974-75 TO 2003-04
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
1
1
1
2
2
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
….
….
….
….
….
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
2
5
9
14
10
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1
1
….
….
….
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
13
11
12
12
17
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
….
….
….
….
….
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
13
21
24
28
37
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
….
1
1
1
1
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
35
43
42
49
61
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
1
1
3
2
3
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
70
95
111
114
119
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
4
5
7
6
7
52
S LOVAKIA
2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER
General Manager ...................Peter STASTNY
Team Manager .......................Igor NEMECEK
Head Coach ............................Frantisek HOSSA
Assistant Coach ......................Jergus BACA
Assistant Coach ......................Jan JASKO
SLOVAKIA • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAM
Skaters
HEIGHT
POS.
PLAYER
SHOOTS
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
KG
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/–
Forwards
✔ LW BARTECKO, Lubos
L
5’11” 180
200
91
Kezmarok
7/14/1976
Lulea
36
10
19
29
20
11
RW BONDRA, Peter
L
6’0” 183
200
91
Luck, USSR
2/7/1968
Atlanta
27
13
15
28
20
-4
LW DEMITRA, Pavol
L
6’0” 183
206
93
Dubnica
11/29/1974
Los Angeles
43
20
30
50
28
22
RW GABORIK, Marian
L
6’1” 185
190
86
Trencin
2/14/1982
Minnesota
26
13
14
27
22
5
C HANDZUS, Michal
L
6’5” 196
217
98
Banska Bystrica
3/11/1977
Philadelphia
44
7
27
34
24
0
LW HOSSA, Marcel
L
6’2” 188
215
98
Ilava
10/12/1981
NY Rangers
35
5
6
11
14
5
RW HOSSA, Marian
L
6’1” 185
208
94
Stara Lubovna
1/12/1979
Atlanta
45
22
33
55
38
6
L
6’0” 183
200
91
Bratislava
2/9/1973
Novokuznetsk
37
6
8
14
42
-4
LW NAGY, Ladislav
C KAPUS, Richard
L
5’11” 180
192
87
Saca
6/1/1979
Phoenix
42
14
33
47
66
9
LW SATAN, Miroslav
L
6’3” 191
190
86
Topolcany
10/22/1974
NY Islanders
43
17
14
31
30
-6
C STUMPEL, Jozef
R
6’3” 191
225 102
Nitra
7/20/1972
Florida
45
4
15
19
16
-4
RW SVATOS, Marek
R
5’9” 175
170
77
Kosice
6/17/1982
Colorado
44
26
14
40
44
-2
RW ZEDNIK, Richard
L
6’1” 185
196
89
Bystrica
1/6/1976
Montreal
32
11
7
18
22
-3
3/18/1977
Defensemen
D CHARA, Zdeno
L
6’9” 206
260 118
Trencin
Ottawa
41
8
19
27
102
18
D JURCINA, Milan
R
6’4” 193
233 106
Liptovsky Mikulas 6/7/1983
Boston
22
4
1
5
34
1
D MAJESKY, Ivan
R
6’5” 196
230 104
Banska Bystrica
Washington
21
0
1
1
28
-8
D MESZAROS, Andrej L
9/2/1976
6’1” 185
200
91
Povazska Bystrica 10/13/1985
Ottawa
42
3
14
17
28
25
✔ D STRBAK, Martin
L
6’2” 188
200
91
Presov
9/3/1976
CSKA
39
3
7
10
42
5
D SUCHY, Radoslav
L
6’2” 188
204
93
Kezmarok
4/7/1976
Columbus
43
1
4
5
22
-9
D VISNOVSKY, Lubomir L
5’10” 178
188
85
Topolcany
8/11/1976
Los Angeles
46
13
33
46
28
17
Goaltenders
GOALTENDER
CATCHES
HEIGHT
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
KG
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
W
L
T
MINS.
GA
SO
9/18/1982
Colorado
16
6
5
3
835
39
0 2.80
AVG.
G BUDAJ, Peter
L
6’1” 185
200
91
Bystrica
G KRIZAN, Karol
L
5’10” 178
183
83
Liptovsky Mikulas 6/6/1980
MODO
33
.... ....
....
1964
68
5 2.08
L
6’1” 185
204
93
Zvolen
Pardubice
21
.... ....
....
1246
42
3 2.02
✔ G LASAK, Jan
4/10/1979
53
H OCKEY
IN
S LOVAKIA
HE ROOTS OF HOCKEY IN SLOVAKIA date back to the end of the 19th
T
century when skating associations first began to appear in
Bratislava (1871), Presov (1872), Poprad (1881) and Banska
Bystrica (1889).Bandy was being played in Slovakia by 1902, but
the first organized game of hockey did not take place until
January, 1921, in the Petrzalka area of Bratislava. CSSK Bratislava
defeated SK Velke Mezirici 9–2. Three years later, in 1924, CSSK
Bratislava played Slovakia’s first international game, losing to
Wiener EV of Austria, 6–1.
Hockey in Slovakia received a major boost in popularity after
the European Championships of 1925 were held in Stary
Smokovec and won by the host Czechoslovakians. In 1929, the
Tatra Cup was held in Czechoslovakia for the first time. (Today, it
is the second-oldest hockey tournament in Europe after the
Spengler Cup in Switzerland.) Just one year later, the Slovakia
Hockey Union organized its first official competition—the
Slovak national championship. In 1931, however, the Slovak
Union joined with the Czech Union to form the Czechoslovakian
Hockey Union. The Slovakian Union would remain in charge of
teams in Slovakia, and by 1932 the union was organized into
three divisions: West, Central and East. In 1940, the union was
renamed the Championship of the Slovak Republic and a new
league—the Slovakian Hockey League—was formed. Also in
1940, the first artificial ice rink was opened in the city of
Bratislava. Prior to this, all hockey games had been played outdoors.
Slovakia has won its share of honors at international tournaments since 1999, winning bronze medals that year at both the
World Junior Championships and the World Junior Under-18
Championships. In 2000, Slovakia won silver at the World
Championships. Unable to use many of their best players at the
2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, the Slovaks rebounded to win gold
at the 2002 World Championships with a team that glittered
with NHL stars. More medals came in 2003, with a silver at the
Under-18 Championships and bronze at the World
Championships.
After World War II, the clubs from Slovakia started to play permanently in the Czechoslovakian League. Three Slovak teams
became national champions: Slovan Bratislava (1979), VSZ
Kosice (1986 and 1988) and Dukla Trencin (1992). These clubs
produced international stars like Vladimir Dzurilla, Jozef
Golonka, Vaclav Nedomansky, Peter, Marian and Anton Stastny,
Vincent Lukac, Darius Rusnak, Igor Liba, Dusan Pasek, Robert
Svehla, Peter Bondra, Zigmund Palffy and others.
Shortly after the separation of Czechoslovakia into two independent countries in 1993, Slovakia qualified for its first
Olympics by winning a qualification tournament held in
Sheffield, England. Peter Stastny (who had represented
Czechoslovakia at the Lake Placid Olympics in 1980) carried his
new nation’s flag in Lillehammer, Norway, in 1994. Slovakia finished in sixth place at the tournament. Later the same year,
Slovakia made its debut at the World Championships in Pool-C.
It took only two years (and two tournament victories) to earn a
promotion to Pool-A in 1996.
54
Hockey Today in Slovakia
F
OR 2005–06, THE SLOVAK EXTRALEAGUE is made
up of ten teams playing a 54-game schedule. Every team plays each of the other nine
teams six times apiece, three at home and
three on the road. At the completion of the
regular schedule, the top eight teams qualify
for the playoffs, with the all rounds played in a
best-of-seven format. Slovakia’s First League
has existed since 1963 as a part of the
Czechoslovakian League under the name of
the Slovak National Hockey League. It comprises 12 clubs playing a quadruple roundrobin schedule. The Second League is divided
into eight-team A and B divisions. Top Slovak
juniors under the age of 20 play in the Junior
Extraleague and Junior First Liga. Top juniors
under the age of 18 play in under-18 divisions
of the Junior Extraleague and Junior First Liga.
SLOVAKIA
SLOVAKIA
Population
5,431,363
Registered Players
9,162 male
282 female
Poland
Czech
Republic
SLOVAKIA
Slovaks on
NHL teams
at start of 2005-06
22
Romania
Hungary
MARIAN HOSSA
STARA LUBOVNA
LUBOS BARTECKO
RADOSLAV SUCHY
ANDREJ MESZAROS
POVAZSKA BYSTRICA
Ukraine
Austria
KEZMAROK
MARCEL HOSSA
MILAN JURCINA
KAROL KRIZAN
MARTIN STRBAK
LIPTOVSKY MIKULAS
PRESOV
ILAVA
ZDENO CHARA
MARIAN GABORIK
SLOVAKIA
TRENCIN
PAVOL DEMITRA
MAREK SVATOS
DUBNICA
KOSICE
MIROSLAV SATAN
LUBOMIR VISNOVSKY
JAN LASAK
PETER BUDAJ
MICHAL HANDZUS
IVAN MAJESKY
RICHARD ZEDNIK
ZVOLEN
BANSKA BYSTRICA
TOPOLCANY
LADISLAV NAGY
SACA
RICHARD KAPUS
BRATISLAVA
RA
PETER BOND
SR)
JOZEF STUMPEL
LUCK (US
NITRA
0
50
100 KM
0
SLOVAKIAN PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON*
50
100 Mi
7
Trencin
120
6
Bratislava
100
Kosice
5
80
Martin
5
60
40
4
Skalica
4
2
Poprad
6
9
14
10
13
11
12
12
17
13
22
25
29
38
36
44
45
51
64
74
100
118
120
126
11 Towns 1
73-74
74-75
75-76
76-77
77-78
78-79
79-80
80-81
81-82
82-83
83-84
84-85
85-86
86-87
87-88
88-89
89-90
90-91
91-92
92-93
93-94
94-95
95-96
96-97
97-98
98-99
99-00
00-01
01-02
02-03
03-04
* Includes players elegible to compete for Czech Republic and Slovakia
ALL-TIME
TOP TEN
BIRTHPLACES
SLOVAKIAN
NHL PLAYERS
3
Nitra
20
0
Banska Bystrica
55
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
S WEDEN • NHL S KATERS & G OALTENDERS
NHL SKATERS
BORN IN SWEDEN
SEASON-BY-SEASON
1974-75
TO
NHL GOALTENDERS
BORN IN SWEDEN
SEASON-BY-SEASON
2003-04
1974-75
TO
2003-04
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
4
3
5
9
16
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
….
….
….
2
….
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
18
21
26
24
26
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
2
1
1
1
1
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
28
28
20
23
22
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1
1
….
….
….
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
21
16
17
22
21
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
….
….
….
1
1
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
24
31
33
37
39
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
2
2
2
1
1
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
45
44
52
60
53
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
1
3
3
4
4
56
S WEDEN
2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER
Team Manager.................Mats NASLUND
Head Coach......................Bengt-Ake GUSTAFSSON
Assistant Coach................Jan KARLSSON
Assistant Coach................Anders ELDEBRINK
SWEDEN • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAM
Skaters
HEIGHT
POS.
PLAYER
SHOOTS
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
KG
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/–
RW ALFREDSSON, Daniel R
5’11” 180
199
LW AXELSSON, P.J.
L
6’1” 185
184
90
Goteborg
12/11/1972
Ottawa
38
27
32
59
20
25
83
Kungalv
2/26/1975
Boston
43
8
14
22
4
0
C FORSBERG, Peter
L
6’0” 183
205
93
Ornskoldsvik
7/20/1973
Philadelphia
38
14
44
58
32
17
LW HANNULA, Mika
Forwards
L
5’11” 180
180
82
Huddinge
4/2/1979
HV 71
33
12
16
28
40
9
✔ LW JONSSON, Jorgen
L
6’0” 183
183
83
Angelholm
9/29/1972
Färjestad
35
13
10
23
36
4
LW MODIN, Fredrik
L
6’4” 193
220 100
Sundsvall
10/8/1974
Tampa Bay
41
18
10
28
34
3
LW NASLUND, Markus
L
5’11” 180
195
Ornskoldsvik
7/30/1973
Vancouver
43
22
25
47
36
-8
88
C PAHLSSON, Samuel L
5’11” 180
212
96
Ornskoldsvik
12/17/1977
Anaheim
42
3
7
10
22
-3
RW SAMUELSSON, Mikael L
6’2” 188
211
96
Mariefred
12/23/1976
Detroit
43
16
13
29
28
19
LW SEDIN, Daniel
L
6’1” 185
200
91
Ornskoldsvik
9/26/1980
Vancouver
43
11
23
34
22
4
C SEDIN, Henrik
L
6’2” 188
200
91
Ornskoldsvik
9/26/1980
Vancouver
43
9
28
37
30
6
C SUNDIN, Mats
R
6’5” 196
231 105
Bromma
2/13/1971
Toronto
31
9
17
26
20
6
LW ZETTERBERG, Henrik L
5’11” 180
176
80
Njurunda
10/9/1980
Detroit
44
22
26
48
18
9
D BACKMAN, Christian L
6’3” 191
208
94
Alingsas
4/28/1980
St. Louis
17
2
7
9
20
-7
D JOHNSSON, Kim
L
6’1” 185
205
93
Malmo
3/16/1976
Philadelphia
43
4
19
23
34
10
✔ D JONSSON, Kenny
L
6’3” 191
217
98
Angelholm
10/6/1974
Rögle
19
5
9
14
47
5
D KRONWALL, Niklas L
5’11” 180
165
75
Stockholm
1/12/1981
Detroit
D LIDSTROM, Nicklas L
6’2” 188
185
84
Vasteras
4/28/1970
Detroit
44
9
31
40
26
7
D NORSTROM, Mattias L
6’2” 188
210
95
Stockholm
1/2/1972
Los Angeles
44
2
14
16
44
0
D OHLUND, Mattias
6’2” 188
220 100
Pitea
9/9/1976
Vancouver
43
5
11
16
58
11
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
Defensemen
L
Goaltenders
GOALTENDER
HEIGHT
LBS.
KG
L
T
MINS.
GA
SO
L
6’0” 183
172
78
Gdynia, Poland
12/21/1980
HV 71
29
.... ....
....
1754
55
3 1.88
G LUNDQVIST, Henrik L
6’1” 185
192
87
Are
3/2/1982
NY Rangers
29
17
5
5
1693
60
2 2.13
G TELLQVIST, Mikael
5’11” 180
194
88
Sundbyberg
9/19/1979
Toronto
11
6
3
1
641
26
1 2.43
L
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
G LIV, Stefan
CATCHES
Did not play – Injured
57
W
AVG.
H OCKEY
IN
SWEDEN
MERICAN ROUL LA MAT is credited with introducing the game of
hockey to Sweden. La Mat was a movie distributor who
arrived in Stockholm in 1919. Already familiar with
“Canadian” hockey, La Mat became fascinated by the game of
bandy, which had been played in Sweden since 1895. He was
impressed with the talent of the local players and believed their
excellent skating skills would make them successful in hockey. It
was La Mat’s idea to enter Sweden in the Olympic hockey tournament at Antwerp in 1920 (this tournament was recognized later as
the first World Championships).
A
Picking Sweden’s first national hockey team was not easy. The
country had only one experienced player at that time. He was Nils
Molander, who had been living in Germany since 1908 and played
hockey for the team operated by Berliner SC. Eventually, the decision was made to send Molander to the Olympics along with the 10
best bandy players from the cities of Stockholm, Uppsala and
Gavle. They received jerseys from the Swedish national soccer
team. The rest of their equipment was bandy-style, but, once they
arrived in Antwerp, the Swedes received proper hockey sticks from
the American team as a gesture of generosity towards their compatriot La Mat, who served as coach of the Swedish team. Despite
their newcomer status, Sweden made an impressive showing at
the Olympics, finishing fourth behind Canada, the U.S. and
Czechoslovakia.
To date, Sweden has won the World Championships in 1953,
1957, 1962, 1987, 1991, 1992 and 1998.They also won an Olympic
gold medal in 1994, as well as bronze medals in 1984 and 1988. A
stunning loss to Belarus in the quarterfinals of the 2002 Salt Lake
City Winter Olympics ended what appeared to be a promising
medal run for the Swedes, but the Swedish women’s team won
bronze for its first major international medal. Another women’s
bronze was won at the Worlds in 2005.
Sweden followed up their Olympic disappointment with a
bronze medal on home ice at the 2002 World Championships, the
country’s second straight bronze medal at the tournament. The
Swedes reached the gold medal game in both 2003 and 2004, but
were forced to settle for the silver after a pair of tough losses to
Team Canada. Sweden’s overtime loss in 2003 required five minutes of video review to determine that Canada had scored the winning goal. In 2004, Canada rallied from a 3–1 deficit to score a 5–3
victory.
In 2005, Sweden won a bronze medal at the World Under-18
Championships.
Hockey found many supporters in Sweden after the Olympic
tournament. As a reward for its team’s strong showing, Sweden
was named the host city of the European Championships in 1921
and won the event after only one other nation (Czechoslovakia)
showed up. This success, however modest, gave a real boost to the
development of hockey in Sweden and on November 17, 1922,
seven teams from Stockholm founded the Swedish Ice Hockey
Union. In 1923, the Swedish hockey union was admitted to the
Royal Sports Union of Sweden.
National championships have been held in Sweden since 1922,
with the first title being won by IK Gota, whose team included several players from the 1920 national team. By 1925, the game had
begun to spread across the country from its roots in Stockholm,and
by 1927, interest in Swedish hockey brought the first visit of a
Canadian team to the country with the arrival of the Victoria
Hockey Club of Montreal. The first artificial ice rink in Sweden was
built into an airplane hangar in 1931 and it remained the country’s
only indoor arena until 1938, hosting 1,032 games over that time.
The Swedish Ice Hockey Union was instrumental in establishing
hockey as one of the most popular sports in the country. It also has
been responsible for maintaining a unique list of the greatest players in the country’s history.The “Stor Grabb” (Great Men) are determined according to a special system of points. Fittingly, the list is
headed by Swedish hockey pioneer Nils Molander of the 1920
national team, who is accorded the title of Stor Grabb #1. Over the
years, Sweden’s national team has come to be known as Tre Kronor
(Three Crowns) for the emblem on its uniform.
58
Hockey Today in Sweden
WEDEN’S ELITE LEAGUE (Elitserien) was created
S
in 1975. The Elitserien features 12 teams
playing a 50-game schedule. The eight best
teams qualify for the playoffs, with all rounds
played in a best-of-seven format. The next
level
in
Swedish
hockey
is
the
HockeyAllsvenskan with 15 teams. The top
teams earn promotion to the Elitserien.
Sweden’s lower Division 1 is organized geographically into six groups.
Top juniors under the age of 20 in Sweden
play in north and south divisions of the
SuperElit Junior League. Below this are four
elite junior leagues (under 20): north, south,
east and west. Juniors under 18 have a similar
structure.Top teams during the season form a
Junior Allsvenskan (under 18) to play for a
national title. Juniors under 16 are also divided into regional leagues.
SWEDEN
Norwegian
Sea
Norway
SWEDEN
Population
9,001,774
Finland
SWEDEN
MATTIAS OHLUND
PITEA
Registered Players
64,837 male
2,910 female
Estonia
SWEDEN
Latvia
Baltic
Sea
Denmark
Lith
Russi
Poland
Swedes on
NHL teams at
start of 2005-06
39
PETER FORSBERG
MARKUS NASLUND
SAMUEL PAHLSSON
DANIEL SEDIN
HENRIK SEDIN
HENRIK LUNDQVIST
ARE
ORNSKOLDSVIK
FREDRIK MODIN
SUNDSVALL
HENRIK ZETTERBERG
NJURUNDA
NICKLAS LIDSTROM
VASTERAS
MIKAEL TELLQVIST
SUNDBYBERG
MIKAEL SAMUELSSON
MARIEFRED
CHRISTIAN BACKMAN
NIKLAS KRONWALL
MATTIAS NORSTROM
MATS SUNDIN
ALINGSAS
STOCKHOLM
BROMMA
P. J. AXELSSON
MIKA HANNULA
KUNGALV
HUDDINGE
DANIEL ALFREDSSON
GOTEBORG
STEFAN LIV
JONKOPING
0
JORGEN JONSSON
KENNY JONSSON
ANGELHOLM
50
0
KIM JOHNSSON
100 KM
50
100 Mi
MALMO
SWEDISH PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON
32
Stockholm area
60
Ornskoldsvik
50
Goteborg area
Skelleftea
40
10
6
5
Umea
30
Falun
4
20
Gavle
4
8
ALL-TIME
TOP TEN
BIRTHPLACES
SWEDISH
NHL PLAYERS
Orebro 4
10
73-74
74-75
75-76
76-77
77-78
78-79
79-80
80-81
81-82
82-83
83-84
84-85
85-86
86-87
87-88
88-89
89-90
90-91
91-92
92-93
93-94
94-95
95-96
96-97
97-98
98-99
99-00
00-01
01-02
02-03
03-04
5
4
3
5
11
16
20
22
27
25
27
29
29
20
23
22
21
16
17
23
22
26
33
35
38
40
46
47
55
64
57
7 Towns
0
59
0
2
4
6
8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32
UNITED STATES • NHL SKATERS & GOALTENDERS
NHL SKATERS BORN IN U.S.A. SEASON-BY-SEASON, BY STATE, 1974-75 TO 2003-04
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
CA
IL
MA
MI
MN
NJ
NY
OH
RI
WI
Other
1
2
2
1
….
….
2
2
2
1
2
4
2
3
3
2
3
4
3
3
2
3
3
2
1
3
3
3
3
5
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
5
7
8
8
8
10
9
8
10
10
9
9
7
6
6
7
7
6
8
6
9
4
6
7
7
8
13
16
14
11
17
20
22
20
26
29
27
28
38
32
36
30
29
27
28
33
30
30
35
30
26
4
2
1
1
3
7
10
7
8
6
12
14
17
20
19
21
23
23
24
29
26
24
19
22
18
21
17
17
16
21
12
13
15
16
17
24
26
25
22
26
22
19
23
23
17
25
23
28
23
24
29
29
27
23
25
25
24
28
25
32
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
3
2
3
3
3
3
2
2
5
3
4
5
4
6
7
6
8
8
8
10
6
5
5
5
8
7
8
14
14
13
14
15
16
20
18
16
1
1
1
….
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
4
5
6
6
4
4
5
4
6
8
10
2
1
1
1
2
1
….
….
….
1
1
1
2
1
2
3
3
3
5
5
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
3
3
4
….
….
….
….
1
2
1
1
2
2
2
4
4
4
4
5
4
4
3
4
3
5
5
4
4
3
3
1
….
….
3
3
4
5
5
6
5
6
4
8
6
6
4
9
11
9
14
13
17
18
19
19
17
20
18
26
25
29
26
38
TOTAL
29
29
35
35
44
62
67
65
60
75
83
87
92
107
103
109
112
131
129
139
135
138
126
123
128
136
130
153
138
164
NHL GOALTENDERS BORN IN U.S.A. SEASON-BY-SEASON, BY STATE, 1974-75 TO 2003-04
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
CA
IL
MA
MI
MN
NJ
NY
OH
RI
WI
Other
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
….
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
1
1
1
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
….
1
1
….
….
….
….
….
3
2
2
2
3
3
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
1
2
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
2
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
….
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
….
2
1
2
1
2
2
3
3
2
2
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
….
….
….
….
….
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
2
1
1
2
3
4
3
3
2
3
3
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
1
1
1
….
1
1
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
….
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
1
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
3
4
5
4
4
….
….
60
TOTAL
2
2
1
1
1
4
3
5
2
8
7
7
6
5
7
9
11
11
10
12
10
11
12
11
13
12
15
14
15
14
U NITED S TATES
2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER
General Manager........................Don WADDELL
Assistant General Manager.........Paul HOLMGREN
Director of Hockey Operations ....Jim JOHANNSON
Head Coach.................................Peter LAVIOLETTE
Assistant Coach...........................Keith ALLAIN
Assistant Coach...........................Mike SULLIVAN
UNITED STATES • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAM
Skaters
HEIGHT
POS.
PLAYER
SHOOTS
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
KG
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/–
L
5’10” 178
180
L
6’2” 188
200
82
Moorhead, MN
9/2/1973
NY Islanders
38
17
14
31
23
3
91
Oswego, NY
11/6/1978
Carolina
42
15
21
36
46
6
R
6’2” 188
197
89
Potsdam, NY
9/4/1971
Los Angeles
45
17
32
49
48
22
Forwards
C BLAKE, Jason
LW COLE, Erik
C CONROY, Craig
C DRURY, Chris
R
5’10” 178
200
91
Trumbull, CT
8/20/1976
Buffalo
42
15
17
32
16
-10
RW GIONTA, Brian
R
5’7” 201
175
79
Rochester, NY
1/18/1979
New Jersey
43
23
21
44
26
4
C GOMEZ, Scott
L
5’11” 180
200
91
Anchorage, AK
12/23/1979
New Jersey
43
17
24
41
32
-2
RW GUERIN, Bill
R
6’2” 188
210
95
Worcester, MA
11/9/1970
Dallas
42
8
15
23
94
-2
RW KNUBLE, Mike
R
6’3” 191
228 103
Toronto, Ont.
7/4/1972
Philadelphia
44
20
16
36
52
19
C MODANO, Mike
L
6’3” 191
205
93
Livonia, MI
6/7/1970
Dallas
43
16
29
45
34
21
RW PARRISH, Mark
R
5’11” 180
200
91
Bloomington, MN 2/2/1977
NY Islanders
39
16
12
28
14
-12
95
C/RW ROLSTON, Brian
L
6’2” 188
210
Flint, MI
2/21/1973
Minnesota
43
18
25
43
30
12
LW TKACHUK, Keith
L
6’2” 188
231 105
Melrose, MA
3/28/1972
St. Louis
10
8
7
15
6
-3
C WEIGHT, Doug
L
5’11” 180
200
91
Warren, MI
1/21/1971
St. Louis
39
9
28
37
46
-9
86
Defensemen
D CHELIOS, Chris
R
6’1” 185
190
Chicago, IL
1/25/1962
Detroit
44
2
3
5
68
6
D HATCHER, Derian
L
6’5” 196
235 107
Sterling Hts., MI
6/4/1972
Philadelphia
41
4
9
13
48
13
D LEOPOLD, Jordan
L
6’0” 183
193
88
Golden Valley, MN 8/3/1980
Calgary
44
0
9
9
46
13
D LILES, John-Michael L
5’10” 178
185
84
Zionsville, IN
11/25/1980
Colorado
45
9
20
29
32
-1
D MILLER, Aaron
R
6’4” 193
200
91
Buffalo, NY
8/11/1971
Los Angeles
36
0
5
5
10
5
D RAFALSKI, Brian
R
5’10” 178
190
86
Dearborn, MI
9/28/1973
New Jersey
43
5
22
27
16
-2
D SCHNEIDER, Mathieu L
5’10” 178
192
87
New York, NY
6/12/1969
Detroit
42
12
20
32
46
6
BIRTHPLACE
DATE OF BIRTH
2006 CLUB
GP
W
Goaltenders
GOALTENDER
CATCHES
HEIGHT
FT.&IN.
WEIGHT
CM
LBS.
KG
L
T
G DIPIETRO, Rick
R
5’11” 180
185
84
Winthrop, MA
9/19/1981
NY Islanders
32
14
12
2
1783 101
0 3.40
G ESCHE, Robert
L
6’1” 185
210
95
Whitesboro, NY
1/22/1978
Philadelphia
18
11
4
2
1070
56
0 3.14
G GRAHAME, John
L
6’2” 188
220 100
Denver, CO
8/31/1975
Tampa Bay
32
16
14
1
1845
90
2 2.93
61
MINS.
GA
SO
AVG.
H OCKEY
IN THE
U NITED S TATES
OCKEY’S ORIGINS IN THE UNITED STATES are almost as old as they are
H
in Canada, though a similar game called ice polo was at first
popular. It was not until Canadian hockey teams began to
tour the northeastern United States in the late 19th century that
Americans abandoned ice polo for hockey and the game really
began to catch on.
The world’s first professional hockey leagues started up in the
United States in the early part of the 20th century, however most
players were paid imports from Canada. By 1910 the American
game was strictly amateur again, though in 1924-25, the Boston
Bruins became the first team based in the United States to play in
the National Hockey League. By 1926-27, there were more
American-based NHL teams than Canadian teams. Minor professional hockey leagues were also beginning to flourish in the
United States, though like the leagues at the turn of the century,
they were often populated by Canadian players.
The U.S. amateur game was controlled by the International
Skating Union until the creation of the United States Amateur
Hockey Association in 1920. That same year, the Americans made
their international hockey debut at the Antwerp Olympics. Led by
Hall of Fame member Moose Goheen, the U.S. took the silver
medal, losing only to Canada. In 1924, the Americans repeated as
silver medalists at the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix,
France.
While the Americans finshed out of the medals in men’s hockey
at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, the women’s team finally beat its
arch-rival Canada to win gold. Both the U.S. men’s and women’s
teams earned silver medals on home ice at the 2002 Salt Lake City
Olympics, losing the gold medal to Team Canada in each case. For
both teams, their loss in the gold medal game was their only loss
in the tournament.
The Americans have continued to enjoy success at other major
international tournaments, with 2004 marking a particularly good
year. The USA earned bronze at the World Championships with a
pair of shootout victories in the medal round, marking just their
second medal (bronze in 1996) at the tournament since 1962.They
earned a silver at the World Junior Under-18 Championships (a
tournament they won in 2002), and won gold for the first time at
the World Junior Championships with a thrilling, come-frombehind 4–3 victory over Canada that featured three American
goals in the final period.
The Americans won gold at the 2005 World Under-18 Junior
Championships, finishing ahead of Canada and Sweden. Earlier
gold (2001) and silver (2004) medals at this event demonstrated
the effectiveness of the U.S.National Team Development Program.
At the end of the 1925-26 season,the USAHA disbanded and left
amateur hockey in the United States without a governing body
until 1930, when the Amateur Athletic Union took over. In the
meantime, the U.S. missed the 1928 Olympics and 1930 World
Championships.American teams returned to international competition with silver medals at the 1931 World Championships and the
1932 Olympics.The USA finally upset Canada in 1933 to win its first
and only World Championship in a non-Olympic year.
The growth of the game in the 1930s was sporadic. Canadian
imports were taking most college hockey scholarships and there
was no clear policy to develop young American players. More
emphasis was placed on developing home-grown players after the
Amateur Hockey Association of the United States was formed in
1937. Still, squabbles between AHAUS and the Amateur Athletic
Union hampered American hockey and were not resolved until
after the 1948 Olympics.With AHAUS fully in control, Olympic silver medals were won in 1952 and 1956.The 1960 Winter Olympics,
staged in Squaw Valley, California, were a spectacular success for
American hockey as the U.S.defeated Canada and the Soviet Union
en route to the gold medal.This triumph spurred interest in hockey and U.S. college programs began to see more American talent.
High school hockey programs in Minnesota, Massachusetts and
other states began to feed increasingly skilled players into the college hockey system.American hockey received a similar boost with
the “Miracle on Ice” victory at Lake Placid in 1980. More recently,
the United States won the World Cup of Hockey in 1996.
62
Hockey Today in the USA
T
WENTY-FOUR OF
30 NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE FRANare based in the United States, while 24
of 27 American Hockey League franchises play out
of U.S. cities. (The AHL is the NHL’s top developmental league.) More American players are finding their way onto the rosters of the top major
junior teams in the Canadian Hockey League, and
American cities are currently represented in each
of the Ontario Hockey League, the Quebec Major
Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey
League. Junior hockey programs, such as the
United States Hockey League and North American
Hockey League, are growing in the United States,
though most American prospects continue to find
their way to the NHL from college and university
teams in the National Collegiate Athletic
Association. USA Hockey, formerly the Amateur
Hockey Association of the United States, oversees
minor hockey in the United States and is responsible for selecting and training U.S. national teams.
Since 1996, USA Hockey has run an elite U.S.
National Team Development Program for 16- and
17-year olds in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
CHISES
UNITED STATES
UNITED STATES
Population
295,734,134
Greenland
sia
Canada
Registered Players
447,737 male
50,489 female
UNITED STATES
Americans on
NHL teams at
start of 2005-06
121
Atlantic
Ocean
Pacific
Ocean
Mexico
CRAIG CONROY
POTSDAM NY
JASON BLAKE
MOORHEAD MN
MIKE KNUBLE
TORONTO ON (CAN)
JORDAN LEOPOLD
KEITH TKACHUK
ROBERT ESCHE
WHITESBORO NY
BRIAN GIONTA
ROCHESTER NY
MELROSE MA
GOLDEN VALLEY MN
RICK DIPIETRO
WINTHROP MA
ERIK COLE
MARK PARRISH
BLOOMINGTON MN
DERIAN HATCHER
STERLING HTS. MI
BRIAN ROLSTON
FLINT MI
OSWEGO NY
BILL GUERIN
WORCESTER MA
AARON MILLER
BUFFALO NY
DOUG WEIGHT
CHRIS DRURY
WARREN MI
MIKE MODANO
LIVONIA MI
TRUMBULL CT
BRIAN RAFALSKI
MATHIEU SCHNEIDER
DEARBORN MI
NEW YORK NY
CHRIS CHELIOS
CHICAGO IL
WASHINGTON DC
SCOTT GOMEZ
JOHN-MICHAEL LILES
ZIONSVILLE IN
ANCHORAGE AK
UNITED STATES
JOHN GRAHAME
DENVER CO
0
100
0
AMERICAN PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON
100
Boston MA area
160
Detroit MI area
140
Chicago IL area
120
Buffalo
100
New York 12
NY area
60
59
31
13
NY area
Cleveland 11
OH area
Duluth MN
Duluth 10
80
60
MN
40
Hibbing 10
20
L. A.
200 Mi
83
Minneapolis - St. Paul MN area
180
10
ALL-TIME
TOP TEN
BIRTHPLACES
AMERICAN
NHL PLAYERS
22
31
31
36
36
45
66
70
70
62
83
90
94
98
112
110
118
123
142
139
151
145
149
138
134
141
148
145
167
153
178
MN
73-74
74-75
75-76
76-77
77-78
78-79
79-80
80-81
81-82
82-83
83-84
84-85
85-86
86-87
87-88
88-89
89-90
90-91
91-92
92-93
93-94
94-95
95-96
96-97
97-98
98-99
99-00
00-01
01-02
02-03
03-04
0
200 KM
CA area
63
10
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84
A DDITIONAL 2006 O LYMPIC R OSTERS
GERMANY
Goaltenders
2005-06 CLUB
Thomas Greiss ....................Kolner Haie
◆ Olaf Kolzig .....................Washington
Robert Muller .....................Krefeld
Defensemen
◆ Christian Ehrhoff............San Jose
✔ Sascha Goc.........................Adler Mannheim
Lasse Kopitz........................Kolner Haie
Andreas Renz .....................Kolner Haie
Stefan Schauer....................Nurnberg
◆ Christoph Schubert ........Ottawa
◆ Dennis Seidenberg.........PHI./Phoenix
Alexander Sulzer .................DEG
Forwards
Alexander Barta..................Hamburg
✔ Jan Benda...........................Litvinov
Petr Fical ............................Nurnberg
◆ Marcel Goc.....................San Jose
Michael Hackert..................Frankfurt
◆ Jochen Hecht..................Buffalo
Klaus Kathan ......................DEG
Daniel Kreutzer ...................DEG
Eduard Lewandowski ..........Kolner Haie
Thomas Martinec ................Nurnberg
◆ Marco Sturm ..................Boston
✔ Stefan Ustorf ......................Eisbaren Berlin
ITALY
Goaltenders
2005-06 CLUB
Rene Baur...........................Valpusteria
Gunther Hell .......................Bolzano
✔ Jason Muzzatti....................Bolzano
Defensemen
Christian Borgatello ............Milan
Armin Helfer .......................Milan
Robert Nardella ..................Rockford
Florian Ramoser..................Bolzano
Andre Signoretti..................Cortina
Michele Strazzabosco..........Milan
Carter Trevisani ...................Asiago
Forwards
Luca Ansoldi .......................Ritten
Joe Busillo ..........................Milan
Mario Chitarroni .................Milan
✔ Jason Cirone.......................Asiago
Georgio De Bettin ...............Cortina
Manuel De Toni ..................Alleghe
Anthony Iob........................Klagenfurt
John Parco..........................Asiago
Stefano Margoni .................Bolzano
Giulio Scandella ..................Asiago
Lucio Topatigh ....................Asiago
✔ Tony Tuzzolino ....................Cortina
Stefan Zisser .......................Bolzano
KAZAKHSTAN
Goaltenders
2005-06 CLUB
◆ Vitaly Kolesnik ...............Colorado
Sergey Ogureshnikov...........Ust-Kamenogorsk
Vitaliy Yeremeyev ................Dynamo Moscow
Defensemen
Artyom Argokov..................Sibir Novosibirsk
Alexey Koledayev ................Sibir Novosibirsk
Oleg Kovalenko...................Ust-Kamenogorsk
Yevgeniy Pupkov .................SKA St. Petersburg
Denis Shemelin ...................Neftekhimik
Vitali Tregubov ....................Barys Astana
Alexey Troshchinskiy............Avangard Omsk
Alexey Vassilchenko ............Neftekhimik
Forwards
◆ Nik Antropov..................Toronto
Sergey Alexandrov ..............Ust-Kamenogorsk
Dmitriy Dudarev..................AK Bars Kazan
Alexander Koreshkov...........Ust-Kamenogorsk
Yevgeniy Koreshkov.............Ust-Kamenogorsk
Andrey Ogorodnikov ...........Ust-Kamenogorsk
Andrey Pchelyakov ..............Krylia Sovetov
Fedor Polishchuk.................SKA St. Petersburg
Andrey Samokhvalov...........Nizhny Novgorod
Konstantin Shafranov ..........Krylia Sovetov
Andrey Troshchinskiy...........Ust-Kamenogorsk
Dmitriy Upper .....................CSKA Moscow
LATVIA
Goaltenders
2005-06 CLUB
✔ Arturs Irbe ..........................Salzburg
Edgars Masalskis ................Neftyanik Almetyevsk
Sergejs Naumovs ................Khimik Voskresensk
Defensemen
✔ Victor Ignatjev ....................Linz
Rodrigo Lavins ....................Brynas IF
◆ Sandis Ozolinsh..............Anaheim
Georgijs Pujacs ...................Riga 2000
Arvids Rekis........................Augsburg
Agris Saviels .......................Nizhnynovgorod
◆ Karlis Skrastins ..............Colorado
Atvars Tribuncovs ................Mora IK
Forwards
Girts Ankipans ....................Riga 2000
Armands Berzins.................Riga 2000
Aigars Cipruss.....................Riga 2000
Vladimirs Mamonovs...........Liepajas Metalurgs
Aleksanders Nizijvs .............Nizhnynovgorod
✔ Grigori Panteleev ................Dmitrov
Mikelis Redlihs....................IF Bjrokloven Umea
Aleksanders Semjonovs.......Malmo
Janis Sprukts.......................HPK Hameenlinna
Leonids Tambijevs ...............Basel
✔ Herbert Vasiljevs .................Krefeld
Maris Ziedins ......................Stockton
64
SWITZERLAND
Goaltenders
2005-06 CLUB
◆ David Aebischer .............Colorado
Marco Buhrer......................SC Bern
◆ Martin Gerber ................Carolina
Defensemen
Goran Bezina......................Geneve-Servette
Severin Blindenbacher.........ZSC
Olivier Keller .......................EHC Basel
Mathias Seger.....................ZSC
Martin Steinegger ...............SC Bern
◆ Mark Streit.....................Montreal
Julien Vauclair.....................Lugano
Forwards
Flavien Conne.....................Lugano
Patric Della Rossa ...............Zug
✔ Paul DiPietro.......................Zug
Patrick Fischer.....................Zug
Sandy Jeannin.....................Lugano
Marcel Jenni .......................Kloten
Romano Lemm ...................Kloten
Thierry Paterlini ...................ZSC
Martin Pluss .......................Frolunda
Ivo Ruthemann ...................SC Bern
Adrian Wichser ...................ZSC
✔ Thomas Ziegler ...................SC Bern
Kevin Romy.........................Lugano
GERMANY
General Manager..............Franz REINDL
Head Coach......................Uwe KRUPP
Assistant Coach................Ernst HOFNER
Assistant Coach................Klaus MERK
ITALY
Team Leader.....................Giovanni TALAMINI
Head Coach......................Michel Bernard GOULET
Assistant Coach................Jim CORSI
Assistant Coach................Ron IVANY
Assistant Coach................Fabio POLLONI
KAZAKHSTAN
General Manager..............Sergei DROZDOV
Head Coach......................Nikolai MYSHAGIN
Assistant Coach................Gennady TSYGUROV
LATVIA
General Manager..............Maris BALDONIEKS
Head Coach......................Leonids BERESNEVS
Assistant Coach................Olegs ZNAROKS
Assistant Coach................Harijs VITOLINS
Assistant Coach................Vitalijs SAMOILOVS
SWITZERLAND
General Manager..............Peter ZAHNER
Head Coach......................Ralph KRUEGER
Assistant Coach................Jakob KOLLIKER
Assistant Coach................Peter John LEE
NOTE:
◆ - Active NHL player. See Players section
beginning on page 65.
✔ - Former NHL player. See Other Players section
beginning on page 226.
Switzerland
COLORADO AVALANCHE
AEBISCHER, DAVID
GOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 190 LBS./86 KG
BORN, FRIBOURG, SWITZ., FEBRUARY 7, 1978.
(A-bih-shuhr, DAY-vihd)
Did you know that…
• He is actively involved in Top Shelf, a charity program
through the Teammates for Kids Foundation.
• His most memorable game played in was his first in
the NHL, a win over Columbus on Oct. 18, 2000.
• Most memorable game watched was as the backup
•
•
•
•
•
•
goalie in game seven of the 2001 Stanley Cup Final
when Colorado beat New Jersey.
On October 20, 2002, he and fellow 2006 Swiss
Olympian Martin Gerber (then of Anaheim) squared
off in the first National Hockey League game between
teams featuring Swiss goaltenders. The Mighty Ducks
won 3-2 in overtime.
Has “lots of stupid little superstitions.”
Favorite coach is Bill Gilligan, a former hockey star at
Brown University who later coached in Austria and
Switzerland. Gilligan coached the 1998 Swiss national
junior team.
Other favorites include “24” (TV show),“Slapshot” and
“Shawshank Redemption” (movies), Clint Eastwood
(actor) and Ben Harper (musician).
His favorite athlete is Michael Jordan. The person he
admires most is Nelson Mandela.
If he could have dinner with any three people, they
would be with Nelson Mandela, Tiger Woods and
Richard Nixon.
Career Accomplishments…
•
•
•
•
•
Played with six teams in four different leagues on two
different continents in 1997–98.
Was Hershey Bears (AHL) rookie of the year in 1998–99.
Finished fourth in the league with a 2.45 goals-against
average. Was third (3.31) in 1999–2000.
Had his first NHL shutout in his second game played,
Oct. 26, 2000 at Chicago. Finished the 2000–01 season
ninth in the NHL (fourth among rookies) with a 2.24
average.
Played in the 2003 NHL YoungStars Game during the
All-Star weekend.
Took over as Colorado’s top goalie in 2003–04 after the
retirement of Patrick Roy. Joined Roy as the only
goalies in franchise history to reach 30 wins in a season (32). Average of 2.09 was second in franchise history to Roy’s 1.94 mark in 2001–02. Was ninth in the NHL
in average, sixth in save percentage (.924).
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of being five years old and the
•
•
•
ref had to pick him up and carry him to the bench
because he was too slow.
First hockey team was HC Fribourg/Gotteron
Fribourg/Gotteron, his hometown team, was his
favorite team growing up.
Favorite player was Fribourg goaltender Dino Stecher.
Family Connections…
• Says that the greatest influences on his career have
come from his parents, coaches and family.
• Will call his parents first if Switzerland wins gold at
Playing for Switzerland…
• First represented his country at the 1997 World
•
•
Junior Championship. It was “a great honor to be
selected.”
Greatest international experience was winning a
bronze medal at the 1998 World Junior
Championship, the only medal Switzerland has
won at the event and the first medal won by a
Swiss team at a major world tournament since winning bronze at the 1953 World Championship. He
also made his debut at the World Championship in
1998.
Served as backup to fellow 2006 Swiss Olympian
Martin Gerber at the 2005 World Championship.
Olympic Connections…
• Shared goaltending duties with Martin Gerber at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and bobsled.
Words of Advice to Young Players…
• “Have fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
P l ay o f f s
L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W
1996-97
1997-98
Fribourg
Swiss
10 .... .... ....
Chesapeake
ECHL
17 5 7 2
Wheeling
ECHL
10 5 3 1
Hershey
AHL
2 0 0 1
Fribourg
Swiss
1 1 0 0
1998-99 Hershey
AHL
38 17 10 5
99-2000 Hershey
AHL
58 29 23 2
2000-01◆ Colorado
NHL
26 12 7 3
2001-02 Colorado
NHL
21 13 6 0
2002-03 Colorado
NHL
22 7 12 0
2003-04 Colorado
NHL
62 32 19 9
2004-05 Lugano
Swiss
18 12 2 3
Chur
Swiss-2
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
131 64 44 12
(Colorado's 7th choice, 161st overall, in 1997 Entry Draft).
Named Best Goaltender at WJC-A (1998)
Signed as a free agent by Lugano (Swiss), September 17, 2004.
577 34 0 3.54
930 52 0 3.35
564 30 1 3.19
79
5 0 3.76
60
1 0 1.00
1932 79 2 2.45
3259 180 1 3.31
1393 52 3 2.24
1184 37 2 1.88
1235 50 1 2.43
3703 129 4 2.09
1019 41 0 2.41
.... .... .... ....
7515 268 10 2.14
3
....
....
....
4
3
14
1
1
....
11
4
2
13
1
....
....
....
....
1
7
0
0
....
6
1
....
6
L Mins GA SO Avg
2
....
....
....
....
2
6
0
0
....
5
3
....
5
184
....
....
....
240
152
788
1
34
....
662
240
130
697
13
....
....
....
17
6
40
0
1
....
23
10
4
24
0
....
....
....
....
0
2
0
0
....
1
0
0
1
I NTERNATIONAL T OURNAMENTS
Year Medal National Team Event
GP W
1997
1998 B
5
6
7
4
2
1
1999
2002
2004
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
....
....
....
....
1
0
L
T
....
....
....
....
0
0
....
....
....
....
0
1
Mins GA
SO
Avg
300
379
376
174
81
60
....
....
....
1
0
0
2.00
1.58
2.87
4.49
4.43
3.00
10
10
18
13
6
3
Detailed player biographies and data panels
follow for active NHL players who have been
named to 2006 Olympic team rosters.
Torino.
65
4.24
....
....
....
4.25
2.37
3.05
0.00
1.76
....
2.08
2.50
1.84
2.07
Russia
AFINOGENOV, MAXIM
BUFFALO SABRES
RIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 190 LBS./86 KG
BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, SEPTEMBER 4, 1979
(ah-fihn-ah-GEHN-ahf, mahx-EEM)
• He lists the 1972 Summit Series as the most memo•
•
•
•
rable hockey he has ever seen. The series was played
seven years before he was born.
His favorite arena is Luzhniki in Moscow.
The most memorable game he has played is his first in
the NHL. He had a goal and an assist in his NHL debut
on Nov. 10, 1999.
Enjoys playing tennis. He admires tennis players for
their skill and technique.
Favorite movie is “The Godfather.” Favorite actress is
Nicole Kidman. Favorite musical group is Prodigy.
• Spent his first full season in the Russian Hockey
•
•
•
•
•
League as a 17-year-old in 1996–97. Won a silver medal
with Dynamo Moscow in European Hockey League
play.
Was leading the AHL in rookie scoring (6-12-18 in 15
games) at time of his recall to Buffalo in November of
1999. Finished season tied for eighth among NHL rookies in goals (16) and points (34).
His 22 assists in 2000–01 are a career high.
Set career marks for goals (21) and points (40) in
2001–02.
Registered his first NHL hat trick in a 7–1 win vs.
Washington on Dec. 31, 2003.
Won playoff and regular-season championships in
Russia with Dynamo Moscow in 2004–05.
• Is competing at his second straight Olympic
Games.
• Won bronze at Salt Lake City and was one of four
players tied for Russian scoring lead (2-2-4).
• Other Olympic sport of interest is tennis in the
Summer Games.
What Others Say…
• “His mannerisms remind me of [Pavel] Bure. He has
the same skating style, he has the explosiveness to
his stride … His skating is with the elite, and his
stickhandling is with the elite. You combine that
with the grit we’ve seen already, we’re talking
about a complete package.” Sabres coach Lindy
Ruff (from the Buffalo News, Dec 26, 1999)
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1996-97
When I was young…
• Dynamo Moscow was his favorite team growing up.
(He played his first hockey in their system.)
• Favorite player growing up was Wayne Gretzky.
• Has been friends with fellow 2006 Russian Olympian
Andrei Markov of the Montreal Canadiens since childhood.
• Sister Katya is a professional tennis player.
• Mother Raisa was a seven-time Russian track champi•
•
on in the 800-meter event. She was expected to compete in the 1980 Olympics but became pregnant with
Maxim.
Lists his parents and his first coach as the biggest
influences on his hockey career.
Will call his parents first if Russia wins gold at Torino.
Playing for Russia…
• First played for Russia at age 14. He was “very proud” to
represent his country.
• Won gold medal with Russia’s Under-18 team at the
•
•
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Dynamo Moscow Russia
29
6
5 11 10
4
0
2
2
0
Dynamo Moscow EuroHL
3
0
0
0
0
3
1
0
1
4
1997-98
35 10
5 15 53 ....
.... .... .... ....
6
3
1
4 27 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99
38
8 13 21 24 16 *10
6 *16 14
5
3
5
8 29
4
2
1
3 27
99-2000 Buffalo
NHL
65 16 18 34 41
5
0
1
1
2
Rochester
AHL
15
6 12 18
8
8
3
1
4
4
2000-01 Buffalo
NHL
78 14 22 36 40 11
2
3
5
4
2001-02 Buffalo
NHL
81 21 19 40 69 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Buffalo
NHL
35
5
6 11 21 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Buffalo
NHL
73 17 14 31 57 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
36 13 14 27 91 10
4
4
8
8
NHL Totals
332 73 79 152 228 16
2
4
6
6
Buffalo's 3rd choice, 69th overall, in 1997 Entry Draft.
Named Best Forward at WJC-A (1999)
• Missed majority of 2002-03 season recovering from head injury suffered prior to training camp, August, 2002.Signed as a free
agent by Dynamo Moscow (Russia), June 19, 2004.
Year Medal National Team
Event
1996 G
1997
1998 S
1999 G
EJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
2000
2002 B
S
2004
2004
2005 B
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
1996 Viking Cup in Camrose, Alberta. Later won gold at
1996 European Junior Championship.
Was named Best Forward at the 1999 Word Junior
Championship. Was the team’s top scorer (3-5-8) as
Russia won the gold medal with an overtime victory
over Canada. Calls this tournament his greatest international hockey experience.
Has played at the World Championship five times, winning silver in 2002 and bronze in 2005. Was fifth on the
Russian team in scoring (3-2-5) at the 2005 tournament.
66
GP
G
A Pts PIM
5
6
7
7
6
6
6
9
5
4
9
1
4
3
3
2
1
2
3
1
0
3
1
3
2
5
1
0
2
0
1
1
2
2
7
5
8
3
1
4
3
2
1
5
0
18
4
0
2
4
4
6
4
2
6
Sweden
ALFREDSSON, DANIEL
(AHL-frehd-suhn, DAN-yehl)
• He was a defenseman until the age of 14, when his
coached switched him to forward.
• He won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in
•
•
•
1995–96. He was the only rookie to lead his team in
scoring (26-35-61).
Wears #11 “because I had no other choice.”
Favorite television show is “Seinfeld.” Favorite movie is
“First Blood.” Favorite actor is Stellan Skarsgard.
Favorite musical group is U2.
• Played in the NHL All-Star Game as a rookie. Led NHL
rookies in points (61), assists (35) and shots (212).
• Led Senators in assists (47) and power-play goals (11)
in 1996–97.
• Scored the first playoff goal in franchise history in
•
•
•
•
•
1997. Recorded franchise’s first playoff hat trick on Apr.
28, 1998.
Named team captain on Oct. 2, 1999.
Was second in team scoring (21-38-59) in 1999–2000.
Set a career high with 37 goals in 2001–02. Was first on
team and tied for 19th in NHL with 71 points.
Set a new team record with 51 assists in 2002–03. Had
career high 78 points as Ottawa set new team records
for wins (52) and points (113) and won Presidents’
Trophy. Was second on Senators (behind 2006 Slovak
Olympian Marian Hossa), 18th in NHL, in scoring.
Set new career high with 80 points in 2003–04. Was
second on Senators (behind Marian Hossa), seventh in
NHL, in scoring. Was 12th in NHL with 32 goals, 13th
with 48 assists.
When I was young…
• First hockey memories are of skating in the snow and
watching his father play hockey.
• First hockey team ever played for was the Gothenburg
Ice Hockey Klub “GIK.”
• Favorite team growing up was Frolunda of the
Swedish Hockey League.
• Favorite player was Hakan Loob, the NHL’s first
Swedish 50-goal scorer..
• Lists his father has having had the biggest influence
on his career.
• His mother is the person he admires most.
• Will call his parents first if Sweden wins gold at Torino.
Playing for Sweden…
• First had the honor of playing for Sweden in
•
•
•
December of 1993 at the Izvestia Cup in Moscow. He
describes the experience as “a dream come true.”
Won silver medal at 1995 World Championships. Led
Sweden into championship final against Finland by
scoring overtime goal vs. Canada in semifinal.
Tied for second in scoring (3-5-8) on Swedish team at
the 2001 World Championship.
Tied Dick Tarnstrom and Jonas Hoglund for team scoring lead (4-2-6) at the 2004 World Championship.
OTTAWA SENATORS
RIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’11”/180 CM 199 LBS./90 KG
BORN, GOTEBORG, SWEDEN, DECEMBER 11, 1972.
• Tied fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Daniel Sedin
•
for Swedish scoring lead (3-6-9) at 2005 World
Championship.
Tied Mike Modano for tournament lead with 6
assists at 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
• Is playing at his third consecutive Winter Games
(1998, 2002).
• Calls playing at the Olympics his greatest international experience.
• Lists the 1994 final in Lillehammer, when Sweden
•
won its first Olympic gold medal in a shootout
over Canada, as the most memorable hockey
game he has ever watched.
Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field at
the Summer Games.
• “Have fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
Molndal
Sweden-2
3
0
0
0
2
Molndal
Sweden-2
32 12
8 20 43
V.Frolunda
Sweden
20
1
5
6
8
V.Frolunda
Sweden
39 20 10 30 18
V.Frolunda
Sweden
22
7 11 18 22
Ottawa
NHL
82 26 35 61 28
Ottawa
NHL
76 24 47 71 30
Ottawa
NHL
55 17 28 45 18
Ottawa
NHL
58 11 22 33 14
Ottawa
NHL
57 21 38 59 28
Ottawa
NHL
68 24 46 70 30
Ottawa
NHL
78 37 34 71 45
Ottawa
NHL
78 27 51 78 42
Ottawa
NHL
77 32 48 80 24
Frolunda
Sweden
15
8
9 17 10
NHL Totals
629 219 349 568 259
Ottawa's 5th choice, 133rd overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.
NHL All-Rookie Team (1996) • Calder Memorial Trophy (1996)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1996, 1997, 1998, 2004)
Signed as a free agent by Frolunda (Sweden), November 10, 2004.
8
....
....
4
....
....
7
11
4
6
4
12
18
7
14
69
4
....
....
1
....
....
5
7
1
1
1
7
4
1
*12
27
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
1995 S Sweden
1996
1996
1998
1999
2001
2002
2004 S
2004
2005
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
67
Event
GP
WC-A
8
WC-A
6
W-Cup
4
Olympics 4
WC-A
10
WC-A
9
Olympics 4
WC-A
8
W-Cup
4
WC-A
9
G
A Pts PIM
3 1
1 2
0 0
2 3
4 5
3 5
1 4
4 2
0 *6
3 6
4
3
0
5
9
8
5
6
6
9
4
4
2
2
8
6
2
8
2
6
A Pts PIM
4
8
.... ....
.... ....
1
2
.... ....
.... ....
2
7
2
9
2
3
3
4
0
1
6 13
4
8
2
3
6 *18
21 48
4
....
....
....
....
....
6
20
4
2
2
4
12
2
8
52
Kazakhstan
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
ANTROPOV, NIK
CENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’6”/199 CM 230 LBS./104 KG
BORN, UST-KAMENOGORSK, USSR, FEBRUARY 18, 1980.
(an-TROH-pahv, NIHK)
• He was not heavily scouted as a native of the former
•
•
•
•
•
•
Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, and it was considerd a
surprise when Toronto selected him 10th overall in the
1998 NHL Entry Draft.
Wears #80 because he was born in 1980.
Hobbies are fishing and tennis.
Lists Michael Jordan as the person he admires most.
Boris Alexandrov (Torpedo) and Pat Quinn (Toronto)
are his favorite coaches.
Other favorites include: fishing shows and “Friends” (TV
show),“Dumb and Dumber” (movie) and Jim Carrey
(actor).
If he could have dinner with anyone, it would be with
Jim Carrey and Michael Jordan.
• Played with Dynamo Moscow in 1998–99 after being
drafted by Toronto.
• Had an assist in his first NHL game vs. Florida on Oct.
•
13, 1999. Had his first goal vs. San Jose on Nov. 15.
Scored his first hat trick vs. Florida on Dec. 20. Ranked
among the top 15 NHL rookies in goals (12), assists (18)
and points (30) in 1999–2000.
Established career highs in goals (16), assists (29),
points (45), PIM (124), game-winning goals (6) and
plus/minus (+11) in 2002–03. Was 15th in the NHL in
game-winning goals, third on the Leafs in plus/minus.
• Tied for team lead in goals (3), led team in points
•
•
(8) at 1999 World Junior Championship. Was a
teammate of fellow 2006 Kazakhstan Olympian
Vitaly Kolesnik at the tournament.
Lists the 1999 WJC gold medal game, where Russia
beat Canada in overtime, as the most memorable
game he has watched.
Could have made his fourth tournament appearance (counting Pool-B) at 2000 WJC, but he had
become a fixture in the Maple Leafs lineup and
was not released to play.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer at the
Summer Games.
• “Keep working hard and never give up.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
When I was young…
• First team he played for was Torpedo UstKamenogorsk.
• First great hockey moment was scoring his first pro
goal for Torpedo.
• Favorite team growing up was the Pittsburgh
Penguins.
• Favorite player was Mario Lemieux.
• Lists his father as having had the greatest influence on
his career.
• He will call his wife and children first if Kazakhstan
wins gold at Torino.
Playing for Kazakhstan…
Club
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-2
8
2
1
3
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
42 15 24 39 62 ....
.... .... .... ....
30
5
9 14 30 11
0
1
1
4
Toronto
NHL
66 12 18 30 41
3
0
0
0
4
St.John's
AHL
2
0
0
0
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01 Toronto
NHL
52
6 11 17 30
9
2
1
3 12
2001-02 Toronto
NHL
11
1
1
2
4 .... .... .... .... ....
St.John's
AHL
34 11 24 35 47 ....
.... .... .... ....
2002-03 Toronto
NHL
72 16 29 45 124
3
0
0
0
0
2003-04 Toronto
NHL
62 13 18 31 62 13
0
2
2 18
2004-05
Kazan
Russia
10
2
3
5
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
Yaroslavl
Russia
26
4 15 19 44
9
3
4
7 18
NHL Totals
263 48 77 125 261 28
2
3
5 34
Toronto's 1st choice, 10th overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia), October 27, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Yaroslavl (Russia), December 20, 2004.
1997 G Kazakhstan
1998 G Kazakhstan
1999
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
• First represented his country in 1996.
• Played at the 1997 Asian-Oceanic Junior
Championship. Kazakhstan earned silver.
• Played for Kazakhstan team that won World Junior
Championship (Pool-B) in 1997.
• Lists the most memorable game he has ever played in
•
Regular Season
League
as Kazakhstan’s victory over Canada at the 1998 World
Junior Championship. Led his team in assists (6), tied
for scoring lead (6) at the tournament.
Also played for Kazakhstan at the 1998 European
Junior Championship (Pool-D), collecting 23 goals and
31 assists in just five games as Kazakhstan won the
tournament while outscoring its opponents 155–4.
68
Event
GP
WJC-B
EJC-D
WJC-A
WJC-A
6
5
7
6
G
A Pts PIM
1 0 1
23 31 54
0 6 6
3 5 8
4
6
8
14
Sweden
BOSTON BRUINS
AXELSSON, P.J.
LEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 184 LBS./83 KG
BORN, KUNGALV, SWEDEN, FEBRUARY 26, 1975.
(AHX-ehl-suhn, PEE-JAY)
• His full name is Andres Per-Johan Axelsson.
• Nickname is Axe.
• Hobbies include golf and soccer. He played soccer and
•
•
•
•
•
hockey growing up before deciding to concentrate on
hockey.
Lists his first NHL game (Oct. 2, 1997 vs. Los Angeles) as
the most memorable he has played.
Wears #11 because “it was given to me by the team.”
Favorite coach is Lars Falk. Favorite NHL arena is the
Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.
Other favorites include:“Braveheart” (movie), Bruce
Willis (actor), U2 (music).
The person he admires most is Nelson Mandela.
• Is competing at his second Olympic Games (2002).
• Lists the 1994 gold medal game at the
•
Lillehammer Olympics, where Sweden beat
Canada in a shootout, as he most memorable
game he has watched.
Other Olympic sport of interest is skiing.
• “Make sure you have fun while playing if you are
hoping to turn hockey into a full time career.”
• Played four seasons in Swedish elite league with Vastra
Frolunda from 1993 to 1996.
• Finished eighth among NHL rookies in scoring (8-1927) in 1997–98.
• Reached double digits in goals for the first time with
10 in 1999–2000.
• Established new career highs in goals (17) and points
(36) in 2002–03. Plus/minus of +8 was also career best.
• Recorded his 100th NHL assist on Dec. 23, 2004. Played
in his 500th game on Jan. 22, 2004.
• Was a member of Swedish regular-season and playoff
champion Frolunda HC in 2004–05.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Kungalv Yuerby HK.
• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.
• Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky.
• Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence
on his career.
• His greatest international hockey memory is of playing
•
•
•
in his first international game. He first competed for
Sweden at the 1995 World Junior Championship, winning bronze.
Has played at World Championship every year from
2000 to 2005.
Led Swedish team with 6 assists and 9 points at the
2001 World Championship. Was fifth overall in tournament scoring. Was among several players tied for second on the team in plus/minus (+7) behind fellow
2006 Swedish Olympian Mats Sundin.Tied for team
lead with 3 assists at 2004 tournament.
Favorite element of international hockey is the bigger
ice surface.
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
16
9
5 14 12
V.Frolunda
Sweden
1
0
0
0
0
1993-94
V.Frolunda
Sweden
11
0
0
0
4
1994-95
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
19 16
9 25 22
V.Frolunda
Sweden
11
2
1
3
6
1995-96
V.Frolunda
Sweden
36 15
5 20 10
1996-97
V.Frolunda
Sweden
50 19 15 34 34
V.Frolunda
EuroHL
3
1
1
2
0
1997-98 Boston
NHL
82
8 19 27 38
1998-99 Boston
NHL
77
7 10 17 18
99-2000 Boston
NHL
81 10 16 26 24
2000-01 Boston
NHL
81
8 15 23 27
2001-02 Boston
NHL
78
7 17 24 16
2002-03 Boston
NHL
66 17 19 36 24
2003-04 Boston
NHL
68
6 14 20 42
2004-05
Frolunda
Sweden
45
8
9 17 95
NHL Totals
533 63 110 173 189
Boston's 7th choice, 177th overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.
Signed as a free agent by Frolunda (Sweden), September 15, 2004.
....
....
4
....
5
13
3
3
6
12
....
....
6
5
7
14
36
1992-93
1995 B Sweden
2000
2001 B
2002
B
2003 S
2004 S
2004
2005
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
69
Event
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
6
9
4
5
9
7
4
7
2
1
3
0
3
4
2
0
1
3
3
6
0
3
3
3
0
0
5
4
9
0
6
7
5
0
1
2
2
12
2
4
16
8
2
2
G
A Pts PIM
.... ....
.... ....
0
0
.... ....
0
0
3
0
0
2
0
0
1
0
1
1
.... ....
.... ....
2
1
0
0
0
0
1 *10
4
2
....
....
0
....
0
3
2
0
1
2
....
....
3
0
0
11
6
....
....
0
....
0
10
0
2
0
4
....
....
6
6
4
18
20
Sweden
ST. LOUIS BLUES
BACKMAN, CHRISTIAN
DEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 208 LBS./94 KG
BORN, ALINGSAS, SWEDEN, APRIL 28, 1980.
(BAK-man, KRIH-stan)
• He lists his most memorable hockey games played in
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
as his first game in the NHL and the game that gave
Frolunda the Swedish elite league championship in
2005. (He had spent almost his entire Swedish career
in the Vastra Frolunda system en route to the NHL.)
Lists Swedish national junior team coach Matt
Emanuelsson as his favorite coach.
His greatest hockey memory is being selected by St.
Louis (24th overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
Has pledged money for each goal scored to the St.
Louis Children’s Hospital.
Always dresses the same way for each game.
Wears #55 because “it was given to me.”
Favorite TV show is “Seinfeld.” Favorite movie is “The
Shawshank Redemption.” Likes ’80s music. If he could
have dinner with anyone it would be with all of the
Seinfeld characters. Like Jerry Seinfeld, his favorite cartoon character is Superman. He likes him “because of
all his skills.”
Nickname is Backs.
• Was part of Sweden’s 26-man roster for 2004 World
Cup of Hockey but did not play.
• Played at the World Championship in 2004 (silver)
and 2005.
• Favorite international hockey rule is no-touch
icing.
• Lists Sweden’s gold medal victory over Canada in a
•
shootout at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics as the
most memorable hockey game he ever watched.
Other Olympic sports of interest are track and soccer.
• “Work hard, try to skate as much as you can, and
have fun.”
• Became the fifth Swedish-born player to play for St.
•
Louis in 2002–03, making NHL debut on Feb. 11, 2003
at Buffalo. Appeared in four games with Blues over
three different stints. With Worcester (AHL), was tied for
first among defensemen with 8 goals, ranked second
among defensemen in assists (19) and points (27).
Notched first NHL point (assist) Oct. 18, 2003 vs.
Washington. Recorded first NHL goal Oct. 22 at
Vancouver.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is his first time at hockey school.
“We scrimmaged and I scored a bunch of goals.”
• Favorite team growing up was the Boston Bruins.
• Favorite players were fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian
•
Nicklas Lidstrom and Ray Bourque. Lists both of them
as players to pattern his game after.“Great defensive
abilities.”
First hockey team was Sorhaga / Alingsas Hockey.
• Lists his parents as his biggest hockey influence.“My
father coached me when I was younger.”
• Lists his wife as the person he admires most “because
•
she does a great job with the family with me being
gone a lot.”
Will call his wife and parents first if Sweden wins gold
at Torino.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
GP
G
1996-97
1997-98
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
26
2
V.Frolunda U18
Swe-U18
4
4
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
28
5
1998-99
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
4
0
V.Frolunda
Sweden
49
0
99-2000
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
5
1
Gislaved
Sweden-2
21
5
V.Frolunda
Sweden
27
1
2000-01
V.Frolunda
Sweden
50
1
2001-02
V.Frolunda
Sweden
44
7
2002-03 St. Louis
NHL
4
0
Worcester
AHL
72
8
2003-04 St. Louis
NHL
66
5
Worcester
AHL
4
1
2004-05
Frolunda
Sweden
50
4
NHL Totals
70
5
St.Louis' 1st choice, 24th overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
Signed as a free agent by Frolunda (Sweden), September 15, 2004.
A Pts PIM
5
1
14
2
4
1
2
0
10
4
0
19
13
2
15
13
1997 S Sweden
1998 G Sweden
1999
2000
2004 S
2004
2005
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Playing For Sweden…
• First experience with the Swedish national team was at
•
Regular Season
League
the European Junior Championship as a 16-year-old in
1997.“It was a great experience. My career soared after
that.”Won silver medal at that tournament, gold in
1998. Lists the silver medal victory in 1997 as his
favorite international hockey moment.
Played at the World Junior Championship in 1999
and 2000.
70
Event
GP
EJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
4
6
6
7
9
G
A Pts PIM
0 0
2 6
0 3
1 1
1 1
DID NOT PLAY
9
1 1
0
8
3
2
2
2
2
0
6
6
2
6
7
5
19
2
4
2
7
1
11
11
0
27
18
3
19
18
16
2
12
4
4
0
8
14
32
38
0
66
16
2
40
16
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
5
2
....
4
3
....
5
3
10
....
3
5
....
14
5
....
2
0
....
0
1
....
0
0
0
....
0
0
....
2
0
A Pts PIM
....
2
1
....
0
1
....
0
2
0
....
1
2
....
7
2
....
4
1
....
0
2
....
0
2
0
....
1
2
....
9
2
....
2
4
....
0
0
....
0
2
8
....
5
4
....
10
4
Finland
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
BERG, AKI
BORN, TURKU, FINLAND, JULY 28, 1977.
(BUHRG, AH-kee)
• He became the first Finnish player ever drafted in top
•
•
•
five when Los Angeles selected him third overall in the
1995 Entry Draft.
Was youngest player in Kings history (18 years, 2
months, 9 days) when he made his debut vs. Colorado
on Oct. 7, 1995.
Would like to be a soccer player if not playing hockey.
Also enjoys lacrosse.
Most memorable game he has watched was the 1995
gold medal contest at the World Championship. when
Finland defeated Sweden 4–1 in Stockholm to win the
country’s first gold medal.
• Played just 11 games at elite level in Finland before
joining Los Angeles in 1995–96.
• Spent entire 1998–99 season playing with TPS Turku in
•
•
•
•
•
Finland after failing to agree to contract terms with
Kings. Helped his team win regular-season and playoff
championship.
Established NHL career highs in assists (13) and points
(16) in 1999–2000.
Dealt to Toronto at 2000–01 trade deadline. Tied his
career high for goals (3) in just 12 games with Maple
Leafs.
Set a new NHL high with 4 goals in 2002–03.
Led all Maple Leafs defensemen with 79 games played
in 2003–04.
Established new pro career high with 20 points for
Timra in Sweden in 2004–05.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was RNK Raisio.
• Favorite team growing up was TPS in his hometown of
Turku (whom he would later play for).
• Lists his parents as having had the greatest influence
on his career.
• Will call home to his family first if Finland wins gold at
Torino.
Playing for Finland…
• First played for his country at the European Junior
•
•
•
Championship at age 16. Won gold medal at 1995
European Junior Championship. Was named to
tournament All-Star Team.
Was released by Los Angeles to represent Finland
at the 1997 World Junior Championship.
Won silver at 1999 World Championship, bronze in
2000. Played two games for silver medal-winning
Finnish team at 2001 World Championship.
Played at 2004 World Cup of Hockey, where Finns
won European pool and reached finals against
Team Canada. Calls this the most memorable game
he has played.
• Is competing at his third Olympics (1998, 2002).
• Lists winning bronze at the 2002 Nagano Games reaching the final at the 2004
World Cup of Hockey as his greatest international hockey experiences.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field at the Summer Games.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1992-93
1993-94
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
TPS Jr.
Finland-Jr.
39 18 24 42 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
TPS Jr.
Finland-Jr.
21
3 11 14 24
7
0
0
0 10
Kiekko-67
Finland-2
12
1
1
2 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
TPS
Finland
6
0
3
3
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
TPS Jr.
Finland-Jr.
8
1
0
1 30 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kiekko-67
Finland-2
21
3
9 12 24
7
0
0
0 10
TPS
Finland
5
0
0
0
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
1995-96 Los Angeles
NHL
51
0
7
7 29 .... .... .... .... ....
Phoenix
IHL
20
0
3
3 18
2
0
0
0
4
1996-97 Los Angeles
NHL
41
2
6
8 24 .... .... .... .... ....
Phoenix
IHL
23
1
3
4 21 ....
.... .... .... ....
1997-98 Los Angeles
NHL
72
0
8
8 61
4
0
3
3
0
1998-99
TPS
Finland
48
8
7 15 137
9
1
1
2 45
99-2000 Los Angeles
NHL
70
3 13 16 45
2
0
0
0
2
2000-01 Los Angeles
NHL
47
0
4
4 43 .... .... .... .... ....
Toronto
NHL
12
3
0
3
2 11
0
2
2
4
2001-02 Toronto
NHL
81
1 10 11 46 20
0
1
1 37
2002-03 Toronto
NHL
78
4
7 11 28
7
1
1
2
2
2003-04 Toronto
NHL
79
2
7
9 40 10
0
0
0
2
2004-05
Timra
Sweden
47
6 14 20 46
7
0
0
0
6
NHL Totals
531 15 62 77 318 54
1
7
8 47
Los Angeles' 1st choice, 3rd overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.
Traded to Toronto by Los Angeles for Adam Mair and Toronto's 2nd round choice (Mike Cammalleri) in 2001 Entry Draft, March 13,
2001.Signed as a free agent by Timra (Sweden), September 22, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1994
1995
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
EJC-A
5
EJC-A
5
WJC-A
6
Olympics 6
WC-A
12
WC-A
9
WC-A
2
Olympics 4
WC-A
6
W-Cup
5
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
5
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
3
1
Finland
G
Finland
Finland
B
Finland
S
Finland
B
Finland
S
Finland
Finland
Finland
2nd Finland
71
6
1
2
0
0
1
0
1
4
1
12
10
8
6
29
6
0
2
10
2
Canada
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
BERTUZZI, TODD
BORN, SUDBURY, ONT., FEBRUARY 2, 1975.
(buhr-TOO-zee, TAWD)
• His most memorable NHL game played was his first
•
•
•
•
•
•
one. He had a goal and an assist for the Islanders vs.
Boston on Oct. 7, 1995.
Favorite hobby is golf.
Is part owner of the Rebel Creek Golf Club near
Kitchener, Ontario.
The person he admires most is Tiger Woods because
“he has achieved great success while always being
under pressure.”
Favorite NHL arena is Nationwide Arena in Columbus,
Ohio.
Favorite TV show is “Rockstar: INXS”. Favorite movie is
“Scarface.” Favorite actor is Al Pacino. Enjoys the music
of Canadian rockers The Tragically Hip.
would be with golfers Tiger Woods, John Daly and
Darren Clarke.
• Credits his father with being the biggest influence
on his hockey career.
• Will call his father first if Canada wins gold in
Torino.
Wearing the Maple Leaf…
• First competed for Team Canada at the 1998 World
Championship.
• Led Canada in goals (5), tied Ryan Smyth for team
lead in points (9) at 2000 World Championship.
• Favorite international hockey rule is the elimination of the red line for two-line passes. (The NHL
adopted the “no red line” rule this season.)
• “Have fun!”
• Finished sixth in OHL scoring (54-65-119) in his final
season with Guelph in 1994–95.
• Was fourth on the Islanders in scoring (18-21-39), seventh among NHL rookies in 1995–96.
• Was named Canucks Most Exciting Player in
•
•
•
1999–2000. Established career highs in goals (25),
assists (25) and points (25) that were matched or
exceeded in each of the next three seasons. Scored
two goals 15 seconds apart vs. Toronto on Jan. 17.
2000.
Scored his first career hat trick vs. San Jose on Dec. 30,
2000.
Finished third in NHL scoring (36-49-85) in 2001–02
behind fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Jarome Iginla
of Calgary and Canucks teammate and 2006 Swedish
Olympian Markus Naslund. Had a 15-game point
streak from Jan. 3 to Feb. 4, 2002, tying a franchise
record and the longest in the NHL that season.
Established career highs in games (82), goals (46),
assists (51), points (97) and PIMs (144) in 2002–03.
Finished fifth in NHL in points, third in goals, first in
power-play goals (25). Played in NHL All-Star game for
the first time.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the McFarlen Lakers.
• Favorite player was former Canucks and Bruins great
Cam Neely (who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of
Fame in 2005). Neely is the player he patterned his
game after.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Regular Season
Season
Club
League
GP
1990-91
Sudbury Legion
Sudbury Cubs
Guelph
Guelph
Guelph
Guelph
NY Islanders
NY Islanders
Utah
NY Islanders
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
NOHA
NOJHA
OHL
OHL
OHL
OHL
NHL
NHL
IHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
48
3
47
59
61
62
76
64
13
52
22
32
80
79
72
82
69
G
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
25 46 71 247 ....
.... .... .... ....
3
2
5 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
1991-92
7 14 21 145 ....
.... .... .... ....
1992-93
27 32 59 164
5
2
2
4
6
1993-94
28 54 82 165
9
2
6
8 30
1994-95
54 65 119 58 14 *15 18 33 41
1995-96
18 21 39 83 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97
10 13 23 68 .... .... .... .... ....
5
5 10 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
1997-98
7 11 18 58 .... .... .... .... ....
6
9 15 63 .... .... .... .... ....
1998-99
8
8 16 44 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000
25 25 50 126 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01
25 30 55 93
4
2
2
4
8
2001-02
36 49 85 110
6
2
2
4 14
2002-03
46 51 97 144 14
2
4
6 *60
2003-04
17 43 60 122 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
628 198 260 458 911 24
6
8 14 82
NY Islanders' 1st choice, 23rd overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.
OHL Second All-Star Team (1995) • NHL First All-Star Team (2003)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (2003, 2004)
Traded to Vancouver by NY Islanders with Bryan McCabe and NY Islanders' 3rd round choice (Jarkko Ruutu) in 1998 Entry
Draft for Trevor Linden, February 6, 1998.• Missed majority of 1998-99 season recovering from leg injury suffered in game vs.
Washington, November 1, 1998.• Suspended indefinitely by NHL for deliberate injury to Steve Moore in game vs.Colorado,
March 8, 2004.Reinstated by NHL on August 8, 2005.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1998
2000
WC-A
WC-A
6
9
1
5
2
4
Canada
Canada
72
3 16
9 *47
U.S.A.
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
BLAKE, JASON
BORN, MOORHEAD, MN, SEPTEMBER 2, 1973.
(BLAYK, JAY-suhn)
• He scored a goal in his first NHL game on Apr. 18, 1999
vs. St. Louis.
• His most memorable game was the 1997 NCAA
•
•
•
•
Championship between North Dakota and Boston
University. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award
as the top NCAA player with North Dakota in 1997 and
1999.
He lists former North Dakota head coach and current
Columbus Blue Jackets associate coach Dean Blais as
his favorite coach.“He gave me the opportunity to play
on a full-ride scholarship. He pushed me every day to
become a better player and to get to the NHL level.”
Takes part in the Ronald McDonald Foundation and
the Garth Brooks/Teammates For Kids Foundation.
Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite movie is “Jerry
Maguire.” Favorite band is Nickleback. Favorite summer
activity is golfing.
Tiger Woods.
Wearing the Stars and Stripes…
• First represented the U.S. in the World
Championship qualifying tournament in 1999.
• His greatest international experience was playing
at the World Cup of Hockey in 2004.
• Favorite international hockey rules are the bigger
ice surface and the elimination of the red line for
two-line passes. (The NHL adopted the “no red
line” rule this season.)
• Other Olympic sports of interest are the skiing
competitions.
• “Work as hard as you can and have fun.”
• Was named to CCHA All-Rookie Team at Ferris State in
1994-95.
• Led North Dakota in assists (32) in 1997 and points (51)
in 1998.
• Led WCHA in goals (28), assists (41) and points (69) in
1998–99.
• Tripled previous NHL high with 25 goals in 2002–03.
•
•
Also set new career highs in assists (30), points (35),
power-play goals (3), game-winning goals (4) and
plus/minus (+16). Was second best on the Islanders
behind Roman Hamrlik in plus/minus. Notched his first
hat trick Jan. 11, 2003 vs. Atlanta.
Was co-recipient of 2003 Bob Nystrom Award (Islander
who best exemplifies leadership, hustle and dedication) with Garth Snow.
Led the Islanders, was tied for third in the NHL, with a
career-high 4 shorthanded goals in 2003–04. His 7
shorthanded points tied for second in the NHL.
When I was young…
• Says his parents have had the most influence on his
•
career because “they just pushed me to reach my
goals.”
Will call his son and daughter first if the U.S. wins gold
in Torino.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Moorhead
High-MN
25 30 30 60
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Waterloo
USHL
45 24 27 51 107 ....
.... .... .... ....
Waterloo
USHL
47 50 50 100 76 ....
.... .... .... ....
Ferris State
CCHA
36 16 16 32 46 ....
.... .... .... ....
North Dakota
WCHA
DID NOT PLAY – TRANSFERRED COLLEGES
North Dakota
WCHA
43 19 32 51 44 ....
.... .... .... ....
North Dakota
WCHA
38 24 27 51 62 ....
.... .... .... ....
North Dakota
WCHA
38 *28 *41 *69 49 ....
.... .... .... ....
Los Angeles
NHL
1
1
0
1
0 .... .... .... .... ....
Orlando
IHL
5
3
5
8
6 13
3
4
7 20
99-2000 Los Angeles
NHL
64
5 18 23 26
3
0
0
0
0
Long Beach
IHL
7
3
6
9
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01 Los Angeles
NHL
17
1
3
4 10 .... .... .... .... ....
Lowell
AHL
2
0
1
1
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
NY Islanders
NHL
30
4
8 12 24 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 NY Islanders
NHL
82
8 10 18 36
7
0
1
1 13
NHL
81 25 30 55 58
5
0
1
1
2
NHL
75 22 25 47 56
4
2
0
2
2
2004-05
Lugano
Swiss
7
2
2
4
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
350 66 94 160 210 19
2
2
4 17
WCHA First All-Star Team (1997, 1998, 1999) • NCAA West Second All-American Team (1998) • WCHA Player of the Year (1999) •
NCAA West First All-American Team (1999)
Signed as a free agent by Los Angeles, April 20, 1999.Traded to NY Islanders by Los Angeles for NY Islanders' 5th round choice
(Joel Andresen) in 2002 Entry Draft, January 3, 2001.Signed as a free agent by Lugano (Swiss), December 1, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1999
2000
2004
WC-Q
WC-A
W-Cup
2
7
4
0
1
1
1
1
0
United States
United States
United States
73
1
2
1
2
2
2
Canada
COLORADO AVALANCHE
BLAKE, ROB
DEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’4”/193 CM 225 LBS./102 KG
BORN, SIMCOE, ONT., DECEMBER 10, 1969.
(BLAYK, RAWB)
• He is the co-founder of a clothing line called BLUELINE.
• Charitable efforts are focused around the Norfolk Pros
•
•
•
•
Charity and a celebrity golf tournament each summer
that he co-hosts with former Kings teammate Luc
Robitaille.
Wears #4 because “it was in my stall.”
Most memorable hockey games played were playing
for the gold medal at the 2002 Olympic Games, and
game seven of the Stanley Cup Final when Colorado
beat New Jersey in 2001.
Favorite pro athlete is Michael Jordan.
Favorite musician is Jack Johnson.
• Was one of 10 finalists for 1989–90 Hobey Baker Award
in his final season at Bowling Green University.
• Named Kings’ outstanding defenseman and selected
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
to NHL All-Rookie Team in 1990-91. Led all NHL rookie
defensemen in scoring (12-34-46).
Honored again as Kings’ outstanding defenseman in
each of the next three seasons until injuries began to
plague him.
In 10 full seasons with Los Angeles through
1999–2000, he led all Kings’ blueliners in scoring six
times and was named the club’s best defenseman six
times.
Won Norris Trophy as NHL’s best defenseman in 1998
and was a finalist for the award in 2000.
Is Kings’ all-time scoring leader (138-291-429) among
defensemen.
Helped Colorado set club records for wins (52) and
points (118) and win Presidents’ Trophy in 2000-01.
Led all defensemen in playoff scoring (6-13-19 in 23
games) as Avalanche went on to win Stanley Cup.
Finished third among NHL defensemen in scoring, tied
for fourth in goals (16-40-56) in 2001–02. Led Colorado
in time on ice in 53 of his 75 games.
Finished ninth in scoring among defensemen (13-3346)in 2003–04. Led all defensemen with 242 shots on
goals. Voted a starter to his seventh NHL All-Star Game
and sixth consecutive. Finished eighth in voting for
Norris Trophy as NHL’s best defenseman.
When I was young…
• First minor hockey team was Simcoe.
• Favorite team growing up was the Toronto Maple
Leafs.
• Favorite player was Larry Robinson. He lists Robinson,
•
who he played with and was coached by in Los
Angeles, as the player he patterns his game after.
Was childhood friends with former NHLer Nelson
Emerson.
• Will call his parents first if Canada wins gold in Torino.
• First competed for Canada at the 1991 World
Championship.
• Gold medal winner with Canada at 1994 and 1997
•
World Championship. Was named Best
Defenseman at 1997 tourney. Tied for second in
Team Canada scoring (2-5-7 in 10 games) at 1999
event.
Was named to Team Canada for 2004 World Cup of
Hockey but was removed from roster prior to tournament due to injury.
• Is competing at his third consecutive Winter
Games (1998, 2002).
• Lists Canada’s gold medal victory at Salt Lake City
in 2002 as his favorite international hockey moment.
• Was named Best Defenseman at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are speed skating and downhill skiing.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Brantford
OHA-B
39
3 13 16 43 ....
.... .... .... ....
Stratford
OHA-B
31 11 20 31 115 ....
.... .... .... ....
Bowling Green
CCHA
43
5
8 13 88 ....
.... .... .... ....
Bowling Green
CCHA
46 11 21 32 140 ....
.... .... .... ....
Bowling Green
CCHA
42 23 36 59 140 ....
.... .... .... ....
Los Angeles
NHL
4
0
0
0
4
8
1
3
4
4
1990-91 Los Angeles
NHL
75 12 34 46 125 12
1
4
5 26
1991-92 Los Angeles
NHL
57
7 13 20 102
6
2
1
3 12
1992-93 Los Angeles
NHL
76 16 43 59 152 23
4
6 10 46
1993-94 Los Angeles
NHL
84 20 48 68 137 .... .... .... .... ....
1994-95 Los Angeles
NHL
24
4
7 11 38 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96 Los Angeles
NHL
6
1
2
3
8 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 Los Angeles
NHL
62
8 23 31 82 .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 Los Angeles
NHL
81 23 27 50 94
4
0
0
0
6
1998-99 Los Angeles
NHL
62 12 23 35 128 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Los Angeles
NHL
77 18 39 57 112
4
0
2
2
4
2000-01 Los Angeles
NHL
54 17 32 49 69 .... .... .... .... ....
◆ Colorado
NHL
13
2
8 10
8 23
6 13 19 16
2001-02 Colorado
NHL
75 16 40 56 58 20
6
6 12 16
2002-03 Colorado
NHL
79 17 28 45 57
7
1
2
3
8
2003-04 Colorado
NHL
74 13 33 46 61
9
0
5
5
6
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
903 186 400 586 1235 116 21 42 63 144
Los Angeles' 4th choice, 70th overall, in 1988 Entry Draft.
CCHA Second All-Star Team (1989) • CCHA First All-Star Team (1990) • NCAA West First All-American Team (1990) • NHL AllRookie Team (1991) • WC-A All-Star Team (1997) • Named Best Defenseman at WC-A (1997) • Named Best Defenseman at
Olympic Games (1998) • NHL First All-Star Team (1998) • James Norris Memorial Trophy (1998) • NHL Second All-Star Team
(2000, 2001, 2002)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
• Missed majority of 1995-96 season recovering from knee injury suffered in game vs.Washington, October 20, 1995.Traded to
Colorado by Los Angeles with Steve Reinprecht for Adam Deadmarsh, Aaron Miller, a player to be named later (Jared Aulin, March
22, 2001) and Colorado's 1st round choices in 2001 (Dave Steckel) and 2003 (Brian Boyle) Entry Drafts, February 21, 2001.
Year Medal
1991 S
1994 G
1996 2nd
1997 G
1998
1999
2002 G
2004 1st
National Team
Event
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
WEC-A
2
0 2 2
0
WC-A
8
0 2 2
6
W-Cup
4
0 1 1
0
WC-A
11
2 2 4 22
Olympics 6
1 1 2
2
WC-A
5
1 0 1
6
WC-A
10
2 5 7 12
Olympics 6
1 2 3
2
W-Cup
DID NOT PLAY – INJURED
74
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Slovakia
ATLANTA THRASHERS
BONDRA, PETER
BORN, LUCK, USSR, FEBRUARY 7, 1968.
(BAWN-druh, PEE-tuhr)
• Poprad, the town he grew up in was in the running to
host the 2006 Winter Olympics.
• He ranks fifth all-time in goals among European-born
• First hockey team played for was Poprad at 8
years old.
• Favorite team growing up was Poprad.
• Favorite player was his brother Juraj.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NHL players behind Jari Kurri, Stan Mikita, Jaromir Jagr
and Alexander Mogilny.
His nickname is Bonzai.
Charitable efforts include “Scoring for Children.”
Wears #12 because “no one ever offered me a different
number.”
He has his own web site, peterbondra.net.
Aside from the gold medal game at the 2002 World
Championship, the most memorable game he has
played was his first in the NHL.
Most memorable games watched were the USSR vs.
Canada at the Canada Cup tournaments.
Favorite arena to play in is Madison Square Garden
“because I scored a hat trick there as a rookie.”
Other favorites are “Slap Shot” (movie), Bruce Willis
(actor) and the Slovakian music group Elan.
Hobbies are golf and tennis.
If he could invite any three people to dinner, it would
be Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky and Lance Armstrong.
• On Feb. 5, 1994, he tied Bengt Gustafsson’s Washington
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Capitals record with 5 goals in a game vs. Tampa Bay.
His 4 goals in a span of 4:12 set an NHL record. He was
just the tenth player in NHL history to score 4 goals in
one period .
Scored twice in the final game of 1994–95 season to
claim league goal-scoring crown (34), becoming first
Washington player to lead the NHL in goals.
Ranked fourth in the NHL in goals (52) despite playing
only 67 games in 1995–96.
Tied 2006 Finnish Olympian Teemu Selanne for league
lead with 52 goals in 1997–98. Led NHL with clubrecord 13 game-winning goals. Helped Capitals reach
Stanley Cup Final for only time in franchise history.
Led NHL with 22 power-play goals in 2000–01.
Led league in power-play goals (17) and ranked sixth
in goals (39), second in shots (333), and tied for fourth
in game-winning goals (8) in 2001-02. Passed Mike
Gartner as Capitals all-time goal leader with 398th goal
on Nov. 30, 2001.
Broke Mike Gartner’s team record with 11th consecutive 20-goal season in 2001–02.
Became Capitals all-time scoring leader with his 790th
point on Apr. 5, 2003..
At time of trade to Ottawa during the 2003–04 season,
he ranked as Washington’s all-time leader in points
(825), goals (472), power-play goals (137), game-winning goals (73), shorthanded goals (32) and hat tricks
(19). His 961 games rank second all-time in Capitals
history behind only Calle Johansson (983). Also holds
or shares several Capitals single-season records including: 22 power-play goals (2000–01), 13 game-winning
goals (1997–98), seven shorthanded goals (1994–95)
and four hat tricks (1995–96).
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of scoring a goal, even though
• Learned to skate with his brother Juraj wherever
•
•
they could find ice, on frozen streams and also at
the 6,000-seat winter stadium in Poprad. Both
later played professionally in Poprad and Kosice.
He lists Juraj as having had the biggest influence
on his career.
His oldest son played hockey for the Chesapeake
Bay Chiefs Travel Team.
Will call his wife and children first if Slovakia wins
gold in Torino.
Playing for Slovakia…
• First represented Slovakia in an exhibition game with France on Aug. 22, 1993
and “was very proud” to do so.
• Lists winning the World Championship in 2002 as his greatest international hock•
ey experience. He was the tournament’s top goal scorer (7) and third overall in
points (9).
Was named to the original Slovak roster for the 2004 World Cup but withdrew
due to an injury suffered in a tournament exhibition game.
• Is competing at his second Olympics (1998).
• Helped lead Slovakia to victory in Aug./Sep. 1993 at the Olympic Qualifying
Tournament for the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and soccer at the Summer
Games.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Kosice
Czech
32
4
5
9 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kosice
Czech
45 27 11 38 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kosice
Czech
40 30 10 40 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kosice
Czech
44 29 17 46
....
5
7
2
9 ....
Washington
NHL
54 12 16 28 47
4
0
1
1
2
Washington
NHL
71 28 28 56 42
7
6
2
8
4
Washington
NHL
83 37 48 85 70
6
0
6
6
0
Washington
NHL
69 24 19 43 40
9
2
4
6
4
Kosice
Slovakia
2
1
0
1
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Washington
NHL
47 *34
9 43 24
7
5
3
8 10
1995-96
Detroit
IHL
7
8
1
9
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Washington
NHL
67 52 28 80 40
6
3
2
5
8
1996-97 Washington
NHL
77 46 31 77 72 .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 Washington
NHL
76 *52 26 78 44 17
7
5 12 12
1998-99 Washington
NHL
66 31 24 55 56 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Washington
NHL
62 21 17 38 30
5
1
1
2
4
2000-01 Washington
NHL
82 45 36 81 60
6
2
0
2
2
2001-02 Washington
NHL
77 39 31 70 80 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Washington
NHL
76 30 26 56 52
6
4
2
6
8
2003-04 Washington
NHL
54 21 14 35 22 .... .... .... .... ....
Ottawa
NHL
23
5
9 14 16
7
0
0
0
6
2004-05
Poprad
Slovakia
6
4
2
6
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
984 477 362 839 695 80 30 26 56 60
Washington's 9th choice, 156th overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999)
Traded to Ottawa by Washington for Brooks Laich and Ottawa's 2nd round choice (later traded to Colorado - Colorado selected
Chris Durand) in 2005 Entry Draft, February 18, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Poprad (Slovakia), January 17, 2005.Signed as a
free agent by Atlanta, September 18, 2005.
Event
1996
1996
1998
2002 G
2003 B
2004
Olympic Q
W-Cup
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
his team lost 19-1.
75
GP
4
3
2
9
8
G
A Pts PIM
0 1 1
6
3 0 3
2
1 0 1 25
*7 2 9 20
3 2 5
6
Canada
NEW JERSEY DEVILS
BRODEUR, MARTIN
BORN, MONTREAL, QUE., MAY 6, 1972.
(broh-DUHR, MAHR-tihn)
• He lists the President of the United States as the per-
• Father Denis was long time photographer for the
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
son he admires most. If he could have dinner with any
three people, they would be the last three U.S. presidents,“to ask them questions.”
Lists Larry Robinson as the person he patterns himself
after.
The Wachovia Center in Philadelphia is his favorite
arena.“Great place to play.”
Most memorable games he’s watched are the street
hockey games he’s held with the Stanley Cup in 1995,
2000 and 2003.
Most memorable game played was quadruple overtime loss to Buffalo in the 1994 playoffs.
First great hockey moment is his NHL debut on March
26, 1992. Led Devils to a playoff-clinching 4–2 win over
Boston.
With his 400th career victory on March 23, 2004, he
became the youngest goalie (31) to reach that milestone.
Hobby is golf. Holds a charity golf tournament in
Montreal during the offseason.
• Became just the third goalie in 20 years (Tom Barrasso,
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1984 and Ed Belfour, 1991) to win Calder Trophy as
best rookie in 1993–94.
Led NHL with 10 shutouts and a 1.88 goals-against
average in 1996–97. Was first goalie to reach double
digits in shutouts since Ken Dryden in 1976–77. Goalsagainst average was lowest since Tony Esposito’s 1.77
mark in 1971–72.
Led NHL with 43 wins in 1997-98. Finished second in
shutouts (10) and in goals-against average (1.89). Was
runner-up behind Dominik Hasek for Vezina Trophy for
second year in a row.
Led NHL in wins again six times in next seven seasons.
His 43 wins in 1999–2000 plus 16 playoff wins gave
him 59 overall victories to equal record set by Bernie
Parent in 1973–74.
With 72 regular-season games and 25 playoff games in
2000–01, his 97 appearances broke his own previous
NHL record of 95.
With 41 wins in 2002–03, he surpassed Terry Sawchuk
and Jacques Plante and became the only goalie to top
40 wins four times. Led the NHL with nine shutouts,
then set a record with seven playoff shutouts as Devils
won the Stanley Cup for third time in nine years. Won
Vezina Trophy and was named to First All-Star Team for
the first time in his career.
Led NHL in shutouts for third time with career-high 11
in 2003–04. Goals-against average of 2.03 was 4th in
NHL. Finished third in voting for Hart Trophy (behind
fellow 2006 Canadian Olympians Martin St. Louis of
Tampa Bay and Jarome Iginla of Calgary) for second
straight season.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was the Montreal
Canadiens. Was a big fan of Patrick Roy.
Expos and the Canadiens and played goal on
Canada’s 1956 Olympic hockey team that won a
bronze medal the last time the Winter Games
were held in Italy. He lists his father as his biggest
influence in hockey.
Brother Claude was a pitcher in the Montreal
Expos minor league system for five years until an
arm injury ended his career.
• First appearance for Team Canada was at 1996
•
•
•
World Championships. (Did not play at World
Championships again until 2005.)
Most memorable international experience is winning gold at Salt Lake City in 2002. He led all goaltenders with 1.80 goals-against
average.
Led Canada to victory at 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Led the tournament in wins
(5) and average (1.00) and was named to All-Star Team.
Favorite international hockey rule is no red line (which was introduced to the
NHL this season).
• Is competing in his third consecutive Winter Games (1998, 2002), though he did
not see any action at Nagano in 1998.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is short track speed skating.
• “Don’t cheat yourself. Give everything you’ve got, on and off the ice.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
Mtl-Bourassa
St-Hyacinthe
St-Hyacinthe
St-Hyacinthe
New Jersey
Utica
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
QAAA
QMJHL
QMJHL
QMJHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
Regular Season
GP W
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
27 13 12 1 1580 98 0 3.72 3 0 3 210 14 0 3.99
42 23 13 2 2333 156 0 4.01 12 5 7 678 46 0 4.07
52 22 24 4 2946 162 2 3.30 4 0 4 232 16 0 4.14
48 27 16 4 2846 161 2 3.39 5 2 3 317 14 0 2.65
4 2 1 0 179 10 0 3.35 1 0 1 32 3 0 5.63
1992-93
32 14 13 5 1952 131 0 4.03 4 1 3 258 18 0 4.19
1993-94
47 27 11 8 2625 105 3 2.40 17 8 9 1171 38 1 1.95
1994-95◆
40 19 11 6 2184 89 3 2.45 *20 *16 4*1222 34 *3 *1.67
1995-96
77 34 30 12 *4433 173 6 2.34 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97
67 37 14 13 3838 120 *10*1.88 10 5 5 659 19 2 *1.73
1997-98
70 *43 17 8 4128 130 10 1.89 6 2 4 366 12 0 1.97
1998-99
*70 *39 21 10 *4239 162 4 2.29 7 3 4 425 20 0 2.82
99-2000◆
72 *43 20 8 4312 161 6 2.24 *23 *16 7*1450 39 2 *1.61
2000-01
72 *42 17 11 4297 166 9 2.32 *25 15 10*1505 52 *4 2.07
2001-02
*73 38 26 9 *4347 156 4 2.15 6 2 4 381 9 1 1.42
2002-03◆
73 *41 23 9 4374 147 *9 2.02 *24 *16 8*1491 41 *7 1.65
2003-04
*75 *38 26 11 *4555 154 *11 2.03 5 1 4 298 13 0 2.62
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
740 403 217 105 43511 1573 75 2.17 144 84 60 9000 280 20 1.87
(New Jersey's 1st choice, 20th overall, in 1990 Entry Draft).
QMJHL All-Rookie Team (1990) • QMJHL Second All-Star Team (1992) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1994) • Calder Memorial Trophy
(1994) • NHL Second All-Star Team (1997, 1998) • William M.Jennings Trophy (1997) (shared with Mike Dunham) • William M.
Jennings Trophy (1998, 2004) • NHL First All-Star Team (2003, 2004) • William M.Jennings Trophy (2003) (tied with Roman
Cechmanek/Robert Esche) • Vezina Trophy (2003, 2004)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004)
• Scored a goal in playoffs vs.Montreal, April 17, 1997.
1996 S Canada
WC-A
19962nd Canada
W-Cup
1998
2002 G
2004 1st
2005 S
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
• Wears the initials of his four children on the back of his
goalie mask.
76
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
WC-A
GP W
3
2
L
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
0 1 1 180 9
0 3.00
0 1 0 60 4
0 4.00
DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER
5 *4 0 1 300 9
0 *1.80
5 *5 0 0 300 5
1 *1.00
7 5 2 0 419 20
0 2.87
Russia
MIGHTY DUCKS OF ANAHEIM
BRYZGALOV, ILYA
BORN, TOGLIATTI, USSR, JUNE 22, 1980.
(breez-GAH-lahf, ihl-YUH)
• At 44th overall in 2000, he is the highest selection used
by the Ducks to pick a goalie in franchise history.
• His most memorable game played in is his first in the
•
•
•
NHL. He made NHL debut for Anaheim at Toronto in
relief of Steve Shields on Oct. 8, 2001 and stopped 11
of 12 shots.
Focused on developing his own game while growing
up, rather than trying to pattern himself after other
goalkeepers.
Favorite summer hobbies are playing soccer, reading
books and studying philosophy.
Describes his musical interests as “eclectic.”
• Spent majority of his Russian career playing in home•
•
•
•
town of Togliatti. Led Russian elite league with 8
shutouts and was fourth in average (1.84) in 2000–01.
Spent most of 2001–02 season with Cincinnati Mighty
Ducks (AHL) and set franchise record for wins by a
rookie (20).
Named to 2002 AHL All-Star Game.
Finished third among AHL goalies in games (54) and
minutes (3,020) in 2002–03.
Appeared in one NHL game in 2003–04 (Mar. 16, 2004)
and stopped 26 of 28 shots to record first NHL victory
as Anaheim posted 3–2 overtime victory at Phoenix.
Spent majority of season with Cincinnati and tied for
AHL lead among goaltenders with 64 games played.
Led AHL with 3,748 minutes.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of being four years old in 1984,
and playing in a tournament.
• First hockey team was Lada Togliatti.
• Favorite NHL team growing up was the Mighty Ducks
of Anaheim.
• Favorite player growing up was Russian legend
Vladislav Tretiak.
• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Russian
Olympians Alexander Frolov (Los Angeles) and
Alexander Ovechkin (Washington) as well as Oleg
Saprykin (Phoenix).
• First played for Russia on the Junior national team
•
•
at 14 years old and says that there is “a lot of pride”
in putting on the jersey.
Led Russia to silver medal at 2000 World Junior
Championship with tournament-leading 0.77
goals-against average and .971 save percentage…
Also played at 2000 World Championships.
Was Russia’s starting goaltender at 2004 World Cup
of Hockey. He calls this tournament his greatest
international hockey experience.
• Is appearing at his second straight Olympic Games.
• Earned bronze medal as spare goaltender on
Russian team at Salt Lake City.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are soccer, baseball and boxing at the Summer
Games.
• “Be passionate and work hard.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
Togliatti 2
Russia-3
8 .... ....
Togliatti 2
Russia-4
20 .... ....
Spartak
Russia-2
9 .... ....
Togliatti
Russia
14 .... ....
2000-01 Togliatti
Russia
34 .... ....
2001-02 Anaheim
NHL
1 0 0
Cincinnati
AHL
45 20 16
2002-03 Cincinnati
AHL
54 12 26
2003-04 Anaheim
NHL
1 1 0
Cincinnati
AHL
*64 27 25
2004-05 Cincinnati
AHL
36 17 13
NHL Totals
2 1 0
(Anaheim's 2nd choice, 44th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft).
....
....
....
....
....
0
4
9
0
10
1
0
480 28
1200 43
500 21
796 18
1992 61
32
1
2399 99
3020 142
60
2
*3748 145
2007 87
92
3
....
....
....
3
*8
0
4
1
0
6
4
0
2000 S Russia
WJC-A
2002 B
2004
Russia
Russia
Russia
• Will call his parents first if Russia wins gold at Torino.
77
WC-A
Olympics
W-Cup
GP W
L
P l ay o f f s
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
4 .... .... .... 234 3
1 0.77
4 .... .... .... 218 10
0 2.75
3 2 1 0 180 7
0 2.34
3.50
2.15
2.52
1.36
1.84
1.88
2.48
2.82
2.00
2.32
2.60
1.96
....
....
....
7
5
....
....
....
....
9
7
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
5
3
....
L Mins GA SO Avg
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
4
3
....
....
....
....
407
249
....
....
....
....
536
314
....
....
....
....
10
8
....
....
....
....
27
13
....
....
....
....
1
0
....
....
....
....
1
0
....
....
....
....
1.47
1.93
....
....
....
....
3.02
2.48
....
Slovakia
COLORADO AVALANCHE
BUDAJ, PETER
BORN, BANSKABYSTRICA, CZECH., SEPTEMBER 18, 1982.
(BOO-digh, PEE-tuhr)
• Nickname is Boots.
• Hobbies are movies, and sports, especially soccer and
tennis.
• Lists goaltending coach John Elkin, who runs a school
•
•
•
for goalies near Toronto and has tutored many goaltenders, including 2004 Calder Trophy winner Andrew
Raycroft, as his favorite coach.
Most memorable game played was getting the win in
his NHL debut on Oct. 8, 2005. He stopped 16 of 18
shots for a win over Dallas.
Most memorable game watched was Colorado’s victory over New Jersey in game seven of the 2001 Stanley
Cup Final.
His favorites include “Everybody Loves Raymond” (TV
show).“Braveheart” (movie) and Tom Hanks (actor). If
he could be a superhero, it would be The Hulk.
• First played for Slovakia in November of 1997 at an
“Olympic Hopefuls” (Under-16) Tournament.
• Played for Slovakia at the 2000 World Under-18
Championship. Was named team MVP.
• Performed for Slovakia at the World Junior
Championships in 2001 and 2002.
• Saw no action as spare goaltender at the 2004
World Cup of Hockey.
Summer Games.
• “Work hard and have fun!”
• Named St. Michael Majors’ (OHL) rookie of the year for
1999–00.
• Led OHL in playoff save percentage at .923 in 2000–01.
• Led all starting OHL goaltenders in fewest losses (9),
•
•
goals-against average (2.29) and save percentage
(.922) in 2001–02. Selected to participate in 2002
Hershey Cup CHL All-Star Series Game. Was nominated
for Red Tilson Trophy as OHL’s outstanding player.
Made his professional debut with Hershey Bears (AHL)
in start vs. Albany on Oct. 20, 2002. Earned first win (41) vs. Chicago Wolves on Nov. 9. Posted first shutout vs.
Philadelphia on Nov. 29.
Established career highs in games (59), wins (29) and
shutouts (5) with Hershey in 2004–05.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Banska Bytrica.
• Favorite team growing up was the New Jersey Devils.
• Favorite player was former Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy.
• Has been friends with Penguins forward Tomas Surovy
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
99-2000 St.Michael's
OHL
34 6 18
OHL
37 17 12
OHL
42 26 9
2002-03 Hershey
AHL
28 10 10
2003-04 Hershey
AHL
46 17 20
2004-05 Hershey
AHL
59 29 25
(Colorado's 1st choice, 63rd overall, in 2001 Entry Draft).
OHL Second All-Star Team (2002)
1
3
5
2
6
2
1676 112
1996 95
2329 89
1467 65
2574 120
3356 148
1 4.01
3 2.86
2 *2.29
2 2.66
3 2.80
5 2.65
GP W
2000
2001
2002
2004
5 .... .... .... 249 13
0 3.13
4 .... .... .... 239 16
0 4.01
4 .... .... .... 212 11
1 3.11
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
since childhood.
• Says that his parents have had the most influence on
his career.
• Will call his brother and his parents first if Slovakia
78
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
W-Cup
L
P l ay o f f s
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
L Mins GA SO Avg
.... .... .... .... .... .... ....
11 6 4 621 26 1 2.51
12 5 6 620 34 *1 3.29
1 0 0
6 2 0 20.81
.... .... .... .... .... .... ....
.... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Czech Republic
MONTREAL CANADIENS
BULIS, JAN
BORN, PARDUBICE, CZECH., MARCH 18, 1978.
(BOO-lihs, YAHN)
• The Canadiens post his Player Diary on their web site.
• He left the Czech Republic at age 16 in 1994. Attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
a San Jose Sharks tryout camp in Minnesota before
spending the 1994–95 season playing Tier II junior
hockey in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Was the second player selected in the OHL Draft prior
to joining the Barrie Colts in 1995–96.
Enjoys playing golf and tennis.
If he was not a hockey player, he would like to be a
soccer player.
His favorites include “Seinfeld” (TV show),“Goodfellas”
(movie), Denzel Washington (actor) and AC/DC (music).
Rates junior coach Bert Templeton as a great influence
on his development.
He lists Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and Catherine
Zeta-Jones as his ideal dinner companions
• Was the first player in Barrie Colts (OHL) history to top
•
•
•
100 points (42-61-103) in 1996–97. Finished eighth in
the league in scoring that season. (2006 Canadian
Olympian Joe Thornton finished second at 41-81-122
behind league leader Marc Savard at 43-87-130).
Made his NHL debut with Washington at Toronto on
Oct. 1, 1997 at age 19.
Established career highs with the Montreal Canadiens
in 2002–03 in games (82), goals (16), assists (24), points
(40) and plus/minus (+9). He won the Jacques
Beauchamp-Molson Trophy, which is awarded annually
to the member of the Canadiens who played a dominant role during the regular season, without obtaining
any particular honor. (The selection is made by the
members of the media covering the team.)
Was third in the Czech elite league in scoring (24-2549) in 2004–05 behind two Pardubice teammates
Michal Mikeska and fellow 2006 Czech Olympian Milan
Hejduk.
When I was young…
• Favorite NHL player was fellow 2006 Czech Olympian
Jaromir Jagr.
• Favorite player growing up was Czech star Jiri Sejba.
Playing for Czech Republic…
• Began playing for his country as a member of both the
•
Under-16 and Under-17 teams. First played for the
Czech junior team (U16) at a Four Nation Tournament
in February of 1994.
Made his debut with the Czech national team in
February of 2005 during the Sweden Hockey Games.
He did not play in any other major international tournaments. Cites his first goal in the Sweden Hockey
Games as his top international hockey memory.
• The Winter Games will mark his first appearance
•
•
•
playing for the Czech Republic at a major
international tournament.
Also interested in ski jumping at Torino.
Plans to call his parents first if the Czech Republic
wins gold. Considers his father to be a great role
model.
Likes the bigger ice surface used in international
hockey.
What He Says…
• “[Being selected to the Olympic team] was
definitely great news for me. I was really excited
to hear that but I really wasn’t thinking that I’d
make it. I had the experience after last season
where I didn’t go to the World Championships after the season I had
in the Czech Republic. I’m really looking forward to it and help the team
in any way I can.”
• “Don’t ever quit trying”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Pardubice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
25 16 11 27
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Kelowna
BCJHL
51 23 25 48 36 17
7
9 16
0
Barrie
OHL
59 29 30 59 22
7
2
3
5
2
Barrie
OHL
64 42 61 103 42
9
3
7 10 10
Kingston
OHL
2
0
1
1
0 12
8 10 18 12
Washington
NHL
48
5 11 16 18 .... .... .... .... ....
Portland
AHL
3
1
4
5 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99 Washington
NHL
38
7 16 23
6 .... .... .... .... ....
Cincinnati
IHL
10
2
2
4 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
99-2000 Washington
NHL
56
9 22 31 30 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Washington
NHL
39
5 13 18 26 .... .... .... .... ....
Portland
AHL
4
0
2
2
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Montreal
NHL
12
0
5
5
0 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Montreal
NHL
53
9 10 19
8
6
0
0
0
6
2002-03 Montreal
NHL
82 16 24 40 30 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Montreal
NHL
72 13 17 30 30 11
1
1
2
4
2004-05
Pardubice
CzRep
45 24 25 49 113 16
7
4 11 43
NHL Totals
400 64 118 182 148 17
1
1
2 10
Washington's 3rd choice, 43rd overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.
Traded to Montreal by Washington with Richard Zednik and Washington's 1st round choice (Alexander Perezhogin) in 2001 Entry
Draft for Trevor Linden, Dainius Zubrus and New Jersey's 2nd round choice (previously acquired, later traded to Tampa Bay –
Tampa Bay selected Andreas Holmqvist) in 2001 Entry Draft, March 13, 2001.Signed as a free agent by Pardubice (CzRep),
September 17, 2004.
None
79
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Czech Republic
ST. LOUIS BLUES
CAJANEK, PETR
BORN, GOTTWALDOV, CZECH., AUGUST 18, 1975.
(chuh-YA-nihk, PEE-tuhr)
• He was named MVP of Czech elite league in 2001-02.
• He was the only non-NHL member of Czech Olympic
team at 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
• He lists his first NHL game as his most memorable
hockey experience.
• Most memorable games he has watched are games
•
•
•
•
involving the Czech national team and the clinching
game of the 1991 Stanley Cup Final when Pittsburgh
beat Minnesota.
Wears #26 because that’s the number that was given
to him.
He always dresses the same way for each game.
Pledges money for each goal he scores to the St. Louis
Children’s Hospital.
Favorite movie is “Leaving Las Vegas.” Favorite musicians are Bon Jovi and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
• Spent nine seasons with Zlin in Czech elite league.
•
•
•
•
•
Shared Zlin club lead in goals with 19 in 1997-98. Led
team in points (46), ranked 16th in league.
Led Zlin in scoring (23-34-57) in 1999–2000. Tied for
fourth in league in scoring.
Tied for Zlin team lead in goals (18) in 2000-01. Led
team in assists (31) and points (49). Tied for seventh in
league in assists, finished eighth in points.
Ranked second in league in assists (44) and points
(64) in 2001–02.
Made NHL debut on Oct. 10, 2003 vs. Anaheim and
recorded first NHL point (assist). Scored first NHL goal
on Oct. 17 vs. Columbus.
Established NHL career high with 12 goals in 2003–04.
Tied for first on Blues with Eric Weinrich in plus/minus
(+12).
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is putting on his first pair of
skates at age 7.
• Favorite team growing up was Zlin (whom he later
played for). Favorite player was Rostislav Vlach.
• Was childhood friends with Roman Hamrlik.
• Lists his parents and coaches as his biggest influences
in hockey.
• Will call his parents first if the Czech Republic wins
• His first international hockey experience was at the
•
•
•
1995 World Junior Championship.“It was huge for
me. I thought it would never happen.”
Member of gold medal-winning Czech Republic
teams at 2000 and 2001 World Championship. Was
second on Czech team with 6 assists at 2001 tournament. tied for second on team, tied for sixth in
tournament, in scoring with 8 points.
Also played at 2002 World Championship and was
MVP of Baltic Tournament in Moscow that year.
Had an assist on Martin Rucinsky’s goal in Czech
Republic’s 3–0 win over Canada in the gold medal
game at the 2005 World Championships. Lists that
experience and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey
semifinal game against Canada as his favorite
international hockey moments.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are soccer, track, volleyball and team handball.
• “Work hard and never give up.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
Zlin
CzRep
34
Zlin
CzRep
35
Zlin
CzRep
36
Zlin
CzRep
50
Zlin
CzRep
46
Zlin
CzRep
49
Zlin
CzRep
50
Zlin
CzRep
52
Zlin
CzRep
49
St. Louis
NHL
51
St. Louis
NHL
70
Zlin
CzRep
49
NHL Totals
121
St.Louis' 6th choice, 253rd overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.
Signed as a free agent by Zlin (CzRep), September 5, 2004.
5
7
8
9
19
15
23
18
20
9
12
10
21
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
A Pts PIM
4
9
11
30
27
33
34
31
44
29
14
15
43
Event
1995
2000 G
2001 G
2002
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
2004
2005 G
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
gold in Torino.
80
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
9
9
4
7
4
9
3
1
2
0
3
1
2
5
3
6
0
2
2
2
8
4
8
0
5
3
4
68
2
4
0
2
0
8
9
16
19
39
46
48
57
49
64
38
26
25
64
....
8
32
46
117
123
66
105
64
20
16
91
36
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
3
12
8
....
....
11
4
6
11
2
5
17
7
0
2
2
....
....
5
1
0
5
0
0
5
0
0
6
6
....
....
7
0
4
7
0
2
4
2
0
8
8
....
....
12
1
4
12
0
2
9
2
....
4
8
....
....
12
0
22
10
2
2
24
4
Slovakia
OTTAWA SENATORS
CHARA, ZDENO
BORN, TRENCIN, CZECH., MARCH 18, 1977.
(CHAH-rah, ZDEH-noh)
• He is the tallest player in NHL history at 6'9".
• Developed his style of game after a combination of
Nicklas Lidstrom, Scott Stevens and Ray Bourque.
• Loves playing in Ottawa “because of the great fans and
because it is a comfortable place to play.”
• Most admires fellow athletes Lance Armstrong and
•
•
George Hincapie (cycling) and Mark Allen (Triathlete
and Ironman Champion) for their dedication and success in their sports.
Hobbies and summer activities include cycling,
wrestling and working out.
Favorite TV show is “The Apprentice.” Favorite movies
are “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Dances with
Wolves.” Favorite actors are Morgan Freeman and Tim
Robbins. Nirvana is his favorite band.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Spent first season in North America with Prince
George (WHL) in 1996-97 but missed 23 games with
wrist injury.
Led all NHL rookies, finished fifth among NHL defensemen and 10th in league in hits with 214 in 1998–99.
Finished second in NHL with 309 hits in 1999–2000 to
help Islanders finish first in hits among NHL teams.
Finished first in NHL with 373 hits in 2000–01 to help
Islanders finish first in hits for second consecutive season.
In first season with Ottawa in 2001–02, led Senators
and was fourth in NHL with 299 hits. Reached doubledigits in goals for first time (10) and was fifth in NHL in
plus-minus (+30). Set career highs in assists (30). Made
his first appearance in the NHL All-Star Game.
Registered the East’s fastest shot (2nd overall) at 97.8
mph at All-Star skills competition.
Established career highs in goals (16), points (41),
power-play goals (7), game-winning goals (3) and
plus/minus (+33) in 2003–04. Ranked second in NHL
behind leaders Marek Malik (2006 Czech Olympian)
and Martin St. Louis (2006 Canadian Olympian) in
plus/minus. Tied for second with Bryan McCabe (2006
Canadian Olympian) and Dick Tarnstrom among all
NHL defensemen with 16 goals behind 2006 Canadian
Olympian Wade Redden and 2006 Czech Olympian
Pavel Kubina (17). Finished second in voting behind
2006 Canadian Olympian Scott Niedermayer for Norris
Trophy as NHL’s top defenseman.
When I was young…
• Favorite professional sports team was the Chicago
Bulls.
• First began playing hockey at seven years old for
Dukla Trencin.
• First hockey memory is getting his two front teeth
knocked out while trying to stop.
• Father was a Greco-Roman wrestler for Czechoslovakia
at the 1976 Olympics and has remained involved in
the sport by coaching the Slovak national GrecoRoman team.
• Thanks his parents for having the most influence
on his career because they gave him the inspiration to play and succeed.
• First played for Slovakia in 1999 and was “very
proud” to do so.
• Winning the silver medal at the 2000 World
•
•
Championship is his greatest international hockey
experience.
Captained Slovak team at the 2001 World
Championship.
Tied fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Pavol Demitra
for team lead in scoring (0-2-2) at the 2004 World
Cup of Hockey.
• Because Slovak roster was in flux due to having to play in the Preliminary Round
•
•
at the 2002 Olympics, the Ottawa Senators flew Chara and fellow 2006 Slovak
Olympian Marian Hossa by charter to Salt Lake City after the competition was
already under way. Hossa was added to the roster for two games, but Chara was
not.
Plans to call some of his closest friends first if Slovakia wins gold in Torino.
Other Olympic sports of interest are wrestling, the 100-meter sprint and cycling
in the Summer Games.
• “Watch what you eat and drink, stay away from drugs and always have a goal or
a dream.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Trencin U18
Svk-U18
30 22 22 44 113 ....
.... .... .... ....
Trencin Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
2
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1995-96
Trencin Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
22
1 13 14 80 ....
.... .... .... ....
Piestany
Slovak-2
10
1
3
4 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sparta Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
15
1
2
3 42 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sparta
CzRep
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1996-97
Prince George
WHL
49
3 19 22 120 15
1
7
8 45
NHL
25
0
1
1 50 .... .... .... .... ....
Kentucky
AHL
48
4
9 13 125
1
0
0
0
4
NHL
59
2
6
8 83 .... .... .... .... ....
Lowell
AHL
23
2
2
4 47 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL
65
2
9 11 57 .... .... .... .... ....
NHL
82
2
7
9 157 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02
Trencin
Slovakia
8
2
2
4 32 ....
.... .... .... ....
Ottawa
NHL
75 10 13 23 156 10
0
1
1 12
2002-03 Ottawa
NHL
74
9 30 39 116 18
1
6
7 14
2003-04 Ottawa
NHL
79 16 25 41 147
7
1
1
2
8
2004-05
Farjestad
Sweden
33 10 15 25 132 13
3
5
8 82
NHL Totals
459 41 91 132 766 35
2
8 10 34
NY Islanders' 3rd choice, 56th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.
AHL All-Rookie Team (1998) WC-A All-Star Team (2004) • NHL First All-Star Team (2004)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (2003)
Traded to Ottawa by NY Islanders with Bill Muckalt and NY Islanders' 1st round choice (Jason Spezza) in 2001 Entry Draft for
Alexei Yashin, June 23, 2001.Signed as a free agent by Farjestad (Sweden), September 24, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1999
2000 S
2001
2004
2004
2005
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
6
9
7
9
4
7
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
2
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
81
1
0
1
2
2
2
6
12
10
2
8
2
U.S.A.
DETROIT RED WINGS
CHELIOS, CHRIS
BORN, CHICAGO, IL, JANUARY 25, 1962.
(CHELL-EE-ohs, KRIHS)
• He will become the first hockey player to have partici•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
pated in an Olympic tournament 22 years after making his Olympic debut. Previously, Bibi Torriani held the
record of 20 years between his first Olympic appearance in 1928 and his last in 1948.
Became the first U.S.-born player to win the Norris
Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 1989. Won it
again in 1993 and 1996.
Became first American-born captain of the Montreal
Canadiens in 1989–90. Was also captain of the Chicago
Blackhawks from 1995 to 1999.
Superstition is never changing clothes after a win.
Hobbies are bobsledding, surfing and base jumping.
Established Cheli’s Children’s Foundation.
Describes winning the Stanley Cup in 1986 and 2002
as “the greatest feeling in hockey.” Most memorable
game watched is the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”
Favorite coaches are Mike Keenan and Scotty
Bowman.“Never a dull moment.”
would be with George W. Bush, Clint Eastwood and
Cindy Crawford.
• Named to the NCAA’s 50th anniversary all-time championship team in 1997.
• Was runner-up to Mario Lemieux for the Calder Trophy
as top rookie in 1984–85.
• Scored a career-high 20 goals in 1987–88.
• Led Blackhawks to Stanley Cup Final in 1992 with 21
points (6G, 15A).
• Recorded 58 assists in 1992–93 to set Blackhawks
record for assists in a single season by a defenseman.
• Led Blackhawks defensemen in scoring (3-39-42) for
eighth straight season in 1997–98.
• Had career-best plus/minus rating of +48 (second in
NHL) in his first full season with Detroit in 1999–2000.
• Led NHL in plus/minus (+40) in 2001–02. Had a playoff
best mark of +15 and his 13 playoff assists led all
defensemen as Detroit won the Stanley Cup.
When I was young…
• Earliest hockey memory is “freezing my butt off” at an
outdoor rink off Lake Michigan.
• First hockey team played for was the Chicago Saints.
• Favorite hockey team growing up was the hometown
Blackhawks. Bobby Hull was his favorite player.
• Childhood sports idol was Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus. He patterns his style of play in
hockey after Butkus.“He was mean.”
• Lists his father as being the biggest influence on his
career.“He took me anywhere to get ice time.” Also lists
him as the person he admires most.“He worked hard
his whole life for his wife and kids.”
• First represented the USA at a junior national tournament in Minnesota in 1981.
• Played at the 1982 World Junior Championship.
• Played in the Canada Cup in 1984, 1987 and 1991.
• Played in two-game series for NHL All-Stars vs. Soviet
Union All-Stars in 1987 (Rendez-Vous ’87).
• Lists 1996 World Cup win and 2002 Olympic silver
as his two greatest international experiences.
• Favorite international hockey rule is no red line
for two-line passes. (The NHL adopted the “no red
line” rule this season.)
• Is competing at his fourth Olympic Games (1984,
•
•
•
•
1998, 2002). He and Keith Tkachuk are the first
four-time Olympians in the history of U.S. hockey.
Won a silver medal as captain of the U.S. team at
the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Was named Best
Defenseman and to the Olympic All-Star Team.
Was team captain at Nagano in 1998.
Made his NHL debut with Montreal three weeks
after the 1984 Games.
Other Olympic sport of interest is bobsledding.
• “Work hard, and use an education as a path to make the pros. Nothing is more
important than education.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Moose Jaw
SJHL
53 12 31 43 118 ....
.... .... .... ....
Moose Jaw
SJHL
54 23 64 87 175 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Wisconsin
WCHA
43
6 43 49 50 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Wisconsin
WCHA
26
9 17 26 50 ....
.... .... .... ....
United States
Nat-Tm
60 14 35 49 58 ....
.... .... .... ....
Montreal
NHL
12
0
2
2 12 15
1
9 10 17
1984-85 Montreal
NHL
74
9 55 64 87
9
2
8 10 17
1985-86◆ Montreal
NHL
41
8 26 34 67 20
2
9 11 49
1986-87 Montreal
NHL
71 11 33 44 124 17
4
9 13 38
1987-88 Montreal
NHL
71 20 41 61 172 11
3
1
4 29
1988-89 Montreal
NHL
80 15 58 73 185 21
4 15 19 28
1989-90 Montreal
NHL
53
9 22 31 136
5
0
1
1
8
1990-91 Chicago
NHL
77 12 52 64 192
6
1
7
8 46
1991-92 Chicago
NHL
80
9 47 56 245 18
6 15 21 37
1992-93 Chicago
NHL
84 15 58 73 282
4
0
2
2 14
1993-94 Chicago
NHL
76 16 44 60 212
6
1
1
2
8
1994-95
Biel
Swiss
3
0
3
3
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
Chicago
NHL
48
5 33 38 72 16
4
7 11 12
1995-96 Chicago
NHL
81 14 58 72 140
9
0
3
3
8
1996-97 Chicago
NHL
72 10 38 48 112
6
0
1
1
8
1997-98 Chicago
NHL
81
3 39 42 151 .... .... .... .... ....
1998-99 Chicago
NHL
65
8 26 34 89 .... .... .... .... ....
Detroit
NHL
10
1
1
2
4 10
0
4
4 14
99-2000 Detroit
NHL
81
3 31 34 103
9
0
1
1
8
2000-01 Detroit
NHL
24
0
3
3 45
5
1
0
1
2
2001-02◆ Detroit
NHL
79
6 33 39 126 23
1 13 14 44
2002-03 Detroit
NHL
66
2 17 19 78
4
0
0
0
2
2003-04 Detroit
NHL
69
2 19 21 61
8
0
1
1
4
2004-05
Motor City
UHL
23
5 19 24 25 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
1395 178 736 914 2695 222 30 107 137 393
Montreal's 5th choice, 40th overall, in 1981 Entry Draft.
WCHA Second All-Star Team (1983) • NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team (1983) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1985) • NHL
First All-Star Team (1989, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002) • James Norris Memorial Trophy (1989, 1993, 1996) • NHL Second All-Star Team
(1991, 1997) • Bud Light Plus/Minus Award (2002) • Canada Cup All-Star Team (1991) • World Cup All-Star Team (1996)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1985, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002)
Traded to Chicago by Montreal with Montreal's 2nd round choice (Michael Pomichter) in 1991 Entry Draft for Denis Savard, June
29, 1990.Traded to Detroit by Chicago for Anders Eriksson and Detroit's 1st round choices in 1999 (Steve McCarthy) and 2001
(Adam Munro) Entry Drafts, March 23, 1999.• Missed majority of 2000-01 season recovering from knee injury suffered in game
vs.Dallas, November 17, 2000.Signed as a free agent by Motor City (UHL), February 1, 2005.
Event
1982
United States
1984
United States
1984
United States
1987
NHL All-Stars
1987
United States
1991 2nd United States
1994
United States
1996 1st United States
1998
United States
2002 S United States
2004
United States
WJC-A
Olympics
Can-Cup
RV-87
Can-Cup
Can-Cup
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
82
GP
7
6
6
2
5
8
G
A Pts PIM
1 2
0 4
0 2
0 0
0 2
1 3
DID NOT PLAY
7
0 4
4
2 0
6
1 0
5
0 1
3
4
2
0
2
4
10
8
2
0
2
4
4
2
1
1
10
2
4
6
U.S.A.
CAROLINA HURRICANES
COLE, ERIK
BORN, OSWEGO, NY, NOVEMBER 6, 1978.
(KOHL, AIR-ihk)
• He was named the most valuable player in the
•
•
•
•
•
German league playoffs in 2005 after leading Eisbaren
Berlin to the championship.
Nickname is Colesy. Hobbies include boating, biking
and golfing.
Wears #26 “because it was given to me.”
Most memorable game watched was “seeing Ray
Bourque hoist the Stanley Cup.”
His favorite movie is “Napoleon Dynamite.” He enjoys
all types of reality TV shows.
If he could have dinner with any three people it would
be with Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Clinton and Tiger Woods.
• Led Clarkson (ECAC) in goals and points in his sopho•
•
•
•
more and junior seasons. Left school after his junior
year to join Carolina’s IHL affiliate in Cincinnati.
Recorded an assist (on a goal by Sandis Ozolinsh) just
28 seconds into his first NHL game on Oct. 5, 2001.
Scored the winning goal in his first playoff game on
April 17, 2002 vs. New Jersey. Helped the Hurricanes
reach the Stanley Cup Final for first time in franchise
history and led all rookies in playoff scoring with
nine points.
Was fifth among NHL rookies with 16 goals, fourth in
points (40) in 2001–02. Was first among all rookies and
fifth overall in the NHL with 240 hits.
Was selected to play in the NHL YoungStars Game at
the 2003 All-Star Weekend but could not play due to
injury (broken bone in his lower left leg) that cut short
his season.
Established career highs with 18 goals and 42 points in
2003–04.
When I was young…
Penguins, with Mario Lemieux as his favorite player.
• The Oswego Sub Shop Mites was his first hockey team.
His first hockey memory is scoring his first goal.
• His favorite arena was ‘The Aud’ in Buffalo “because it’s
where I saw my first NHL game.”
• First international experience was the 2005 World
Championship.“Felt lots of pride.”
• Tied fellow 2006 U.S. Olympian Doug Weight for
•
the U.S. team with 5 assists at the tournament. Tied
Weight, Brett Hauer and fellow 2006 U.S. Olympian
Mike Knuble for the team lead in points (6).
Favorite element of international hockey is the big
ice surface.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is speed skating.
• “Practice, practice and believe.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Oswego
High-NY
40 49 41 90
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Des Moines
USHL
48 30 34 64 140
5
2
0
2
6
Clarkson
ECAC
34 11 20 31 55 ....
.... .... .... ....
Clarkson
ECAC
36 *22 20 42 50 ....
.... .... .... ....
Clarkson
ECAC
33 19 11 30 46 ....
.... .... .... ....
Cincinnati
IHL
9
4
3
7
2
7
1
1
2
2
2000-01
Cincinnati
IHL
69 23 20 43 28
5
1
0
1
2
2001-02 Carolina
NHL
81 16 24 40 35 23
6
3
9 30
2002-03 Carolina
NHL
53 14 13 27 72 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Carolina
NHL
80 18 24 42 93 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Eisbaren Berlin
Germany
39
6 21 27 76
8
5
1
6 37
NHL Totals
214 48 61 109 200 23
6
3
9 30
Carolina's 3rd choice, 71st overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
ECAC Rookie of the Year (1998) (co-winner - Willie Mitchell) • ECAC First All-Star Team (1999) • NCAA East Second All-American
Team (1999) • ECAC Second All-Star Team (2000)
Signed as a free agent by Eisbaren Berlin (Germany), October 24, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
2005
WC-A
7
1
5
United States
• Lists his parents, as well as his favorite coaches, Dan
•
Regular Season
League
Ford and Pete Sears, as his biggest influences in hockey and for helping him make the decision to leave
home.
Will call his parents first if Team USA wins gold at
Torino.
83
6
6
U.S.A.
LOS ANGELES KINGS
CONROY, CRAIG
CENTER. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’2”/188 CM 197 LBS./89 KG
BORN, POTSDAM, NY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1971.
(KAWN-roi, KRAYG)
• His nickname is Turbo.“I get a little wired before
games.”
• Lists Steve Yzerman as the player to pattern his game
after “because he’s just a great player.”
• His favorite arena is the old Chicago Stadium.
• His favorite coach is his current one, Andy Murray.
• Likes to golf, fish and boat in his free time. Does chari•
•
•
table work with Garth Brooks and donates money for
every goal he scores.
Favorite TV show is “24.” Favorite movie is “Braveheart,”
Favorite actor is Mel Gibson. Roadrunner is his favorite
cartoon character. Likes listening to his IPod.
Wears #22 because “it was the best out of the three
choices.”
Most memorable game he has played was with
Calgary in game seven of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final.
• Played four seasons (1990 to 1994) in ECAC with
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Clarkson Knights posting 164 points (63g, 101a) in 140
games. Named to ECAC First All-Star Team after posting league high 40 assists, 66 points and 46 penalty
minutes in 1993-94
Scored his first NHL goal/point on Feb. 16, 1995 at NY
Rangers
Was a finalist for Selke Trophy as league’s top defensive forward in 1997–98. Finished sixth in voting for
Selke in 1998-99.
Scored first career hat trick on Feb. 26, 1999 at Calgary
Never missed a game in 2000–01, playing in 83 games
between St. Louis and Calgary.
Set career highs in points (75), goals (27) and assists
(48) in 2001–02. Finished tied for 12th in NHL in points
and tied for ninth in assists. Had greatest point
improvement of all NHL players from previous season
(+43). Was second on Flames to 2006 Canadian
Olympian Jarome Iginla in points, first in assists, second in goals and second in plus/minus with a careerhigh +24
Was first on team in assists (37) in 2002–03, second to
Iginla in points (59) and third in goals (22).
Was second to Jarome Iginla in team scoring in both
regular season (8-39-47) and playoffs (6-11-17) in
2003–04. Led Flames, tied for fourth in playoffs, with 11
assists. Was third in playoffs in plus/minus (+12).
When I was young…
• Favorite hockey team was the Montreal Canadiens. (He
started his NHL career with them.)
• Favorite player was Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur.
• First team he played for was the Potsdam Mites.
• Had never represented the United States at major
•
tournament until 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Of
the experience he says,“I can’t put it into words.”
Favorite international element is the big ice.
• The “Miracle on Ice”Team USA victory at the 1980
•
Lake Placid Olympics is the most memorable hockey game he has watched.
Other Olympic sports of interest are… “I enjoy
them all.”
What He Says…
• “You never pictured in your wildest dreams.
Everything about this season has just been too
good to be true.” – Conroy on the Flames’ 2003-04 playoff success, Associated
Press, May 20, 2004
What Others Say…
• “We ask him questions, but Craig goes in the direction Craig wants to go. He’s a
real character and he speaks from the heart. In this day and age, with so many
prepared statements and media training, he’s a real breath of fresh air.”
– Rob Kerr, (Host of ‘Overtime’ call-in radio show), TSN/CP May 23, 2004
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
Northwood
Clarkson
Clarkson
Clarkson
Clarkson
Fredericton
Montreal
Montreal
Fredericton
Fredericton
St. Louis
Worcester
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
High-NY
ECAC
ECAC
ECAC
ECAC
AHL
NHL
NHL
AHL
AHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
Regular Season
GP
G
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
31 33 43 76
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
40
8 21 29 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
31 19 17 36 36 ....
.... .... .... ....
35 10 23 33 26 ....
.... .... .... ....
34 26 *40 *66 46 ....
.... .... .... ....
55 26 18 44 29 11
7
3 10
6
6
1
0
1
0 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96
7
0
0
0
2 .... .... .... .... ....
67 31 38 69 65 10
5
7 12
6
1996-97
9 10
6 16 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
61
6 11 17 43
6
0
0
0
8
5
5
6 11
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
1997-98
81 14 29 43 46 10
1
2
3
8
1998-99
69 14 25 39 38 13
2
1
3
6
99-2000
79 12 15 27 36
7
0
2
2
2
2000-01
69 11 14 25 46 .... .... .... .... ....
14
3
4
7 14 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02
81 27 48 75 32 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03
79 22 37 59 36 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04
63
8 39 47 44 26
6 11 17 12
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
609 118 222 340 337 62
9 16 25 36
Montreal's 7th choice, 123rd overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.
ECAC First All-Star Team (1994) • NCAA East First All-American Team (1994) • NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team (1994)
Traded to St.Louis by Montreal with Pierre Turgeon and Rory Fitzpatrick for Murray Baron, Shayne Corson and St.Louis' 5th round
choice (Gennady Razin) in 1997 Entry Draft, October 29, 1996.Traded to Calgary by St.Louis with St.Louis' 7th round choice
(David Moss) in 2001 Entry Draft for Cory Stillman, March 13, 2001.Signed as a free agent by Los Angeles, July 6, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
2004
W-Cup
2
0
0
United States
• Lists his mother as his biggest influence in hockey.
“She always believed in me.”
• Will call his three children first if the USA wins gold in
Torino.
84
0
0
Russia
DETROIT RED WINGS
DATSYUK, PAVEL
BORN, SVERDLOVSK, USSR, JULY 20, 1978.
(daht-SOOK, PAH-vehl)
• His most memorable game played was the fifth and
•
•
•
final game of the 2002 Stanley Cup Final when Detroit
beat Carolina.
Hobby is soccer.
Likes many different movies, but his favorite actor is
Jim Carrey.
would be with his wife, daughter and former U.S.
President Ronald Reagan.
• Had an impressive junior career in Russia, leading his
•
•
•
•
•
team to a second place finish in the Russian junior
championship in 1995.
Had a breakout season in 1998-99, collecting 28 points
in his first 10 games. His 27 points in 22 games during
the second phase of the first division season (Russia-2),
and his strong play in playoffs, helped Yekaterinburg
advance to the elite league in 1999–2000.
Joined top Russian team Ak Bars Kazan in 2000-01.
Helped team finish first in the regular-season standings. Played on the top line with one-time NHLer
Dmitri Kvartalnov. Finished second on the team in
scoring (9-18-27) and ranked among the top 20 in the
Russian league.
Made his NHL debut in the 2001–02 season opener on
Oct. 4, 2001. Scored first career goal vs. Tom Barrasso at
Carolina on Oct. 30. Played in 21 of Detroit’s 23 postseason games and finished second in rookie scoring
(3-3-6) behind 2006 U.S. Olympian Erik Cole of Carolina
as Detroit won the Stanley Cup.
Was one of only 20 NHL players to score 30-or-more
goals in 2003–04. Finished 23rd in NHL scoring with 68
points (30G, 38A). Among players who spent the entire
season in Detroit, he finished first in goals, second to
Brett Hull in assists and tied with Hull as the team’s top
scorer. Was third in the NHL in shooting percentage
(22.1). Was 26th in face-off winning percentage (53.95).
Won the Russian regular season and playoff championships with Dynamo Moscow in 2004–05. Led the
league in playoff goals (6), led the team in playoff
points (9).
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of playing outdoors.
• First hockey team played for was Avtomobilist
• Member of the Russian national team during
•
•
•
2000–01 season, playing in all four tournaments in
which team competed prior to the World
Championship.
First major international event was the 2001 World
Championship. Began as a third- and fourth-line
center, but played so well during the tournament
that he was elevated to the first line with Valeri
Karpov and fellow 2006 Russian Olympian Alexei
Yashin.
Led Russian team in assists, tied fellow 2006
Russian Olympian Alexander Frolov for points lead
(1-4-5), at the 2003 World Championship.
Tied fellow 2006 Russian Olympian Alex Kovalev
for second on the team in scoring (3-4-7) behind
fellow 2006 Russian Olympian Alexander Ovechkin
at the 2005 World Championship.
• Is competing at his second consecutive Olympic Games.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer at the Summer Games.
• “Enjoy yourself.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1996-97
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Yekaterinburg 2
Russia-3
18
2
2
4
4 ....
.... .... ....
...
Yekaterinburg
Russia
36 12 10 22 12 ....
.... .... ....
...
1997-98
Yekaterinburg
Russia
24
3
5
8
4 ....
.... .... ....
...
Yekaterinburg
Russia
22
7
8 15
4 ....
.... .... ....
...
1998-99
Yekaterinburg 2
Russia-4
10 14 14 28
4 ....
.... .... ....
...
Yekaterinburg
Russia-2
35 21 23 44 14
9
3
7 10 10
99-2000
Yekaterinburg
Russia
15
1
3
4
4 ....
.... .... ....
...
2000-01
Kazan
Russia
42
9 18 27 10
4
0
1
1
2
2001-02◆ Detroit
NHL
70 11 24 35
4 21
3
3
6
2
2002-03 Detroit
NHL
64 12 39 51 16
4
0
0
0
0
2003-04 Detroit
NHL
75 30 38 68 35 12
0
6
6
2
2004-05
47 15 17 32 16 10 *6
3
9
4
NHL Totals
209 53 101 154 55 37
3
9 12
4
Detroit's 8th choice, 171st overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
• Spent majority of 1999-2000 season on Kazan (Russia) reserve squad.Signed as a free agent by Dynamo Moscow (Russia), June
19, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Omsk, September 5, 2005.
Event
2001
2002 B
2003
2004
2005 B
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Sverdlovsk.
• Lists “parents & friends” as the biggest influence on his
hockey career.
• Lists his wife and daughter as the people he admires
most.
• Will call his wife first if Russia wins gold at Torino.
• Played with Russian junior national team during the
1995–96 season.
• First joined the senior Russian national team for the
Karjala Cup in Finland during the 1999–2000 season.
85
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
6
7
4
9
0
1
1
1
3
4
2
4
0
4
4
3
5
1
7
0
0
0
0
0
Slovakia
LOS ANGELES KINGS
DEMITRA, PAVOL
BORN, DUBNICA, CZECH., NOVEMBER 29, 1974.
(deh-MEET-rah, PAH-vohl)
• He scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game (with
•
•
•
•
Ottawa) on Oct. 9, 1993 vs. St. Louis. Played on the
Blues’“Slovak Line” with Lubos Bartecko and fellow
2006 Slovak Olympian Michal Handzus in 1999–2000.
He won the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) in
1999–2000. Also played in the All-Star Game for the
first time that year.
Returned to play in Slovakia in 2004–05 and led the
league in goals (28), assists (54) and points (82).
His hobbies are tennis and golf. Andre Agassi is his
favorite athlete. Mel Gibson is his favorite actor.
“Everybody Loves Raymond” is his favorite TV show. He
likes “Maxim” magazine and his favorite band is
Metallica.
Nickname is Demo.
• Played first full NHL season in 1997-98 (missed 11
•
•
•
•
•
•
games with broken jaw) and tied for sixth in NHL with
4 shorthanded goals.
Posted career high with 37 goals to rank 12th in NHL
in 1998-99. Led the Blues and ranked tenth in NHL
with 89 points. Led club with 14 power-play goals and
finished second in NHL with 10 game-winning goals.
Led Blues in scoring for second consecutive season
(28-47-75) in 1999–2000, tying for 14th in NHL. Ranked
third in NHL in plus/minus (+34).
Returned from injuries to finished first on team and
tied for seventh in NHL with 78 points (35G, 43A) in
2001–02. Finished first in the NHL with 10 game-winning goals.
Finished sixth in NHL with 93 points (36G, 57A) in
2002-03. Established career highs in points (93) and
assists (57) while ranking first on the Blues in all offensive categories. Was tied for fourth in NHL in assists,
tied for 12th in goals.
Limited to 68 games due to hip and neck injuries in
2003–04, but averaged career-best 20:30 of ice time.
Was the top scorer in Slovakia in 2004–05, finishing 26
points ahead of the runner-up.
When I was young…
• First put on skates when he was three.
• His favorite team growing up was Dubnica (his hometown team).
• Favorite player was Igor Larionov.
• His father, Pavol Sr., was a professional soccer player in
Slovakia.
• Younger sister Monica was the best female hockey
player in Slovakia.
• Lists his parents and God as his biggest influences in
hockey.
Playing For Slovakia…
• Won bronze medal with Czech/Slovakia team at
1993 World Junior Championships.
• Played at World Championships in 2003 and 2004.
•
•
Won bronze in 2003. Tied fellow 2006 Slovak
Olympian Miroslav Satan for team lead, and tied for
fourth in tournament, in scoring (4-4-8) at 2004
tournament where Slovaks reached bronze medal
game, losing to U.S.
Tied fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Zdeno Chara for
team scoring lead (0-2-2) at 2004 World Cup of
Hockey. Was among the top Slovak scorers (2-5-7)
The shootout is his favorite international hockey
rule. (The NHL adopted the shootout this season).
• Is competing at his second straight Olympic Games.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is tennis in the Summer Games.
What Others Say…
• “He’s passionate about all the things he does. He’s successful because he’s so
passionate.” — former teammate Tony Twist.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1991-92
1992-93
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Dubnica
Czech-2
28 13 10 23 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dubnica
Czech-2
4
3
0
3
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Trencin
Czech
46 11 17 28
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1993-94 Ottawa
NHL
12
1
1
2
4 .... .... .... .... ....
P.E.I.
AHL
41 18 23 41
8 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
P.E.I.
AHL
61 26 48 74 23
5
0
7
7
0
Ottawa
NHL
16
4
3
7
0 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96 Ottawa
NHL
31
7 10 17
6 .... .... .... .... ....
P.E.I.
AHL
48 28 53 81 44 ....
.... .... .... ....
1996-97
Trencin
Slovakia
1
1
1
2
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Las Vegas
IHL
22
8 13 21 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
St. Louis
NHL
8
3
0
3
2
6
1
3
4
6
Grand Rapids
IHL
42 20 30 50 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
1997-98 St. Louis
NHL
61 22 30 52 22 10
3
3
6
2
1998-99 St. Louis
NHL
82 37 52 89 16 13
5
4
9
4
99-2000 St. Louis
NHL
71 28 47 75
8 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 St. Louis
NHL
44 20 25 45 16 15
2
4
6
2
2001-02 St. Louis
NHL
82 35 43 78 46 10
4
7 11
6
2002-03 St. Louis
NHL
78 36 57 93 32
7
2
4
6
2
2003-04 St. Louis
NHL
68 23 35 58 18
5
1
0
1
4
2004-05
Trencin
Slovakia
54 *28 *54 *82 39 12
4 13 17 14
NHL Totals
553 216 303 519 170 66 18 25 43 26
Ottawa's 9th choice, 227th overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.
Lady Byng Trophy (2000)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1999, 2000, 2002)
Traded to St.Louis by Ottawa for Christer Olsson, November 27, 1996.Signed as a free agent by Trencin (Slovakia), September 17,
2004.Signed as a free agent by Los Angeles, August 2, 2005.
1992 G Czechoslovakia
1993 B Czech Republic
1996
1996
2002
2003 B
2004
2004
2005
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
• First opportunity to play for Slovakia came at 1996
World Championships and 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
• Previously, won gold medal and was second leading
scorer for Czechoslovakia at 1992 European Junior
Championships (4-8-12).
86
Event
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
7
5
3
2
5
9
4
7
4
4
1
0
1
2
4
0
2
8 12
4 8
2 3
0 0
2 3
2 4
4 8
2 2
5 7
2
8
2
4
2
4
4
2
2
U.S.A.
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
DIPIETRO, RICK
GOALTENDER. CATCHES RIGHT. 5’11”/180 CM 185 LBS./84 KG
BORN, WINTHROP, MA, SEPTEMBER 19, 1981.
(dee-pee-EHT-roh, RIHK)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
He is the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic hockey team, at age 24.
He was the first goalie to be selected #1 in the NHL
Entry Draft since Michel Plasse in 1968.
Wears jersey #29 and 39 because he likes odd numbers.
Most memorable hockey game played was his first
NHL game in Buffalo on Jan. 27, 2001, making 29 saves
in 2–1 loss.
Most memorable hockey game watched was the New
York Rangers vs. Vancouver Canucks in the 1994
Stanley Cup Final when 2006 Russian Olympic boss
Pavel Bure had a penalty shot against Mike Richter.
(Game four.)
Enjoys fishing and golfing in the offseason.
Is a part of the Teammates For Kids charity effort. Also
contributes money for every win and shutout.
Favorite NHL arena is the old Boston Garden “because
it was a great place to watch a game.” Other favorites
include:“Seinfeld” (TV show),“Wedding Crashers”
(movie), Al Pacino (actor), Angelina Jolie (actress) and
Pearl Jam (music group). If he could be any superhero
it would be Superman “because it would be nice to be
able to fly.”
would be with Angelina Jolie, John F. Kennedy, and
Muhammad Ali.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Olympians Jordan Leopold and John-Michael
Liles.
Won silver medal with Team USA at the 1998
Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.
Represented U.S. at the 1999 World Under-18
Junior Championship (first year U.S. appeared in
what was formerly the European Junior
Championship).
Member of first-place Team USA at 2000 Summer
Challenge following U.S. national junior team
evaluation camp.
Was named Best Goalie and to the All-Star Team
at the 2000 World Junior Hockey Championship.
Had the second best average (1.33) and fifth best
save percentage (.927) at the 2001 WJC.
Was the winning goaltender vs. Slovakia for only
U.S. win in the round-robin section of 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Calls this tournament his greatest international hockey experience.
Helped lead the U.S. to victory at the Deutschland Cup in November of 2004.
Was fifth in average (1.68), sixth in save percentage (.942) at the 2005 World
Championship.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and soccer in the Summer Games.
• “It’s all right to dream and never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve something.”
• Spent one season at Boston University in 1999–2000.
•
•
Was named MVP and rookie of the year in New
England. Also Hockey East rookie of the year and
Beanpot MVP (Beanpot Tournament features Boston
University vs. Boston College).
Led AHL with 30 wins in 2001–02. Received Bridgeport
Fan Favorite Award. Named starting goaltender for
PlanetUSA at AHL All Star Classic. Was again named
starter in 2003 AHL All-Star Game.
Notched first NHL shutout, recording 13 saves at
Buffalo on Oct. 11, 2003. Recorded consecutive
shutouts on Mar. 19 and Mar. 21, 2004. Made careerhigh 45 saves in 3-1 win at Anaheim on Mar. 12.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the Skakie Flyers.
• Favorite player growing up was New York Rangers
goaltender Mike Richter.
• Was childhood friends with fellow U.S. Olympian JohnMichael Liles.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
GP W
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
USA U-17
USDP
46 21 19 0 2526 131 2 3.11 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
USA U-18
USDP
46 31 11 2 2760 113 2 2.46 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Boston University H-East
29 18 5 5 1790 73 2 2.45 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
NY Islanders
NHL
20 3 15 1 1083 63 0 3.49 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Chicago
IHL
14 4 5 2 778 44 0 3.39 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Bridgeport
AHL
59 *30 22 7 3472 134 4 2.32 20 12 8*1270 45 *3 2.13
NHL
10 2 5 2 585 29 0 2.97 1 0 0 15 0 0 0.00
Bridgeport
AHL
34 16 10 8 2044 73 3 2.14 5 2 3 299 10 1 2.01
NHL
50 23 18 5 2844 112 5 2.36 5 1 4 303 11 1 2.18
Bridgeport
AHL
2 0 2 0 119
3 0 1.51 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
80 28 38 8 4512 204 5 2.71 6 1 4 318 11 1 2.08
(NY Islanders' 1st choice, 1st overall, in 2000 Entry Draft).
WJC-A All-Star Team (2000) • Named Best Goaltender at WJC-A (2000 • Hockey East Second All-Star Team (2000) • Hockey East
Rookie of the Year (2000)
Event
1999
2000
2001
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
2004
2005
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
• Lists his parents as being the biggest influence on his
•
League
career because “they did everything they could to help
me succeed and they are the reason I made it.”
Will call his dad first if Team USA wins gold at Torino.
• First experience wearing the American jersey was with
the U.S. National Team Development Program. (Was an
inaugural member of the program along with 2006
87
GP W
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
4 .... .... ....
5 2 2 1
6 5 1 0
3 .... .... ....
1 1 0 0
4 2 2 0
L
240 13
299 9
360 8
179 8
60 1
250 7
1
1
1
0
0
1
3.25
1.81
1.33
2.68
1.00
1.68
Canada
PHOENIX COYOTES
DOAN, SHANE
BORN, HALKIRK, ALTA., OCTOBER 10, 1976.
(DOHN, SHAYN)
• He patterned his game after Hall of Fame player Cam
Neely.
• Hobbies include golf and horses.
• Charitable efforts are ongoing with the Top Shelf pro•
•
•
gram (donating money for every goal scored), Circle
Square Ranch, the United Blood Services and the
Samaritans Purse.
Most memorable game watched was the 1987 Canada
Cup Final “because of the Gretzky/Lemieux goal.”
Favorite TV show is “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Favorite movie is “Tombstone.” Favorite musician is
Garth Brooks.
Jesus and Thomas Edison.
• Was part of Kamloops’ 1994 Memorial Cup winning
team, but did not play in any playoff games.
• Finished third on Blazers, 16th in WHL in scoring in
•
•
•
•
•
1994–95. Helped Kamloops win Memorial Cup for second consecutive season. Won Stafford Smythe
Memorial Trophy as Memorial Cup MVP.
Registered 2 assists in first NHL game vs. Dal. Oct. 7,
1995. Scored first 2 NHL goals (including OT winner) vs.
Chi, Nov. 14. Was named Jets rookie of the year in
1995–96.
Shattered previous career highs in goals (26), assists
(25) and points (51) in 1999–2000. Was one of only
three NHL players to have at least 200 hits and 200
shots.
Led team in both hits (206) and shots (220) for second
consecutive season. In 2000–01. One of only four NHL
players to have at least 200 hits and 200 shots.
Ranked sixth in NHL, second among forwards, in hits
(254) in 2001–02. Recorded at least 200 hits and 200
shots for third straight season. Was only NHL player to
achieve the feat.
Led the team and set new career highs in goals (27),
assists (41), points (68) and power-play goals (9) in
2003–04. Was 25th in NHL in scoring. Led team forwards and set career high in average time on ice
(21:45).
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the Castor Beavers.
• Oiler stars Paul Coffey and Wayne Gretzky were his
favorite players.
• “My first uniform was a Team Canada uniform as a kid. I
•
wore it until I was way too big for it. Hockey Canada
has given so much to the players, not just to elite players, but to all players in the game. To be involved in
this is something special.” (Globe and Mail, Apr. 16,
2005.)
He has been friends with Phoenix teammate Tyson
Nash and Maple Leaf Darcy Tucker since their minor
hockey days.
• Names his father as both his biggest influence on
his hockey career and as his favorite coach.
• His sister was a former University of Calgary bas•
ketball star and now plays professionally in
Europe.
Will call his three children first if Canada wins
gold in Torino.
• First Team Canada experience came at the 1999
World Championship.“It was a dream come true.”
• Had been invited to Team Canada’s evaluation
•
•
•
camp (August 1995) for the 1996 World Junior
Championship.
Won gold medal at 2003 World Championship.
Was tied for second on Canadian team with 4 goals, tied for fifth with 6 points.
Scored game-tying goal in third period of gold medal game with Sweden to
force overtime.
Was named to Canada’s 2004 World Championship team, but did not take part
due to injury. He returned to the World Championship in 2005.
Scored the winning goal 34 seconds into third period as Canada beat Finland
3–2 in the final game of the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Lists the World Cup title
as his favorite international hockey moment.
• Is a self-proclaimed ‘“huge fan” of the Olympics and watches as many of the competitions as he can.
• His cousin is speedskater Catriona Le May Doan, who became the first Canadian
individual to successfully defend a gold medal victory, winning at the 500-meter
distance in Nagano in 1998 and Salt Lake City in 2002. She also carried the
Canadian flag into the Salt Lake City Games (her fourth Olympic appearance).
• “Have fun and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Enjoy it.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
Killam
Kamloops
Kamloops
Kamloops
Winnipeg
Phoenix
Phoenix
Springfield
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
AAHA
WHL
WHL
WHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Regular Season
GP
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
56 80 84 164 74
51
7 12 19 65
52 24 24 48 88
71 37 57 94 106
74
7 10 17 101
63
4
8 12 49
33
5
6 11 35
39 21 21 42 64
79
6 16 22 54
81 26 25 51 66
76 26 37 63 89
81 20 29 49 61
82 21 37 58 86
79 27 41 68 47
DID NOT PLAY
648 142 209 351 588
....
13
....
21
6
4
6
....
7
4
....
5
....
....
....
0
....
6
0
0
1
....
2
1
....
2
....
....
A Pts PIM
....
1
....
10
0
0
0
....
2
2
....
2
....
....
....
1
....
16
0
0
1
....
4
3
....
4
....
....
....
8
....
16
6
2
6
....
6
8
....
6
....
....
NHL Totals
32
6
6 12 34
Winnipeg's 1st choice, 7th overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.
Memorial Cup Tournament All-Star Team (1995) • Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy (Memorial Cup Tournament MVP) (1995)
Transferred to Phoenix after Winnipeg franchise relocated, July 1, 1996.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1999
2003 G
2004 1st
2005 S
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
4
9
6
9
0
4
1
1
0
2
1
3
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
88
0
6
2
4
0
12
2
2
Canada
DETROIT RED WINGS
DRAPER, KRIS
BORN, TORONTO, ONT., MAY 24, 1971.
(DRAY-puhr, KRIHS)
• Nicknames are Drapes and Nailz.
• Pregame superstition is that the left piece of equipment goes on first.
• Wears #33 because “it was in my stall when I got called
up.”
• Is very involved in the charitable efforts of the Make a
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wish Foundation, the Children’s Hospital of Michigan,
the Red Cross, and is the team spokesman for Toys
for Tots.
Most memorable hockey game played was game
three of the 2002 Stanley Sup finals that went in triple
overtime because “it was the longest game I ever
played in and we won.”
Most memorable hockey game watched was when he
was at the Canada Cup 1987 game when Mario
Lemieux scored from Wayne Gretzky.
Favorite coach is Scotty Bowman, because “he gave me
a chance to play.”
Other favorites include:“24” (TV show),“Braveheart”
(movie), Nicole Kidman (actress), Robert DeNiro (actor)
and U2 (music group).
If he could be any superhero, it would be Mighty
Mouse because “he is small but fast.”
Lance Armstrong.
• Played for Canada’s national team when he was
just 17. Played two seasons from 1988 to 1990.
• Played at World Junior Championship in 1990 and
1991, winning gold medal each year.
• Played at World Championship in 2000, 2001,
•
2003 and 2005. Won gold in 2003. Took the most
face-offs for Canada (191) at 2003 event, winning
118 for a face-off winning percentage of 62.
Had 4 points (2G, 2A) in five games while playing
key defensive role as Canada won 2004 World
Cup of Hockey. Calls winning this tournament his
greatest international hockey memory because
he had family and friends at the game in Toronto.
Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout
“because of the excitement.” (The NHL adopted
the shootout this season.)
• Other Olympic sports of interest are the 100-meter sprint and the 4x100-meter
relay at the Summer Games.
• “I think it’s important to be very encouraging and supportive to your son/daughter. Make it fun for everyone going to the rink. Work hard in every drill.”
• Won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with
•
•
•
Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. Shooting percentage of
13.5 was best on team in 1997–98. Broke a 21-game
scoring drought by recording overtime winner vs.
Washington in second game of Stanley Cup Final.
Tied 2006 Swedish Olympian Nicklas Lidstrom and
Igor Larionov for team lead in shorthanded points (4)
and was first with 3 shorthanded assists in 1998–99.
One of only three Red Wings (Brett Hull and Kirk
Maltby) to appear in all 82 games during Stanley Cupwinning season of 2001–02. Set career high in
plus/minus (+26) and was second on team to 2006 U.S.
Olympian Chris Chelios. Appeared in all 82 games for
second straight season in 2002–03. Set new career
high in assists (21) and penalty minutes (82).
Established career highs in goals (24) and points (40) in
2003–04. Tied for second in NHL behind fellow 2006
Canadian Olympian Martin St. Louis in shorthanded
goals (5) and shorthanded points (7). Detroit had NHL’s
best penalty-killing record (86.8 percent).
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the Scarborough Lions.
• Favorite team growing up was the New York Islanders.
• Favorite player was Islanders star Bryan Trottier. He patterned his style of play after Trottier.
• Greatest influence on his career has been from his
•
father because “he was always supportive and positive.”
Will call his wife or his father first if Canada wins gold
in Torino.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
Don Mills
MTHL
40 35 32 67 46 ....
Canada
Nat-Tm
60 11 15 26 16 ....
Canada
Nat-Tm
61 12 22 34 44 ....
Ottawa
OHL
39 19 42 61 35 17
Winnipeg
NHL
3
1
0
1
5 ....
Moncton
AHL
7
2
1
3
2 ....
1991-92 Winnipeg
NHL
10
2
0
2
2
2
Moncton
AHL
61 11 18 29 113
4
1992-93 Winnipeg
NHL
7
0
0
0
2 ....
Moncton
AHL
67 12 23 35 40
5
1993-94 Detroit
NHL
39
5
8 13 31
7
Adirondack
AHL
46 20 23 43 49 ....
1994-95 Detroit
NHL
36
2
6
8 22 18
1995-96 Detroit
NHL
52
7
9 16 32 18
1996-97◆ Detroit
NHL
76
8
5 13 73 20
1997-98◆ Detroit
NHL
64 13 10 23 45 19
1998-99 Detroit
NHL
80
4 14 18 79 10
99-2000 Detroit
NHL
51
5
7 12 28
9
2000-01 Detroit
NHL
75
8 17 25 38
6
2001-02◆ Detroit
NHL
82 15 15 30 56 23
2002-03 Detroit
NHL
82 14 21 35 82
4
2003-04 Detroit
NHL
67 24 16 40 31 12
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
724 108 128 236 526 148
Winnipeg's 4th choice, 62nd overall, in 1989 Entry Draft.
Frank J.Selke Trophy (2004)
Traded to Detroit by Winnipeg for future considerations, June 30, 1993.
....
....
....
8
....
....
0
0
....
2
2
....
4
4
2
1
0
2
0
2
0
1
....
....
....
11
....
....
0
1
....
2
2
....
1
2
4
3
1
0
1
3
0
3
....
....
....
19
....
....
0
1
....
4
4
....
5
6
6
4
1
2
1
5
0
4
18
20
38 102
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1990 G Canada
1991 G Canada
2000
2001
2003 G
2004 1st
2005 S
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
89
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
7
7
3
7
9
5
9
0
1
1
1
0
2
0
2
3
0
2
3
2
2
2
4
1
3
3
4
2
4
0
0
0
10
2
6
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
20
....
....
0
6
....
18
4
....
12
18
12
12
6
6
2
20
4
6
U.S.A.
BUFFALO SABRES
DRURY, CHRIS
BORN, TRUMBULL, CT, AUGUST 20, 1976.
(DROO-ree, KRIHS)
• He was the first player to enter the NHL directly from
•
•
•
•
•
•
U.S. college hockey and win Calder Trophy as rookie of
the year.
He is the only person to win the Calder Trophy and the
Hobey Baker Award.
Played in a record 59 playoff games during his first
three seasons in the NHL. Dave Langevin (NYI) played
in 58, while Ken Morrow (NYI), Billy Carroll (NYI) and
2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir Jagr (Pit) played in 57.
Does charitable work with the Travis Roy Foundation.
Wears # 23 because of baseball player Don Mattingly.
Favorite hobby is golf. Favorite TV show is “The West
Wing.” Favorite movie is “Bull Durham.” Favorite actor is
C.J. Manning. Favorite musical group is U2.
would be with George Bush, Jesus and Bono of U2.
• Was a freshman on the Boston University team that
•
•
•
•
•
•
won the NCAA title in 1995, and won the Hobey Baker
award as college hockey’s top player in 1998.
He received the most personal honors in the history of
the school. His 113 goals rate him as all-time leader in
Terriers history. His 214 points rank third.
His 20 goals in 1998–99 ranked second among NHL
rookies, 44 points rated third. His 6 playoff goals
included 4 game-winners, which tied a rookie record
set by Claude Lemieux in 1986.
His 20 goals and 47 assists in 1999–2000 helped pick
up offensive slack in Colorado when injuries sidelined
Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic.
Scored a career-high 24 goals in 2000–01 as Colorado
set club records for wins (52) and points (118) and won
Presidents’ Trophy. His 11 playoff goals trailed only
teammate and 2006 Canadian Olympian Joe Sakic (13)
as Colorado won Stanley Cup .
Tied for second on team in goals (21) and led in gamewinning goals (6) in 2001–02. Ranked first on the team
in face-off percentage (53.2).
In his first season with Buffalo in 2003–04, finished
third on the team in assists (35) and tied for third in
points (53).
When I was young…
• His first minor hockey team was in the Great
•
•
Bridgeport Youth Hockey organization. Says his first
hockey memory is of “early, cold, dark mornings.”
Favorite team growing up was the New York Rangers.
(Madison Square Garden is still his favorite arena.)
In 1989, during the summer he turned 13, Drury won
eight games in the Little League World Series and hit
.527 during the tournament playing for a team from
Trumbull, Connecticut. He got the chance to visit the
White House and appear on “Good Morning America.”
• First represented his country as a 16-year-old with
U.S. Select 17 Team at a 1993 tournament in Japan.
• Represented United States at 1996 World Junior
Championships
• Played for Team USA at World Championships in
•
1997, 1998 and 2004, winning bronze medal at
2004 tourney. Calls this victory is greatest international hockey moment. Was second in scoring (3-36) behind Richard Park on the U.S. team.
“because of the excitement it brings to the game.”
(The NHL adopted the shootout this season.)
Games.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are all of the skiing events and the skeleton
race.
• “Have fun while striving to never be denied.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01◆
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Fairfield Prep
Fairfield Prep
Fairfield Prep
Boston University
Boston University
Boston University
Boston University
Colorado
Colorado
Colorado
Colorado
Calgary
Buffalo
High-CT
High-CT
High-CT
H-East
H-East
H-East
H-East
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
Regular Season
GP
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
25 22 27 49
....
24 25 32 57 15
24 37 18 55
....
39 12 15 27 38
37 35 33 *68 46
41 *38 24 62 64
38 28 29 57 88
79 20 24 44 62
82 20 47 67 42
71 24 41 65 47
82 21 25 46 38
80 23 30 53 33
76 18 35 53 68
DID NOT PLAY
470 126 202 328 290
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
19
17
23
21
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
6
4
11
5
....
....
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
2
10
5
7
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
8
14
16
12
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
4
4
4
10
....
....
NHL Totals
80 26 24 50 22
Quebec's 5th choice, 72nd overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.
• Brother of Ted • Hockey East Second All-Star Team (1996, 1997) • NCAA East Second All-American Team (1996) • Hockey East
Player of the Year (1997, 1998) • NCAA East First All-American Team (1997, 1998) • NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
(1997) • Hockey East First All-Star Team (1998) • Hobey Baker Memorial Award (Top U.S.Collegiate Player) (1998) • NHL AllRookie Team (1999) • Calder Memorial Trophy (1999)
Rights transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchise relocated, June 21, 1995.Traded to Calgary by Colorado with Stephane Yelle
for Derek Morris, Jeff Shantz and Dean McAmmond, October 1, 2002.Traded to Buffalo by Calgary with Steve Begin for Steve
Reinprecht and Rhett Warrener, July 3, 2003.
Event
1996
1997
1998
2002 S
2004 B
2004
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
• Thanks his brother for being the greatest influence on
his career, and for also being there to pattern his game
after. (Ted Drury played in the NHL from 1993 to 2001
and is still active in Germany.)
90
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
8
6
6
9
5
2
0
1
0
3
0
2
1
2
0
3
0
4
1
3
0
6
0
2
2
12
0
27
0
Germany
SAN JOSE SHARKS
EHRHOFF, CHRISTIAN
BORN, MOERS, WEST GERMANY, JULY 6, 1982.
(AIR-hawf, KRIHS-tyehn)
• He was the second consecutive German selected by
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
San Jose (behind Marcel Goc) in the 2001 NHL Entry
Draft.
Wears #10 because “I’ve worn it all my life.”
Always puts his right side equipment on first.
Most memorable game played was the fifth game of
the best-of-five German championship with Krefeld in
2003.“We won it.”
Hobbies are golf, tennis and “hanging out with
friends.”
Favorite rink is the “Shark Tank” in San Jose because of
the great atmosphere.
Other favorites are “Las Vegas” (TV show),“Old School”
(movie), Jessica Alba (actor), Robbie Williams (music).
would be with Jesus, Hugh Hefner and Will Ferrell.
• Was first among Krefeld defensemen in goals (10), sec-
•
•
ond in points (27) in 2002–03. Ranked 14th overall in
league scoring by defensemen, tied for fourth in goals.
Was first on the team in plus/minus (+14). Appeared in
Deutschland Cup and Swiss Cup in addition to helping
Krefeld win German playoff championship.
Made NHL debut in Sharks first game of the 2003–04
season, Oct. 9 at Edmonton. Played in the NHL
YoungStars Game as part of the All-Star Weekend.
Established career highs with Cleveland AHL in
2004–05 with 12 goals, 23 assists, 35 points and 103
PIM.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is getting a penalty shot in his
•
•
•
first game, and not knowing what it was.“The coach
had to explain.”
He lists his peewee coach as his favorite coach
because “he taught me how to skate.”
Favorite team growing up was Krefeld. He began playing hockey in the Krefeld system.
Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky.
on his career.“They drove me to practice every day.”
• His father is the person he admires most.“He fought
and beat Hodgkin’s Disease.”
• Will call his father first if Germany wins gold in Torino.
• Tied fellow 2006 Olympian and former NHLer
•
•
Stephan Ustorf for third in team scoring (2-3-5) at
Germany reached quarterfinals at 2003 World
Championship, losing to Canada 3–2 in overtime.
Favorite international hockey rule is no red line for
two-line passes.“It opens up the game.” (The NHL
adopted the “no red-line rule” this season.)
• Is competing at his second Olympic Games (2002)
• Lists walking in at the opening ceremonies of the
•
•
Salt Lake City Olympics as his greatest international hockey experience.
Was the youngest player (19) to compete in Salt
Lake City. Germany had the best record in the preliminary round.
Other Olympic sport of interest is women’s beach volleyball at the Summer
Games.
• “Work hard and follow your dream.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
GP
G
Krefeld Jr.
Ger-Jr.
22
Duisburg
German-3
41
Krefeld
Germany
9
2000-01
Duisburg
German-3
6
Krefeld
Germany
58
2001-02
Krefeld
Germany
46
2002-03
Krefeld
Germany
48
2003-04 San Jose
NHL
41
Cleveland
AHL
27
2004-05
Cleveland
AHL
79
NHL Totals
41
San Jose's 2nd choice, 106th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.
10
3
1
1
3
7
10
1
4
12
1
1998-99
99-2000
A Pts PIM
14
12
0
2
11
17
17
11
10
23
11
Event
1999
2000
2001 S
2002 G
WJ18-A
WJ18-A
WJC-B
WJC-B
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
2003
2004
2005
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Playing for Germany…
• First played for Germany on the Under-16 team at an
•
•
Regular Season
League
exhibition game in Finland.“It was an honor to represent my country.”
Played at World Junior Under-18 Championship in
1999 and 2000. Led 1999 team in scoring (1-2-3).
Played at World Junior Championship (Div. 1) in 2001
and 2002. Tied for team lead in scoring (1-3-4) with fellow 2006 Olympian Dennis Seidenberg in 2001 as
Germans earned silver. Led all defensemen in scoring
(3-7-10) at 2002 tournament as Germans won gold and
earned promotion.
91
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
6
5
5
7
7
7
4
6
1
0
1
3
0
2
0
0
0
2 3
1 1
3 4
7 10
0 0
3 5
0 0
0 0
1 1
6
20
6
10
8
4
8
2
4
24
15
1
3
14
24
27
12
14
35
12
46
50
6
12
73
81
54
14
43
103
14
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
....
3
....
....
3
14
....
9
....
....
....
....
0
....
....
0
3
....
2
....
....
A Pts PIM
....
....
0
....
....
0
6
....
6
....
....
....
....
0
....
....
0
9
....
8
....
....
....
....
0
....
....
2
24
....
11
....
....
Czech Republic
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
ERAT, MARTIN
BORN, TREBIC, CZECH., AUGUST 29, 1981.
(EE-rat, mahr-TIHN)
• Nicknames Marty, Modena and Spenat.
• Hobbies are soccer and tennis.
• Lists his junior coach in the Czech Republic as his
favorite coach.
• Other favorites include “Lost” (TV show), watching
•
Czech movies, actress Helena Ruzickova and the band
Nirvana.
would be with George W. Bush, Lance Armstrong and
Helena Ruzickova.
• Favorite international hockey rule is the bigger ice
surface.
• The most memorable game he has watched was
•
the 1998 gold medal final in Nagano when the
Czech Republic beat Russia 1–0.
Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping.
• “Always play your game and have fun!”
• Won the Memorial Cup (Canadian junior champi•
•
•
•
onship) with Red Deer (WHL) in 2001. Led the WHL
playoffs in goals (15) and points (36), tied for the lead
in assists (21).
Was Nashville’s 12th pick (191st overall) in the 1999
Entry Draft, but was the first Predators player selected
that year to play in the NHL when he made his debut
on Oct. 5, 2001. Established team rookie records for
games (80), assists (24) and points (33) in 2001–02.
Ranked among NHL rookie leaders in assists, points,
shooting percentage (10.7) and in several other categories.
Led Milwaukee (AHL) in playoff goals (5) and points (9)
in 2002–03.
Reached NHL highs in goals (16), assists (33), points
(49), penalty minutes (38) and plus/minus (+10) in
2003–04. Ranked second on the team in plus/minus.
In 2004–05, he led Zlin and ranked eighth in the Czech
elite league in scoring (20-23-43). Was 11th in the
league in goals. Tied for the league playoff lead with
7 goals as Zlin reached the final. Also played for Zlin
in the European Champions’ Cup.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is going on the ice with his
brother.
• First hockey team played for was Trebic.
Penguins.
• Favorite player growing up was 2006 Russian Olympic
general manager Pavel Bure.
• Was childhood friends with Predators and 2006 Czech
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1997-98
1998-99
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Zlin Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
46 35 30 65
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Zlin Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
35 21 23 44
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Zlin
CzRep
5
0
0
0
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
99-2000
Saskatoon
WHL
66 27 26 53 82 11
4
8 12 16
2000-01
Saskatoon
WHL
31 19 35 54 48 ....
.... .... .... ....
Red Deer
WHL
17
4 24 28 24 22 *15 *21 *36 32
2001-02 Nashville
NHL
80
9 24 33 32 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Nashville
NHL
27
1
7
8 14 .... .... .... .... ....
Milwaukee
AHL
45 10 22 32 41
6
5
4
9
4
2003-04 Nashville
NHL
76 16 33 49 38
6
0
1
1
6
2004-05
Zlin
CzRep
48 20 23 43 129 16 *7
5 12 12
NHL Totals
183 26 64 90 84
6
0
1
1
6
Nashville's 12th choice, 191st overall, in 1999 Entry Draft.
Traded to Red Deer (WHL) by Saskatoon (WHL) with Darcy Robinson and Cam Ondik for Michael Garnett, Justin Wallin, Martin
Vymazzi and future considerations, January 11, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Zlin (CzRep), September 5, 2004.
1999
2001 G
Event
Czech Republic WJ18-A
Czech Republic WJC-A
Olympic teammate Tomas Vokoun and Patrik Elias of
New Jersey.
• Lists his mother and his brother as having had the
most influence on his hockey career.
• Will call home to his mother, brother and girlfriend if
the Czechs win gold in Torino.
• Played at the 1999 World Under-18 Championship.
• Lists winning the gold medal at the 2001 World Junior
•
Regular Season
League
Championship as his greatest international hockey
experience. The gold medal game is the most memorable game he has played.
Represented the Czech Republic in the 2004–05
Karjala Cup.
92
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
7
0
2
2
1
2
3
12
16
U.S.A.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
ESCHE, ROBERT
BORN, WHITESBORO, NY, JANUARY 22, 1978.
(EHSH, RAW-buhrt)
• His nickname Chico (after former Islanders goalie
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Glenn “Chico” Resch) was given to him by fellow 2006
U.S. Olympian Keith Tkachuk.
Wears #42 “because [Phoenix Coyotes equipment
manager] Stan Wilson gave it to me.”
The most memorable game he has played was the
seventh game of the 2004 Eastern Conference Final
between Philadelphia and Tampa Bay.
Lists Flyers coach (and 2006 Team Canada assistant)
Ken Hitchcock as his favorite coach because “he is a
perfectionist.”
Most admires his best friend Kevin Lojewski “because
of his great family life.”
Hobbies are playing guitar, fishing and hunting.
Has created his own charitable foundation called Save
The Day Foundation.
Favorite NHL arena is the Gaylord Entertainment
Center in Nashville. Other favorites include:“Dukes of
Hazzard” (TV show),“Smokey and the Bandit” and
“Wedding Crashers” (movies), Clint Eastwood (actor).
would be with his favorite musicians, Hank Williams Jr.,
Kid Rock and Willie Nelson.
•
•
•
•
•
Ranked fourth in OHL in wins (29) and goals-against
average (2.88) with Plymouth in 1997–98.
Named to AHL All-Rookie Team in 1998–99. Played in
AHL All-Star Game. Tied for sixth in AHL in wins (24),
ranked 12th in goals-against average (2.80).
Still qualified as an NHL rookie in 2000–01 despite seeing action in the previous two seasons. Played in 25
games as backup to Sean Burke in Phoenix. Tied for
second among NHL goalies with 3 assists. Made 30
saves for his first career shutout vs. Minnesota on Nov.
30, 2000.
As backup to Roman Cechmanek in Philadelphia in
2002–03, the two shared the William Jennings Trophy
(tied with 2006 Canadian Olympian Martin Brodeur) as
the Flyers and Devils allowed the fewest goals in NHL.
Won the Pelle Lindbergh Trophy in 2003–04 as the
Flyer who was most improved from previous season as
voted by teammates. Was fifth in the NHL in goalsagainst average (2.04). Was named NHL Defensive
Player of the Week twice during the season.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the Whitesboro Warriors squirt
team.
• First hockey memory is of getting a shutout during his
first game in goal.
• Favorite teams were the Toronto Maple Leafs, New
Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers.
• Favorite players were goalies Ron Hextall, Sean Burke.
•
and Chris Terreri. (He patterns his game after Hextall
and Burke.)
Is a childhood friend of Jesse Boulerice of the Carolina
Hurricanes.
• Names his father as being the most influential
•
person in his career because “of his fierce competitiveness.”
Will call his father first if U.S. wins gold in Torino.
• Says “it was very special” to first put on the
American jersey.
• Played for U.S. team at 1995 Under-18 Air Canada
Pacific Cup in Japan.
• Was spare goaltender on U.S. team that won the
•
•
•
•
silver medal at 1997 World Junior Championships.
Also played at 1998 WJC.
Played two games at 2000 World Championship.
Made 44 saves in 3–0 win over Russia.
His 2.17 goals-against average in six games ranked 8th at 2001 World
Championship. USA was fourth for its best finish at the time since winning
bronze in 1996.
Was top goaltender on U.S. team at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Lists this as
his greatest international hockey experience.
Favorite international hockey rule is the bigger ice surface.
• Was invited to summer training camp for U.S. team prior to 2002 Salt Lake City
Games.
• His most memorable hockey game watched was Canada vs. USA in the gold
medal final at Salt Lake City.
• “Anybody can make it with will.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
Gloucester
Detroit
Detroit
Plymouth
Phoenix
Springfield
Phoenix
Houston
Springfield
Phoenix
Phoenix
Springfield
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
CJHL
OHL
OHL
OHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
IHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
Regular Season
GP W
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
20 10 6 0 1034 70 0 4.06 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
23 13 6 0 1219 76 1 3.74 3 0 2 105 4 0 2.29
58 24 28 2 3241 206 2 3.81 5 1 4 317 19 0 3.60
48 29 13 4 2810 135 3 2.88 15 8 7 869 45 0 3.11
3 0 1 0 130
7 0 3.23 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
55 24 20 6 2957 138 1 2.80 1 0 1 60 4 0 4.02
99-2000
8 2 5 0 408 23 0 3.38 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
7 4 2 1 419 16 2 2.29 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
21 9 9 2 1207 61 2 3.03 3 1 2 180 12 0 4.01
2000-01
25 10 8 4 1350 68 2 3.02 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02
22 6 10 2 1145 52 1 2.72 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1 1 0 0
60
0 1 0.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03
30 12 9 3 1638 60 2 2.20 1 0 0 30 1 0 2.00
2003-04
40 21 11 7 2322 79 3 2.04 18 11 7 1061 41 1 2.32
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
128 51 44 16 6993 289 8 2.48 19 11 7 1091 42 1 2.31
(Phoenix's 5th choice, 139th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft).
OHL Second All-Star Team (1998) • AHL All-Rookie Team (1999) • William M.Jennings Trophy (2003) (shared with Roman
Cechmanek) (tied with Martin Brodeur)
Traded to Philadelphia by Phoenix with Michal Handzus for Brian Boucher and Nashville's 3rd round choice (previously acquired,
Phoenix selected Joe Callahan) in 2002 Entry Draft, June 12, 2002.
Event
1997 S
1998
2000
2001
2004
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
93
GP W
4
2
6
4
L
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
2 2 0 238 13
0 3.28
1 0 1 120 1
1 0.50
4 2 0 359 13
0 2.17
1 3 0 237 10
0 2.53
Canada
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
FOOTE, ADAM
BORN, TORONTO, ONT., JULY 10, 1971.
(FUT, A-duhm)
• He wears number 52 because two was his number in
minor hockey, and five was his number in junior.
• His favorite sport other than hockey is lacrosse. His
hobbies are coaching lacrosse, golf and his children.
• His most memorable NHL game is game seven of the
2001 Stanley Cup Final.
• “Cheers” is his favorite TV show.“The Shawshank
Redemption” his favorite move. Favorite actors are Kate
Beckinsdale, Jack Nicholson and Clint Eastwood.
Favorite band is Motley Crue.
• Played just six games in the minors en route to NHL.
• Played in all 22 playoff games for Colorado when
•
•
•
•
•
Avalanche won Stanley Cup in 1996. Was +11 in the
playoffs.
Led Avalanche defensemen, tied for second on the
team overall, in plus/minus (+16) in 1996–97. Finished
first among Avalanche defensemen in plus/minus
(+20) in 1998–99.
Played only 35 games in 2000–01 due to injuries, but
ranked fifth in NHL in shifts per game (31.57) and
helped Colorado set club records for wins (52) and
points (118) and win Presidents’ Trophy. Missed 35
games due to a separated right shoulder suffered on
Jan 4, 2001, but returned to play all 23 playoff games
as Colorado won Stanley Cup.
Missed first 16 games of 2001–02 season following offseason surgery on his right rotator cuff, but established a career high (matched in 2003–04) with 22
assists in just 55 games. Finished eighth in NHL for ice
time (25:59).
Established career-highs in goals (11) and points (31)
in 2002–03. Also posted a career-best +30.
Led NHL defensemen with 35.5 shifts per game in
2003–04.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is falling down at his very first
practice, then realizing his skate guards were still on.
• Lists minor hockey coach Larry Windover as his
favorite coach.“Best coach I’ve had!”
• His favorite team growing up was the Toronto Maple
•
Leafs. Favorite players were Borje Salming and Darryl
Sittler.
Was childhood friends with future NHLers Keith
Primeau, Joe Nieuwendyk and Gary Roberts.
• Lists his wife as the person he admires most.“She’s
such a strong person.”
• Will call his family first if Canada wins gold at Torino.
• First international experience was playing three
games with Dave King’s national team in 1989–90
• Most memorable international moment was winning gold at Salt Lake City.“It was awesome.”
• Played in every game for Canada at 1996 World
Cup of Hockey despite a broken bone in his foot.
• Has played in every game for Canada at every
tournament he has participated in.
• Led tournament in plus/minus (+7) and was
named to All-Star team when Canada won 2004
Games (1998, 2002).
• Interested in all the other Olympic sports.“I enjoy them all.”
• “Work hard but have fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Whitby
OMHA
65 25 43 68 108 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sault Ste.Marie
OHL
66
7 32 39 120 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sault Ste.Marie
OHL
61 12 43 55 199 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sault Ste.Marie
OHL
59 18 51 69 93 14
5 12 17 28
Quebec
NHL
46
2
5
7 44 .... .... .... .... ....
Halifax
AHL
6
0
1
1
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
1992-93 Quebec
NHL
81
4 12 16 168
6
0
1
1
2
1993-94 Quebec
NHL
45
2
6
8 67 .... .... .... .... ....
1994-95 Quebec
NHL
35
0
7
7 52
6
0
1
1 14
1995-96◆ Colorado
NHL
73
5 11 16 88 22
1
3
4 36
1996-97 Colorado
NHL
78
2 19 21 135 17
0
4
4 62
1997-98 Colorado
NHL
77
3 14 17 124
7
0
0
0 23
1998-99 Colorado
NHL
64
5 16 21 92 19
2
3
5 24
99-2000 Colorado
NHL
59
5 13 18 98 16
0
7
7 28
2000-01◆ Colorado
NHL
35
3 12 15 42 23
3
4
7 *47
2001-02 Colorado
NHL
55
5 22 27 55 21
1
6
7 28
2002-03 Colorado
NHL
78 11 20 31 88
6
0
1
1
8
2003-04 Colorado
NHL
73
8 22 30 87 11
0
4
4 10
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
799 55 179 234 1140 154
7 34 41 282
Quebec's 2nd choice, 22nd overall, in 1989 Entry Draft.
OHL First All-Star Team (1991)
Transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchise relocated, June 21, 1995.• Missed majority of 2000-01 season recovering from
shoulder injury suffered in game vs.Carolina, January 6, 2001.Signed as a free agent by Columbus, August 2, 2005.
1996 2nd Canada
1998
2002 G
2004 1st
Canada
Canada
Canada
94
Event
W-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
GP
G
A Pts PIM
8
6
6
6
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
3
1
1
1
3
16
4
2
0
Sweden
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
FORSBERG, PETER
BORN, ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN, JULY 20, 1973.
(FOHRS-buhrg, PEE-tuhr)
• A Swedish postage stamp commemorates his
shootout goal that gave Sweden Olympic gold in 1994.
• Became first player from Sweden to win the Calder
•
•
•
•
Trophy (NHL’s outstanding rookie) in 1994–95. Was first
Swedish player to win the Hart (MVP) and Art Ross
(scoring leader) trophies in 2002–03.
If he was not playing hockey, he would like to have
been a financial planner.
His favorite charities are Teammates for Kids (in
Colorado) and the Garth Brooks Foundation
Outside of hockey his favorite sport is golf. His favorite
athlete is soccer player Gary Lineker.
Homer Simpson is his favorite cartoon character. His
favorite actors are Jim Carrey and Elisha Cuthbert.
• Led all NHL rookies in points (15-35-50) and
plus/minus (+17) in 1994–95.
• Finished second to Colorado teammate and 2006
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Canadian Olympian Joe Sakic in team scoring and fifth
overall in the NHL with 116 points (30G, 86A) in
1995–96.
Led Colorado in scoring (28-58-86) and in plus/minus
(+31) in 1996–97 despite playing just 65 games.
Finished second in NHL in scoring (25-66-91) and
assists in 1997–98.
Was second in NHL in assists (67), fourth in points (97),
in 1998–99. Led the NHL in playoff scoring (8-16-24).
Missed beginning of 1999–2000 season recovering
from shoulder surgery. Returned to action on Nov. 27,
1999 and had 5 points (2G, 3A) vs. Calgary.
Tied for ninth in NHL with 89 points in 2000–01. His 62
assists were sixth. Trailed only Joe Sakic among
Colorado scorers as Avalanche set club records for wins
(52) and points (118) and won the Presidents’ Trophy.
After missing entire 2001–02 season recovering from
the removal of his spleen, he returned for playoffs and
led NHL in postseason scoring (9-18-27).
Led the NHL with 77 assists and 106 points in 2002–03.
Tied teammate and 2006 Czech Olympian Milan
Hejduk for NHL lead in plus/minus (+52).
Missed 43 games due to groin injury in 2003–04, but
still led NHL in points per game (1.41) and recorded 20
multiple-point games.
Ranked among the scoring leaders in Sweden in
2004–05 ((13-26-39) despite playing just 33 games.
To date, has ranked among NHL leaders in assists and
points in his first season with Philadelphia in 2005–06.
When I was young…
• Began to play hockey in 1978–79 at age five when he
followed his brother Roger, who was three years older,
to training camp.
• Father Kent is a world famous coach. He led the
Swedish national team in the late 1990s, including at
the 1998 Olympics in Nagano.
• Starred at the 1991 European Junior Championship.
• Ranked second in scoring (3-8-11) behind Swedish
teammate Michael Nylander at the 1992 World Junior
Championship. Also played at the 1992 World
•
•
Championship and scored the only goal in the
final in a 1–0 win over Finland.
Named Best Forward at the 1993 World Junior
Championship after setting tournament record
with 31 points (7G, 24A) in seven games. Is the alltime assists (32) and points (42) leader in World
Junior history.
Tied fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Mats Sundin
for the tournament scoring lead (6-5-11) at the
1998 World Championship. Was second on the
Swedish team in scoring (4-5-9) behind Sundin at
the 2003 tournament.
• Is competing at his third Winter Olympic Games
(1994, 1998).
• He is one of three players on the 2006 Swedish team that were part of the gold
medal-winning 1994 team. The others are brothers Kenny and Jorgen Jonsson.
• In addition to scoring the gold medal-winning goal against Canada at the 1994
•
Lillehammer Olympics, he was one of six players tied for third in Olympic scoring
(2-6-8).
Missed the 2002 Salt Lake City games while sitting out the 2001–02 regular season to recover from surgery to remove his spleen following an injury in the 2001
NHL playoffs.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1989-90
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
MoDo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
30 15 12 27 42 ....
.... .... .... ....
MoDo
Sweden
1
0
1
1
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
1990-91
MoDo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
39 38 64 102 56 ....
.... .... .... ....
MoDo
Sweden
23
7 10 17 22 ....
.... .... .... ....
1991-92
MoDo
Sweden
39
9 18 27 78 ....
.... .... .... ....
1992-93
MoDo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
2
0
3
3
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
MoDo
Sweden
39 23 24 47 92
3
4
1
5
0
1993-94
MoDo
Sweden
39 18 26 44 82 11
9
7 16 14
1994-95
MoDo
Sweden
11
5
9 14 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
Quebec
NHL
47 15 35 50 16
6
2
4
6
4
1995-96◆ Colorado
NHL
82 30 86 116 47 22 10 11 21 18
1996-97 Colorado
NHL
65 28 58 86 73 14
5 12 17 10
1997-98 Colorado
NHL
72 25 66 91 94
7
6
5 11 12
1998-99 Colorado
NHL
78 30 67 97 108 19
8 16 *24 31
99-2000 Colorado
NHL
49 14 37 51 52 16
7
8 15 12
2000-01◆ Colorado
NHL
73 27 62 89 54 11
4 10 14
6
2001-02 Colorado
NHL
.... .... .... .... .... 20
9 *18 *27 20
2002-03 Colorado
NHL
75 29 *77 *106 70
7
2
6
8
6
2003-04 Colorado
NHL
39 18 37 55 30 11
4
7 11 12
2004-05
MODO
Sweden
33 13 26 39 88
1
0
0
0
2
NHL Totals
580 216 525 741 544 133 57 97 154 131
Philadelphia's 1st choice, 6th overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.
WJC-A All-Star Team (1993) • Named Best Forward at WJC-A (1993) • WC-A All-Star Team (1998) • Named Best Forward at WCA (1998) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1995) • Calder Memorial Trophy (1995) • NHL First All-Star Team (1998, 1999, 2003) • Bud Light
Plus/Minus Award (2003) (tied with Milan Hejduk) • Art Ross Trophy (2003) • Hart Trophy (2003)
Traded to Quebec by Philadelphia with Steve Duchesne, Kerry Huffman, Mike Ricci, Ron Hextall, Philadelphia's 1st round choice
(Jocelyn Thibault) in 1993 Entry Draft, $15,000,000 and future considerations (Chris Simon and Philadelphia's 1st round choice
(later traded to Toronto – later traded to Washington – Washington selected Nolan Baumgartner) in 1994 Entry Draft, July 21,
1992) for Eric Lindros, June 30, 1992.Transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchise relocated, June 21, 1995.• Missed entire 200102 regular season recovering from spleen injury suffered in game vs.Los Angeles, May 9, 2001 and ankle injury suffered in practice, January 10, 2002.• Missed majority of 2003-04 season recovering from groin (October 28, 2003 vs.Calgary) and hip
(February 16, 2004 vs.Vancouver) injuries.Signed as a free agent by MODO (Sweden), September 18, 2004.Signed as a free agent
by Philadelphia, August 3, 2005.
Event
1991
1992 S
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
Olympics
W-Cup
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
1993
1994
1996
1998
G
S
S
G
G
2003 S
2004 S
2004
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
95
GP
6
7
8
7
8
8
4
4
7
8
2
4
G
A Pts PIM
5 12 17
3 8 11
4 2 6
7 24 *31
1 1 2
2 6 8
1 4 5
1 4 5
6 5 11
4 5 9
0 1 1
1 2 3
16
30
6
8
12
6
6
6
0
6
2
0
Russia
LOS ANGELES KINGS
FROLOV, ALEXANDER
LEFT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’3”/191 CM 210 LBS./95 KG
BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, JUNE 19, 1982.
(froh-LAHF, al-ehx-AN-duhr)
• After he put up big scoring numbers in two years with
•
•
•
•
teams in lower Russian leagues from 1999 to 2001. he
became rookie of the year in Russian elite league in
2001–02.
Was awarded the Mark Bavis Memorial Award as “Best
Newcomer/Rookie” in voting by Los Angeles media in
2002–03.
Wears #24 because “they gave it to me.”
His hobby is reading. Dostoevsky’s “Idiot” is his favorite
book.“Shrek” is his favorite movie. Al Pacino and
Angelina Jolie are his favorite actors. Robin Williams is
his favorite comedian. Aerosmith is his favorite band.
Andre Agassi is his favorite athlete.
Nickname is Fro or Frolly.
• Led Krylja Sovetov in goals (18) and points (30) in
2001–02.
• Led all Kings rookies and finished sixth among all NHL
•
•
rookies in scoring with 31 points in 200–-03. Among
NHL rookies finished tied for sixth in goals (14), tied for
ninth in assists (17), tied for fourth in game-winning
goals (3), fourth in shots (141) and tied for third in
plus/minus (+12). Was second to Ziggy Palffy (+22)
among Kings players in plus/minus.
Improved on almost all offensive totals during second
season in NHL in 2003–04. Led Kings with 24 goals and
was second to Luc Robitaille with 48 points.
Finished eight in scoring (22-18-40) in Russia in
2004–05. Won regular season and playoff championship with Dynamo Moscow.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was the Detroit Red Wings.
Olympian Anton Volchenkov of Ottawa and Kings
prospect Denis Grebeshkov.
•
Will call his parents first if Russia wins gold in Torino.
• Won a silver medal at 2000 World Junior Under-18
•
•
•
•
•
Championship and was second on Russian team
with 5 goals at tournament.
Calls winning gold at the 2002 World Junior
Championship his favorite international hockey
moment. (Another favorite moment was playing in
the Russian Elite Cup in 2005.)
Led Russian team, and was third in tournament,
with six goals at 2000 WJC. Tied Stanislav Chistov
for team lead with 8 points.
Played at 2003 World Championship and tied fellow 2006 Russian Olympian Pavel Datsyuk for
Russian scoring lead with 5 points (3G, 2A)
Was late addition to Russian roster for 2004 World
Cup of Hockey.
The shootout is his favorite international hockey rule. (Was adopted by NHL this
season.)
• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer in the Summer Games.
• “Just relax.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1998-99
99-2000
2001-02
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Spartak
Russia
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Yaroslavl 2
Russia-3
36 27 13 40 30 ....
.... .... .... ....
Krylja Sovetov 2
Russia-3
2
0
0
0
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
Spartak
Russia
44 20 19 39
8 ....
.... .... .... ....
Krylja Sovetov
Russia
43 18 12 30 16
3
1
0
1
0
2002-03 Los Angeles
NHL
79 14 17 31 34 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Los Angeles
NHL
77 24 24 48 24 .... .... .... .... ....
Nizhny Novgorod
Russia
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
2004-05
CSKA
Russia
42 20 17 37 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
6
2
1
3
2
6
2
1
3
0
NHL Totals
156 38 41 79 58 .... .... .... .... ....
Los Angeles' 1st choice, 20th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.
Signed as a free agent by CSKA (Russia), July 14, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Dynamo Moscow (Russia), February 17, 2005.
2000 S Russia
2002 G Russia
2003
2004
Russia
Russia
96
Event
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
GP
G
6
7
7
4
5
*6
3
0
A Pts PIM
1
2
2
2
6
8
5
2
10
4
6
2
Slovakia
MINNESOTA WILD
GABORIK, MARIAN
BORN, TRENCIN, CZECH., FEBRUARY 14, 1982.
(GA-bohr-ihk, MAIR-ee-uhn)
• He was the first player ever selected by the Wild fran•
•
•
•
•
•
chise in the NHL draft (in 2000). Has become the franchise leader in goals, assists and points.
Became youngest player (18 years, seven months and
20 days) to score an NHL expansion team’s inaugural
goal. Scored at Anaheim on Oct. 6, 2000. Lists this goal
as his first great hockey memory.
Became first Wild player selected to participate in the
All-Star Game in 2003. Was youngest player in All-Star
Game and won Fastest Skater Competition during
Skills Competition. Had goal and two assists and was
named second star of All-Star Game.
seven at Colorado in the 2003 playoffs when the Wild
rallied to win after being down three games to one in
the series.
Opened MG arena in Trencin in an effort to provide
more ice time for kids. Also contributes charitable
efforts towards the Ronald McDonald house and the
MG Arena Foundation.
Favorite movies are “Face/Off” and “The Matrix.”
Favorite actors are Nicolas Cage and Charlize Theron.
Enjoys the music of U2
be with Pete Sampras, Michael Schumacher and
Nicolas Cage.
• Made debut in Slovakian elite league as 16-year-old in
•
•
•
•
1997–98. Tied for team lead with 25 goals for Dukla
Trencin in 1999–2000.
Finished 2000–01 NHL rookie season first on the Wild
in points (36), shots (179) and tied for first in goals (18).
Finished among NHL rookie leaders in several offensive categories including first in shots, fifth in goals
and tied for fifth in points.
Established franchise-record and career-high with 30
goals in 2001–02. Also had career-best 37 assists and
67 points. Scored first career-hat trick vs. Atlanta on
Nov. 13, 2001. Played in 2002 NHL YoungStars Game
during All-Star Weekend.
Tied own franchise record and personal best with 30
goals in 2002–03. Led team in goals, assists (35), points
(65), shots (280) and game-winning goals (8). Tied for
league lead (Marian Hossa) with three hat tricks on
season and became fourth player in NHL history to
record five hat tricks prior to 21st birthday. Had 17
points (9G, 8A) in 18 playoff games to finish third
among all playoff scorers as Wild reached Western
Conference Final in 2003.
Finished fourth in scoring (25-27-52) in the Slovak
league in 2004–05 despite playing just 29 games of
54-game season.
When I was young…
• Began playing hockey at age three.
• Favorite team growing up was the Los Angeles Kings.
• Fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Peter Bondra was his
favorite player.
• 2006 Slovak Olympian Marcel Hossa of the New
York Rangers (younger brother of 2006 Slovak
Olympian Marian Hossa of Atlanta) is one of his
best friends in hockey.
• His brother Brano is a scout for the Wild.
• Lists his mom, dad and brother as the most influential people in his hockey career. The people he
admires most are his parents. He will call his parents and his brother first if Slovakia wins gold in
Torino.
• First played for Slovakia at age 16 and “felt great
•
•
•
being part of the tradition.” Played at both the World Junior Championship and
World Under-18 Championship in 1999. He played at both events again in 2000.
Lists winning the bronze medal at the 1999 WJC in Winnipeg as his greatest
Also won bronze at the 1999 Under-18 event. Led that tournament in points (11),
tied for lead in assists (8). Tied 2006 Finnish Olympian Tuomo Ruutu in goals (6),
tied for third in points (8) at the 2000 Under-18 tournament.
Played at World Championship in 2001, 2004 and 2005. Tied fellow 2006 Slovak
Olympians Miroslav Satan and Pavol Demitra for team lead with 4 goals at 2004
tournament, where Slovakia lost bronze medal game to USA. Tied fellow 2006
Slovak Olympian Michal Handzus for second on the Slovak team in goals (3)
behind Ziggy Palffy (5) in 2005.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill skiing and track & field at the
Summer Games.
• “Go out there, have fun and work hard!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1997-98
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Trencin Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
36 37 22 59 28 ....
.... .... .... ....
Trencin
Slovakia
1
1
0
1
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99
Trencin
Slovakia
33 11
9 20
6
3
1
0
1
2
99-2000
Trencin
Slovakia
50 25 21 46 34
5
1
2
3
2
2000-01 Minnesota
NHL
71 18 18 36 32 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Minnesota
NHL
78 30 37 67 34 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Minnesota
NHL
81 30 35 65 46 18
9
8 17
6
2003-04
Trencin
Slovakia
9 10
3 13 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
Minnesota
NHL
65 18 22 40 20 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Farjestad
Sweden
12
6
4 10 45 ....
.... .... .... ....
Trencin
Slovakia
29 25 27 52 46 12
8
9 17 26
NHL Totals
295 96 112 208 132 18
9
8 17
6
Minnesota's 1st choice, 3rd overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.
World Junior Under-18 All-Star Team (1999) • Named Best Forward at World Junior Under-18 (1999)
Signed as a free agent by Trencin (Slovakia), July 5, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Farjestad (Sweden), December 21, 2004.
Signed as a free agent by Trencin (Slovakia), January 31, 2005.
1999 B Slovakia
B
Slovakia
2000
2001
2004
2004
2005
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
97
Event
WJC-A
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJ18-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
6
7
7
6
7
9
4
7
G
A Pts PIM
3 0 3
3 *8 *11
3 1 4
6 2 8
2 1 3
4 2 6
1 0 1
3 1 4
2
2
0
12
0
4
2
6
Canada
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
GAGNÉ, SIMON
BORN, STE-FOY, QUE., FEBRUARY 29, 1980.
(GAH-nyay, see-MOHN)
• He was the youngest player on the 2002 Canadian
Olympic team.
• He is the only active NHL player, and just one of six in
league history, born on February 29.
• If he wasn’t a hockey player, he would be a police officer like his father.
• Wears #12 because he has worn it since he started
playing hockey.
• Favorite hobbies are watching movies and playing
golf.
• Focuses his charitable efforts towards raising money
•
•
•
•
for Leukemia and cancer, and hosting the Simon
Gagné Golf Tournament. Spent last season as a part of
a charity hockey tour that raised money for Ronald
McDonald house.
Favorite arena is the Montreal Bell Centre “because it is
close to home.”
Other favorites include:“The Simpsons” (TV show),“Old
School” (movie), Adam Sandler (actor) and Metallica
(music group).
Pregame superstition is to always dress the same way.
• Led Quebec of the QMJHL in assists (70), points (120)
•
•
•
•
•
and plus/minus (+53) in 1998–99. Had at least 1 point
in 21 straight games (16G, 24A) during Quebec’s 27game unbeaten streak.
Was second in goals (20), third in assists (28) and
fourth in points (48) among NHL rookies in 1998–99.
Led NHL rookies in playoff scoring (5-5-10 in 17
games).
Improved on virtually all offensive categories in
2000–01 despite playing just 69 games due to injuries.
Led team in plus/minus (+24). Played in his first NHL
All-Star Game and scored 2 goals, including game winner.
Established career highs in goals (33), assists (33) and
points (66) in 2001–02. Tied for third in NHL at +31.
Led Flyers in shots with 211 in 2003–04. Was first on
team in game-winning goals (6) and even-strength
goals (18). Was 2nd on team with 24 goals.
Had topped the 20-goal plateau for the fifth time in six
seasons in 2005–06.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the Select Ste. Foy Novice CC.
• Favorite team growing up was the hometown Quebec
Nordiques.
• Favorite players growing up were fellow 2006
• “It’s an honour to be a Canadian and represent
your country.”
• Won gold medal with Canadian Under-18 team at
•
•
•
1997 Three Nations tournament in Czech
Republic.
Won silver medal at 1999 World Junior
Championship. Led tournament with 7 goals.
Scored 4 goals in one game to tie a Team Canada
record set by Mario Lemieux in 1983.
Played for Canadian team that won 2004 World
Cup of Hockey.
Played at the World Championship for the first
time in 2005. Finished third in tournament scoring
(3-7-10) behind fellow 2006 Canadian Olympians
Joe Thornton and Rick Nash.
Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice “because there’s more space and
more time to make the play.”
• Lists Canada’s gold medal at Salt Lake City as his favorite international hockey
moment. He finished among the team’s top scorers (1-3-4) at the 2002 Olympics.
• “Believe in your dreams. Hockey is a fun game, always have fun when you play.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Ste-Foy
Beauport
Quebec
Quebec
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
QAAA
QMJHL
QMJHL
QMJHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
27 13
9 22 18
51
9 22 31 49
53 30 39 69 26
61 50 *70 *120 42
80 20 28 48 22
69 27 32 59 18
79 33 33 66 32
46
9 18 27 16
80 24 21 45 29
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
354 113 132 245 117
Philadelphia's 1st choice, 22nd overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
QMJHL Second All-Star Team (1999) • NHL All-Rookie Team (2000)
Played in NHL ALL-Star Game (2001)
15
....
12
13
17
6
5
13
18
7
....
11
9
5
3
0
4
5
8
....
5
8
5
0
0
1
4
15
....
16
17
10
3
0
5
9
8
....
23
4
2
0
2
6
12
59
17
10
27
22
Year Medal
1999 S
2002 G
2004 1st
2005 S
National Team
Event
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
WJC-A
Olympics
W-Cup
WC-A
Canadian Olympian Joe Sakic and Michel Goulet.
• Thanks his parents for being his biggest influence “and
for always being there for me.”
• His father tried out twice for the Flyers in the team’s
•
Regular Season
GP
early days. He attended training camp with the
Quebec Aces (then a Flyers affiliate) in 1967. His grandfather played seven seasons of top minor league hockey in the 1940s and ‘50s, winning the AHL Calder Cup
with the Cleveland Barons in 1947–48.
He will call his parents first if Canada wins gold at
Torino.
98
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
6
6
9
7
1
1
3
1 8
3 4
1 2
7 10
2
0
0
0
A Pts PIM
Switzerland
CAROLINA HURRICANES
GERBER, MARTIN
BORN, BURGDORF, SWITZ., SEPTEMBER 3, 1974.
(GUHR-buhr, MAHR-tihn)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lists playing for the Swiss national team and playing
in the playoffs during Anaheim’s 2003 run to the
Stanley Cup Final as his greatest hockey moments.
On October 20, 2002, he and fellow 2006 Swiss
Olympian David Aebischer of Colorado squared off in
the first National Hockey League game between
teams featuring Swiss goaltenders. Anaheim won 3-2
in overtime for his first NHL victory.
Was coached in Switzerland in 2000–01 by former
NHLer and 2006 Swedish Olympic coach Bengt-Ake
Gustafsson, who took him to Sweden in 2001–02
where he led Farjestad to the championship.
He became the first goalie to score a goal in Swiss
hockey on Feb. 27, 1997.
Credits goaltending consultant Francois Allaire, who
worked with him in Anaheim, and Gustafsson as having had the biggest influence on his career. Lists the
two of them as his favorite coaches.
Patterns his game after Patrick Roy.
His superstition is to always put on his left skate first.
Favorite TV show is “Seinfeld.” Favorite band is Pearl Jam.
•
•
•
First competed for his country in an exhibition
game in 1998.“It was a proud moment.”
Ranked fourth in save percentage (.932) and fifth
in goals-against average (1.84) at the 2004 World
Championship.
Ranked fourth at the 2005 World Championship in
both average (1.67) and save percentage (.946).
•
•
•
•
Is competing at his second consecutive Winter
Games.
Lists playing in Salt Lake City in 2002 as his greatest international experience.
Helped Switzerland advance to Torino by posting
three wins and a tournament-leading 1.33 goalsagainst average in Group A of the 2005 Final Olympic Qualification tournament.
Other Olympic sport of interest is downhill skiing.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Led the Swiss league in postseason shutouts (2) and
goals-against average (2.17) in 1999–2000.
Played in all 44 games for Langnau in 2000–01 and
was sixth in the league in average (2.56)
Led the Swedish league in 2001–02 in shutouts and
average in both the regular season (4, 1.96) and playoffs (2, 1.64) as Farjestad won the regular-season and
playoff titles.
Played his first NHL game on Oct 11, 2002 at Dallas.
Set an Anaheim club record with 10 straight starts
allowing two goals or less from Jan. 3 to Mar. 13, 2003.
During the calender year of 2003, he led all NHL netminders average (1.77) and save percentage (.943).
Numbers were the best for a calender year since 2006
Czech Olympian Dominik Hasek was 1.76 and .943 for
Buffalo in 1998.
Got his first win for Carolina on Oct. 22, 2005. Relieved
Cam Ward at 3:48 of the first period and stopped all
17 shots he faced to combine with Ward on the first
shared shutout in franchise history.
When I was young…
•
•
•
•
Played youth hockey in the SC Langnau system.
He and Budi Pfister split duties with fourth division
club SC Signau, mostly playing on outdoor rinks in
front of just a handful of spectators. Both goalies had
to pay for their own sticks and give an annual membership fee to their club.
Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.
Favorite player was Oilers goalie Grant Fuhr.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
Langnau
Swiss-2
38 .... .... .... 2286 121 0 3.18 8 .... .... 488 29 0 3.57
Langnau
Swiss-2
40 .... .... .... 2430 141 2 3.48 16 .... .... 961 42 0 2.62
Langnau
Swiss
42 .... .... .... 2521 203 1 4.83 11 .... .... 664 50 0 4.52
Langnau
Swiss
44 .... .... .... 2652 161 3 3.64 6 .... .... 360 13 *2 *2.17
Langnau
Swiss
*44 .... .... .... 2671 114 3 2.56 5 .... .... 319 7 1 1.32
Farjestad
Sweden
44 .... .... .... 2664 87 *4 *1.96 *10 .... .... *657 18 *2 *1.64
Anaheim
NHL
22 6 11 3 1203 39 1 1.95 2 0 0 20 1 0 3.00
Cincinnati
AHL
1 1 0 0
60
2 0 2.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Anaheim
NHL
32 11 12 4 1698 64 2 2.26 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05 Langnau
Swiss
20 6 10 4 1220 59 0 2.90 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Farjestad
Sweden
30 20 6 4 1827 58 4 1.90 *15 9 6 *900 36 1 2.40
NHL Totals
54 17 23 7 2901 103 3 2.13 2 0 0 20 1 0 3.00
(Anaheim's 10th choice, 232nd overall, in 2001 Entry Draft).
• Swss elite league Goaltender of the Year (2000)
• Scored a goal in playoffs vs.Martigny (Swiss-2), February 27, 1997.Traded to Carolina by Anaheim for Tomas Malec and
Carolina's 3rd round choice (Kyle Klubertanz) in 2004 Entry Draft, June 18, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Langnau (Swiss),
September 17, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Farjestad (Sweden), November 7, 2004.
GP W
2000
2001
2002
2 1 1 0
6 2 4 0
3 1 1 1
4 .... .... ....
6 2 2 2
3 3 0 0
6 3 3 0
2004
2005
2005
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
99
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
Olympic Q
WC-A
L
T
Mins GA
120
358
158
240
358
180
359
7
16
4
12
11
4
10
SO
Avg
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
3.50
2.68
1.52
3.00
1.84
1.33
1.67
U.S.A.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS
GIONTA, BRIAN
RIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’ 7”/170 CM, 175 LBS./79 KG
BORN, ROCHESTER, NY, JANUARY 18, 1979.
(jee-OHN-tuh, BRIGH-uhn)
• He was a three-time finalist for the Hobey Baker Award
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
(top NCAA player) during his four years at Boston
College.
Stands just 5'7". Patterns his game after former NHLer
Theo Fleury.
His favorite arena to play in is the Air Canada Centre in
Toronto “because of the great atmosphere.”
seven of the 2003 Stanley Cup Final because the Devils
won the Cup.
Favorites include:“Seinfeld” (TV show),“Braveheart”
(movie), Tom Hanks (actor) and musician Tim McGraw.
Favorite cartoon character is Superman.
Nickname is Gio. Hobby is boating.
Typical game day meal includes chicken, pasta and
vanilla ice cream.
be with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Tom Hanks.
• First competed for the United States on the Select16 team.“It was a dream come true.”
• Lists the World Championship as his favorite inter•
•
national hockey experience. Has played at the
tournament in 2000, 2001 and 2005.
Was the top scorer (6-5-11) and a tournament AllStar at the 1999 World Junior Championship.
ice “because there is more space.”
• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and
bobsled.
• “Make sure to work hard and always have fun.”
• His 123 goals in four years at Boston College are a
school record.
• Split first pro season between New Jersey and Albany
•
•
(AHL) in 2001–02. Despite playing just 33 games in
Albany, he ranked eighth on the team in scoring (9-1625).
Spent his first full season in the NHL in 2002–03. Was
never a healthy scratch but missed 24 games due to
three separate injuries.
Was voted Devils Unsung Hero by his teammates in
2003–04. Scored a career-high 20 goals, including 8
game winners. Finished third on the team in
plus/minus at +19.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is scoring a goal on an empty net
while on a two-on-none rush with brother Joe.
• Favorite team was the Buffalo Sabres.
• Favorite players were Wayne Gretzky and Pat
LaFontaine.
• Credits his parents as the biggest influence on his
•
•
hockey career “for providing lots of support while
growing up.” Lists his father as the person he admires
most “because of his hard work and his love for the
family.”
He spends the summers working at his family’s hardware store in Greece, New York.
He and his wife had their first child in August of 2005.
Will call his wife first if the USA wins gold at Torino.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Rochester
EmJHL
28 *52 37 *89
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Niagara
MTJHL
51 47 44 91 59 ....
.... .... .... ....
Niagara
MTJHL
50 57 70 127 101
6
6 11 17 21
Boston College
H-East
40 30 32 62 44 ....
.... .... .... ....
Boston College
H-East
39 27 33 60 46 ....
.... .... .... ....
Boston College
H-East
42 *33 23 56 66 ....
.... .... .... ....
Boston College
H-East
43 *33 21 *54 47 ....
.... .... .... ....
New Jersey
NHL
33
4
7 11
8
6
2
2
4
0
Albany
AHL
37
9 16 25 18 ....
.... .... .... ....
2002-03◆ New Jersey
NHL
58 12 13 25 23 24
1
8
9
6
2003-04 New Jersey
NHL
75 21
8 29 36
5
2
3
5
0
2004-05
Albany
AHL
15
5
7 12 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
166 37 28 65 67 35
5 13 18
6
New Jersey's 4th choice, 82nd overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
MTJHL Player of the Year (1997) • Hockey East Rookie of the Year (1998) • Hockey East Second All-Star Team (1998) • NCAA East
Second All-American Team (1998) WJC-A All-Star Team (1999) • Hockey East First All-Star Team (1999, 2000, 2001) • NCAA East
First All-American Team (1999, 2000, 2001) • Hockey East Player of the Year (2001) • Walter Brown Award (New England's
Outstanding American-born College player) (2001) (co-winner - Ty Conklin)
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1999
2000
2001
2005
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
6
7
9
7
6
2
2
2
5 *11
1 3
0 2
1 3
United States
United States
United States
United States
100
6
2
6
6
Germany
SAN JOSE SHARKS
GOC, MARCEL
CENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/186 CM 190 LBS./ 86 KG
BORN, CALW, WEST GERMANY AUGUST 24, 1983.
(GAWCH, mahr-SEHL)
• He became the highest-selected German-born player
•
•
•
•
•
in the NHL Entry Draft when San Jose picked him first,
20th overall, in 2001. (Previous high was Marco Sturm,
whom San Jose picked 21st overall in 1996.)
Most memorable game played was his second in the
NHL, game six of the 2004 Western Conference semifinal vs. Colorado. He scored his first goal, the game
winner in a 3–1 victory that gave San Jose the series.
Superstition is to play soccer for a warmup before
games.
Hobbies are soccer, tennis and golf.
Favorite arena is the “Shark Tank” in San Jose because
of the great atmosphere.
Other favorites are “King of Queens” (TV show),“Old
School” and “Ballermann 6” (movie), Will Ferrell and
Halle Barry (actors).
• First played for Germany as a 15-year-old at an
•
•
•
•
Under-16 tournament in Finland.“It was an
honor.”
Played at World Junior Under-18 Championship in
2000 and 2001. Led team in scoring (2-4-6) in
2001.
Also played at the World Junior Championship in
2000 (Pool-B) and 2001 (Div. 1), as well as at the
2001 World Championship, giving him three
major tournaments that year.
Played at World Junior Championship again in
2002 (Div. 1). Tied fellow 2006 German Olympian
Christoph Schubert for team lead with 4 goals.
Germany won gold to advance to the World
Junior Championship (Pool-A) in 2003.
Finished second on German team in scoring (1-2-3) at the 2003 World Junior
Championship. Also played at 2003 World Championship, where Germans
reached quarterfinals and lost 3–2 to Canada in overtime.
Tied several players for second on the German team with 2 goals behind fellow
2006 Olympian Jochen Hecht (3) at the 2005 World Championship.
• Made German elite league debut with Schwenningen
•
•
•
•
•
in 1999–2000. Was third on team in scoring (13-28-41)
in 2000–01.
Joined Adler Mannheim during 2001-02 season. Team
finished second in regular-season standings and
reached playoff finals. Played with brother Sascha on
Adler Mannheim in 2002–03.
Made North American debut spending regular season
with Cleveland Barons (AHL). His 16 goals were the
most since his final season of junior hockey in
1998–99. Made his NHL debut on Apr. 15 vs. St. Louis in
fifth game of Western Conference Quarterfinal. Played
three games vs. Calgary in Western Conference Final,
seeing 12:58 of ice time in sixth and final game of the
series.
Established career highs with Cleveland (AHL) in
2004–05 in assists (34), points (50) and PIM (28).
Scored his first NHL regular-season goal at Dallas vs.
2006 Canadian Olympian Marty Turco on Oct. 26, 2005
in a 5-4 overtime win. Attempted and was unsuccessful on first career penalty shot against Turco in the
same game.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is losing his first game 64–0
against his brother.
• First team was ESG Esslingen.
• Favorite team growing up was the San Jose Sharks.
• Brother Sacha is a fellow 2006 German Olympian and a
former NHL player.
• Lists his family as having the biggest influence on his
•
career “because they were always there. Dad coached.”
His parents are the people he admires most “for everything they did.”
Will call his wife and parents first if Germany wins gold
at Turin.
• Was named to the 2002 German Olympic team but did not play at Salt Lake City.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and the 100, 200 and 400-meter
races at the Summer Games.
• “Have fun when you play.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
Schwenningen Jr.
Schwenningen
Schwenningen
Schwenningen
Mannheim
2002-03
Mannheim
2003-04 Cleveland
San Jose
2004-05
Cleveland
NHL Totals
Brother of Sascha.
Regular Season
League
GP
G
German-Jr.
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
AHL
NHL
AHL
12
51
58
45
8
36
78
....
76
0
23
0
13
8
0
6
16
....
16
0
A Pts PIM
10
3
28
9
2
14
21
....
34
0
Event
2000
WJC-B
WJC-18
WJC-B
WJC-18
WC-A
WJC-B
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
101
GP
G
A Pts PIM
5
6
5
6
7
5
7
5
6
1
2
0
2
0
4
1
1
2
1
1
1
4
0
2
2
3
0
2
3
1
6
0
6
3
4
2
2
10
2
0
2
2
0
0
0
33
3
41
17
2
20
37
....
50
0
12
4
12
24
0
16
24
....
28
0
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
....
11
....
....
....
8
....
5
....
5
....
1
....
....
....
1
....
1
....
1
....
1
....
....
....
2
....
1
....
1
....
2
....
....
....
3
....
2
....
2
....
2
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
0
U.S.A.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS
GOMEZ, SCOTT
BORN, ANCHORAGE, AK, DECEMBER 23, 1979.
(GOH-mehz, SKAWT)
• He is both the first Hispanic player to play in the NHL,
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
and the first Alaskan-born player in the league. Grew
up in Alaska and was named state’s high school player
of the year in 1995 and 1996.
When he took the Stanley Cup home after the Devils
won in 2003, the mayor of Anchorage honored him on
July 15, 2003 with ‘Scott Gomez Day.’
Nickname is Gomer. Was called Silver Spoon by his
teammates in New Jersey for making the jump right
from junior hockey to the NHL.
Spent the summer of 2005 backpacking around
Europe with friends.
Wears #23 because “the Devils gave it to me.”
Most memorable hockey game played was game six of
the 2000 Stanley Cup Final in Dallas, when he won his
first Stanley Cup.
Most memorable hockey games watched were game
seven of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final between the
Rangers and Vancouver and game seven of the L.A. vs.
Toronto 1993 Conference Final “because they were
what hockey is all about.”
Lists Scott Meleal and Rob Larkey as his favorite coaches because they each knew how to motivate him.
Favorite NHL arena is Madison Square Garden because
“it’s the Mecca.” Other favorites include:“Entourage”
(TV show),“The Godfather” Part 1 & 2 (movie), Jack
Nicholson (actor) and The Rolling Stones (band).
He has appeared on Whoopi Goldberg’s TV show
“Whoopi” and on the soap opera “One Life to Live.”
Names “Ted Williams: The Biography of an American
Hero” as his favorite book.
would be with Babe Ruth, Joe Namath, and Keith
Richards.
• Led WHL in assists (78), ranked fifth in points (108),
•
•
•
with Tri-City in 1998-99. Jumped to NHL directly out of
junior hockey as 19-year-old in 1999-2000.
Won Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in
1999–2000. Led Devils in assists (51) and led all rookie
scorers in assists and points (70). Became the eighth
player in NHL history (but first since 1963) to win
Calder Trophy and Stanley Cup in same season. Tied
for lead in rookie playoff scoring (4-6-10) making him
just third player in expansion era (with 2006 Czech
Olympian Milan Hejduk and Brian Propp) to be top
rookie scorer in regular season and playoffs.
Established NHL high with 56 assists in 2003–04. Tied
NHL scoring leader Martin St. Louis for NHL lead in
assists. Was 20th in the NHL in scoring (14-56-70). Had
33 of his 56 assists in final 31 games of season.
Played for Anchorage in the ECHL in 2004–05 and led
the league in assists (73) and points (86).
When I was young…
• His father is from Mexico. His mother is a
Colombian-American.
• Lists his parents, as well as coaches and teachers,
•
especially Lou Chandler, as his biggest hockey
influence.
Lists his parents as the people he admires most.
• First dressed for Team USA as a member of the
•
•
•
•
•
Select-16 team and calls the opportunity “awesome.”
Played for Team USA at the 1995 Under-17
Challenge.
Beating Canada on New Year’s Eve in Winnipeg at
the 1999 World Junior Championship is his favorite international hockey
moment.
Finished tied for second in scoring (3-7-10) with Daniel Tkaczuk of Canada and
2006 Swedish Olympian Daniel Sedin behind fellow 2006 U.S. Olympian Brian
Gionta at the 1999 WJC. Tied for tournament lead in assists with Canada’s
Brenden Morrow and Tomas Divisek of Czech Republic.
Was named to U.S. team for 2004 World Championships, but did not attend tournament.
Was named to roster for 2004 World Cup of Hockey as replacement for injured
Jeremy Roenick and finished tied for second on team in scoring (1-3-4).
• Was invited to Team USA summer training camp prior to 2002 Salt Lake City
Games.
• Is looking forward to watching all of the other sports of the Winter Olympics.
• “Have fun and play other sports too.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1994-95
1995-96
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
East
High-AK
28 30 48 78
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
East
High-AK
27 *56 49 *101
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Anchorage
AAHL
40 *70 *67 *137 44 ....
.... .... .... ....
1996-97
South Surrey
BCHL
56 48 76 124 94 21 18 23 41 57
1997-98
Tri-City
WHL
45 12 37 49 57 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99
Tri-City
WHL
58 30 *78 108 55 10
6 13 19 31
NHL
82 19 51 70 78 23
4
6 10
4
2000-01 New Jersey
NHL
76 14 49 63 46 25
5
9 14 24
2001-02 New Jersey
NHL
76 10 38 48 36 .... .... .... .... ....
NHL
80 13 42 55 48 24
3
9 12
2
2003-04 New Jersey
NHL
80 14 *56 70 70
5
0
6
6
0
2004-05
Alaska
ECHL
61 13 *73 *86 69
4
1
3
4
4
NHL Totals
394 70 236 306 278 77 12 30 42 30
New Jersey's 2nd choice, 27th overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
BCHL All-Rookie Team (1997) • WHL West First All-Star Team (1999) • NHL All-Rookie Team (2000) • Calder Memorial Trophy
(2000) • ECHL First All-Star Team (2005) • ECHL MVP (2005)
Signed as a free agent by Alaska (ECHL), October 25, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1998
1999
2004
WJC-A
WJC-A
W-Cup
7
6
5
1
3
1
0 1
7 10
3 4
United States
United States
United States
• His first hockey team was the Boys and Girls Club East.
• Favorite players growing up included Doug Gilmour,
Chris Chelios and Brian Leetch. (He patterns his style of
play after Doug Gilmour.)
102
2
4
0
Russia
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
GONCHAR, SERGEI
BORN, CHELYABINSK, USSR, APRIL 13, 1974.
(gohn-CHAR, SAIR-gay)
• He became the first Russian defenseman to score 20
goals in one NHL season in 1998–99.
• Wears #55. Wore 5 in the minors, but when he was
•
•
•
•
•
called up to Washington that number had been retired
in honor of Rod Langway.
Lists his first junior coach in Russia as having had the
most influence on his career and as being his favorite
coach.
The most memorable game he has played was his first
playoff game. He scored two goals vs. Pittsburgh (his
current team).
Most memorable hockey game watched was the 1987
Canada Cup Final between Canada and the USSR.
His favorite arena is the rink in his hometown in Russia.
Other favorites include “CSI Miami” (TV show),“Once
Upon A Time In America” (movie) and Al Pacino (actor).
• Plus/minus rating of +25 was second best on
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Washington in 1995–96. Led all Caps defensemen with
41 points (15G, 26A).
Tied for team lead with 7 playoff goals when
Washington reached Stanley Cup Final in 1998.
Ranked second among NHL defensemen with 21 goals
in 1998–99. Also second in power-play goals (13).
Tied for second among NHL defensemen with 18
goals in 1999–2000. Ranked sixth in points (54). Ranked
second among all NHL defensemen in plus/minus
(+26). Became the second defenseman in Capitals history to record a hat trick on Jan. 4, 2000.
Tied for second among NHL defensemen with 19
goals in 2000-–01. Ranked fifth in points with 57.
Established new career high in shots on goals (241).
Shots ranked third among NHL defensemen, 25th
overall.
Led NHL defensemen with career-high 26 goals in
2001-02. Tied for first with 2006 Swedish Olympian
Nicklas Lidstrom with 59 points. Finished fourth in
Norris Trophy voting for best defenseman.
Appeared in all 82 games in 2002–03 and set career
highs in assists (49) and points (67). Tied for first with
Lidstrom among NHL defensemen in goals (18) and
ranked second to Al MacInnis in assists and points.
third in shots (224).
Split the 2003–04 season between Washington and
Boston, and led all defensemen in assists and scoring
(11-47-58). Led Capitals in scoring at the time of his
Mar. 3 trade. Played his first game as a Bruin Mar. 4 vs.
NY Rangers and scored in that game.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Tractor Chelyabinsk.
• Favorite team growing up was the Central Red Army.
• Favorite player growing up was Slava Fetisov. Fetisov is
the player he patterned his game after.
• Is a childhood friend of the New Jersey Devils’
Viktor Kozlov
• First wore the Russian colors as a 15-year-old at
•
•
•
•
an Under-16 world tournament in 1989–90. Says
“it is a proud moment to represent your country.”
Named an All-Star and Best Defenseman at the
1992 European Junior Championships.
along with fellow 2006 Russian Olympians Viktor
Kozlov, Alexei Yashin and Nikolai Khabibulin.
Member of the Russian team at the World Cup of
Hockey in 1996 and 2004. Led Russian defensemen in scoring (1-2-3) at the 2004 tournament.
Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout.
• Is appearing at his third consecutive Winter Games (1998, 2002).
• Lists his two previous Olympic appearances at the greatest international experi•
ences of his career. He, Alexei Zhamnov and Alexei Zhitnik played on the 1998 silver medalists.
Other Olympic sports of interest are biathlon and tennis and soccer at the
Summer Games.
• “Have some fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Chelyabinsk
CIS
31
1
0
1
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow CIS
31
1
3
4 70 10
0
0
0 12
Dynamo Moscow CIS
44
4
5
9 36 10
0
3
3 14
Portland
AHL
....
.... .... ....
....
2
0
0
0
0
1994-95
Portland
AHL
61 10 32 42 67 ....
.... .... .... ....
Washington
NHL
31
2
5
7 22
7
2
2
4
2
1995-96 Washington
NHL
78 15 26 41 60
6
2
4
6
4
1996-97 Washington
NHL
57 13 17 30 36 .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98
Togliatti
Russia
7
3
2
5
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
Togliatti
EuroHL
1
1
0
1
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
Washington
NHL
72
5 16 21 66 21
7
4 11 30
1998-99 Washington
NHL
53 21 10 31 57 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Washington
NHL
73 18 36 54 52
5
1
0
1
6
2000-01 Washington
NHL
76 19 38 57 70
6
1
3
4
2
2001-02 Washington
NHL
76 26 33 59 58 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Washington
NHL
82 18 49 67 52
6
0
5
5
4
2003-04 Washington
NHL
56
7 42 49 44 .... .... .... .... ....
Boston
NHL
15
4
5
9 12
7
1
4
5
4
2004-05
Magnitogorsk
Russia
40
2 17 19 54
4
1
1
2
6
NHL Totals
669 148 277 425 529 58 14 22 36 52
Washington's 1st choice, 14th overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.
NHL Second All-Star Team (2002, 2003)
Traded to Boston by Washington for Shaonne Morrisonn and Boston's 1st (Jeff Schultz) and 2nd (Michail Yunkov) round choices
in 2004 Entry Draft, March 3, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Magnitogorsk (Russia), September 21, 2004.Signed as a free agent
by Pittsburgh, August 3, 2005.
1992 B Russia
1993
1996
1998 S
2000
2002 B
2004
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
• Will call his wife or his parents first if Russia wins gold
in Torino.
103
Event
EJC-A
WJC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
WC-A
Olympics
W-Cup
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
7
4
6
6
6
4
1
0
2
0
1
0
1
4
2
2
2
0
0
2
5
2
4
2
1
0
3
8
10
2
0
2
2
6
U.S.A.
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
GRAHAME, JOHN
BORN, DENVER, CO, AUGUST 31, 1975.
(GRAY-uhm, JAWN)
• His most memorable game played was his first in the
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NHL for Boston at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on
Oct. 4, 1999.“My dream of playing in the NHL came
true.” His most memorable moment is when Bruins
coach Pat Burns told him he’d be playing that night.
His favorite coach is Jeff Jackson, who coached him in
University hockey at Lake Superior State.
He donates $1,000 per shutout to the Garth Brooks
Foundation.
He wears #47.“It’s good luck.”
The person he admires most is singer Jimmy Buffett.
“He’s a pilot and a captain. He’s a good musician and
he’s traveled everywhere. He has a lot of good stories!”
Favorite NHL arena is the old Chicago Stadium.“An
electric building.”
Other Favorites include “Married with Children” (TV
show),“Good Fellas” (movie) and Robert DeNiro (actor).
would be with Michael Jordan, Chevy Chase and
Robert DeNiro.
• First represented the United States at the 1995
World Junior Championship.“It was a great honor!”
• Played at the World Championship in 1996.
• Favorite international hockey rule is “no goalie
trapezoid behind the net.”
• Most memorable game watched was the 1980
“Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill skiing and bobsled.
• “Work hard and never give up! Commit yourself to
making it.”
• Led the AHL in wins (37) with Providence in 1998–99
•
•
•
and set a league record with a 19-game winning
streak. Tied an AHL record with 15 playoff wins as
Providence won the Calder Cup.
Got his first NHL win vs. San Jose on Oct. 23, 1999. His
first shutout vs. Buffalo on Oct. 30.
Made his playoff debut on May 2, 2003 vs. New Jersey.
Made 46 stops on 48 saves but New Jersey eliminated
Tampa Bay at 11:12 of triple overtime in the longest
game in Lightning history.
Established career bests in games (29), wins (18) and
goals-against average (2.06) in 2003–04. Combined
with 2006 Russian Olympian Nikolai Khabibulin to lead
Tampa Bay to club-record 46 wins and 106 points.
Tampa won the Stanley Cup.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was the Denver Pioneers.
• Favorite hockey team growing up was the Montreal
Canadiens.
• Favorite player was goalie Patrick Roy. He patterns his
game after Roy “because he wins.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
Sioux City
Lake Superior
Lake Superior
Lake Superior
Providence
Providence
Boston
Providence
Boston
Providence
Boston
Boston
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
USHL
CCHA
CCHA
CCHA
AHL
AHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
Regular Season
GP W
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
20 .... .... .... 1200 73 0 3.70 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
28 16 7 3 1616 75 2 2.79 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
29 21 4 2 1558 66 2 2.54 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
37 19 13 4 2197 134 3 3.66 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
55 15 31 4 3053 164 3 3.22 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
48 *37 9 1 2771 134 3 2.90 19 *15 4*1209 48 1 2.38
24 7 10 5 1344 55 2 2.46 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
27 11 13 2 1528 86 1 3.38 13 10 3 839 35 0 2.50
2000-01
10 3 4 0 471 28 0 3.57 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
16 4 7 3 893 47 0 3.16 17 8 9 1043 46 2 2.65
2001-02
19 8 7 2 1079 52 1 2.89 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03
23 11 9 2 1352 61 1 2.71 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
17 6 5 4 914 34 2 2.23 1 0 1 111 2 0 1.08
2003-04◆
29 18 9 1 1688 58 1 2.06 1 0 0 34 2 0 3.53
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
122 53 44 14 6848 288 7 2.52 2 0 1 145 4 0 1.66
(Boston's 7th choice, 229th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft).
• Son of Ron
Traded to Tampa Bay by Boston for Tampa Bay's 4th round choice (later traded to San Jose – San Jose selected Jason Churchill) in
2004 Entry Draft, January 13, 2003.
GP W
1995
1996 B
5
1
United States WJC-A
United States WC-A
• His father Ron played goal for the Boston Bruins in
1977–78.
• Lists his parents as the people who had the most influence on his career.“Good advice, and good people.”
• Will call his parents first if the U.S. wins gold in Torino.
104
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
2 2 0
0 1 0
L
280 19
30 4
0
0
4.07
7.90
U.S.A.
DALLAS STARS
GUERIN, BILL
BORN, WORCESTER, MA, NOVEMBER 9, 1970.
(GAIR-ihn, BIHL)
• Charitable efforts include a $200 donation for every
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
goal scored as part of the Top Shelf Teammates
Program through the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids
Foundation. Also created Guerin’s Stars of the Game.
He was the Stars’ 2002–03 Community Service Award
Winner.
Hobbies and summer activities include golf and
motorcycles.
The person he admires most is any President of the
United States because “they have to make tough decisions and know that not everyone will be happy.”
Most memorable hockey game played was game four
of the 1995 Stanley Cup Final because it clinched the
Cup for the Devils in New Jersey.
Most memorable hockey game watched was the
1990 Stanley Cup Final between Boston and
Edmonton because it was the first time he saw the
Stanley Cup live.
Favorite NHL arena is the Bell Centre in Montreal
“because of the great atmosphere.”
Favorite team outside of hockey is the Boston Red Sox.
Other favorites include:“Reno 911” (TV show),
“Anchorman – The Legend of Ron Burgundy” (movie),
Will Ferrell (actor) and Bruce Springsteen (musician).
would be with Bruce Springsteen, Will Ferrell and Chris
Farley.
• First American drafted in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.
• Recorded 3 assists in Stanley Cup-winning game vs.
•
•
•
•
Detroit in 1995, including assist on Neal Broten’s Cupwinning goal.
Led Oilers in scoring (30-34-64) in 1998–99. Career-high
13 power-play goals also led team. Named Oilers MVP.
Played 85 games in 2000–01. Established career highs
in assists (45) and points (85). Finished 13th in NHL
scoring. Was seventh in shots (289). Played in first AllStar Game and was just third American to win MVP
honors (Brett Hull, 1992; Mike Richter, 1994).
Set career high with 41 goals in 2001–02. Led NHL in
shots (355) and power-play goals (10), tied for second
in goals.
Led Stars in goals (34), points (69), shots (263) and with
career-high 10 game-winning goals in 2003–04. Tied
with 2006 Swedish Olympian Mats Sundin of Toronto
and 2006 Canadian Olympian Jarome Iginla of Calgary
for league lead in game-winning goals. Was ninth in
NHL in goals, 21st in points.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the Wilbraham Falcons.
• Credits junior coach Gary Dineen (whom he also lists
•
•
as his favorite coach) for having the most influence on
his career because “he helps young players develop
not only as hockey players, but as people.” (He was the
first person from Dineen’s junior program to graduate
to the NHL.)
Favorite team growing up was the Boston Bruins.
Favorite players were Bruins Terry O’Reilly and Cam
Neely. He lists Neely as the player he patterned his play
after because “I loved Neely’s toughness and skill.”
• First time he played for his country was for U.S.
•
•
•
•
Select team that played Russian Selects in 1988
friendship series at Lake Placid.
Played at 1989 and 1990 World Junior
Championship.
Top scorer at 1990 U.S. Olympic Festival.
Played on American team that beat Canada at the
1996 World Cup of Hockey.
Played at the World Cup of Hockey again in 2004
and tied for second on the U.S. team in scoring
(2-2-4).
• Is competing at his second consecutive Winter
Games.
• Lists being a part of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics as his greatest international hockey experience.
• He played for the U.S. national team in 1991–92, but was cut from the U.S.
Olympic team shortly before the 1992 Albertville Games.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and volleyball at the Summer
Games.
• “Have fun playing the game!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Spring.Olympics
NEJHL
48 26 19 45 71 ....
.... .... .... ....
Spring.Olympics
NEJHL
32 34 20 54 40 ....
.... .... .... ....
Spring.Olympics
NEJHL
38 31 44 75 146 ....
.... .... .... ....
Spring.Olympics
NEJHL
31 32 35 67 90 ....
.... .... .... ....
Boston College
H-East
39 14 11 25 54 ....
.... .... .... ....
Boston College
H-East
38 26 19 45 102 ....
.... .... .... ....
United States
Nat-Tm
46 12 15 27 67 ....
.... .... .... ....
New Jersey
NHL
5
0
1
1
9
6
3
0
3
4
Utica
AHL
22 13 10 23
6
4
1
3
4 14
1992-93 New Jersey
NHL
65 14 20 34 63
5
1
1
2
4
Utica
AHL
18 10
7 17 47 ....
.... .... .... ....
1993-94 New Jersey
NHL
81 25 19 44 101 17
2
1
3 35
NHL
48 12 13 25 72 20
3
8 11 30
1995-96 New Jersey
NHL
80 23 30 53 116 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 New Jersey
NHL
82 29 18 47 95
8
2
1
3 18
1997-98 New Jersey
NHL
19
5
5 10 13 .... .... .... .... ....
Edmonton
NHL
40 13 16 29 80 12
7
1
8 17
1998-99 Edmonton
NHL
80 30 34 64 133
3
0
2
2
2
99-2000 Edmonton
NHL
70 24 22 46 123
5
3
2
5
9
2000-01 Edmonton
NHL
21 12 10 22 18 .... .... .... .... ....
Boston
NHL
64 28 35 63 122 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Boston
NHL
78 41 25 66 91
6
4
2
6
6
2002-03 Dallas
NHL
64 25 25 50 113
4
0
0
0
4
2003-04 Dallas
NHL
82 34 35 69 109
5
0
1
1
4
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
879 315 308 623 1258 91 25 19 44 133
New Jersey's 1st choice, 5th overall, in 1989 Entry Draft.
NHL Second All-Star Team (2002)
Traded to Edmonton by New Jersey with Valeri Zelepukin for Jason Arnott and Bryan Muir, January 4, 1998.Traded to Boston by
Edmonton for Anson Carter, Boston's 1st (Ales Hemsky) and 2nd (Doug Lynch) round choices in 2001 Entry Draft and future considerations, November 15, 2000.Signed as a free agent by Dallas, July 3, 2002.
Event
1989
1990
1996 1st
1998
2002 S
2004
WJC-A
WJC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
105
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
7
7
4
6
5
0
0
0
0
4
2
3
0
2
3
0
2
3
0
2
3
4
4
16
18
17
2
4
8
Slovakia
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
HANDZUS, MICHAL
BORN, BANSKA BYSTRICA, CZECH., MARCH 11, 1977.
(HAHND-zuhs, MIGH-kuhl)
• He played on the St. Louis Blues’“Slovak Line” with fel•
•
•
low 2006 Slovak Olympian Pavol Demitra and Luboos
Bartecko in 1999–2000.
Was runner-up to Steve Yzerman for the Selke Trophy
(best defensive forward) in 1999–2000.
Hobbies are cooking and playing tennis. His favorite
athlete outside of hockey is tennis star Roger Federer.
His greatest fear is flying.
• Led Worcester (AHL) in goals (27), assists (36) and
•
•
•
•
•
•
points (63) in his first North American professional season of 1997–98.
Played his first NHL game with St. Louis at Boston on
Oct. 10, 1998. Scored his first NHL goal Nov. 28 vs.
Washington. Tied for club lead in points among rookies (4-12-16) in 1998–99.
Set career highs in goals (25) and plus/minus (+19) in
1999–2000. Tied for third in the NHL in shorthanded
goals (4) and points (6).
Split 2000–01 season between St. Louis and Phoenix,
but missed 31 games due to abdominal surgery.
In his first season with Philadelphia in 2002–03, he was
one of two players (2006 Swedish Olympian Kim
Johnsson) to play in all 82 games. Was second on team
to Jeremy Roenick with 23 goals. Led team, and was
tied for ninth in the NHL, with 9 game-winning goals.
Along with Mark Recchi, was one of two Flyers to play
in all 82 games in 2003–04. Was second on the team
and established new career highs in assists (38) and
points (58). Tied for second on team in plus/minus at
+18. Reached 20-goal plateau for second consecutive
season and third time in his NHL career.
Helped Zvolen finish first in the Slovak regular-season
standings in 2004–05. Was second on the team in scoring (14--24-38) and ranked among the league leaders
despite playing just 33 games.
When I was young…
• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Slovak
Olympian Ivan Majesky.
• Won gold with Slovakia at the European Junior
Championship (Pool-B) in 1995.
• Played at World Junior Championships in 1996 and
1997.
• Won a bronze medal at the 2000 World
Championship, gold in 2002..
• Was named to the original Slovak roster for the
•
2004 World Cup of Hockey but withdrew due to an
injury suffered at team training camp.
Tied fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Marian Gaborik
for second on the Slovak team in goals (3) behind
Ziggy Palffy (5) at the 2005 World Championship.
• Is competing at his second consecutive Winter
Games.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
B.Bystrica Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
40 23 36 59
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
B.Bystrica
Slovak-2
22 15 14 29 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
B.Bystrica
Slovakia
19
3
1
4
8 ....
.... .... .... ....
Poprad
Slovakia
44 15 18 33
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Worcester
AHL
69 27 36 63 54 11
2
6
8 10
St. Louis
NHL
66
4 12 16 30 11
0
2
2
8
St. Louis
NHL
81 25 28 53 44
7
0
3
3
6
St. Louis
NHL
36 10 14 24 12 .... .... .... .... ....
Phoenix
NHL
10
4
4
8 21 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Phoenix
NHL
79 15 30 45 34
5
0
0
0
2
2002-03 Philadelphia
NHL
82 23 21 44 46 13
2
6
8
6
NHL
82 20 38 58 82 18
5
5 10 10
2004-05
Zvolen
Slovakia
33 14 24 38 34 17
5 10 15
6
NHL Totals
436 101 147 248 269 54
7 16 23 32
St.Louis' 3rd choice, 101st overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.
Traded to Phoenix by St.Louis with Ladislav Nagy, the rights to Jeff Taffe and St.Louis' 1st round choice (Ben Eager) in 2002 Entry
Draft for Keith Tkachuk, March 13, 2001.Traded to Philadelphia by Phoenix with Robert Esche for Brian Boucher and Nashville's
3rd round choice (previously acquired, Phoenix selected Joe Callahan) in 2002 Entry Draft, June 12, 2002.Signed as a free agent by
Zvolen (Slovakia), October 27, 2004.
1995 G Slovakia
1996
1997
2000 S
2002
G
2004
2005
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
106
Event
EJC-B
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
5
6
6
6
2
6
G
A Pts PIM
5 3 8
4
0 3 3
2
2 4 6
2
1 4 5
4
1 0 1
6
1 4 5
4
7
3 0 3
2
Czech Republic
OTTAWA SENATORS
HASEK, DOMINIK
BORN, PARDUBICE, CZECH., JANUARY 29, 1965.
(HAH-shihk, DOHM-ihn-ihk)
• His six Vezina Trophy wins leave him one shy of
Jacques Plante’s record of seven.
•Only goalie to win the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP twice.
• Prepares a new stick for every game.
• Charitable efforts focus on the Hasek Heroes Hockey
Program for underprivileged children.
• He enjoys playing many sports and socializing with
friends in his spare time and during the offseason.
• The person he admires most is Vaclav Havel “because
•
of his commitment to the freedom of a nation and for
being a brave person.”
The most memorable game he has watched was the
1976 Canada Cup Final, where Canada beat
Czechoslovakia.
• Is competing as his third consecutive Winter
Games (1998, 2002).
• Lists the most memorable game he has ever
•
•
played in as the Czech Republic’s shootout victory over Canada at the semifinals at Nagano in
1998. Lists the gold medal that followed (the first
for the Czech Republic) as his greatest international hockey moment.
Is one of seven players back from the Czech
Republic’s 1998 gold medal team along with
Milan Hejduk, Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, Martin
Rucinsky, Jaroslav Spacek and Martin Straka.
Other Olympic sport of interest is downhill skiing.
• Played nine seasons in the Czech elite league from
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1981 to 1990. Named goaltender of the year five times,
player of the year three times.
Joined the Sabres in 1992–93 and became the first
European-trained goaltender to lead the NHL in goalsagainst average (1.95) in 1993-94. Was the first goaltender to finish the regular season with an average
below 2.00 since Bernie Parent in 1973-74. Won the
Vezina Trophy for the first of six times. Named to the
First All-Star Team for the first of six times.
Had a career-best 13 shutouts in 1997–98, the most since
Tony Esposito set a modern record with 15 in 1969–70.
Helped Buffalo reach the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in franchise history in 1999.
Missed 40 games due to a groin injury in 1999–2000.
Finished third in the NHL with a career-best .919 save
percentage, .00026 off the league lead. (Had led the
NHL in save percentage for six of the previous seven
seasons.)
Led the NHL in shutouts for the fourth time with 11 in
2000–01. Established a new career-high in save percentage (.921) and ranked fourth in the NHL.
Won a career-high 41 games with Detroit in 2001–02.
Retired after 2001–02 season, but returned for an
injury-shortened 2003–04 campaign.
Signed with Ottawa for 2004–05 season. Participated
at Binghamton’s AHL training camp to test injuries, but
saw no action during 2004–05 season.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was his hometown team in
•
Pardubice where he never missed watching any
games.
Says that all of his childhood friends that played in the
NHL have since retired.
• Won a silver medal at the 1982 European Junior
Championship.
• Named Best Goalie at the 1983 World Junior
Championship as Czechs won silver.
• Played in the 1984 Canada Cup as a 19-year-old.
• Was an All-Star at the World Championship in 1987,
1989 and 1990. Named Best Goalie in 1987 and 1989.
• Starting goaltender for Czechoslovakia in the 1991
Canada Cup .
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
Pardubice
Pardubice
Pardubice
Pardubice
Pardubice
Pardubice
Pardubice
Pardubice
Jihlava
Chicago
Indianapolis
Chicago
Indianapolis
Buffalo
Buffalo
Pardubice
Buffalo
Buffalo
Buffalo
Buffalo
Buffalo
Buffalo
Buffalo
Detroit
Czech
Czech
Czech
Czech
Czech
Czech
Czech
Czech
Czech
NHL
IHL
NHL
IHL
NHL
NHL
CzRep
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
Regular Season
GP W
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
12 .... .... .... 661 34 .... 3.09 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
42 .... .... .... 2358 105 .... 2.67 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
40 .... .... .... 2304 108 .... 2.81 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
42 .... .... .... 2419 131 .... 3.25 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
45 .... .... .... 2689 138 .... 3.08 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
43 .... .... .... 2515 103 .... 2.46 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
31 .... .... .... 1862 93 .... 3.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
42 .... .... .... 2507 114 .... 2.73 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
40 .... .... .... 2251 80 .... 2.13 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
5 3 0 1 195
8 0 2.46 3 0 0 69 3 0 2.61
33 20 11 1 1903 80 *5 *2.52 1 1 0 60 3 0 3.00
1991-92
20 10 4 1 1014 44 1 2.60 3 0 2 158 8 0 3.04
20 7 10 3 1162 69 1 3.56 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1992-93
28 11 10 4 1429 75 0 3.15 1 1 0 45 1 0 1.33
1993-94
58 30 20 6 3358 109 *7*1.95 7 3 4 484 13 2 *1.61
1994-95
2 1 0 1 124
6 0 2.90 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
41 19 14 7 2416 85 *5*2.11 5 1 4 309 18 0 3.50
1995-96
59 22 30 6 3417 161 2 2.83 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97
67 37 20 10 4037 153 5 2.27 3 1 1 153 5 0 1.96
1997-98
*72 33 23 13 *4220 147 *13 2.09 15 10 5 948 32 1 2.03
1998-99
64 30 18 14 3817 119 9 1.87 19 13 6 1217 36 2 1.77
99-2000
35 15 11 6 2066 76 3 2.21 5 1 4 301 12 0 2.39
2000-01
67 37 24 4 3904 137 *11 2.11 13 7 6 833 29 1 2.09
2001-02◆
65 *41 15 8 3872 140 5 2.17 *23 *16 7*1455 45 *6 1.86
2002-03
OUT OF HOCKEY – RETIRED
2003-04 Detroit
NHL
14 8 3 2 817 30 2 2.20 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
595 296 192 82 34562 1284 63 2.23 97 53 39 5972 202 12 2.03
(Chicago's 11th choice, 207th overall, in 1983 Entry Draft).
WJC-A All-Star Team (1983) • Named Best Goaltender at WJC-A (1983) • Czechoslovakian Goaltender of the Year (1986, 1987,
1988, 1989, 1990) • Czechoslovakian Player of the Year (1987, 1989, 1990) • WEC-A All-Star Team (1987, 1989, 1990) • Named
Best Goaltender at WEC-A (1987, 1989) • Czechoslovakian First All-Star Team (1988, 1989, 1990) • IHL First All-Star Team (1991) •
NHL All-Rookie Team (1992) • NHL First All-Star Team (1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 ) • William M.Jennings Trophy (1994)
(shared with Grant Fuhr) • Vezina Trophy (1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001) • Lester B.Pearson Award (1997, 1998) • Hart
Trophy (1997, 1998) • William M.Jennings Trophy (2001) • Named Best Goaltender at Olympic Games (1998)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002)
Traded to Buffalo by Chicago for Stephane Beauregard and Buffalo's 4th round choice (Eric Daze) in 1993 Entry Draft, August 7,
1992.Traded to Detroit by Buffalo for Vyacheslav Kozlov, Detroit's 1st round choice (later traded to Columbus – later traded to
Atlanta – Atlanta selected Jim Slater) in 2002 Entry Draft and future considerations, July 1, 2001.• Officially announced retirement, June 25, 2002.• Detroit picked up the option on his contract, July 1, 2003.• Missed majority of 2003-04 season recovering
from groin injury suffered in game vs.St.Louis, October 29, 2003.Signed as a free agent by Ottawa , July 6, 2004.
Event
1982 S Czechoslovakia EJC-A
1983 S Czechoslovakia WJC-A
1984
1985 S
1987
1988
1991
1998 G
2002
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
107
Can-Cup
WJC-A
Can-Cup
Olympics
Can-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
GP W
L
T
Mins GA
5 .... .... ....
20
6 .... .... .... 360
4 0 3 1 188
7 4 0 2 380
6 2 3 1 360
5 3 2 0 217
5 1 4 0 300
6 *5 1 0 *369
4 1 2 1 239
1
20
12
10
20
18
18
6
8
SO
Avg
....
....
0
0
0
1
0
*2
0
3.00
3.33
3.83
1.58
3.00
4.98
3.60
*0.97
2.01
U.S.A.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
HATCHER, DERIAN
BORN, STERLING HTS., MI, JUNE 4, 1972.
(HAT-chuhr, DAIR-ee-an)
• He was the first American-born captain of a Stanley
Cup champion.
• Most memorable hockey game played in was game six
•
•
•
of the 1999 Stanley Cup Final when Dallas won the
Cup in triple overtime.
His favorite arena is the old Chicago Stadium.
His hobbies are speed boating, fishing and SCUBA diving. If he couldn’t be a hockey player, he would be a
marine biologist.
Favorite TV show is “Seinfeld.” Favorite movie is
“Star Wars.” Favorite band is Metallica.
• Named North Stars rookie of the year in 1991-92.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Finished eighth in voting for Calder Trophy (NHL rookie of the year).
Named Dallas Stars’ top defenseman in 1993-94. Had a
career-high 12 goals and 31 points (equalled twice).
Led team in plus/minus at +19 after having been -27
the year before.
Played in his first NHL All-Star Game in 1997.
Set a new career high in assists (25) in 1997–98.
Named Stars defenseman of the year for third time in
1998-99. Tied for ninth among NHL defensemen in
plus/minus at +21.
Ranked sixth in NHL in average ice time (27:33) in
1999–2000.
Led Stars defensemen with 26.88 shifts per game in
2000–01. Ranked ninth in NHL in total ice time (25:53
per game) and tenth in hits (250).
Finished third in NHL in hits (330) and seventh in average ice-time (26:40) in 2001–02.
Nominated for Norris Trophy for first time with Detroit
in 2002-03 (finished third behind teammate and 2006
Swedish Olympian Nicklas Lidstrom and Al MacInnis).
Played every game of season for first time in his career
and finished fifth in NHL in plus/minus with careerhigh +37.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was the Washington
Capitals.
• Favorite player was older brother Kevin Hatcher.
• Older brother Kevin played 17 seasons in the NHL
from 1984 to 2001.
• Lists his parents has having the most influence on his
•
hockey career, and his wife as the person he most
admires.
Will call his wife and four children first if Team USA
wins gold in Torino.
• Was named to original U.S. roster for 2004 World
Cup of Hockey but withdrew prior to tournament.
• Lists the big ice surface and the shootout as his
favorite rules in international hockey. (The NHL
adopted the shootout this season.)
• Is competing at his second Olympic Games. (1998).
• Was invited to summer training camp for U.S. team
prior to 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
• Calls the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid the most
memorable games he has watched.
• “Work hard!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Detroit GPD
MNHL
25
5 13 18 52 ....
.... .... .... ....
Detroit GPD
MNHL
51 19 35 54 100 ....
.... .... .... ....
North Bay
OHL
64 14 38 52 81
5
2
3
5
8
North Bay
OHL
64 13 49 62 163 10
2 10 12 28
Minnesota
NHL
43
8
4 12 88
5
0
2
2
8
Minnesota
NHL
67
4 15 19 178 .... .... .... .... ....
Kalamazoo
IHL
2
1
2
3 21 ....
.... .... .... ....
1993-94 Dallas
NHL
83 12 19 31 211
9
0
2
2 14
1994-95 Dallas
NHL
43
5 11 16 105 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96 Dallas
NHL
79
8 23 31 129 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 Dallas
NHL
63
3 19 22 97
7
0
2
2 20
1997-98 Dallas
NHL
70
6 25 31 132 17
3
3
6 39
1998-99◆ Dallas
NHL
80
9 21 30 102 18
1
6
7 24
99-2000 Dallas
NHL
57
2 22 24 68 23
1
3
4 29
2000-01 Dallas
NHL
80
2 21 23 77 10
0
1
1 16
2001-02 Dallas
NHL
80
4 21 25 87 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Dallas
NHL
82
8 22 30 106 11
1
2
3 33
2003-04 Detroit
NHL
15
0
4
4
8 12
0
1
1 15
2004-05
Motor City
UHL
24
5 12 17 27 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
842 71 227 298 1388 112
6 22 28 198
Minnesota's 1st choice, 8th overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.
• Brother of Kevin • NHL Second All-Star Team (2003)
Transferred to Dallas after Minnesota franchise relocated, June 9, 1993.Signed as a free agent by Detroit, July 3, 2003.• Missed
majority of 2003-04 season recovering from knee injury suffered in game vs.Vancouver, October 16, 2003.Signed as a free agent
by Motor City (UHL), February 1, 2005.Signed as a free agent by Philadelphia, August 2, 2005.
Event
1993
1996 1st
1998
2002
2004
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
• Participated in 1990 and 1991 U.S. Olympic Festivals
Championship.“It was a very special experience.”
• His greatest international experience is winning the
1996 World Cup of Hockey. Led tournament defensemen with 3 goals.
108
GP
6
6
4
7
G
A Pts PIM
1 2
3 2
0 0
0 1
DID NOT PLAY
3
5
0
1
8
10
0
0
Canada
OTTAWA SENATORS
HEATLEY, DANY
BORN, FREIBURG, WEST GERMANY, JANUARY 21, 1981.
(HEET-lee, DA-nee)
• He was involved in a blockbuster trade prior to the
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2005–06 season that sent 2006 Slovak Olympian
Marian Hossa to Atlanta.
Nickname is Heater.
Charitable efforts include Teammates for Kids, Shoot
for a Cure, and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
Wears jersey # 15 because it was given to him in college and he has kept it since then.
Most memorable hockey game watched was Toronto
vs. St. Louis in the 1993 playoffs “when Doug Gilmour
scored on Curtis Joseph on a wraparound shot.”
Favorite NHL arena is Madison Square Garden
“because of the history.”
Favorite TV show is “Seinfeld.” Favorite movie is “Major
League.” Favorite actors are Val Kilmer and Charlize
Theron. Favorite bands are The Dave Matthews Band,
The Tragically Hip and Our Lady Peace.
would be with Dave Matthews, John Lennon and
Muhammad Ali.
• First represented Canada at the 2000 World Junior
•
•
•
•
Championship.“It is unbelievable to play for your
country.”
Led Canadian team in scoring (7-3-10) at 2003
World Championship. Tied for sixth overall in tournament scoring. Tied Ziggy Palffy for second in
goals behind 2006 Finnish Olympian Teemu
Selanne (8). Made tournament All-Star Team.
Led 2004 World Championship in goals (8) and
points (11). Was named Best Forward and tournament MVP.
Lists the gold medal games he has played as his
most memorable games.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is downhill skiing.
• Helped Wisconsin capture WCHA regular season
•
•
•
•
championship in 1999–00. Led team in goals (24),
assists (33), points (57), power-play goals (10), gamewinning goals (six) and game-tying goals (one) in 2000–01.
Topped all NHL rookies with Thrashers rookie records
of 41 assists, 67 points and 202 shots in 2001–02. Was
second to 2006 Russian Olympian Ilya Kovalchuk on
team, and among league’s first-year players, with 26
goals. He and Kovalchuk became first teammates to
finish 1-2 in NHL rookie scoring since Brian Leetch and
Tony Granato of NY Rangers in 1988–89.
Set Thrashers franchise records for goals (41 - since
tied by Kovalchuk) and points (89) in 2002–03. Also
established career bests with 19 power-play goals, 48
assists and 252 shots. Was sixth in NHL in goals, ninth
in points. Was ninth among NHL forward with average
of 21:57 ice time per game.
Played just 31 games in 2003–04 after missing first 51
games of season. Registered 25 points (13 goals, 12
assists) in final 28 games after going scoreless in first
three contests.
Scored points (17-21-38) in his first 22 games with
Ottawa in 2005–06, setting a new Senators team record.
When I was young…
• First hockey memories are of playing on the outdoor
rink.
• First hockey team was Trails West - Calgary.
• Favorite team growing up was the hometown Calgary
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Cgy.Blazers
AMHL
25 30 42 72 26 ....
.... .... .... ....
Cgy.Buffaloes
AMHL
36 39 42 *81 34 10 10 12 *22 30
Cgy.Canucks
AJHL
60 *70 56 *126 91 13 *22 13 *35
6
U.of Wisconsin
WCHA
38 28 28 56 32 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Wisconsin
WCHA
39 24 33 57 74 ....
.... .... .... ....
Atlanta
NHL
82 26 41 67 56 .... .... .... .... ....
Atlanta
NHL
77 41 48 89 58 .... .... .... .... ....
Atlanta
NHL
31 13 12 25 18 .... .... .... .... ....
Bern
Swiss
16 14 10 24 58 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kazan
Russia
11
3
1
4 22
4
2
1
3
4
NHL Totals
190 80 101 181 132 .... .... .... .... ....
Atlanta's 1st choice, 2nd overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.
Air Canada Cup MVP (1997) • AJHL Player of the Year (1999) • Canadian Junior "A" Player of the Year (1999) • WCHA First All-Star
Team (2000) • WCHA Rookie of the Year (2000) • NCAA West Second All-American Team (2000) • WCHA Second All-Star Team
(2001) • NCAA West First All-American Team (2001) • NHL All-Rookie Team (2002) • Calder Memorial Trophy (2002) WC-A AllStar Team (2004) • Named Best Forward at WC-A (2004) • WC-A Tournament MVP (2004)
• Missed majority of 2003-04 season recovering from injuries suffered in automobile accident, September 29, 2003.Signed as a
free agent by Bern (Swiss), October 13, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia), February 9, 2005.Traded to Ottawa by
Atlanta for Marian Hossa and Greg de Vries, August 23, 2005.
2000 B Canada
2001 B Canada
2002
2003
2004
2004
2005
G
G
1st
S
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Flames and the St. Louis Blues “because of Brett Hull.”
• Lists his father as being the biggest influence on his
•
Regular Season
League
hockey career because “he has helped me every single
step of the way.”
Will call his family first if Canada wins gold in Torino.
109
Event
GP
G
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
7
7
7
9
9
6
9
2
3
2
7
*8
0
3
A Pts PIM
2 4
2 5
2 4
3 10
3 *11
2 2
4 7
4
10
2
10
4
2
16
Germany
BUFFALO SABRES
HECHT, JOCHEN
BORN, MANNHEIM, WEST GERMANY, JUNE 21, 1977.
(HEHKHT, YOH-khehn)
• He was one of Germany’s all-time top junior players.
• Lists his first NHL game (for St. Louis at Buffalo on Jan.
•
•
•
•
3, 1999) as the most memorable he has played, but
lists his first goal (in the 1999 playoffs vs. Dallas) as his
most memorable moment.
Most memorable game watched was when 2006
German Olympic coach Uwe Krupp scored the
Stanley Cup-winning goal for Colorado in triple
overtime in 1996.
Favorites include “Friends” (TV show),“Star Wars”
(movie) and Will Ferrell (actor).
Hobby is mountain biking.
If he could have dinner with anybody, it would be with
German cyclist Jan Ullrich and former German chancellor Helmut Kohl.
• Played four seasons with Adler Mannheim in German
•
•
•
•
•
•
elite league from 1994 to 1998. Was second on the
team in goals (21), fifth in points (42) as Alder
Mannheim won both regular-season and playoff
championships in 1996–97.
Made North American debut in 1998–99, spending
majority of season with Worcester (AHL) and leading
Ice Cats in goals (21) assist (35) and points (56).
Ranked tenth in scoring (13-21-34), tied for fifth in
power-play goals (5) and third in plus/minus (+20)
among NHL rookies in 1999–2000.
Established NHL highs for goals (19) and power-play
goals (8) in 2000–01. Tied for Blues lead with 3 shorthanded goals.
Played a career-high 82 games for Edmonton in
2001–02 and was fourth on team in goals (16) and
sixth in points (40) .
Suffered a broken left arm in preseason game with
Columbus on Oct. 4, 2003. Played just 64 games in
2003–04 but established career highs in assists (37)
and points (52). Ranked fifth on the Sabres in scoring.
Led Mannheim, ranked seventh in the German league,
in scoring (16-34-50) in 2004–05.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was the Chicago
Blackhawks
• Favorite player was Paul Messier (brother of NHL great
Mark Messier), who played in his hometown of
Mannheim from 1984 to 1990.
• First represented Germany on the Under-16 team.
• Played at the 1994 and 1995 European Junior
•
Championship. Captained Germany to its first junior
hockey medal (silver) at the 1995 EJC in Berlin and was
named to the tournament All-Star Team. He calls winning the silver medal his greatest international hockey
experience.
Played at four straight World Junior Championships
from 1994 to 1997.
• Made his debut at the World Championship in
1996 and also played at 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
• Led Germany with 3 goals at the 2004 World
Championship.
• Led Germany with 3 goals at the 2005 World
Championship. Tied fellow 2006 German
Olympians Christoph Schubert and Jan Benda for
team lead with 4 points.
• Is competing at this third consecutive Winter
Games (1998, 2002).
• Germany had the best record in the preliminary
round at Salt Lake City in 2002.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field at
the Summer Games.
• “Work hard, but most important is having fun.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Mannheim Jr.
Ger-Jr.
28 27 13 40 103 ....
.... .... .... ....
Mannheim
Germany
43 11 12 23 68 10
5
4
9 12
Mannheim
Germany
44 12 16 28 68
8
3
2
5
6
Mannheim
Germany
46 21 21 42 36
9
3
3
6
4
Mannheim
Germany
44
7 19 26 42 10
1
1
2 14
Mannheim
EuroHL
5
0
4
4
8 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99 St. Louis
NHL
3
0
0
0
0
5
2
0
2
0
Worcester
AHL
74 21 35 56 48
4
1
1
2
2
99-2000 St. Louis
NHL
63 13 21 34 28
7
4
6 10
2
2000-01 St. Louis
NHL
72 19 25 44 48 15
2
4
6
4
2001-02 Edmonton
NHL
82 16 24 40 60 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Buffalo
NHL
49 10 16 26 30 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Buffalo
NHL
64 15 37 52 49 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Mannheim
Germany
48 16 34 50 151 14 10 10 *20 14
NHL Totals
333 73 123 196 215 27
8 10 18
6
St.Louis' 1st choice, 49th overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.
Traded to Edmonton by St.Louis with Marty Reasoner and Jan Horacek for Doug Weight and Michel Riesen, July 1, 2001.Traded to
Buffalo by Edmonton for Atlanta's 2nd round choice (previously acquired, Edmonton selected Jeff Deslauriers) in 2002 Entry Draft
and Nashville's 2nd round choice (previously acquired, Edmonton selected Jarret Stoll) in 2002 Entry Draft, June 22, 2002.Signed
as a free agent by Mannheim (Germany), August 2, 2004.
Event
1994
WJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WJC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
1995
S
1996
1996
1997
1998
2002
2004
2004
2005
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
110
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
5
7
5
6
6
4
6
8
4
6
4
6
4
6
0
6
5
3
1
1
1
0
2
1
1
1
3
1
3
0
2
3
3
4
2
0
2
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
8
8
6
5
3
1
2
2
1
2
2
3
1
4
4
18
18
18
18
8
2
4
6
6
2
2
4
2
6
Czech Republic
COLORADO AVALANCHE
HEJDUK, MILAN
BORN, USTI-NAD-LABEM, CZECH., FEBRUARY 14, 1976.
(HAY-dook, MEE-lan)
• He won the 2003 Golden Stick Award as the best hock•
•
•
•
•
•
ey player from the Czech Republic. He was the only
player in the NHL that season to score 50 goals.
Scored on his first career penalty shot January 11, 2004
at Chicago. Scored on his second penalty shot attempt
eight days later at Tampa Bay on January 19, which
marked only the third time an overtime game was
decided by a penalty shot. Also established a new
record for fewest days between penalty shot goals
(previous was 20 days set by Woody Dumart in
1939–40.)
Takes part in a charity hockey game every summer.
Lists the late Ivan Hlinka as his favorite coach.
Favorite TV show is “Seinfeld.” Favorite movie is
“Gladiator.” Favorite actor is Sean Connery. Enjoys the
music of U2. Hobbies are tennis, golf and fishing.
The person he admires most is Albert Einstein.
would be with Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and
Gary Kasparov.
• Played five seasons in the Czech league from 1993 to
•
•
•
•
•
1998. Finished third in goals (27) in 1996–97, tied for
third in goals (26) in 1997–98.
Led all NHL rookies in scoring (14-34-48) and in playoff
scoring (6-6-12) in 1998–99, making him just the second player in the expansion era (after Brian Propp) to
be top rookie scorer in the regular season and playoffs. First rookie since 1939 to score 2 overtime goals
in one playoff series. Finished third in voting for Calder
Trophy behind teammate and 2006 U.S. Olympian
Chris Drury and 2006 Slovak Olympian Marian Hossa.
Among NHL leaders in goals (41), points (79),
plus/minus (+32) and shooting percentage (19.2) in
2000–01. His 41 goals and 9 game-winning goals
trailed only 2006 Canadian Olympian Joe Sakic in
Colorado as Avalanche set club records for wins (52)
and points (118) and won Presidents’ Trophy. Tied for
second in playoff scoring (7-16-23) behind Sakic, playoff leader in assists, as Avalanche won Stanley Cup.
Won Maurice Richard Trophy, and organization’s first
goal-scoring title, with 50 goals in 2002–03. His careerhigh plus/minus of +52 tied with teammate and 2006
Swedish Olympian Peter Forsberg for the NHL lead.
Was Colorado’s leading goal scorer with 35 in 2003–04.
His 75 points were third on the team behind Joe Sakic
and Alex Tanguay and 12th in the NHL.
Was second in scoring (25-26-51) in the Czech league
in 2004–05.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was HC Slovan Usti-Nad
Labem.
• First hockey memory is of scoring his first goal at six
years old.
• Favorite team growing up was VSZ Kosice.
• Favorite player growing up was Vladimir Ruzicka.
• He and Jan Caloun (former NHL player with San Jose
and Columbus) are childhood friends.
• Says that his father has been the greatest influ•
ence on his career because he was a hockey player and a coach.
Will call his wife first if the Czech Republic wins
gold at Torino.
• Began playing on Czech national junior teams in
1991.
• Represented Czech Republic at the World Junior
Championships in 1995 and 1996.
• Bronze medal winner at the 1998 World
•
•
Championships, though he played only one game
after breaking his jaw in the tournament opener.
Was second on the Czech team behind fellow
2006 Olympian Martin Straka, ranked among tournament leaders, with 5 goals at
the 2003 World Championships.
Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Tied for team lead with 3 goals, and tied
Patrik Elias for second behind Martin Havlat with 5 points.
• Is competing at this third consecutive Winter Games (1998, 2002).
• Lists winning the gold medal at Nagano in 1998 as his greatest international
•
•
experience. He was the youngest member of the gold medal-winning team after
being a late call-up to replace Vaclav Prospal.
Is one of seven players back from the Czech Republic’s 1998 gold medal team
along with Dominik Hasek, Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, Martin Rucinsky, Jaroslav
Spacek and Martin Straka.
Other Olympic sports of interest are “almost all competitions on TV.”
• “Try to have fun, enjoy hockey.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01◆
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Pardubice
CzRep
22
6
3
9
.... 10
5
1
6 ....
Pardubice
CzRep
43 11 13 24
6
6
3
1
4
0
Pardubice
CzRep
37 13
7 20
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Pardubice
CzRep
51 27 11 38 10 10
6
0
6 27
Pardubice
CzRep
48 26 19 45 20
3
0
0
0
2
Colorado
NHL
82 14 34 48 26 16
6
6 12
4
Colorado
NHL
82 36 36 72 16 17
5
4
9
6
Colorado
NHL
80 41 38 79 36 23
7 *16 23
6
Colorado
NHL
62 21 23 44 24 16
3
3
6
4
Colorado
NHL
82 *50 48 98 32
7
2
2
4
2
Colorado
NHL
82 35 40 75 20 11
5
2
7
0
Pardubice
CzRep
48 25 26 51 14 16
6
2
8
6
NHL Totals
470 197 219 416 154 90 28 33 61 22
Quebec's 6th choice, 87th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.
NHL All-Rookie Team (1999) • NHL Second All-Star Team (2003) • Bud Light Plus/Minus Award (2003) (tied with Peter Forsberg)
• Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (2003)
Rights transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchise relocated, June 21, 1995.Signed as a free agent by Pardubice (CzRep),
September 18, 2004.
Event
1995
1996
1998 G
WJC-A
WJC-A
Olympics
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
B
2002
2003
2004
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
111
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
6
4
1
4
7
4
1
0
0
0
1
5
3
3
0
0
0
0
1
2
4
0
0
0
1
6
5
14
0
2
0
0
2
2
Czech Republic
EDMONTON OILERS
HEMSKY, ALES
BORN, PARDUBICE, CZECH., AUGUST 13, 1983.
(HEHM-skee, ahl-EHSH)
• He was named playoff MVP in the Czech Republic in
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2005 as Pardubice won the championship. It was
Pardubice’s first playoff title in 16 years.
Hobbies are soccer and roller hockey. He played at the
inline hockey World Championship in 2003, 2004 and
2005. He and his older brother played soccer and
hockey as a youth because his father thought it was
important that they be all-around athletes.
Lists Milan Hejduk as the player to pattern his game
after because he has “speed and skill.”
Wears #83 because he was born in 1983.
Rexall Place in Edmonton is his favorite arena because
of the fast ice.
His favorite TV show is “Friends.” His favorite movie is
“Gladiator.” Denzel Washington is his favorite actor and
Metallica is his favorite band.
His first game in the NHL (against Philadelphia on
October 10, 2002) is the most memorable game he has
played.
Nickname is Hemmer.
• Saw some action in the Czech junior league in
•
•
•
•
1998–99. Was one of the youngest players in the
league. Led Pardubice juniors in scoring (20-36-56) in
1999–2000 despite being still eligible for midget hockey. Finished second in league scoring behind overaged
junior Radim Kucharczyk of Vsetin.
Won the Mike Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s top pro
prospect in 2000–01.
Was second in assists (24), seventh in points (30)
among NHL rookies in 2002–03. Was named a starter
in the NHL YoungStars Game during the All-Star weekend in Florida, but could not play due to injury.
Established new NHL career highs in games (71), goals
(12) and points (34) in 2003-04.
Led all players with 10 assists and 14 points in the
Czech playoffs in 2005.
• First played for his country on the Under-16 team.
“Very honored.”
• Was not permitted to play for the Czech team at
•
•
•
the 2001 World Under-18 Championship while
playing for Hull of the QMJHL because he had not
signed a contract that would allow him to play for
the Czech Republic junior national team.
Finished fourth in scoring (3-6-9) at 2002 World
Junior Championship. Tied Jussi Jokinen for the
tournament lead in assists.
Won gold medal with Czech team in his first
appearance at the World Championship in 2005.
Lists this as his favorite international hockey
moment.
His favorite international hockey rule is the big ice.
• Lists the Czech Republic’s win over Finland in the gold medal game of the 1998
Nagano Olympics as the most memorable hockey game he has watched.
• “Work hard, stay positive, and never give up! Have fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
99-2000
When I was young…
• His first hockey memory is getting his first equipment.
•
He was skating by the age of four and playing hockey
by age five.
His hometown team of Pardubice was his favorite
growing up.
• Lists his father as his biggest influence in hockey.“He
•
was my coach and a big supporter.” His father was an
assistant coach with Pardubice when he made his
debut with the team late in the 1999–2000 season.
Will call his father first if the Czech Republic wins gold
in Torino.
Pardubice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
45 20
Pardubice
CzRep
4
0
2000-01
Hull
QMJHL
68 36
2001-02
Hull
QMJHL
53 27
2002-03 Edmonton
NHL
59
6
2003-04 Edmonton
NHL
71 12
2004-05
Pardubice
CzRep
47 13
NHL Totals
130 18
Edmonton's 1st choice, 13th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.
QMJHL Second All-Star Team (2002)
Signed as a free agent by Pardubice (CzRep), September 18, 2004.
A Pts PIM
36 56
1
1
64 100
70 97
24 30
22 34
18 31
46 64
2002
2005 G
Event
Czech Republic WC-A
112
GP
7
7
G
A Pts PIM
3 *6
2 0
9
2
6
2
54
0
67
86
14
14
28
28
P l ay o f f s
GP
7
....
5
10
6
....
16
6
G
A Pts PIM
4 14 18
.... .... ....
2
3
5
6 10 16
0
0
0
.... .... ....
4 *10 *14
0
0
0
36
....
2
6
0
....
26
0
Slovakia
NEW YORK RANGERS
HOSSA, MARCEL
BORN, ILAVA, CZECH., OCTOBER 12, 1981.
(HOH-sah, MAHR-sehl)
• Wears #81 because he was born in 1981.
• Most memorable moment is scoring a goal in his first
•
•
•
•
NHL game with the Montreal Canadiens, vs. NY
Islanders on Oct. 1, 2002.
Superstition is listening to music on his iPod
Charitable efforts include Madison Square Garden’s
Cheering for Children, as well as participating in various team appearances and fundraisers.
Hobbies are tennis, music and Formula 1 racing.
Favorite TV shows are “Friends” and “Seinfeld.” Favorite
movie is “Slapshot,” Favorite musicians are DJ Tiesto
and Scooter.
• Was the top scorer (34-56-90) with Portland, 12th in
the WHL, in 2000–01.
• Ranked sixth in scoring (17-15-32) with Quebec (AHL)
in just 50 games in 2001–02.
• Played in the 2003 NHL YoungStars game during the
All-Star Weekend.
• Was fifth in scoring (18-22-40) with Hamilton (AHL) in
2003–04.
• Has already surpassed previous NHL highs with New
• First played for his country at an Under-16 tournament.
• Greatest international experience was winning a
•
•
bronze medal at the 1999 World Under-18 tournament.
Also played at the World Junior Championship in
2000 and 2001.
Made his World Championship debut in 2005.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are tennis and
soccer at the Summer Games.
• “Work hard and believe in yourself.”
York Rangers in 2005–06.
When I was young…
• First played hockey in the Dukla Trencin system.
• Favorite players growing up were Wayne Gretzky and
2006 Swedish Olympian Peter Forsberg.
• Is a childhood friend of fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian
Marian Gaborik of Minnesota.
• Brother Marian currently stars with the Atlanta
•
•
Thrashers and is also a member of the 2006 Slovak
Olympic hockey team.
Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence
on his career, and his father Frantisek, coach of the
2006 Slovakian Olympic team, as being his favorite
coach.
Will call his parents first if Slovakia wins gold at Torino.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
Trencin Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
45 30
Trencin Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
39 11
Portland
WHL
70
7
Portland
WHL
60 24
Portland
WHL
58 34
Montreal
NHL
10
3
Quebec
AHL
50 17
2002-03
Hamilton
AHL
37 19
Montreal
NHL
34
6
2003-04 Montreal
NHL
15
1
Hamilton
AHL
57 18
2004-05
Mora
Sweden
48 18
NHL Totals
59 10
Montreal's 2nd choice, 16th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.
WHL West Second All-Star Team (2001)
Signed as a free agent by Mora (Sweden), September 25, 2004.
A Pts PIM
21
38
14
29
56
1
15
13
7
1
22
6
9
1999 B Slovakia
2000
2001
2005
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
113
Event
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
7
7
2
2
0
1
0
0
1
3
0
2
1
4
0
14
8
8
0
51
49
21
53
90
4
32
32
13
2
40
24
19
30
44
66
58
58
2
24
18
14
8
45
69
24
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
....
2
....
16
....
3
21
....
....
10
....
....
....
....
0
....
5
....
0
4
....
....
2
....
....
A Pts PIM
....
....
0
....
7
....
0
7
....
....
3
....
....
....
....
0
....
12
....
0
11
....
....
5
....
....
....
....
2
....
14
....
4
12
....
....
8
....
....
Slovakia
ATLANTA THRASHERS
HOSSA, MARIAN
BORN, STARA LUBOVNA, CZECH., JANUARY 12, 1979.
(HOH-sah, MAIR-ee-uhn)
• He was involved in a blockbuster trade prior to the
•
•
•
•
•
•
2005–06 season that sent 2006 Canadian Olympian
Dany Heatley to Ottawa.
He patterned his style of play after two-way players
like 2006 Swedish Olympian Peter Forsberg.
Wears #18 because it’s the number he’s worn since he
began playing in North America.
Lists the most memorable game he has played as
being when he won the Memorial Cup with Portland
in 1998. (He tore his ACL in the final minutes of regulation time and underwent knee surgery on June 10 in
Ottawa. He was sidelined until Dec. 5.)
Favorite summer activities are golf, tennis and soccer.
Other favorites include “The Sopranos” (TV show),
“Tommy Boy” (movie) Russell Crowe and Julia Roberts
(actors), U2 and Metallica (musical groups).
The person he admires most is Michael Jordan. If he
could have dinner with any three people, they would
be with Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwarzenegger and
Bill Clinton.
• Brother Marcel currently plays in the NHL for the
•
New York Rangers and is also a member of the
2006 Slovak Olympic team.
Says that his parents have been the most influential on his career. His father Frantisek is the coach
of the 2006 Slovakian Olympic team.
• First had the opportunity to play for his country
•
•
•
at 15-years-old on the Slovak Under-16 team on
Dec. 31, 1994, vs Switzerland, during a Four Nation
tournament in Germany. He says of the experience,“it was an honor to represent your country.”
Played at the European Junior Championship in
1996.
Represented Slovakia at three major tournaments
in 1997, EJC, World Junior Championship and World Championships.
Led Slovakia, tied for third at the tournament, with 5 assists at the 2004 World
Championship as Slovakia lost to the U.S. in the bronze medal game. He calls
reaching the semifinals at this tournament his greatest international hockey
experience.
His 4 goals at the 2005 Worlds were second on the team to Ziggy Palffy’s 5.
• Played his first professional season in the Slovakian
•
•
• Is competing at his second consecutive Winter Games.
• He played in only two games at Salt Lake City in 2002, but was the top Slovakian
scorer (4-2-6).
• Will call his girlfriend first if Slovakia wins gold in Torino.
•
•
•
•
•
senior league as 17-year-old in 1996–97 and was third
in team scoring (25-19-44).
At age 18 in 1997-98, he became the second youngest
player (next to Alexandre Daigle) to play for Ottawa.
Was named the game’s third star in his first NHL game
against Montreal on Oct. 1, 1997. Was assigned to
Portland (WHL) on Oct 16 and had 9 points in his first
10 games. He finished the season as the Western
Conference rookie of the year.
Was runner-up to 2006 U.S. Olympian Chris Drury for
the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 1998–99.
Tied Shawn McEachern for team lead in goals (29) in
1999–2000. Reached 30-goal plateau for the first time
in 2000–01. Scored his first career hat trick vs. Florida
on Nov 18, 2000 and also set new club record with 2
shorthanded goals in game. Set a Senators franchise
record with 5 assists during an 8–3 win vs Tampa Bay
on Jan 4, 2001.
Set a career high and franchise record with 45 goals in
2002–03. Also set a team record with three hat tricks.
Was fourth in the NHL in goals, third in game-winning
goals (10) and fourth in shooting percentage (19.7).
Recorded Ottawa’s first 4-goal game and added an
assist for five points vs Atlanta (his current team) on
Jan. 2, 2003, including a natural hat trick in 7:05 to set a
team record for fastest 3 goals.
Led Ottawa in goals (36), points (82), power-play goals
(14) and shots (233) in 2003–04. Ranked second to
2006 Swedish Olympian Daniel Alfredsson with careerhigh 46 assists. Was sixth in the NHL in goals, fifth in
points, 15th in assists, sixth in power-play goals and
first in power-play points (39).
Split the 2004–05 season between Sweden and Slovakia.
Played just 25 games during the 54-game Slovak season
but still finished seventh in scoring (22-20-42).
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was Dukla Trencin.
• Favorite players were Wayne Gretzky and fellow 2006
• “If you do something you like, give it 100 percent.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Trencin Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
53 42 49 91 26 ....
.... .... .... ....
Trencin
Slovakia
46 25 19 44 33
7
5
5 10 ....
Portland
WHL
53 45 40 85 50 16 13
6 19
6
Ottawa
NHL
7
0
1
1
0 .... .... .... .... ....
1998-99 Ottawa
NHL
60 15 15 30 37
4
0
2
2
4
99-2000 Ottawa
NHL
78 29 27 56 32
6
0
0
0
2
2000-01 Ottawa
NHL
81 32 43 75 44
4
1
1
2
4
2001-02
Trencin
Slovakia
8
3
4
7 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
Ottawa
NHL
80 31 35 66 50 12
4
6 10
2
2002-03 Ottawa
NHL
80 45 35 80 34 18
5 11 16
6
2003-04 Ottawa
NHL
81 36 46 82 46
7
3
1
4
0
2004-05
Mora
Sweden
24 18 14 32 22 ....
.... .... .... ....
Trencin
Slovakia
25 22 20 42 38
5
4
5
9 14
NHL Totals
467 188 202 390 243 51 13 21 34 18
Ottawa's 1st choice, 12th overall, in 1997 Entry Draft.
WHL West First All-Star Team (1998) • WHL Rookie of the Year (1998) • Canadian Major Junior First All-Star Team (1998) •
Memorial Cup Tournament All-Star Team (1998) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1999)
Signed as a free agent by Trencin (Slovakia), September 16, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Mora (Sweden), November 11, 2004.
Signed as a free agent by Trencin (Slovakia), January 31, 2005.Traded to Atlanta by Ottawa with Greg de Vries for Dany Heatley,
August 23, 2005.
Event
1996
1997
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
1998
1999
2001
2002
2004
2005
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovak Olympian Peter Bondra.
114
GP
G
A Pts PIM
5
6
8
2
6
6
6
2
9
4
7
1
5
0
3
4
5
1
4
2
1
4
3
2
2
0
4
2
2
2
5
0
3
4
7
2
3
8
7
3
6
7
1
7
6
2
0
0
12
8
2
0
2
2
6
Canada
CALGARY FLAMES
IGINLA, JAROME
BORN, EDMONTON, ALTA., JULY 1, 1977.
(ih-GIHN-lah, jah-ROHM)
• His full name is Arthur-Leigh Elvis Adekunle Jarome Uij
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Junior Iginla. Iginla means “big tree” in the Yoruba language of Nigeria.
Was runner-up to Montreal’s Jose Theodore for the
Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2001–02, but captured the
Lester B. Pearson Award as MVP in voting by other NHL
players. (Hart Trophy race ended in a tie, but Theodore
won because he had more first-place votes.)
Contributes his time towards the charitable efforts of
Kidsport Canada. He won the King Clancy Trophy for
humanitarian contributions in 2003–04.
Wears #12 because it was given to him in Kamloops
when he was 16.
Favorite coach is his Midget AAA coach Kelvin McKay
because “he helped to prepare me for the more serious hockey in major junior.”
The most memorable game he has watched was game
seven of the 1986 Edmonton/Calgary playoff when
Steve Smith scored the deciding goal on his own net.
“because of the tradition and the atmosphere.”
Other favorites are “Big Brother” (TV show),“The
Shawshank Redemption” (movie) and Cuba Gooding
Jr. (actor).
• Won back-to-back Memorial Cup championships with
•
•
•
•
•
Kamloops (WHL) in 1994 and 1995. Finished fourth in
WHL scoring (63-73-136) in 1995–96.
Played his first NHL season in 1996–97 and was one of
only three Flames to play all 82 games. Led all NHL
rookies in points (21-29-50). Was runner-up to Bryan
Berard for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.
Posted a 16-game scoring streak (12G, 14A) from Jan.
29 to Mar. 4, 2000, the longest streak in the NHL during
the 1999–2000 season.
Led Flames in goals (31) and points (71) in 2000–01,
reaching new career highs in goals and points for third
straight season.
Shattered all previous career marks in 2001–02. Led
NHL in points (96) and goals (52), second in powerplay goals (16), tied for ninth in game-winning goals
(7), tied for fourth in shots (311).
Shared NHL goal-scoring lead (41) in 2003–04 with fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Rick Nash of Columbus
and 2006 Russian Olympian Ilya Kovalchuk of Atlanta.
Finished 16th in NHL with 74 points. Tied with 2006
Swedish Olympian Mats Sundin of Toronto and 2006
U.S. Olympian Bill Guerin of Dallas for league lead with
10 game-winning goals. Led all playoff scorers with 13
goals, was third with 22 points, as Calgary’s surprise
playoff run took them to game seven of Stanley Cup
Final before losing to Tampa Bay. Finished second in
voting for Hart Trophy as NHL MVP behind fellow 2006
Canadian Olympian Martin St. Louis of Tampa Bay.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was the Remax Rangers
Novice C team at age seven.
• First hockey memory is of skating at tryouts without a
sweater or socks for the first half of the game with his
shin pads and shoulder pads exposed.
• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton
Oilers.
• Favorite players were Oilers greats Wayne Gretzky,
Mark Messier and Grant Fuhr.
• He patterned his style after Mark Messier.
• Credits his grandfather as having the biggest influence on his career.“He took me to my first tryout
and to many hockey games and hockey schools.”
They would also watch NHL games on television
together.
• Led Canada’s Team Pacific to a bronze medal at the
1994 World Under-17 Challenge.
• Was tournament’s top scorer (5-4-9) with the
•
•
•
•
Canadian Under-18 team at the 1994 Mexico Cup tournament featuring Canada,
USA, Russia and Japan.
Leading scorer (5-7-12) at the 1996 World Junior Championships. Led Canada to
a gold medal, was named Best Forward and to the First All-Star Team.
Won gold medal in his only appearance at the World Championship in 1997.
Played on the top line with Mario Lemieux and fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian
Joe Sakic when Canada won the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Favorite international hockey rule is the elimination of the red line for two-line
passes “because there are more chances for breaks.” (The NHL adopted the “no
red line” rule this season.)
• Is competing at this second consecutive Olympic Games.
• He was a last-minute invitee to Canada’s Olympic training camp in 2002.
• Had two goals and an assist vs. the United States in Canada’s gold medal victory
•
at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Lists the gold medal victory as his greatest
international experience, and the gold medal game as his most memorable.
Other Olympic sports of interest are moguls skiing, slalom skiing and bobsled.
• “Get as much ice time, and street hockey, in as possible. Play other sports also.
Develop athleticism and keep focusing on improving. Believe in yourself. Make it
a passion!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Regular Season
Season
Club
League
GP
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
St.Albert
St.Albert
Kamloops
Kamloops
Kamloops
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
AMHL
AMHL
WHL
WHL
WHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
36 26 30
36 34 53
48
6 23
72 33 38
63 63 73
.... .... ....
82 21 29
70 13 19
82 28 23
77 29 34
77 31 40
82 *52 44
75 35 32
81 *41 32
DID NOT PLAY
626 250 253
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
G
A Pts PIM
56
*87
29
71
136
....
50
32
51
63
71
*96
67
73
22
20
33
111
120
....
37
29
58
26
62
77
49
84
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
....
....
....
19
3
21
7
16 16
2
1
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
26 *13
A Pts PIM
....
....
6
11
13
1
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
9
....
....
9
18
29
2
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
22
....
....
10
34
44
0
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
45
NHL Totals
503 422 28 14 10 24 45
Dallas' 1st choice, 11th overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.
George Parsons Trophy (Memorial Cup Tournament Most Sportsmanlike Player) (1995) • WJC-A All-Star Team (1996) • Named
Best Forward at WJC-A (1996) • WHL West First All-Star Team (1996) • WHL Player of the Year (1996) • Canadian Major Junior Fir
Traded to Calgary by Dallas with Corey Millen for Joe Nieuwendyk, December 19, 1995.
Year Medal
1996 G
1997 G
2002 G
2004 1st
National Team
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
WJC-A
6
WC-A
11
Olympics 6
W-Cup
6
5
2
3
2
7 *12
3 5
1 4
1 3
115
4
2
0
2
Czech Republic
NEW YORK RANGERS
JAGR, JAROMIR
BORN, KLADNO, CZECH., FEBRUARY 15, 1972.
(YAH-guhr, YAIR-oh-MEER)
• He has won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s top scor•
•
•
•
er five times. Only Wayne Gretzky (10), Gordie Howe (6)
and Mario Lemieux (6) have won it more times.
He was the first player born and raised in Europe to
win the Art Ross Trophy in 1994–95.
Won the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in each of his
first two NHL seasons.
A 30-goal season this year (2005–06) will be his 14th in
a row, placing him behind only Mike Gartner (15 years)
for the longest streak of 30-goal seasons.
Wears #68 to commemorate the “Prague Spring”
of 1968 when Soviet military forces crushed rising
liberalism in Czechoslovakia.
• Played in the Czech elite league at age 16. Was the
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
youngest to do so until fellow 2006 Czech Olympian
Rostislav Olesz played as a 15-year-old in 2000–01.
Led NHL rookies in point-scoring in the 1991 playoffs
(3-10-13) as Pittsburgh won Stanley the Cup.
Recorded career-high 6 points in one game on Nov.
16, 1993 vs. Philadelphia.
Runner-up behind Eric Lindros for the 1995 Hart
Trophy, given to league’s MVP, but won the Golden
Stick Award as top Czech player for first time (winning
again in 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2002).
Established career highs in goals (62), power-play
goals (20), assists (87) and points (149) in 1995–96.
Finished second to teammate Mario Lemieux in scoring race. Finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting.
Only NHL player to top 100 points (35-67-102) in
1997–98.
Led league in scoring (44-83-127) in 1998–99 and won
Hart Trophy as MVP.
Led NHL in scoring (42-54-96) despite playing just 63
games in 1999–2000.
Won Art Ross Trophy for fourth straight season (52-69121) in 2000–01. Finished third in voting for Hart
Trophy. Reached 1,000-point plateau on Dec. 30, 2000.
Tied for fifth in the NHL with 79 points (31G, 48A) with
Washington in 2001–02. Tied for ninth in NHL with 48
assists. Had a hat trick on Feb. 4, 2003 to become 33rd
player in NHL history to register 500 goals.
Was 15th in NHL scoring (31-43-74) in 2003–04, splitting season between Washington and New York.
Reached 30-goal plateau for 13th straight season.
When I was young…
• Was playing in three different hockey leagues at the
age of six.
• Spoke no english when he left his homeland to play in
the NHL at age 18.
• Played at the 1989 European Junior Championship
and won silver medal.
• Won bronze medal with Czechoslovakia at the 1990
World Junior Championship. Was named to tournament All-Star team.
• Tied for fourth in tournament scoring (4-4-8) at
• Tied for third in tournament scoring (5-4-9) at the
2004 World Championship.
• Led team, ranked among tournament leaders, in
assists (7) and points (9) when the Czech Republic
won the 2005 World Championship.
• Playing at his third consecutive Olympic Games
(1998, 2002).
• Greatest international hockey experience is winning the gold medal at Nagano in 1998.
• Tied with Pavel Patera for team leading in scoring
(1-4-5) at the Nagano Olympics.
• Is one of seven players back from the Czech
•
Republic’s 1998 gold medal team along with Dominik Hasek, Milan Hejduk,
Robert Lang, Martin Rucinsky, Jaroslav Spacek and Martin Straka.
Led Czech team in scoring (2-3-5) at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91◆
1991-92◆
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Kladno Jr.
Czech-Jr.
34 24 17 41
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Kladno Jr.
Czech-Jr.
36 41 29 70
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Kladno Jr.
Czech-Jr.
30 35 35 70
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Kladno Jr.
Czech-Jr.
35 57 27 84
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Kladno
Czech
29
3
3
6
4 10
5
7 12
0
Kladno
Czech
42 22 28 50
....
9 *8
2 10 ....
Pittsburgh
NHL
80 27 30 57 42 24
3 10 13
6
Pittsburgh
NHL
70 32 37 69 34 21 11 13 24
6
Pittsburgh
NHL
81 34 60 94 61 12
5
4
9 23
Pittsburgh
NHL
80 32 67 99 61
6
2
4
6 16
Kladno
CzRep
11
8 14 22 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
Bolzano
Euroliga
5
8
8 16
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
Bolzano
Italy
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Schalke
German-2
1
1 10 11
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Pittsburgh
NHL
48 32 38 *70 37 12 10
5 15
6
1995-96 Pittsburgh
NHL
82 62 87 149 96 18 11 12 23 18
1996-97 Pittsburgh
NHL
63 47 48 95 40
5
4
4
8
4
1997-98 Pittsburgh
NHL
77 35 *67 *102 64
6
4
5
9
2
1998-99 Pittsburgh
NHL
81 44 *83 *127 66
9
5
7 12 16
99-2000 Pittsburgh
NHL
63 42 54 *96 50 11
8
8 16
6
2000-01 Pittsburgh
NHL
81 52 *69 *121 42 16
2 10 12 18
2001-02 Washington
NHL
69 31 48 79 30 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Washington
NHL
75 36 41 77 38
6
2
5
7
2
2003-04 Washington
NHL
46 16 29 45 26 .... .... .... .... ....
NY Rangers
NHL
31 15 14 29 12 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Kladno
CzRep
17 11 17 28 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
Omsk
Russia
32 16 22 38 63 11
4 *10 *14 22
NHL Totals
1027 537 772 1309 699 146 67 87 154 123
Pittsburgh's 1st choice, 5th overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.
• WJC-A All-Star Team (1990) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1991) • NHL First All-Star Team (1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001) • Art
Ross Trophy (1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001) • NHL Second All-Star Team (1997) • Lester B.Pearson Award (1999, 2000) • Hart
Trophy (1999) • WC-A All-Star Team (2004)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1992, 1993, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004)
Traded to Washington by Pittsburgh with Frantisek Kucera for Kris Beech, Michal Sivek, Ross Lupaschuk and future considerations,
July 11, 2001.Traded to NY Rangers by Washington for Anson Carter, January 23, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Kladno (CzRep),
September 17, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Omsk (Russia), November 7, 2004.
1989 S Czechoslovakia
1990 B Czechoslovakia
1991
1994
1996
1998 G
2002
2004
2005 G
Czechoslovakia
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
116
Event
EJC-A
WJC-A
Can-Cup
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
5
7
5
3
3
6
4
7
7
5
8
G
A Pts PIM
8 4 12
5 13 18
1 0 1
0 2 2
1 0 1
1 4 5
2 3 5
4 4 8
5 4 9
1 1 2
2 7 9
2
6
0
2
2
2
4
2
6
2
2
Sweden
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
JOHNSSON, KIM
BORN, MALMO, SWEDEN, MARCH 16, 1976.
(YAWN-suhn, KIHM)
• Won the Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award, presented annually
to best rookie at Rangers training camp, in 1999–2000.
• Won the Barry Ashbee Trophy as Philadelphia’s most
outstanding defenseman in 2003–04.
• Nicknames are Kimbo and KJ.
• Hobby is golf.
• Made his debut in the Swedish elite league with
•
•
•
•
•
Malmo in 1993–94. Spent four full seasons at the elite
level.
Tied for third in scoring (6-15-21) among NHL rookie
defensemen in 1999–2000. Led all rookies with 116
blocked shots.
Was second behind Brian Leetch in Rangers scoring by
defensemen (5-21-26) in 2000–01. Was third on
Rangers, 15th in NHL, in takeaways (70).
Traded to Philadelphia as part of the Eric Lindros deal
prior to the 2001–02 season. Emerged as Flyers’ top
offensive defenseman with 11 goals, 30 assists, 41
points. Ranked 17th in NHL in defenseman scoring.
Topped Flyers defensemen in scoring again in
2002–03 (10-29-39) and was 21st in scoring among
NHL defensemen.
Led Flyers in average time on ice (24:26) in 2003–04.
Was first on team in power play assists with 19. Was
first among Flyers defensemen in scoring (13-29-42).
Set new career high for goals and points. Ranked 14th
among NHL defensemen in scoring.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is getting a pair of skates at age
three.
• Favorite team growing up was hometown Malmo
(whom he later played for), but he had no favorite
player.
• Lists his parents as having had he biggest influence on
his career.
• Will call his parents first if Sweden wins gold in Torino.
• First represented his country as 17-year old in
1993.“It was a great honor for me.”
• Won gold at the 1994 European Junior
Championship.
• Played on silver medal-winning Swedish team at
•
•
•
the 1996 World Junior Championship. Was a teammate of 2006 Swedish Olympian Mattias Ohlund.
Member of Sweden’s gold medal-winning team at
the 1998 World Championships. Listed this as his
favorite international experience, and the gold
medal game against Finland as the most memorable game he has played.
Tied for Swedish team lead with 4 goals at the
2001 World Championship. Was tied for second on
team with 8 points.
Was Sweden’s top scoring defenseman (1-3-4) at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
• Is competing at his second consecutive Olympic Games.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is cross-country skiing.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1993-94
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Malmo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
14
5
3
8 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
Malmo
Sweden
2
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
Malmo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
29
6 15 21 40 ....
.... .... .... ....
Malmo
Sweden
13
0
0
0
4
1
0
0
0
0
1995-96
Malmo
Sweden
38
2
0
2 30
4
0
1
1
8
1996-97
Malmo
Sweden
49
4
9 13 42
4
0
0
0
2
1997-98
Malmo
Sweden
45
5
9 14 29 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99
Malmo
Sweden
49
9
8 17 76
8
2
3
5 12
99-2000 NY Rangers
NHL
76
6 15 21 46 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 NY Rangers
NHL
75
5 21 26 40 .... .... .... .... ....
NHL
82 11 30 41 42
5
0
0
0
2
NHL
82 10 29 39 38 13
0
3
3
8
NHL
80 13 29 42 26 15
2
6
8
8
2004-05
Ambri
Swiss
24
4 10 14 61 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
395 45 124 169 192 33
2
9 11 18
NY Rangers' 15th choice, 286th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.
Traded to Philadelphia by NY Rangers with Jan Hlavac, Pavel Brendl and NY Rangers' 3rd round choice (Stefan Ruzicka) in 2003
Entry Draft for Eric Lindros, August 20, 2001.Signed as a free agent by Ambri (Swiss), September 18, 2004.
Year Medal
1994 G
1996 S
1998 G
1999 B
2001 B
2002
B
2004
National Team
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
EJC-A
5
WJC-A
7
WC-A
10
WC-A
10
WC-A
9
Olympics 4
WC-A
6
W-Cup
4
0
1
1
0
4
1
0
1
0
2
0
0
4
1
1
3
117
0
3
1
0
8
2
1
4
0
6
4
4
6
0
2
0
Finland
DALLAS STARS
JOKINEN, JUSSI
BORN, KALAJOKI, FINLAND, APRIL 1, 1983.
(YOH-kih-nihn, YOO-see)
• He was named to the Finnish Olympic team to replace
the injured Tuomo Ruutu.
• He patterns his style of play after 2006 Czech
•
•
•
•
•
Olympian Jaromir Jagr and fellow 2006 Finnish
Olympian Ville Peltonen.
The most memorable game he has ever watched was
the 1995 World Championship final between Finland
and Sweden, Finland’s first world title.
Hobbies are golf, tennis and beach football.
His favorite coach is Kari Jalonen. The people he
admires most are Antti Suorsa and Janne Salmela.
“Great guys!”
His favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite movie is
“Wedding Crashers.” Favorite actor is Will Ferrell.
Favorite musician is Maija Vilkkumaa from Finland.
be with Matti Nykanen, Tarja Halonen and Maija
Vilkkumaa.
• Led Karpat Oulo in goals (23) and points (47), ranked
•
•
second in assists (24) in 2004–05. In the entire Finnish
elite league, he tied for fifth in assists, sixth in points
and eight in goals.
Made his NHL debut on Oct. 5, 2005 vs. Los Angeles.
Scored his first goal on Oct. 11, 2005 vs. David Leneveu
of Phoenix.
A master of the shootout, scoring on each of his first
five opportunities for the Dallas Stars in 2005-06.
When I was young…
• His first hockey memory is scoring the game-winning
•
•
•
goal in a shootout in the final game of a tournament
when he was eight years old.
Favorite hockey team growing up was Kalajoen
Junkkarit.
Favorite player was 2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir Jagr.
Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Finnish
Olympian Joni Pitkanen of the Philadelphia Flyers.
on his career. “They have always supported me a lot.”
• Will call his parents first if Finland wins gold in Turin.
• First represented his country in 1998 as a 14-yearold.“It was a great moment.”
• Won a bronze medal at the 2001 World Under-18
Championship.
• Greatest international moments are Finland’s
•
•
•
bronze medal victories at the World Junior
Championship in 2002 and 2003. The most
memorable game he has played was the bronze
medal game between Finland and the U.S. at the
2003 WJC in Halifax.
Tied 2006 Czech Olympian Ales Hemsky for the
lead at the 2002 tournament with 6 assists. Led
the Finnish team with 8 points.
In a very tight scoring race at the 2003 WJC, he
finished among the leaders in goals (6) and points
(8), ranking second on the Finnish team behind injured 2006 Finnish Olympian
Tuomo Ruutu in both categories.
Made his World Championship debut in 2005.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and “almost all sports.”
• “Enjoy practices and games.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
99-2000
Karpat Jr.
Finland-Jr.
Karpat U18
Fin-U18
2000-01
Karpat U18
Fin-U18
Karpat Jr.
Finland-Jr.
2001-02
Karpat
Finland
Karpat Jr.
Finland-Jr.
2002-03
Karpat
Finland
2003-04
Karpat
Finland
2004-05
Karpat
Finland
Dallas' 7th choice, 192nd overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.
GP
G
28
15
1
41
54
2
51
55
56
4
6
2
18
10
4
14
15
23
A Pts PIM
6
25
1
31
6
1
23
23
24
Year Medal
2001 B
2002 B
2003 B
2005
National Team
Event
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
118
GP
6
7
7
7
G
A Pts PIM
2 0
2 *6
6 2
0 1
2
8
8
1
2
2
2
2
10
31
3
49
16
5
37
38
47
14
14
0
69
34
2
10
20
24
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
6
....
6
4
1
15
15
12
....
2
....
2
1
1
2
3
3
A Pts PIM
....
3
....
2
0
1
1
4
4
....
5
....
4
1
2
3
7
7
....
0
....
0
0
0
33
6
2
Finland
FLORIDA PANTHERS
JOKINEN, OLLI
BORN, KUOPIO, FINLAND, DECEMBER 5, 1978.
(YOH-kih-nihn, OH-lee)
• Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Aki Berg as the
•
•
•
highest-drafted Finnish player in the NHL Entry Draft
when Los Angeles picked him third overall in 1997.
Scored a goal against 2006 Czech Olympian Dominik
Hasek on his first career penalty shot on Mar. 4, 2000.
Hobbies are soccer, tennis and volleyball. Would have
liked to have been a soccer player if he was not playing hockey.
Most memorable game he has watched was Finland
winning the World Championship in 1995.
• Was the youngest player on HIFK in 1996–97 finishing
third in scoring (14-27-41).
• Made his NHL debut with Los Angeles on Oct. 1, 1997,
•
•
•
•
but was assigned to HIFK on Nov. 6, 1997 to finish the
1997–98 season.
Scored his first NHL goal on Nov. 10, 1998 vs. Calgary.
Was named NHL rookie of the month for November.
After being traded to the Islanders, was traded to
Florida along with 2006 Canadian Olympian Roberto
Luongo.
Shattered all previous career bests in 2002–03.
Reached new highs in goals (36), assists (29) points
(65), power-play goals (13), game-winning goals (6),
shorthanded goals (3), and shots (240). Led Florida in
goals, points, PPG, SHG, GWG and shots. His 36 goals
tied for 12th in NHL.
Set new career high with 32 assists, 280 shots and
average time on ice (22:34) in 2003–04. Led Panthers in
goals (26), assists, points (58), power-play goals (8),
shorthanded goals (2), game-winning goals (8) and
shots. Tied for fourth in NHL in shots on goal.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was hometown KalPa. He
played most of his junior career in their system.
• Favorite player was Finnish-born Hockey Hall of Famer
Jari Kurri.
• Lists his father as having had the biggest influence on
•
his career.“He was my coach for five years when I was a
teenager.”
His first hockey memory is of watching his father’s final
game at the Finnish elite league when he was five.
• First represented his country on the Under-16
national team.
• Won silver medal at the 1996 European Junior
Championship.
• Played at the World Junior Championship in 1997
•
•
•
and 1998. Tied Canada’s Jeff Farkas for scoring lead
(4-6-10) and was named Best Forward as Finland
won gold medal in 1998.
Led Finnish team with 5 goals at the 2004 World
Championship. Was second behind Ville Peltonen
with 8 points.
Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Tuomo Ruutu
for team lead in plus/minus (+4) at the 2004 World
Cup of Hockey, where Finland won the European
pool and reached the finals against Team Canada.
Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Niko Kapanen and Timo Parssinen for team
lead in scoring (1-4-5) at the 2005 World Championship.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
KalPa U18
Fin-U18
12
9 14 23 46 ....
.... .... .... ....
KalPa Jr.
Finland-Jr.
6
0
1
1
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
1995-96
KalPa Jr.
Finland-Jr.
25 20 14 34 47
7
4
4
8 20
KalPa
Finland
15
1
1
2
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
1996-97
HIFK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
2
1
0
1
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
HIFK
Finland
50 14 27 41 88 ....
.... .... .... ....
1997-98 Los Angeles
NHL
8
0
0
0
6 .... .... .... .... ....
HIFK
Finland
30 11 28 39
8
9 *7
2
9
2
1998-99 Los Angeles
NHL
66
9 12 21 44 .... .... .... .... ....
Springfield
AHL
9
3
6
9
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL
82 11 10 21 80 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Florida
NHL
78
6 10 16 106 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Florida
NHL
80
9 20 29 98 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Florida
NHL
81 36 29 65 79 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Florida
NHL
82 26 32 58 81 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Kloten
Swiss
8
6
1
7 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sodertalje
Sweden
23 13
9 22 52 ....
.... .... .... ....
HIFK
Finland
14
9
8 17 10
5
2
0
2 24
NHL Totals
477 97 113 210 494 .... .... .... .... ....
Los Angeles' 1st choice, 3rd overall, in 1997 Entry Draft.
Finnish Rookie of the Year Award (1997) • WJC-A All-Star Team (1998) • Named Best Forward at WJC-A (1998)
Traded to NY Islanders by Los Angeles with Josh Green, Mathieu Biron and Los Angeles' 1st round choice (Taylor Pyatt) in 1999
Entry Draft for Ziggy Palffy, Bryan Smolinski, Marcel Cousineau and New Jersey's 4th round choice (previously acquired, Los
Angeles selected Daniel Johansson) in 1999 Entry Draft, June 20, 1999.Traded to Florida by NY Islanders with Roberto Luongo for
Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha, June 24, 2000.Signed as a free agent by Kloten (Swiss), September 15, 2004.Signed as a free agent
by Sodertalje (Sweden), November, 2004.Signed as a free agent by HIFK (Finland), January 30, 2005.
1996 S Finland
1997
Finland
Finland
1998 G Finland
S
Finland
1999 S Finland
2000 B Finland
2002
Finland
Finland
2003
Finland
2004
Finland
2004 2nd Finland
2005
Finland
119
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
EJC-A
5
WJC-A
6
WC-A
8
WJC-A
7
WC-A
10
WC-A
12
WC-A
9
Olympics 4
WC-A
9
WC-A
7
WC-A
7
W-Cup
6
WC-A
7
5
5
4
4
0
3
1
2
1
1
5
2
1
2 7
0 5
2 6
6 10
1 1
1 4
3 4
1 3
1 2
2 3
3 8
1 3
4 5
2
12
6
6
6
14
6
0
4
8
6
6
2
Canada
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
JOVANOVSKI, ED
BORN, WINDSOR, ONT., JUNE 26, 1976.
(joh-van-OHV-skee, EHD)
• His father played professional soccer in Macedonia
(Yugoslavia).
• He speaks English, French and some Macedonian
• Tiger Woods is the person he admires most. Would like
•
•
•
•
•
to have dinner with Tiger Woods, Muhammad Ali and
Bill Clinton.
Lists Scott Stevens as the player he patterns his
game after.
Hobbies are boating, golfing, rollerblading, football.
“Entourage” and “ER” are his favorite TV shows. Russell
Crowe, Mel Gibson and Sandra Bullock are his favorite
actors. Green Day is his favorite band.
Does charity work with Garth Brooks’ Teammates for
Kids Foundation.
Nickname is Jovo.
• Led all rookie defensemen with 10 goals for Florida in
•
•
•
•
1995–96 and was nominated for the Calder Trophy as
rookie of the year. He led all rookies in the playoffs
with 8 assists and tied for the rookie scoring lead with
9 points.
Ranked third in the NHL with 30.31 shifts per game
with Vancouver in 1999–2000.
Ranked 13th in scoring (12-35-47) among defensemen
in 2001–02 to help Vancouver reach the playoffs for
the first time since 1996. Ranked sixth in the NHL in
shifts per game (31.39) and 14th in total ice time (24:57
per game). Won the Walter “Babe” Pratt Award as
Vancouver’s top defenseman.
Ranked second among NHL defensemen with a
career-high 17 goals in 2001–02. Also established
career highs with 48 points and 7 power-play goals.
Established a career high with 40 assists in just 67
games in 2002–03.
When I was young…
Leafs. Wayne Gretzky was his favorite player,
• Only played soccer as a boy.“My older brother Deni
•
got me into hockey recreationally. And right away I
had my dad sign me up for the Windsor Minor Travel
League.”
Won the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Bantam
championship in 1992.
•
•
Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey,
“because they were supportive.”
Will call his parents first if Canada wins gold at Torino.
• First international experience was at the 1995
•
•
•
World Junior Championship in Red Deer.
Lists that tournament and the 2002 Salt Lake City
Olympics as his favorite international hockey
moment.
Was a member of Team Canada at the World Cup
of Hockey in 1996, but did not play. Was limited to
one game because of injuries at the 2004 World
Cup
Represented Canada at 2005 World
Championships despite seeing no regular action
during the 2004–05 season.
ice surface.“More room.”
• Other Olympic sports of interest are the alpine events.
What Others Say…
• “His heart is something you never question.” — former Canucks teammate Scott
Lachance
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
Windsor
Wndsr.Bulldogs
Windsor
Windsor
Florida
Florida
Florida
Florida
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
OMHA
OHA-B
OHL
OHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Regular Season
GP
G
A Pts PIM
50 25 40 65
48
7 46 53
62 15 36 51
50 23 42 65
70 10 11 21
61
7 16 23
81
9 14 23
41
3 13 16
31
2
9 11
75
5 21 26
79 12 35 47
82 17 31 48
67
6 40 46
56
7 16 23
DID NOT PLAY
643 78 206 284
88
88
221
198
137
172
158
82
44
54
102
101
113
64
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
....
4
9
22
5
....
....
....
....
4
6
14
7
....
....
0
2
1
0
....
....
....
....
1
1
7
0
A Pts PIM
....
....
0
7
8
0
....
....
....
....
1
4
1
4
....
....
0
9
9
0
....
....
....
....
2
5
8
4
....
....
15
39
52
4
....
....
....
....
0
8
22
6
NHL Totals
1027 58 10 18 28 92
Florida's 1st choice, 1st overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.
OHL All-Rookie Team (1994) • OHL Second All-Star Team (1994) • OHL First All-Star Team (1995) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1996)
Traded to Vancouver by Florida with Dave Gagner, Mike Brown, Kevin Weekes and Florida's 1st round choice (Nathan Smith) in
2000 Entry Draft for Pavel Bure, Bret Hedican, Brad Ference and Vancouver's 3rd round choice (Robert Fried) in 2000 Entry Draft,
January 17, 1999.
1995 G Canada
1996 2nd Canada
1998
2000
2002 G
2004 1st
2005 S
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
120
Event
WJC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
7
G
A Pts PIM
2 0
DID NOT PLAY
6
2 1
9
1 1
6
0 3
1
0 0
9
1 2
2
4
3
2
3
0
3
6
8
4
0
8
Slovakia
BOSTON BRUINS
JURCINA, MILAN
BORN LIPTOVSKY MIKULAS, CZECH., JUNE 7, 1983.
(YEWR-chee-nah, MEE-lan)
• Nickname is Jerky.
• Hobbies are soccer and tennis.
• Lists his friends as having had the greatest influence
on his career.
• The most memorable game he has played was game
•
•
seven of the 2003 Quebec Major Junior Hockey
League final when the Halifax Moosehead were
defeated by Hull.
Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite Movie is “John
Q.” Favorite actor is Denzel Washington. Favorite musical group is Blink 182.
would be with his mother, father and girlfriend
because “they all mean a lot to me.”
• First played for Slovakia at 16 years old, and was
very proud to do so.
• Played at the World Under-18 Championship in
•
2001, and at the World Junior Championship in
2002 and 2003.
Summer Games.
• “Work hard and have fun.”
• Had plus/minus ratings of +36 and +28 in his last two
•
•
•
seasons with Halifax (QMJHL). Led Halifax defensemen
with 15 goals in 2002–03 as the Moosehead finished
first in the Maritime Division, and second overall in the
league standings.
Played his first professional season in 2003–04. Began
year with Boston, but did not dress for seven games
and was assigned to Providence (AHL) on Oct. 23,
2003.
Was second among Providence defensemen in goals
(6), assists (17) and points (23) in 2004–05.
Made his NHL debut with Boston vs. Pittsburgh on Oct.
8, 2005. Picked up his first NHL point with an assist vs.
Philadelphia on Nov. 25. Scored his first 2 NHL goals vs.
2006 U.S. Olympian John Grahame of Tampa Bay on
Jan. 7, 2006.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of scoring a goal in his first
hockey game.
• Favorite player was 2006 Canadian Olympian Chris
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
99-2000
L.Mikulas Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
2000-01
Halifax
QMJHL
2001-02
Halifax
QMJHL
2002-03
Halifax
QMJHL
2003-04
Providence
AHL
2004-05
Providence
AHL
Boston's 7th choice, 241st overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.
G
GP
G
A Pts PIM
STATISTICS NOT AVAILABLE
68
0
5
5 56
61
4 16 20 58
51 15 13 28 102
73
5 12 17 52
79
6 17 23 92
6
13
25
2
17
0
5
6
0
1
2
3
6
1
3
Event
2001
2002
2003
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Pronger.
• Lists his father as the person he admires most.
• Will call his parents first if Slovakia wins gold at Torino.
121
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
7
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
6
14
0
2
8
12
1
4
12
10
40
2
30
Czech Republic
CAROLINA HURRICANES
KABERLE, FRANTISEK
BORN, KLADNO, CZECH., NOVEMBER 8, 1973.
(KA-buhr-lay, FRAN-tih-sehk)
• Nickname is Frank.
• Favorite NHL arena is the Air Canada Centre in Toronto
(where his brother Tomas plays).
• Favorite TV show is Seinfeld.
• Likes rock music.
• Won the 1991 European Junior Championship as a
member of Czechoslovakian team.
• Saw action at the 1992 and 1993 World Junior
Championship. Won bronze in 1993.
• Made his debut with the Czech Republic national
• Was second in scoring among defensemen in the
Czech elite league in 1994–95 (7-17-24).
• Helped MoDo win the regular-season championship in
•
•
•
•
•
Sweden in 1998–99 and reach the playoff final. Was
fifth among league defensemen in scoring (15-18-33).
His 15 goals were tied for second among defensemen.
Made his NHL debut with Los Angeles on Oct. 2, 1999.
Of his 15 assists with L.A. and Atlanta in 1999–2000,
10 came on the power-play to rank third among NHL
rookies.
Topped the Thrashers in plus/minus with a franchisehigh +11 in 2000–01. Led the team in shifts per game
(27.5) and ice time per game (22:17).
Led team’s defensemen with 20 assists and 25 points
in 2001–02. Led or shared the team lead in shifts 17
times, and topped the squad in time on ice 20 times.
Set NHL career high with 7 goals in 2002–03. Shared
22nd in the NHL with a team-best average of 29.6
shifts per game.
Set NHL career highs for assists (26) and points (29 in
2003–04. Finished with plus or even rating in 44 out of
67 contests. Skated at least 30 shifts in 45 games, and
40 or more three times. Reached at least 20 minutes of
ice time in 59 out of 67 games and topped 25 minutes
of ice time 23 times.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was PZ Kladno.
• Favorite team growing up was Poldi Kladno.
• Favorite player was Kladno native Miloslav Horava,
who played in Europe and with the New York Rangers
from 1988 to 1991.
• His father, also named Frantisek, was a longtime member of the Czech national team.
• Brother Tomas plays with the Toronto Maple Leafs and
is a fellow member of the 2006 Czech Olympic team.
• Will call his wife first if the Czech Republic wins gold at
Torino.
•
•
team at the 1996 World Championship and won
gold medal. Won gold again in 1999, 2000 and
2001.
Was among Czech team’s top scorers at the World
Championship in 1999 (3-3-6) and 2000 (2-3-5).
Was named to the Czech roster for the 2004 World
Cup of Hockey, but withdrew prior to the tournament.
• His father played at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Kladno
Czech
37
1
4
5
8
8
0
1
1
0
Kladno
Czech
40
4
5
9
....
9
2
4
6 ....
Kladno
CzRep
41
4 16 20
.... 11
1
1
2 ....
Kladno
CzRep
40
7 17 24 20
8
0
3
3 12
MoDo
Sweden
40
5
7 12 34
8
0
1
1
0
MoDo
Sweden
50
3 11 14 28 ....
.... .... .... ....
MoDo
Sweden
46
5
4
9 22
9
1
1
2
4
MoDo
Sweden
45 15 18 33
4 13
2
5
7
8
Los Angeles
NHL
37
0
9
9
4 .... .... .... .... ....
Long Beach
IHL
18
2
8 10
8 ....
.... .... .... ....
Atlanta
NHL
14
1
6
7
6 .... .... .... .... ....
Lowell
AHL
4
0
2
2
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01 Atlanta
NHL
51
4 11 15 18 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Atlanta
NHL
61
5 20 25 24 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Atlanta
NHL
79
7 19 26 32 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Atlanta
NHL
67
3 26 29 30 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Kladno
CzRep
22
5 11 16 34 ....
.... .... .... ....
MODO
Sweden
8
2
2
4
0
6
1
0
1 27
NHL Totals
309 20 91 111 114 .... .... .... .... ....
Los Angeles' 3rd choice, 76th overall, in 1999 Entry Draft.
• Brother of Tomas
Traded to Atlanta by Los Angeles with Donald Audette for Kelly Buchberger and Nelson Emerson, March 13, 2000.Signed as a free
agent by Carolina, July 15, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Kladno (CzRep), September 17, 2004.Signed as a free agent by MODO
(Sweden), January 31, 2005.
1991 G Czechoslovakia
1992
1993
1996
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2004
2004
2005
B
G
B
B
G
G
G
G
Czechoslovakia
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
122
Event
GP
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
6
7
7
8
2
9
9
12
8
9
7
7
G
A Pts PIM
2 3 5
2
1 0 1
6
0 1 1
4
2 3 5
4
0 0 0
0
0 3 3
0
0 4 4
0
3 3 6
0
2 3 5
6
1 0 1
4
1 0 1
4
0 4 4
6
9
1 0 1
4
Czech Republic
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
KABERLE, TOMAS
BORN, RAKOVNIK, CZECH., MARCH 2, 1978.
(KA-buhr-lay, TAW-mas)
• Others sports of interest are soccer, tennis and golf.
• Most memorable games played are his first NHL
•
•
appearance, the seventh game of the 2001 Eastern
Conference semifinal series vs. New Jersey and the
Czech Republic’s gold medal winning effort vs. Canada
at the 2005 World Championship in Vienna.
Most memorable game watched was the Czech
Republic’s 1–0 victory over Russia to win gold at the
1998 Nagano Olympics.
Likes Metallica and other rock acts, Al Pacino and
Jessica Alba.
• Made his NHL debut versus Detroit on Oct. 10, 1998
•
•
•
•
•
and led all players in ice time in that game (29:13). Led
Leafs rookies in scoring (4-18-22) in 1998–99.
Was one of two Leafs to play all 82 games in
1999–2000 and finished second on the team in ice
time (22:55 per game). Led all Leafs defensemen in
goals (7), assists (33) and points (40).
Led Leafs defensemen in goals, (6), assists (39) and
points (45) again in 2000–01, establishing a career
highs in assists. Ranked third on the team, 29th in the
NHL, in total ice time (22:40 per game).
Played in his first NHL All-Star Game in 2002. Finished
17th among NHL defensemen in scoring (10-29-39) in
2001–02. Was 20th in the NHL in average ice time
(25:00).
Set career highs in goals (11) and points (47) in
2002–03. Led Leaf defensemen in several categories
including goals, points, minutes per game (24:50)and
plus/minus (+ 20). Led the team in ice time (30:03) during the playoffs.
Led all defensemen in the Czech elite league in assists
(31) and points (39) in 2004–05. Ranked fourth in
assists, 14th in points, overall.
When I was young…
• Began playing hockey at the age of five.
• Favorite teams growing up were Kladno and the
Boston Bruins.
• Favorite player was Hall of Fame defenseman
Raymond Bourque.
• Is grateful to his parents and youth coaches all of
whom contributed to his understandiing of the game.
• His father Frantisek was a longtime member of the
Czech national team.
• Brother Frantisek plays with the Carolina Hurricanes
• Played at the European Junior Championship in
1995 and 1996.
• Played at World Junior Championship in 1998.
• Led Czech team, tied for fifth in tournament, with 7
assists at the 2003 World Championship.
• Tied fellow 2006 Czech Olympian Marek Zidlicky
•
•
for club lead among defenseman in assists (3), tied
Zidlicky and fellow 2006 Czech Olympian Pavel
Kubina, and ranked among the tournament leaders, in points (4) when the Czech Republic won the
Considers Czech’s 1998 Olympic gold medal win
vs. Russia the greatest game he has ever watched.
Played at 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
• Competing at his second consecutive Winter Games.
• His father played at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
• “Play hard but have fun.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Kladno Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
37
7 10 17
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Kladno
CzRep
4
0
1
1
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1995-96
Kladno Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
23
6 13 19
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Kladno
CzRep
23
0
1
1
2
2
0
0
0
0
1996-97
Kladno
CzRep
49
0
5
5 26
3
0
0
0
0
1997-98
Kladno
CzRep
47
4 19 23 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
St.John's
AHL
2
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99 Toronto
NHL
57
4 18 22 12 14
0
3
3
2
99-2000 Toronto
NHL
82
7 33 40 24 12
1
4
5
0
2000-01 Toronto
NHL
82
6 39 45 24 11
1
3
4
0
2001-02
Kladno
CzRep
9
1
7
8
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
Toronto
NHL
69 10 29 39
2 20
2
8 10 16
2002-03 Toronto
NHL
82 11 36 47 30
7
2
1
3
0
2003-04 Toronto
NHL
71
3 28 31 18 13
0
3
3
6
2004-05
Kladno
CzRep
49
8 31 39 38
7
1
0
1
0
NHL Totals
443 41 183 224 110 77
6 22 28 24
Toronto's 13th choice, 204th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.
• Brother of Frantisek
Signed as a restricted free agent by Kladno (CzRep) with Toronto retaining NHL rights, September 29, 2001.Signed as a free agent
by Kladno (CzRep), September 17, 2004.
Event
1995
1996
1998
2002
2003
2004
2005 G
EJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
and is a fellow member of the 2006 Czech Olympic
team.
123
GP
G
A Pts PIM
5
5
7
4
7
4
9
0
2
1
0
0
0
1
5
2
1
1
7
1
3
5
4
2
1
7
1
4
0
4
2
2
2
0
4
Finland
DALLAS STARS
KAPANEN, NIKO
BORN, HAMEENLINNA, FINLAND, APRIL 29, 1978.
(KA-pah-nehn, NEE-KOH)
• He patterns his play after former NHL great Doug
Gilmour.
• The most memorable game he has ever watched was
•
•
•
the 1995 World Championship final between Finland
and Sweden, Finland’s first world title.
Wears #39 because “they gave it to me.”
Favorite TV show is “24.” Favorite movie is “The Rock.”
Also likes James Bond movies. Sean Connery is his
favorite actor. Metallica and Nightwish (a Finnish metal
band) are his favorite bands.
If he could be any superhero it would be The
Phantom,“a favorite from the past.”
• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, where
•
•
Finns won European pool and reached finals
against Team Canada.
Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Olli Jokinen and
Timo Parssinen for team lead in scoring (1-4-5) at
His favorite element of international hockey is the
big ice.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are “lots of them.”
• “Love the game.”
• Played his junior hockey with Hameenlinna before
making his debut in Finnish elite league in 1995–96.
• Tied for first on the team in assists (29), third in points
(43) in 1998–99.
• Was third on team in goals (20) and points (48) in
•
•
•
•
1999–2000. Hameenlinna finished second in regularseason standings. Led team with 9 playoff assists. Tied
for the lead with 10 points.
Joined TPS Turku in 2000–01 and was sixth on team in
goals (11), fifth in points (32). TPS won regular-season
and playoff championships.
Led Utah (AHL) with 3 shorthanded goals in 2001–02.
Spent his first full NHL season with Stars in 2002–03.
Finishing first among NHL rookies in assists (29) and in
plus/minus (+25). Ranked tied for 12th in the NHL in
plus/minus. Had the best rookie plus/minus record in
club-history.
Led Zug, and ranked among Swiss league leaders, with
33 assists in 2004–05.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is getting equipment when he
was six years old.
• Favorite hockey team growing up was HKP in
Hameenlinna. (He began his career in their system.)
• Favorite player growing up was Finnish star Esa
Keskinen.
• Lists his parents as having the biggest influence on his
career because of their support.
• Will call his wife first if Finland wins gold in Torino.
• First represented his country as a 15-year-old.“It was
an honor.”
• Lists winning gold at the 1998 World Junior
•
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
HPK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
HPK U18
Fin-U18
HPK U18
Fin-U18
HPK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
HPK
Finland
1996-97
HPK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
HPK
Finland
HPK
EuroHL
1997-98
HPK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
HPK
Finland
1998-99
HPK
Finland
99-2000
HPK
Finland
2000-01
TPS
Finland
2001-02 Dallas
NHL
Utah
AHL
2002-03 Dallas
NHL
2003-04 Dallas
NHL
2004-05
Zug
Swiss
NHL Totals
Dallas' 5th choice, 173rd overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
Signed as a free agent by Zug (Swiss), June 9, 2004.
GP
G
31
37
10
26
7
5
41
6
2
48
53
53
56
9
59
82
67
44
158
17
19
6
15
1
1
6
3
1
8
14
20
11
0
13
5
1
10
6
A Pts PIM
33
44
6
22
0
7
9
0
1
18
29
28
21
1
28
29
5
33
35
2001 S Finland
2002
Finland
2004
Finland
2004 2nd Finland
2005
Finland
Championship as his greatest international hockey
experience. The gold medal game was the most memorable game he has played.
Led Finnish team in goals (4) and was one of four players tied for lead in points (7) as Finland won a bronze
medal at the 2000 World Championship. Tied with several others for sixth in scoring at tournament.
124
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
9
9
7
6
7
3
0
3
1
1
1
4
2
2
4
4
4
5
3
5
8
10
14
0
8
50
63
12
37
1
8
15
3
2
26
43
48
32
1
41
34
6
43
41
34
40
8
34
0
2
12
4
0
44
49
40
20
2
40
44
16
24
62
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
....
....
....
....
2
10
1
....
....
8
8
10
....
5
12
1
9
13
....
....
....
....
....
0
4
0
....
....
3
1
2
....
2
4
1
2
5
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
....
....
1
5
0
....
....
4
9
1
....
1
3
0
5
3
....
....
....
....
....
1
9
0
....
....
7
10
3
....
3
7
1
7
8
....
....
....
....
....
2
2
0
....
....
4
4
4
....
0
12
0
35
12
Finland
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
KAPANEN, SAMI
BORN, VANTAA, FINLAND, JUNE 14, 1973.
(KA-pah-nehn, SA-mee)
• He was moved to defense by Philadelphia during the
•
2004 NHL playoffs due to several injuries among Flyers
blueliners. Was named winner of Yanick Dupre Class
Guy Memorial Award by Philadelphia chapter of
Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.
Won the fastest skater competition during the 2000
NHL All-Star Weekend.
• Played four years with KalPa Kuopio in the Finnish elite
•
•
•
•
•
•
league from 1990 to 1994. Led team, was third in the
league, with 55 points (23G, 32A) in 1993–94.
Led Hartford in plus/minus (+6) and shooting percentage (15.9) in 1996–97.
Tied for Carolina team lead in goals (26), assists (37)
and points (63) in 1997–98.
Led team in assists (35) and game-winning goals (7) in
1998–99.
Reached 20-goal plateau for third straight season in
1999–2000. Led team in shots on goal (229) .
Played in all 82 games for first time in 2000–01.
Reached 20-goal plateau for the fourth straight season.
Tied for team lead with career-high 27 goals in
2001–02. Also reached career highs in assists (42) and
points (69) to finish second on team in both categories. Led team in plus/minus (+9). Hurricanes made
surprising playoff run to Stanley Cup Final.
When I was young…
• Favorite players were Wayne Gretzky and fellow Finn
Jari Kurri.
• His father Hannu is a former Finnish national team
player and a longtime coach in Finland. He was coach
of the year in the Finnish elite league in 1996–97.
• Played his first international competition for
Finland at age 15 at tournament in Russia.
• Was a member of the Finnish team that won the
•
•
•
•
•
1990 World Challenge Under-17 Challenge (then
known as the Quebec Cup).
Won bronze at the 1991 European Junior
Championship.
Played for Finland at the World Junior
Championship in 1992 and 1993.
Played on the first Finnish team to win the World
Championship in 1995.
Led tournament with 7 goals when Finland won
silver at the 2001 World Championship. Finished
fourth with 11 points.
Was named to the Finnish roster for the 2004
World Cup of Hockey, but withdrew due to injuries prior to the tournament.
• Is competing at his fourth consecutive Winter Games (1994, 1998, 2002).
• Won bronze medals at Lillehammer in 1994 and Nagano in 1998.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1989-90
1990-91
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
KalPa Jr.
Finland-Jr.
30 14 13 27
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
KalPa Jr.
Finland-Jr.
31
9 27 36 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
KalPa
Finland
14
1
2
3
2
8
2
1
3
2
1991-92
KalPa Jr.
Finland-Jr.
8
1
3
4 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
KalPa
Finland
42 15 10 25
8 ....
.... .... .... ....
1992-93
KalPa Jr.
Finland-Jr.
7 11 14 25
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
KalPa
Finland
37
4 17 21 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
1993-94
KalPa
Finland
48 23 32 55 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
HIFK
Finland
49 14 28 42 42
3
0
0
0
0
1995-96 Hartford
NHL
35
5
4
9
6 .... .... .... .... ....
Springfield
AHL
28 14 17 31
4
3
1
2
3
0
1996-97 Hartford
NHL
45 13 12 25
2 .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 Carolina
NHL
81 26 37 63 16 .... .... .... .... ....
1998-99 Carolina
NHL
81 24 35 59 10
5
1
1
2
0
99-2000 Carolina
NHL
76 24 24 48 12 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Carolina
NHL
82 20 37 57 24
6
2
3
5
0
2001-02 Carolina
NHL
77 27 42 69 23 23
1
8
9
6
2002-03 Carolina
NHL
43
6 12 18 12 .... .... .... .... ....
Philadelphia
NHL
28
4
9 13
6 13
4
3
7
6
NHL
74 12 18 30 14 18
3
7 10
6
2004-05
KalPa
Finland-2
10
6
3
9
2
9
5
3
8
4
NHL Totals
622 161 230 391 125 65 11 22 33 18
Hartford's 4th choice, 87th overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.
Finnish First All-Star Team (1994)
Transferred to Carolina after Hartford franchise relocated, June 25, 1997.Traded to Philadelphia by Carolina with Ryan Bast for Pavel
Brendl and Bruno St.Jacques, February 7, 2003.Signed as a free agent by KalPa (Finland-2), November 17, 2004.
1991 B Finland
1992
1993
1994 B
1995
1996
1996
1998
2001
2002
2004
Finland
Finland
Finland
S
Finland
G
Finland
Finland
Finland
B
Finland
S
Finland
S
Finland
Finland
2nd Finland
125
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
EJC-A
5
6 4 10
0
WJC-A
7
1 5 6
8
WJC-A
7
1 2 3
2
Olympics 8
1 0 1
2
WC-A
8
4 2 6
0
WC-A
8
2 2 4
6
WC-A
6
2 3 5
2
W-Cup
3
0 0 0
4
Olympics 6
0 1 1
0
WC-A
10
4 3 7
2
WC-A
8 *7 4 11
8
Olympics 4
1 2 3
4
W-Cup
Russia
NEW YORK RANGERS
KASPARAITIS, DARIUS
BORN, ELEKTRENAI, USSR, OCTOBER 16, 1972.
(KAZ-puhr-IGH-tihz, DAIR-ee-uhs)
•
•
•
•
•
•
He has been a big contributor to hockey in Lithuania
since 1996 when, with the Lithuanian national team
struggling financially, he donated more than $10,000
worth of hockey equipment.
He lists his first coach, Aleksei Nikiforov as having had
the biggest influence on his career. His favorite coach
is New York Islanders great Al Arbour.
Hobbies include fishing and swimming.
Favorite NHL arena is the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.
Other favorites include “Six Feet Under” and “Will and
Grace” (TV show),“Full Metal Jacket”(movie) and James
Blunt and System of a Down (music).
would be with Jim Carrey, Mike Myers and Angelina
Jolie.
• Led Islanders with a plus/minus rating of +15 during
his rookie season of 1992–93.
• Was named the Islanders Masterton Trophy candidate
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
(perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey)
after missing most of the 1994–95 season, and start of
1995–96, after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery.
Established career highs in assists (21), points (23) and
plus/minus (+17) with the Islanders and Pittsburgh in
1996–97. Named Penguins defensive player of the year.
Scored 2 of his 4 goals shorthanded in 1997–98, tying
a Penguins record for defensemen. Ranked third in the
NHL with 225 hits.
Led Penguins with 173 hits in 1998–99 despite missing
almost half the season due to knee injuries.
Was eighth in the NHL with 261 hits in 1999–2000. Led
the Penguins with 119 blocked shots.
Ranked third in the NHL with 351 hits in 2000–01. Led
Pittsburgh with 124 blocked shots.
Played 80 games with Pittsburgh and Colorado in
2001–02, ranking second in the NHL with 373 hits.
Played just 44 games in 2003–04, but led the Rangers
in plus/minus at +11.
When I was young…
• Earliest hockey memories are of the first time he started skating.
• First hockey team was Elektrenai Vyltis.
• Favorite team growing up was Dynamo Moscow,
whom he later played for.
• Favorite player was Russian great Slava Fetisov.
• Lists his wife as the person he most admires.“She is
•
always there for me … and she thinks I’m a good hockey player.”
Will call his wife first if Russia wins gold at Torino.
• Named Best Defenseman at the 1990 European Junior
Championship. Won silver medal.
• Played in two World Junior Championship tourna-
•
•
Russian Olympians Alex Kovalev, Nikolai
Khabibulin and Alexei Yashin also played at the
1992 WJC.
Was named as one of his team’s top three players
Played for Russia at the World Cup of Hockey in
1996 and 2004.
• Is competing at his fourth Olympics. Both he and
•
•
•
•
Alexei Zhamnov played in 1992, 1998, 2002. They
have won gold, silver and bronze medals at the
Games.
Lists winning the gold medal game at the 1992
Albertville Olympics as his greatest international
experience. The gold medal game is the most
memorable he has played.
He and Zhamnov, Nikolai Khabibulin, Alex Kovalev and Alexei Zhitnik are 2006
Russian Olympians who won gold in 1992. He and Zhamnov, Zhitnik and Sergei
Gonchar played on the 1998 silver medalists.
The most memorable game he watched was the USA upsetting the USSR at the
Lake Placid Olympics in 1980.
Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field at the Summer Games.
• “Work, work work.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Dynamo Moscow USSR
3
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow USSR
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow USSR
17
0
1
1 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow CIS
31
2 10 12 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow CIS
7
1
3
4
8 ....
.... .... .... ....
NY Islanders
NHL
79
4 17 21 166 18
0
5
5 31
NHL
76
1 10 11 142
4
0
0
0
8
NHL
13
0
1
1 22 .... .... .... .... ....
NHL
46
1
7
8 93 .... .... .... .... ....
NHL
18
0
5
5 16 .... .... .... .... ....
Pittsburgh
NHL
57
2 16 18 84
5
0
0
0
6
1997-98 Pittsburgh
NHL
81
4
8 12 127
5
0
0
0
8
1998-99 Pittsburgh
NHL
48
1
4
5 70 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Pittsburgh
NHL
73
3 12 15 146 11
1
1
2 10
2000-01 Pittsburgh
NHL
77
3 16 19 111 17
1
1
2 26
2001-02 Pittsburgh
NHL
69
2 12 14 123 .... .... .... .... ....
Colorado
NHL
11
0
0
0 19 21
0
3
3 18
2002-03 NY Rangers
NHL
80
3 11 14 85 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 NY Rangers
NHL
44
1
9 10 48 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Kazan
Russia
28
1
3
4 118
3
0
0
0
6
NHL Totals
772 25 128 153 1252 81
2 10 12 107
NY Islanders' 1st choice, 5th overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.
EJC-A All-Star Team (1990) • Named Best Defenseman at WJC-A (1992)
Traded to Pittsburgh by NY Islanders with Andreas Johansson for Bryan Smolinski, November 17, 1996.Traded to Colorado by
Pittsburgh for Ville Niemenen and Rick Berry, March 19, 2002.Signed as a free agent by NY Rangers, July 2, 2002.Signed as a free
aget by Kazan (Russia), October 22, 2004.
Year Medal
1990 S
1991 S
1992 G
G
1996
1996
1998 S
2002 B
2004
National Team
Event
USSR
Soviet Union
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
ments, winning silver in 1991 with the Soviet national
junior team and gold in 1992 with the CIS
(Commonwealth of Independent States). Named Best
Defenseman at the 1992 tournament. Fellow 2006
126
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
6
7
8
6
8
5
6
6
4
1
1
1
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
6
3
5
2
1
2
2
2
0
1
7
4
6
2
3
2
2
2
1
1
12
16
8
2
4
2
14
6
4
8
Russia
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
KHABIBULIN, NIKOLAI
BORN, SVERDLOVSK, USSR, JANUARY 13, 1973.
(khah-bee-BOO-lihn, NIH-koh-ligh)
• He was inspired to play goal at age 14 after reading a
book by Soviet goaltending legend Vladislav Tretiak.
• Used to wear #20 in Russia because of Vladislav Tretiak.
•
•
•
•
•
Starting wearing #35 in the NHL. Now wears #53
because #35 is retired in Chicago in honor of Tony
Esposito.
He patterns his style of play after Vladislav Tretiak and
Ed Belfour.
His most memorable game played is game seven of
the 2004 Stanley Cup Final when Tampa Bay beat
Calgary.
His favorite coach is former Soviet and NHL star Slava
Fetisov.
Favorite movie is “The Fifth Element.” Favorite actors
are George Clooney and Bruce Willis. Favorite musical
group is Scooter.
Hobby is playing tennis.
• Spent one season in goal as a 17-year-old for Sputnik
in the Soviet Third Division.
• Played three seasons with CSKA from 1991 to 1994,
becoming a regular in his final year.
• Played his first NHL game on Jan. 21, 1995 vs. Anaheim.
• Played a career-high 72 games with Phoenix in
•
•
•
•
•
•
1996–97. Tied for second in NHL with 7 shutouts.
Ranked eighth in wins (30). Went 204:13 without allowing a goal while recording three straight shutouts
between Mar. 2-10, 1997.
Ranked sixth in the NHL in wins (30) and eighth in
shutouts (4) in 1997–98. Snapped a streak of 60 consecutive starts in goal (including 48 games in
1996–97), on Nov. 15, 1997. Appeared in his first NHL
All-Star Game in 1998.
Set single-season highs in wins (32), average (2.13),
shutouts (8) and save percentage (.923) in 1998–99.
Ranked among NHL’s top five in all categories.
Played with Long Beach of IHL in 1999–2000 during
contract holdout. Shared league’s MVP award after
posting a league-leading 1.83 average.
Played 70 games (fifth in NHL) with Tampa Bay in
2001–02. Tied for second with 7 shutouts and was fifth
in save percentage (.920). Set Tampa records for save
percentage and shutouts.
Set franchise record with 30 wins in 2002–03. Tied for
sixth in NHL in games (65) and 11th in wins.
Combined with 2006 U.S. Olympian John Grahame to
lead Tampa Bay to club-record 46 wins and 106 points
in 2003–04. Starred in playoffs as Lightning won
Stanley Cup. Led all goalies in postseason wins (16).
Tied injured 2006 Finnish Olympian Miikka Kiprusoff
for lead with 5 shutouts. Was 2nd to Curtis Joseph in
average (1.71).
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Spartakovets.
• Favorite team growing up was CSKA (Central Red
Army).
• Favorite player was Soviet goaltending legend
Vladislav Tretiak.
• His wife played junior tennis with Russian tennis
star Natalie Zvereva.
• First played for his country with a touring junior
•
•
•
•
•
team in a 1989 exhibition series against Boston
College and later went on to play at Lake Placid.
Led USSR to a bronze medal at the 1990 Quebec
Cup (forerunner of the World Under-17 Challenge).
Won a silver medal at the 1991 European Junior
Championship.
Won gold with CIS (Commonwealth of
Independent States) at the 1992 World Junior
Championship. Fellow 2006 Russian Olympians
Alex Kovalev, Alexei Yashin and Darius Kasparaitis
also played at the 1992 WJC.
Played at the World Junior Championship in 1993 along with fellow 2006 Russian
Olympians Yashin, Viktor Kozlov and Sergei Gonchar.
Played for Russia at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and was named to the original Russian roster for 2004 World Cup but withdrew prior to the tournament.
• Is competing at his third Winter Games (1992, 2002).
• He and Alexei Zhamnov, Darius Kasparaitis, Alex Kovalev and Alexei Zhitnik are
2006 Russian Olympians who won gold at the 1992 Albertville Olympics.
• Did not receive his gold medal after serving as a spare goalie at Albertville. (It
•
•
went instead to coach Viktor Tikhonov.) Would not play at the 1998 Nagano
Olympics due to a dispute over receiving his medal. He was finally presented
with the medal he deserved, and agreed to play for Russia at Salt Lake City in 2002.
Played every minute in goal for Russia’s bronze medal team in 2002. Led in minutes played (359:16) and saves (186) and was named Best Goaltender.
Other Olympic sport of interest is tennis at the Summer Games.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
CSKA
CIS
2 0 0 0
34
2 0 3.53 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
CSKA
CIS
13 .... .... .... 491 27 .... 3.29 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
CSKA
CIS
46 .... .... .... 2625 116 .... 2.65 3 .... .... 193 11 .... 3.42
Russian Pens
IHL
12 2 7 2 639 47 0 4.41 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1994-95 Springfield
AHL
23 9 9 3 1240 80 0 3.87 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Winnipeg
NHL
26 8 9 4 1339 76 0 3.41 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96 Winnipeg
NHL
53 26 20 3 2914 152 2 3.13 6 2 4 359 19 0 3.18
1996-97 Phoenix
NHL
72 30 33 6 4091 193 7 2.83 7 3 4 426 15 1 2.11
1997-98 Phoenix
NHL
70 30 28 10 4026 184 4 2.74 4 2 1 185 13 0 4.22
1998-99 Phoenix
NHL
63 32 23 7 3657 130 8 2.13 7 3 4 449 18 0 2.41
99-2000 Long Beach
IHL
33 21 11 1 1936 59 5 *1.83 5 2 3 321 15 0 2.81
2000-01 Tampa Bay
NHL
2 1 1 0 123
6 0 2.93 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Tampa Bay
NHL
70 24 32 10 3896 153 7 2.36 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Tampa Bay
NHL
65 30 22 11 3787 156 4 2.47 10 5 5 644 26 0 2.42
NHL
55 28 19 7 3274 127 3 2.33 23 *16 7 1401 40 *5 1.71
2003-04◆ Tampa Bay
2004-05 Kazan
Russia
24 .... .... .... 1457 40 5 1.65 2 .... .... 118 6 0 3.04
NHL Totals
476 209 187 58 27107 1177 35 2.61 57 31 25 3464 131 6 2.27
(Winnipeg's 8th choice, 204th overall, in 1992 Entry Draft).
James Gatschene Memorial Trophy (MVP – IHL) (2000) (co-winner - Frederic Chabot)
Transferred to Phoenix after Winnipeg franchise relocated, July 1, 1996.• Missed entire 1999-2000 NHL season and majority of
2000-01 season after failing to come to contract terms with Phoenix.Signed as a free agent by Long Beach (IHL) with Phoenix
retaining NHL rights, January 14, 2000.Traded to Tampa Bay by Phoenix with Stan Neckar for Mike Johnson, Paul Mara, Ruslan
Zainullin and NY Islanders' 2nd round choice (previously acquired, Phoenix selected Matthew Spiller) in 2001 Entry Draft, March 5,
2001.Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia), November 8, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Chicago, August 5, 2005.
GP W
1991 S
1992 G
5 .... .... .... 242 11 .... 2.73
6 *6 0 0 289 7 *2 *1.45
6 2 3 1 340 15
1 2.65
2 0 2 0 100 10
0 6.00
6 3 2 1 *359 14 *1 2.34
DID NOT PLAY
G
1993
1996
2002 B
2004
USSR
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
127
EJC-A
WJC-A
Olympics
WJC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
W-Cup
L
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
U.S.A.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
KNUBLE, MIKE
BORN, TORONTO, ONT., JULY 4, 1972.
(kuh-NOO-buhl, MIGHK)
• He holds the Bruins record for the fastest two goals
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
from the start of an NHL game, scoring at 0:10 and
0:27 of the first period at Florida on Feb. 14, 2003.
If he couldn’t be a hockey player, he would be a pilot.
Lists former St. Louis Blues star and longtime
University of Michigan coach Red Berenson as his
favorite coach “because he taught me what it would
take to become a professional hockey player.”
Says that Paul Pichard of the Kalamazoo Jr. Wings in
the NAJHL had the biggest influence on his career
because when playing for him, he realized that he
might be able to have a professional career.
Favorite NHL arena is Joe Louis Arena in Detroit
because of “the fast ice and the smell of spilled beer
and hot dogs.”
Favorite summer activities and hobbies are playing
golf, working out and reading.
Other favorites are:“Nip/Tuck” (TV show),“A Beautiful
Mind” (movie), Ben Stiller (actor) and Bon Jovi (musical
group).
would be with David Beckham, George Bush, and
entertainment mogul Diddy because “I think they
would all have a good time together.”
• Played four seasons at the University of Michigan from
1991 to 1995. Led the CCHA in goals (38) in 1994–95.
• Was second in goals (28), third in assists (35) and
•
•
•
•
•
points (63) with Adirondack in 1996–97. Scored his first
NHL goal vs. Toronto on Apr. 5, 1997.
Played on a Stanley Cup winner with Detroit in his first
full NHL season of 1997–98.
Played all 82 games for the first time in his career with
NY Rangers in 1998–99.
Doubled his previous career high with 30 goals for
Boston in 2002–03. Also established career highs in
assists (29) and points (59). Was third on the team in
goals and second in plus/minus (+18).
Was third on the Bruins with goals (21) again in
2003–04. Led the team with a career-high plus/minus
of +19.
Tied for the goal-scoring lead (26) in the Swedish elite
league in 2004–05. Tied for eighth in the league with
39 points.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is “the certain smell of the first
•
•
•
arena I was playing in. I’ll never forget it. It didn’t smell
good or bad, it just had a certain smell.”
First hockey team was the Grand Rapids Amateur
Hockey Association Atoms.
Favorite player growing up was Wayne Gretzky.
•
•
World Championship.“It was something I had
never done and I was thrilled to finally play for the
USA.”
Playing against the gold medal-winning Czech
Republic at the 2005 World Championship is his
greatest international hockey experience.
He tied fellow 2006 U.S. Olympians Doug Weight
and Erik Cole and Brett Hauer for the team lead in
points (6) at the 2005 World Championship.
• The most memorable hockey game he watched
•
was the 1980 Olympics, USA vs. Russia “because I
was a kid and remember exactly where I was to
watch it.”
Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and gymnastics at the Summer
Games.
• “If you have fun and love the game, good things will happen.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
East Kentwood
High-MI
28 52 37 89 60 ....
.... .... .... ....
East Kentwood
High-MI
29 63 40 103 40 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kalamazoo
NAHL
36 18 24 42 30 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Michigan
CCHA
43
7
8 15 48 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Michigan
CCHA
39 26 16 42 57 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Michigan
CCHA
41 32 26 58 71 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Michigan
CCHA
34 *38 22 60 62 ....
.... .... .... ....
Adirondack
AHL
....
.... .... ....
....
3
0
0
0
0
1995-96
Adirondack
AHL
80 22 23 45 59
3
1
0
1
0
1996-97 Detroit
NHL
9
1
0
1
0 .... .... .... .... ....
Adirondack
AHL
68 28 35 63 54 ....
.... .... .... ....
1997-98◆ Detroit
NHL
53
7
6 13 16
3
0
1
1
0
1998-99 NY Rangers
NHL
82 15 20 35 26 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 NY Rangers
NHL
59
9
5 14 18 .... .... .... .... ....
Boston
NHL
14
3
3
6
8 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Boston
NHL
82
7 13 20 37 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Boston
NHL
54
8
6 14 42
2
0
0
0
0
2002-03 Boston
NHL
75 30 29 59 45
5
0
2
2
2
2003-04 Boston
NHL
82 21 25 46 32
7
2
0
2
0
2004-05
Linkoping
Sweden
49 *26 13 39 40
6
0
1
1
2
NHL Totals
510 101 107 208 224 17
2
3
5
2
Detroit's 4th choice, 76th overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.
CCHA Second All-Star Team (1994, 1995) • NCAA West Second All-American Team (1995)
Traded to NY Rangers by Detroit for NY Rangers' 2nd round choice (Tomas Kopecky) in 2000 Entry Draft, October 1, 1998.Traded
to Boston by NY Rangers for Rob DiMaio, March 10, 2000.Signed as a free agent by Philadelphia, July 3, 2004.Signed as a free
agent by Linkopings (Sweden), August 2, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1995
1999
2001
2005
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
6
6
9
7
1
0
2
4
2
0
0
2
United States
United States
United States
United States
• His parents are from Latvia.
• His brother Steve has run an adult hockey clinic in Ann
Arbor, Michigan since 1996.
• Will call his brother first if U.S. wins gold in Torino.
128
3
0
2
6
2
10
2
8
Finland
MINNESOTA WILD
KOIVU, MIKKO
BORN, TURKU, FINLAND, MARCH 12, 1983.
(KOI-voo, MEE-koh)
• He spent his entire Finnish career playing in his hometown of Turku.
• Wears #21 because “it was available.”
• He played soccer in addition to hockey while growing
up. Lists golf, badminton and soccer as his hobbies.
• First job he had was scooping ice cream at an ice
cream shop.
• Favorite NHL arena is the old Montreal Forum.
• Other favorites include “Friends” (TV show),“Good Will
•
Hunting” (movie), Eddie Murphy and Angelina Jolie
(actors) and Bon Jovi (music).
would be with tennis star Roger Federer, golfing great
Tiger Woods and two-time European footballer of the
year Zinedine Zidane.
• First played for his country when he was 15 years
old.“It was a big thing to make the team.”
• Won a gold medal at the 2000 World Under-18
•
•
•
Championship, bronze in 2001. Was captain and
the team’s top scorer (2-3-5) at the 2001 tournament.
Won a silver medal at the 2001 World Junior
Championship, bronze in 2002. Missed the 2003
WJC due to injury.
Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, where
Finland won the European pool and reached the
finals against Team Canada.
He lists the Under-18 gold medal and the 2004
World Cup as his greatest international hockey
experiences.
• Made his debut in the Finnish elite league in 2000–01.
•
•
•
Played majority of the 2001–02 season in elite league,
but his first full season was 2002–03. Finished sixth on
TPS in scoring (7-13-20) despite missing 19 games due
to injury.
Set Finnish elite league career highs in assists (24) and
points (30) in 2003–04. Was third on team in assists,
sixth in points. Helped TPS Turku finish first in the regular-season standings.
Made his North American debut with Houston (AHL) in
2004–05. Was second on the team in goals (20), third in
assists (28) and points (48). Scored a goal in the AHL
All-Star Game.
Made his NHL debut with Minnesota at San Jose on
Nov. 5, 2005. Scored his first NHL goal in his second
game one night later vs. Jean-Sebastien Giguere of
Anaheim.
When I was young…
• Began playing hockey at age six.
• Favorite team growing up was TPS Turku. He began his
career in their system.
• His best early hockey moments are “the tournaments
we won when I was 10–15 years old.”
• Younger brother of fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian and
Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu.
• Lists his brother and his parents as having had the
biggest influence on his career.
• Lists his parents as being the people he admires most.
•
•
•
• Lists fellow 2006 Finnish Olympians Kari Lehtonen of Atlanta and Tuomo Ruutu
of Chicago as his best friends in hockey.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are “all the sports where Finnish athletes are.”
• “Always have fun when you do your thing.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
99-2000
2000-01
TPS Jr.
Finland-Jr.
TPS Jr.
Finland-Jr.
TPS
Finland
2001-02
TPS
Finland
TPS Jr.
Finland-Jr.
2002-03
TPS
Finland
2003-04
TPS
Finland
2004-05
Houston
AHL
Minnesota's 1st choice, 6th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.
GP
G
41
26
21
48
2
37
45
67
8
9
0
4
0
7
6
20
A Pts PIM
17
36
1
3
1
13
24
28
Year Medal
2000 G
G
2001 S
B
2002 B
2004 2nd
National Team
Event
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
WJ18-A
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJ18-A
WJC-A
W-Cup
“They were good role models for me growing up.” His
father played 30 games in the Finnish elite league in
1972–73 before getting into coaching. Was his coach
with TPS Turku in 2003–04.
Will call his parents first if Finland wins gold at Torino.
Lists playing “against my brother” as the most memorable game he has played because “it was something
different.”The Koivu brothers played each other when
the Canadiens visited the Wild on Dec. 17, 2005 and
took a face-off against each other. Minnesota won the
game 4–3.
Most memorable game watched was the gold medal
game at the 1995 World Championship when Saku
Koivu helped lead Finland to its first title.
129
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
7
7
6
7
4
0
0
0
2
1
0
4
4
3
3
5
1
4
4
3
5
6
1
8
8
8
6
4
2
25
45
1
7
1
20
30
48
40
26
2
34
12
20
36
47
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
13
4
....
8
....
7
13
5
1
2
....
0
....
2
1
1
4
2
....
3
....
2
7
0
5
4
....
3
....
4
8
1
8
8
....
4
....
6
8
2
Finland
MONTREAL CANADIENS
KOIVU, SAKU
CENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’10”/178 CM 181 LBS./82KG
BORN, TURKU, FINLAND, NOVEMBER 23, 1974.
(KOI-voo, SA-koo)
• He was diagnosed with abdominal cancer prior to the
•
•
•
•
2001–02 season and missed 79 games, plus the 2002
Salt Lake City Olympics. Returned to the lineup on Apr.
9, 2002 and played the last three games of regular season to help Montreal clinch a playoff spot. He won the
Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship,
dedication to hockey.
Created the Saku Koivu foundation in 2002 to raise $8
million to purchase a PET/CT Scan machine for cancer
treatment at the Montreal General Hospital.
In his final season in Finland in 1994–95, he won the
the Lasse Oksanen Trophy as the best player during
the regular season, the Jari Kurri Trophy as the best
player in the playoffs and the Golden Helmet as the
top player in the country. Finished fourth in voting for
the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in
1995–96.
Named captain of the Canadiens on Sept. 30, 1999.
Hobbies: soccer, snooker, golf, badminton.
• Played on the first line for TPS Turku in the 1993
•
•
•
•
•
Finnish League playoffs, winning championship. Led
Finnish league in scoring (27-47-74) in 1994–95.
Topped playoffs with 7 goals as TPS Turku again won
championship. Was a teammate of fellow 2006 Finnish
Olympian Jere Lehtinen.
Finished fourth in NHL in rookie scoring (20-25-45) in
1995–96. Tied for first in power-play goals among rookies (8). Led rookies in shorthanded goals (3).
Was NHL scoring leader (13-25-28) in 1996–97 before
suffering a serious knee injury on Dec. 7, 1996. Led
Canadiens with then career-high 43 assists in 1997–98
while playing just 69 games due to injuries.
Tied for Canadiens lead in scoring (17-30-47) in
2000–01 despite playing just 54 games.
Played a full 82 games in 2002–03 for the first time
since rookie season. Established career highs in goals
(21), assists (50) and points (71), leading the team’s
scorers. Scored first career hat trick on Nov. 18, 2002 vs
Pittsburgh.
Limited to just 68 games in 2003–04 but was second
on the Canadiens to Mike Ribeiro with 41 assists and
third behind Ribeiro and Mike Ryder with 55 points.
Led Canadiens in playoff scoring with 11 points (3G,
8A) in 11 games.
When I was young…
• His favorite former players are Wayne Gretzky, Guy
Lafleur and Bob Gainey.
• Older brother of fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Mikko
Koivu of Minnesota.
• His father played 30 games in the Finnish elite league
in 1972–73 before getting into coaching. He was
coached by his father with TPS.
• First represented his country on the Finnish Under•
•
•
•
•
•
•
17 team at a Four Nations tournament in February
of 1991.
Played at the European Junior Championship in
1992.
Played at the 1993 World Junior Championship
and was named to the tournament’s Second AllStar Team. Also played at the 1993 World
Championships.
Won a silver medal at the 1994 World
Championship and was named to the tournament All-Star Team.
Played on Finland’s first World Championship
gold medal team in 1995. Was named to tournament All-Star Team and named Best Forward.
Was named to tournament All-Star Team again after winning a silver medal at
the 1999 Worlds. Led the tournament in scoring (4-12-16).
Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Selanne for the team scoring lead, fourth in
the tournament (1-10-11) at the 2003 World Championship.
Led his team with 3 goals at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, where Finland won
the European pool and reached the finals against Team Canada. Was named to
the tournament All-Star team.
• Is competing at his third Winter Games (1994, 1998).
• Led 1998 Nagano Olympics with 8 assists. Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian
Teemu Selanne for scoring lead with 10 points.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1990-91
1991-92
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
TPS U18
Fin-U18
24 20 28 48 26 ....
.... .... .... ....
TPS U18
Fin-U18
12
3
7 10
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
TPS Jr.
Finland-Jr.
34 25 28 53 57
8
5 *9 *14
6
1992-93
TPS
Finland
46
3
7 10 28 11
3
2
5
2
1993-94
TPS
Finland
47 23 30 53 42 11
4
8 12 16
1994-95
TPS
Finland
45 27 *47 *74 73 13 *7 10 17 16
1995-96 Montreal
NHL
82 20 25 45 40
6
3
1
4
8
1996-97 Montreal
NHL
50 17 39 56 38
5
1
3
4 10
1997-98 Montreal
NHL
69 14 43 57 48
6
2
3
5
2
1998-99 Montreal
NHL
65 14 30 44 38 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Montreal
NHL
24
3 18 21 14 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Montreal
NHL
54 17 30 47 40 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Montreal
NHL
3
0
2
2
0 12
4
6 10
4
2002-03 Montreal
NHL
82 21 50 71 72 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Montreal
NHL
68 14 41 55 52 11
3
8 11 10
2004-05
TPS
Finland
20
8
8 16 28
6
3
2
5 30
NHL Totals
497 120 278 398 342 40 13 21 34 34
Montreal's 1st choice, 21st overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.
WC-A All-Star Team (1994, 1995, 1999) • Finnish First All-Star Team (1995) • Finnish Player of the Year (1995) • Named Best
Forward at WC-A (1995, 1999) • Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (2002)
Missed majority of 1999-2000 season recovering from shoulder injury suffered in game vs.NY Rangers, October 30, 1999.•
Missed majority of 2001-02 season recovering from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, September 6, 2001.Signed as a free agent by TPS
(Finland), October 21, 2004.
Event
1992
1993
EJC-A
6
WJC-A
7
WC-A
6
WJC-A
7
Olympics 8
WC-A
8
WC-A
8
W-Cup
4
WC-A
6
Olympics 6
WC-A
10
WC-A
7
W-Cup
6
1994
1995
1996
1998
1999
2003
2004
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
B
Finland
S
Finland
G
Finland
Finland
Finland
B
Finland
S
Finland
Finland
2nd Finland
130
GP
G
A Pts PIM
3 5 8
1 8 9
0 1 1
3 6 9
4 3 7
5 6 11
5 5 10
1 3 4
2 2 4
2 *8 *10
4 *12 *16
1 10 11
3 1 4
18
6
2
12
12
4
18
4
2
4
4
4
2
Kazakhstan
COLORADO AVALANCHE
KOLESNIK, VITALY
BORN, UST-KAMENOGORSK, USSR, AUGUST 20, 1979.
(koh-LEHZ-nihk, vih-TAL-ee)
• His surname means “wheels maker” or “wheels master”
in Russian.
• Made his North American debut in 2005–06 with
•
•
Lowell (AHL). Started nine of the team’s first 11 games.
Had a four-game win streak from Oct. 26 to Nov. 4,
2005. Was recalled to Colorado on Dec. 6. At that time,
he had 2 shutouts and led the AHL with 1,115 minutes
played and 565 saves. No American Hockey League
goaltender had faced as many as his 617 shots against.
Got his first NHL win in his first start, stopping 20 of 21
shots in a 4–1 win over Boston on Dec. 7. 2005.
Had Colorado’s first shootout victory in a 4–3 win at
New Jersey on Dec. 9. Made seven saves on seven
attempts in the shootout, including stops on 2006 U.S.
Olympians Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez.
• Helped Kazakhstan reach the Torino Games by
winning Group B in the 2005 Final Olympic
Qualification tournament.
What He Says…
• “Everything is different in the NHL. The speed of
the game is a lot higher; the games are active,
there is a larger number of shots. … There is a lot
less time to make a decision and react. Goalies
should rely more on their instincts.”
– Soviet Sport, (September 27, 2005)
What Others Say…
• “He has shown great upside and we were
impressed with both his performance and his
progress.… He definitely has a bright future ahead if he keeps progressing this
way.” – Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville.
Playing for Kazakhstan…
• Played at the 1997 Asian-Oceanic Junior
•
•
•
•
•
•
Championship. Kazakhstan earned silver. Was a teammate of fellow 2006 Kazakh Olympian Nik Antropov at
this tournament and in at the 1999 World Junior
Championship.
Earned a shutout vs. Switzerland at the 1999 World
Junior Championship.
Played with Kazakhstan in a qualification tournament
for the 2000 World Championship.
Saw no action as the third goaltender on Kazakhstan’s
team at the 2001 World Championship Division 1B.
Led the 2003 World Championship Division 1A in
(.974) as Kazakhstan won gold and earned promotion.
Shared a shutout with Vitaly Yeremeyev in a 5–0
victory over France in the relegation round of the 2004
World Championship.
Ranked third at the 2005 World Championship in save
percentage (.952) and sixth in goals-against average
(1.68).
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1998-99
Ust-Kam’gorsk 2 Russia-4
16 .... .... ....
....
2 .... .... ....
....
99-2000 Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-3
14 .... .... ....
....
statistics unavailable
1 .... .... ....
60
25 .... .... .... 1308
35 .... .... .... 1899
42 .... .... .... 2329
Signed as a free agent by Colorado, August 16, 2005.
42 ....
9 ....
15 ....
1
46
53
65
0
2
9
8
GP W
1999
2000
2001
2002 B
2003 G
2004
2005
6 .... .... .... 307 27
1 5.28
2 .... .... .... 89 7
0 4.72
Did Not Play – Spare Goaltender
3 .... .... .... 79 2
1 1.51
4 .... .... .... 184 2
0 *0.65
3 .... .... .... 139 7
1 3.02
3 .... .... .... 173 5
1 1.74
5 .... .... .... 279 8
0 1.72
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
131
WJC-A
WC-Q
WC-B
WC-B
WC-B
WC-A
Olympic Q
WC-A
L
P l ay o f f s
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
L Mins GA SO Avg
.... .... .... ....
.... .... .... ....
.... .... .... ....
1.00
2.11
1.67
1.67
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
.... .... ....
.... .... ....
.... .... ....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
Germany
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
KOLZIG, OLAF
BORN, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, APRIL 6, 1970.
(KOHL-zihg, OH-lahf )
• Was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has lived
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
in places from Munich to Inuvik in Canada’s far north.
Grew up mostly in Toronto and Halifax.
As a member of Washington Capitals, took part in 1989
friendship tour across the Soviet Union. Won games vs.
Spartak Moscow and Dynamo Riga.
Is the founder of the Carson Kolzig Foundation named
after his son. Leads the Olie’s and Elliot’s Great Saves
Program and Olie’s All-Stars. Is also active in supporting the Athletes Against Autism Foundation. Has won
the NHL Foundation Player award, which is given
annually to the player who exemplifies commitment
to his community.
Patterned his game after Patrick Roy. Wears #37
because 33 was taken.
Most memorable game played was game six of the
1998 Eastern Conference final when Washington beat
Buffalo in overtime to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
Favorite NHL arenas are in Toronto and Montreal “for their
ability to encompass the old feel in a modern building.”
Other favorites include:“The Chapelle Show” (TV
show),“Scarface” (movie), Sean Connery (actor),
Catherine Zeta-Jones (actress) and AC/DC (musical group).
Favorite book is Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.
Person he admires most is Lance Armstrong “for his
amazing accomplishments after surviving cancer.”
would be with Lance Armstrong, Greg Norman and
Donald Trump.
• On Nov. 29, 1989 became first WHL goalie to score a
goal in a game vs. Seattle.
• Won his first NHL game on Jan. 27, 1995 with a 4–2 victory over NY Islanders.
• Led Washington in shutouts (2), average (2.59) and
•
•
•
•
•
save percentage (.906) in his first full season with team
in 1996–97.
Tied for third in NHL in wins (33) and ranked fourth in
save percentage (.920) in 1997–98. Tied a playoff
record (since broken) with 4 shutouts as Washington
reached Stanley Cup Final.
Captured Vezina Trophy as league’s top goaltender in
1999–2000. Finished first in NHL in minutes (4,371),
saves (1,794), shots against (1,957) and home save percentage (.928).
Tied for third in NHL in games played (72) and wins
(37) in 2000–01. Ranked first in shots against (1,977),
second in saves (1,785), tied for third in games (71) in
2001–02.
Tied for seventh in league in wins (33) and eighth in
save percentage (.919) in 2002-03.
Holds Capitals career records in all significant goaltending categories.
When I was young…
• First team was the Glen Gary Alberta Mighty Mites.
• First hockey memory is of the first game he ever
•
•
played as a goalie. He hid behind the net when a
player had a breakaway.
Favorite players were Oilers goalie Grant Fuhr and
Maple Leafs goalie Mike Palmateer.
• Thanks his father for having the greatest influ-
ence on his career because he got him started
and sacrificed a lot.
• First played for Germany at the 1996 World Cup.
• Has represented Germany at the World
• Also played at World Cup of Hockey in 2004.
• Favorite international hockey rule is the bigger ice
surface because “there is more room for today’s
big and skilled players.”
• Is competing at his second Olympic Games
(1998).
• His greatest international hockey experience came when Germany beat Slovakia
at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
• Most memorable hockey game watched was the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”
• Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill skiing and gymnastics and track &
field at the Summer Games.
• “Have fun playing the game. Get an education because very few make it.”
What Others Say…
• “He’s charismatic. He’s full of personality, and it’s not just the goalie part. It’s the
attitude; it’s hating to lose. It’s not just the 60 minutes before the game, it’s
before and after and all around the game.” Former teammate Calle Johansson.
(Washington Post, May 31, 2001)
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
Abbotsford
BCAHA
17 5 9 0 857 81 0 5.67 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
New Westminster WHL
15 6 5 0 650 48 1 4.43 3 0 3 149 11 0 4.43
Tri-City
WHL
30 16 10 2 1671 97 1 *3.48 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Washington
NHL
2 0 2 0 120 12 0 6.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Tri-City
WHL
48 21 18 3 2504 187 1 4.48 6 4 0 318 27 0 5.09
1990-91 Baltimore
AHL
26 10 12 1 1367 72 0 3.16 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Hampton Roads ECHL
21 11 9 1 1248 71 2 3.41 3 1 2 180 14 0 4.66
1991-92 Baltimore
AHL
28 5 17 2 1503 105 1 4.19 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Hampton Roads ECHL
14 11 3 0 847 41 0 2.90 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1992-93 Washington
NHL
1 0 0 0
20
2 0 6.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Rochester
AHL
49 25 16 4 2737 168 0 3.68 *17 9 8 *1040 61 0 3.52
1993-94 Washington
NHL
7 0 3 0 224 20 0 5.36 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Portland
AHL
29 16 8 5 1725 88 3 3.06 17 *12 5 1035 44 0 *2.55
1994-95 Washington
NHL
14 2 8 2 724 30 0 2.49 2 1 0 44 1 0 1.36
Portland
AHL
2 1 0 1 125
3 0 1.44 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96 Washington
NHL
18 4 8 2 897 46 0 3.08 5 2 3 341 11 0 *1.94
Portland
AHL
5 5 0 0 300
7 1 1.40 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 Washington
NHL
29 8 15 4 1645 71 2 2.59 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 Washington
NHL
64 33 18 10 3788 139 5 2.20 21 12 9 1351 44 *4 1.95
1998-99 Washington
NHL
64 26 31 3 3586 154 4 2.58 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Washington
NHL
73 41 20 11 *4371 163 5 2.24 5 1 4 284 16 0 3.38
2000-01 Washington
NHL
72 37 26 8 4279 177 5 2.48 6 2 4 375 14 1 2.24
2001-02 Washington
NHL
71 31 29 8 4131 192 6 2.79 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Washington
NHL
66 33 25 6 3894 156 4 2.40 6 2 4 404 14 1 2.08
2003-04 Washington
NHL
63 19 35 9 3738 180 2 2.89 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05 Eisbaren Berlin
Germany
8 .... .... .... 452 19 2 2.52 3 .... .... 178 7 1 2.36
NHL Totals
544 234 220 63 31417 1342 33 2.56 45 20 24 2799 100 6 2.14
(Washington's 1st choice, 19th overall, in 1989 Entry Draft).
WHL West Second All-Star Team (1989) • Harry ``Hap'' Holmes Memorial Award (fewest goals against – AHL) (1994) (shared
with Byron Dafoe) • Jack A.Butterfield Trophy (Playoff MVP – AHL) (1994) • NHL First All-Star Team (2000) • Vezina Trophy (2000)
• Scored a goal while with Tri-City (WHL), November 29, 1989.Signed as a free agent by Eisbaren Berlin (Germany), February 2,
2005.
GP W
L
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
1996
1997
1998
2004
2004
1
4
2
5
3
1
3
0
2
3
0
0
0
1
0
45 5
199 13
120 2
299 11
180 10
0
0
1
0
0
6.67
3.92
1.00
2.21
3.34
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
132
W-Cup
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
0
0
2
2
0
Russia
ATLANTA THRASHERS
KOVALCHUK, ILYA
BORN, TVER, USSR, APRIL 15, 1983.
(koh-vuhl-CHOOK, IHL-yah)
• He has helped to create Kovy’s Krew in Atlanta where
•
•
•
•
•
•
children living with cancer are given an opportunity to
take an afternoon and play arcade games, go bowling
and have dinner with Kovalchuk.
Wears #17 in the NHL in honor of Soviet legend Valeri
Kharlamov, but wears 71 for Russia because 17 has
been retired.
Admits that he does have superstitions, but won’t
reveal what they are.
The most memorable game he has played was the
2004 NHL All-Star Game. He was the leading votegetter for the All-Star Game.
Most memorable game watched was a tape of the
1972 Summit Series shown to him by his father.
Hobbies are tennis and fishing.
Favorite TV show is “Fabulous Life” on E Channel.
Favorite movie is “Dumb and Dumber.” Favorite actor is
Jim Carrey. Favorite types of music are hip hop and
Russian.
• Helped Spartak finish in first place in Russian Division I
League in 2000–01. Led team team in scoring (42-22-64).
• Led Atlanta, and all NHL rookies, with 29 goals in
•
•
•
•
2001–02 despite a season-ending shoulder dislocation
on Mar. 10, 2002. Finished second on club and among
all NHL rookies with 51 points. He and 2006 Canadian
Olympian Dany Heatley became the first teammates to
finish 1–2 in rookie scoring in the NHL since Brian
Leetch and Tony Granato of NY Rangers in 1988-89
season. He finished second to Heatley in voting for the
Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.
Was second to Heatley on the Thrashers with 38 goals
and 9 power-play goals in 2002–03. Notched first
career NHL hat trick at Washington on Dec. 6, 2002.
Tied 2006 Canadian Olympians Jarome Iginla of
Calgary and Rick Nash of Columbus for NHL lead with
41 goals in 2003–04. Was second behind 2006
Canadian Olympian Martin St. Louis of Tampa Bay with
87 points. Led NHL with 341 shots on goal. Was tied for
third with 16 power-play goals. Led NHL forwards with
team-record average ice time of 23:41. Netted 100th
career goal at Philadelphia on Feb. 21 to become fifth
youngest player in league history to reach milestone.
Finished seventh in the Russian league in scoring (1923-42) in 2004–05.
Scored 5 goals in back-to-back games vs. Pittsburgh
on Jan. 6-7, 2006 to become the first player in 2005-06
to top the 30-goal mark.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of getting his first set of new
equipment at about 6 years old.
• First hockey team played for was the Tver Hockey
Club.
• Favorite team growing up was Spartak Moscow.
• Favorite player was the late Soviet legend Valeri
•
Kharlamov. (Kharlamov was inducted into the Hockey
Hall of Fame in 2005).
Is a childhood friend of Alexei Smirnov, a 12th overall
draft choice of the Mighty Ducks in the 2000 NHL
Entry Draft.
• His father has been the greatest influence on his
•
career because “he always took care of me and
never missed a practice or a game.” His father was
a basketball player who taught him many similarities between basketball and hockey.
Will call his mother and his girlfriend first if Russia
• First competed for his country at age 15 at an
•
•
•
•
•
Under-16 Four Nations tournament in Finland and
says that it is “always an unbelievable feeling to
play for your country.”
Member of the gold-medal winning Russian
squad at the 2000 World Hockey Under-17
Challenge, earning Best Forward honors.
Named Best Forward at 2000 Under-20 Five Nations tournament with 6 points
(4G, 2A) in four games. Led Russia to gold at 2000 Under-18 Five Nations Cup.
Had 7 points (4G, 3A) in four games, including a goal and assist in the gold medal
game. Helped Russia win silver at the 2000 World Under-18 Championship.
Won a gold medal at the 2001 World Under-18 Championships, leading the tournament in goals (11) and points (15) and finishing second in plus/minus (+12).
Played for Russia at the 2001 World Championship, finishing second on team and
14th at tournament in scoring (4-2-6).
Led Russia with 4 goals at the 2003 World Championship. Led with 3 goals and
tied for team lead (Alexander Guskov) with 4 points in 2004. Ranked among the
Russian leaders in goals (3), assists (3) and points (6) at the 2005 World
Championship.
• Lists the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics as his greatest international experience
•
“because all of the greatest players compete and it’s fun to be around those
players.”
Other Olympic sport of interest is skiing.
• “Work hard every day. It's good to have talent but it is important to work hard at it.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
99-2000
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Spartak
Russia-2
49 12
5 17 75 ....
.... .... .... ....
Spartak 2
Russia-3
2
2
1
3 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
2001-02 Atlanta
NHL
65 29 22 51 28 .... .... .... .... ....
Spartak
Russia
51 42 22 64 112 ....
.... .... .... ....
2002-03 Atlanta
NHL
81 38 29 67 57 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Atlanta
NHL
81 *41 46 87 63 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Kazan
Russia
53 19 23 42 72
4
0
1
1
0
NHL Totals
227 108 97 205 148 .... .... .... .... ....
Atlanta's 1st choice, 1st overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.
NHL All-Rookie Team (2002) • NHL Second All-Star Team (2004) • Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (2004) (tied with Jarome
Iginla and Rick Nash)
Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia) August 22, 2004.
2000 S Russia
2001
G
B
2002
2003
2004
2004
2005 B
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
133
Event
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJ18-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
G
6
2
7
4
6 *11
6
1
7
4
6
3
4
1
9
3
A Pts PIM
3 5
2 6
4 *15
2 3
0 4
1 4
0 1
3 6
6
37
26
14
6
6
4
4
Russia
MONTREAL CANADIENS
KOVALEV, ALEX
BORN, TOGLIATTI, USSR, FEBRUARY 24, 1973.
(koh-VAH-lehv, al-EHX)
• He was the first Soviet player to be selected in the first
round of the NHL Entry Draft (1991).
• He lists Russian coaches Vladimir Yurzinov, Vitali
Yerfilov and Yuri Bystrov as his favorite coaches.
• He has a pilot’s license.
• Does charity work with the Russian Gift of Life.
• The most memorable NHL game he has played was
•
•
• First played for his country at 14 years of age.“It
meant a lot.”
• Won silver medals with Soviet team at European
Junior Championship in 1990 and 1991.
• Won gold medal with CIS (Commonwealth of
the seventh game of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final when
the Rangers beat Vancouver to win for the first time
since 1940.
• Recorded his first NHL hat trick on Dec. 27, 1992.
• Led the Rangers in game-winning goals (7) in 1995–96.
Tied for first on team with 23 goals in 1997–98.
• Picked up two assists against Rangers on Nov. 27, 1998
in his first game after being traded to Pittsburgh.
• Finished second on Penguins in goals (26) and points
•
•
•
•
(66) in 1999–2000 and was only player to appear in all
82 games.
Finished fifth in NHL with 44 goals, fourth with 95
points, in 2000–01. Both totals are career highs, as are
his 51 assists. Was one of three Penguins teammates in
top six in NHL scoring. Also ranked among league
leaders in game-winning goals (9). His four hat tricks
on season tied 2006 Russian Olympic boss Pavel Bure
for league lead.
Missed 13 games early in 2001–02 season following
knee surgery and scored a hat trick vs. New Jersey in
his return to lineup on Nov. 13, 2001. Scored 3 goals vs.
NY Islanders the following night.
Was traded from Pittsburgh back to Rangers during
2002–03 season and finished year among league leaders with 37 goals and 77 points.
Led Canadiens with 6 playoff goals, was second to
Saku Koivu with 10 points, in 2003–04.
When I was young…
• First put on a pair of skates at age four. He wore his sis-
•
•
•
ter’s figure skates because they were “more comfortable, with their wider blade and superior ankle support. He learned to accelerate by pushing off the toe
picks, practicing long hours on a rink outside Togliatti's
stadium, and wore figure skates until he joined his first
hockey team” (National Post - Dec. 24, 2005).
Favorite player growing up was Soviet legend Valeri
Kharlamov. (Kharlamov was inducted into the Hockey
Hall of Fame in 2005.)
Lists his first coach, Vladimir Guzhenkov, as having had
the biggest influence on his career.
Is a childhood friend of Viktor Kozlov of the New
Jersey Devils.
• “You couldn’t get skates for Christmas in Russia
•
because you could only get them from Europe or
America, and my parents didn’t have friends outside of
Russia. So my dad would get me whatever was in the
store, make some adjustments to them, and that was
it.” (National Post - Dec. 24, 2005).
Will call his wife and parents first if Russia wins gold at
Torino.
Independent States) at 1992 World Junior
Championship. Was named to tournament All-Star
Team. Fellow 2006 Russian Olympians Alexei
Yashin, Nikolai Khabibulin and Darius Kasparaitis
also played at the 1992 WJC.
Tied for team lead with 2 goals and 3 points at
the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Tied Pavel Datsyuk for second on Russian team in
scoring (3-4-7) behind Alexander Ovechkin at the
2005 World Championship. Was named tournament’s Best Forward.
• Is competing at his third Olympic Games (1992, 2002)
• His greatest international hockey experience is playing at the Olympics. He won
•
•
a gold medal with the former Soviet “Unified Team” at the 1992 Albertville Games
and won a bronze medal 10 years later with the Russian team the 2002 Olympics
in Salt Lake City.
He is one of five players on the 2006 Russian Olympic team that won gold with
the “Unified Team” in 1992. The others are Nikolai Khabibulin, Alexei Zhitnik,
Darius Kasparaitis and Alexei Zhamnov.
Other Olympic sports of interest are “any.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Dynamo Moscow USSR
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow USSR
18
1
2
3
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow CIS
33 16
9 25 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
NY Rangers
NHL
65 20 18 38 79 .... .... .... .... ....
Binghamton
AHL
13 13 11 24 35
9
3
5
8 14
1993-94◆ NY Rangers
NHL
76 23 33 56 154 23
9 12 21 18
1994-95
Togliatti
CIS
12
8
8 16 49 ....
.... .... .... ....
NY Rangers
NHL
48 13 15 28 30 10
4
7 11 10
1995-96 NY Rangers
NHL
81 24 34 58 98 11
3
4
7 14
1996-97 NY Rangers
NHL
45 13 22 35 42 .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 NY Rangers
NHL
73 23 30 53 44 .... .... .... .... ....
1998-99 NY Rangers
NHL
14
3
4
7 12 .... .... .... .... ....
Pittsburgh
NHL
63 20 26 46 37 10
5
7 12 14
99-2000 Pittsburgh
NHL
82 26 40 66 94 11
1
5
6 10
2000-01 Pittsburgh
NHL
79 44 51 95 96 18
5
5 10 16
2001-02 Pittsburgh
NHL
67 32 44 76 80 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Pittsburgh
NHL
54 27 37 64 50 .... .... .... .... ....
NY Rangers
NHL
24 10
3 13 20 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 NY Rangers
NHL
66 13 29 42 54 .... .... .... .... ....
Montreal
NHL
12
1
2
3 12 11
6
4 10
8
2004-05
Kazan
Russia
35 10 12 22 80
4
0
0
0
8
NHL Totals
849 292 388 680 902 94 33 44 77 90
NY Rangers' 1st choice, 15th overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.
WJC-A All-Star Team (1992)
Traded to Pittsburgh by NY Rangers with Harry York for Petr Nedved, Chris Tamer and Sean Pronger, November 25, 1998.Traded to
NY Rangers by Pittsburgh with Mike Wilson, Janne Laukkanen and Dan LaCouture for Joel Bouchard, Richard Lintner, Rico Fata,
Mikael Samuelsson and future considerations, February 10, 2003.Traded to Montreal by NY Rangers for Jozef Balej and Montreal's
2nd round choice (Bruce Graham) in 2004 Entry Draft, March 2, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia), November 3, 2004.
Year Medal
1990 S
1991 S
1992 G
G
1996
1998
2002 B
2004
2005 B
National Team
Event
USSR
USSR
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
EJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
Olympics
W-Cup
WC-A
134
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
5
7
8
6
5
6
6
4
9
4
8
5
1
0
2
5
3
2
3
3 7
3 11
5 10
2 3
1 1
1 3
2 7
1 4
1 3
4 7
6
8
2
14
0
8
14
4
4
16
Russia
NEW JERSEY DEVILS
KOZLOV, VIKTOR
BORN, TOGLIATTI, USSR, FEBRUARY 14, 1975.
(KAHS-lahf, VIHK-tohr)
• He lists his first game in the NHL (Feb. 18, 1995) as the
most memorable game he has played.
• He lists his hobbies as “relaxing” and watching and
playing tennis.
• Likes to watch cartoons. Other favorites include “Old
•
School” (movie), Will Ferrell (actor) and Depeche Mode
(music).
The person he admires most is Lance Armstrong. If he
could have dinner with anyone, it would be with
Armstrong.
• Made his debut in the CIS (Commonwealth of
•
•
•
•
•
Independent States) league as a 16-year-old in
1991–92. Played with league-champion Dynamo
Moscow in 1992–93.
Fractured his ankle playing with Dynamo Moscow during the NHL labor stoppage in 1994–95. Missed the
first 13 games when the NHL season finally resumed.
Shattered previous career highs with 53 assists and 70
points with Florida in 1999–2000. Tied for fourth in
NHL in assists. Played in his first NHL All-Star Game
(had been selected to play in 1999 but missed game
due to a shoulder injury).
Ranked second among Panthers in goals (14), points
(37) and power-play goals (6) behind 2006 Russian
Olympic general manager. Pavel Bure in 2000–01
despite being limited to just 51 games due to injuries.
Set new career high with 22 goals and 232 shots in
2002–03. Was second on team to 2006 Finnish
Olympian Olli Jokinen in goals and points (56), led
team in assists and time on ice (22:35).
Led Lada Togliatti in scoring (15-22-37) in 2004–05.
Ranked among the Russian league leaders in assists
and points.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Lada Togliatti.
• First memorable moment was his first goal with Lada.
• Favorite team growing up was the Central Red Army.
• Favorite player was Soviet hockey legend Valeri
•
Kharlamov, who was elected to the Hockey Hall of
Fame in 2005.
Was a childhood friend of Alex Kovalev.
•
his career, as his favorite coach and as the person he
patterned his game on.“He taught me how to play.”
Will call his father first if Russia wins gold at Torino.
• First time he played for his country was with national
•
junior team at the age of 14.“I was proud to represent
my country.”
Won bronze medal at the 1992 European Junior
Championship. Won silver at the 1993 EJC and was
named to the tournament All-Star Team.
• Also played at the 1993 World Junior
•
•
Championship and was named one of the top
three Russian players. He lists scoring his first goal
at the World Junior Championship as his greatest
international hockey memory. Fellow 2006 Russian
Olympians Sergei Gonchar, Alexei Yashin and
Nikolai Khabibulin also played at the 1993 WJC.
Played at the World Championship in 1996, 1998,
2000 and 2005. Tied for Russian team lead with 3
assists at the 2000 tournament . Tied for second on
team with 4 points.
Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
• Was named to the Russian Olympic hockey team in
•
2002 but did not compete at Salt Lake City due to
an abdominal injury.
Other Olympic sports of interest are soccer and tennis at the Summer Games.
• “Do well in school.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Togliatti
USSR-2
2
2
0
2
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Togliatti
CIS
3
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow CIS
30
6
5 11
4 10
3
0
3
0
Dynamo Moscow CIS
42 16
9 25 14
7
3
2
5
0
Dynamo Moscow CIS
3
1
1
2
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
San Jose
NHL
16
2
0
2
2 .... .... .... .... ....
Kansas City
IHL
4
1
1
2
0 13
4
5
9 12
1995-96 San Jose
NHL
62
6 13 19
6 .... .... .... .... ....
Kansas City
IHL
15
4
7 11 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
1996-97 San Jose
NHL
78 16 25 41 40 .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 San Jose
NHL
18
5
2
7
2 .... .... .... .... ....
Florida
NHL
46 12 11 23 14 .... .... .... .... ....
1998-99 Florida
NHL
65 16 35 51 24 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Florida
NHL
80 17 53 70 16
4
0
1
1
0
2000-01 Florida
NHL
51 14 23 37 10 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Florida
NHL
50
9 18 27 20 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Florida
NHL
74 22 34 56 18 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Florida
NHL
48 11 16 27 16 .... .... .... .... ....
New Jersey
NHL
11
2
4
6
2
2
0
0
0
0
2004-05
Togliatti
Russia
52 15 22 37 22 10
3
3
6
6
NHL Totals
599 132 234 366 170
6
0
1
1
0
San Jose's 1st choice, 6th overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.
EJC-A All-Star Team (1993)
Traded to Florida by San Jose with Florida's 5th round choice (previously acquired, Florida selected Jaroslav Spacek) in 1998 Entry
Draft for Dave Lowry and Florida's 1st round choice (later traded to Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay selected Vincent Lecavalier) in 1998
Entry Draft, November 13, 1997.Traded to New Jersey by Florida for Christian Berglund and Victor Uchevatov, March 1, 2004.
Signed as a free agent by Togliatti (Russia), July 11, 2004.
1992 B Russia
1993
S
1996
1998
2000
2004
2005 B
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
135
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
EJC-A
WJC-A
EJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
6
7
6
8
6
6
4
9
3
2
3
0
4
1
1
1
3
1
3
3
5
3
0
0
6
3
6
3
9
4
1
1
2
2
4
0
0
2
0
0
Sweden
DETROIT RED WINGS
KRONWALL, NIKLAS
BORN, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, JANUARY 12, 1981.
(KRAHN-wuhl, NIHK-las)
• He became the first European player to win the Eddie
•
•
•
•
•
•
Shore Award as the AHL’s best defenseman in
2004–05.
Nickname is Kroner.
Most memorable hockey game ever played was his
first NHL game at Joe Louis Arena. Other favorite
memories include winning back-to-back Swedish
league titles with Djurgardens in 2000 and 2001.
Fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Mikael Tellqvist of
Toronto also played on those teams.
His most memorable hockey game watched was the
1987 Canada Cup Final between Canada and Russia.
Favorite coach is Hardy Nilson.
Other favorites include “Everybody Loves Raymond”
(TV show),“Braveheart” (movie), Ed Norton and
Angelina Jolie (actors), and Garth Brooks (music).
Would like to have dinner with Swedish Prime Minister
Goran Persson and George W. Bush.
• Was among several players tied for second on the
•
team in plus/minus (+7) behind fellow 2006
Swedish Olympian Mats Sundin at the 2003 World
Championship. Lists the 2003 quarterfinal game
where Sweden rallied to beat Finland 6-5 as his
greatest international hockey experience.
Tied for the lead among defensemen with 3 goals
at the 2005 World Championship. Tied for second
among defensemen in plus/minus (+7) behind
2006 Czech Olympian Marek Zidlicky. He and
Zidlicky were named to the tournament All-Star
team on defense.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are the skiing
events.
• “Have fun.”
• Led Djurgarden defensemen in scoring (5-13-18) in
2002–03.
• Made his NHL debut on Dec. 10, 2003 at Buffalo. His
•
first NHL point was an assist on a goal by 2006 Russian
Olympian Pavel Datsyuk on Dec. 13 at Washington. His
first career goal was a game winner vs. Chicago on Jan.
14, 2004. He suffered a fractured leg during warm-up
on Jan. 22 and missed the remainder of the season.
Led entire Grand Rapids Rapids team, and all AHL
defensemen, in scoring (13-40-53) in 2004–05.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of playing outside.
• First hockey team ever played for was Jarfalla.
• Favorite team growing up was Djurgarden.
• Favorite player was current Detroit teammate and fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Nicklas Lidstrom.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
Djurgarden Jr.
Swe-Jr.
1
0
0
0
0 ....
Djurgarden Jr.
Swe-Jr.
27
4
3
7 71
2
Huddinge
Sweden-2
14
0
1
1 10 ....
Huddinge Jr.
Swe-Jr.
2
0
0
0
6 ....
99-2000
Djurgarden
Sweden
37
1
4
5 16
8
2000-01
Djurgarden
Sweden
31
1
9 10 32 15
2001-02
Djurgarden
Sweden
48
5
7 12 34
5
2002-03
Djurgarden
Sweden
50
5 13 18 46 12
2003-04 Detroit
NHL
20
1
4
5 16 ....
Grand Rapids
AHL
25
2 11 13 20 ....
2004-05
Grand Rapids
AHL
76 13 40 53 53 ....
NHL Totals
20
1
4
5 16 ....
Detroit's 1st choice, 29th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.
AHL First All-Star Team (2005) • Eddie Shore Award (Outstanding Defenseman – AHL) (2005)
....
0
....
....
0
0
0
3
....
....
....
....
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
•
2000
2001
2003 S
2005
1998 G Sweden
1999 S Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
• First played for Sweden on the Junior national team
and says “I always dreamed about it growing up.”
• Won gold with Sweden at the final European Junior
•
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
• Lists his mother as having had the biggest influence
on his career because “she was always there supporting me.”
Will call his mother, or his brother, first if Sweden wins
gold in Torino.
G
Championship in 1998. Tournament became the World
Under-18 Championship the following year, and
Sweden won silver.
Topped all defensemen with 5 goals at the 2000 World
136
Event
EJC-A
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
7
7
5
5
9
1
0
5
0
0
3
2
4
1
1
0
3
3
4
6
1
0
6
6
8
10
2
4
10
A Pts PIM
....
0
....
....
0
1
0
2
....
....
....
....
....
0
....
....
0
1
0
5
....
....
....
....
....
2
....
....
8
8
0
18
....
....
....
....
Czech Republic
MINNESOTA WILD
KUBA, FILIP
BORN, OSTRAVA, CZECH., DECEMBER 29, 1976.
(KOO-bah, FIHL-ihp)
• He led the Minnesota Wild in average ice team in each
of the club’s first four seasons.
• Scored the first playoff goal in Wild history at Colorado
on Apr. 10, 2003.
• Became the first Wild defenseman to play in the NHL
All-Star Game in 2004.
• Lists Wild coach Jacques Lemaire as his favorite coach
because “he is a good teacher.”
• Lists the Xcel Energy Center as his favorite NHL arena
because “they are the best fans.”
• Other favorites include “Lost” and “Entourage” (TV
•
•
•
show),“Kill Bill Vol. I & II” and “Snatch” (movies), Michael
Madsen (actor) and Linkin Park, Nirvana and Metallica
(music).
Lists game seven vs. Colorado in the 2003 Stanley Cup
playoffs when Minnesota won after trailing 3–1 in the
series as the most memorable NHL game he has
played.
Hobbies are soccer and car racing.
He admits to having “little” superstitions, but won’t say
what they are.
• First played internationally in 2001 and says “it was
a big honor for me to represent my country.”
• Calls winning the World Championship in 2001 his
•
•
greatest international hockey experience. Lists the
World Championship final as the most memorable
international game he has played.
Also played at the World Championship in 2002.
Favorite international hockey rule is no-touch
icing.
• Most memorable hockey game watched was the
•
gold medal game during the 1998 Olympics in
Nagano, Czech Republic vs. Russia.“The Czech
team was in the final and it was the first time that
all professional hockey players were able to play for their country.”
Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and ski jumping, as well as track &
field and soccer at the Summer Games.
• Made his NHL debut with Florida at Buffalo on Apr. 9,
1999.
• Scored his first NHL goal on Oct. 27, 1999 vs. Islanders.
• In his first full NHL season with Minnesota in 2000–01,
•
•
•
he led all NHL rookies in average ice time (24:16). Led
the Wild in game-winning goals (4) and in power-play
assists (10) and points (14). Established career highs in
goals (9) and points (30).
Ranked 15th among all NHL defensemen in average
ice time (25:30) in 2001–02.
Played in a career-high 78 games in 2002–03. Led Wild
defensemen in goals (8), assists (21), points (29), and
power-play goals (4). Set a team record with 33:02 of
ice time at Chicago on Dec. 26, 2002. Played in the
playoffs for the first time in 2003 and led Wild defenseman in postseason scoring (3-5-8).
Led Wild defensemen with 19 assists and 24 points in
2003–04.
When I was young…
• Began playing hockey at age six.
• First hockey team ever played for was HC Vitkovice.
• First hockey memory is of scoring his first goal.
• Favorite team growing up was HC Vitkovice.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1994-95
Vitkovice Jr.
Vitkovice
Vitkovice
Carolina
New Haven
Florida
Kentucky
Florida
Houston
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
CzRep-Jr.
CzRep
CzRep
AHL
AHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
IHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
35 10 15 25
....
....
.... .... ....
....
19
0
1
1
....
51
0 12 12 38
77
4 13 17 58
5
0
1
1
0
45
2
8 10 33
13
1
5
6
2
27
3
6
9 13
75
9 21 30 28
62
5 19 24 32
78
8 21 29 29
77
5 19 24 28
DID NOT PLAY
310 28 86 114 119
....
4
....
....
3
....
10
....
11
....
....
18
....
....
0
....
....
1
....
0
....
1
....
....
3
....
A Pts PIM
....
0
....
....
1
....
1
....
2
....
....
5
....
....
0
....
....
2
....
1
....
3
....
....
8
....
....
2
....
....
0
....
4
....
4
....
....
24
....
NHL Totals
18
3
5
8 24
Florida's 8th choice, 192nd overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.
Traded to Calgary by Florida for Rocky Thompson, March 16, 2000.Claimed by Minnesota from Calgary in Expansion Draft, June 23,
2000.
2001 G Czech Republic
2002
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WC-A
Czech Republic WC-A
9
7
1
0
1
3
• Lists his mother as having the greatest influence on his
•
Regular Season
GP
career because “she always supported me in hockey
when I was growing up.”
Will call his wife and children first if the Czechs win
gold in Torino.
137
2
3
8
18
Czech Republic
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
KUBINA, PAVEL
BORN, CELADNA, CZECH., APRIL 15, 1977.
(koo-BEE-nuh, PAH-vehl)
• He lists Tampa Bay’s win in game seven of the 2004
•
•
•
•
•
Stanley Cup Final as the most memorable NHL game
he has played. (Also cites his first NHL game and representing the Czech Republic in international hockey.)
Wears #13 because “it’s my lucky number.”
Created a program in Tampa Bay called Kubby’s Little
Bolts in which he donates season tickets to local charities.
Hobbies are fishing, soccer, tennis and cars. The person
he admires most is Andre Agassi.
Favorite movie is “Dreamer.” Favorite actor is Angelina
Jolie. Favorite cartoon character is Shrek “because he’s
a nice guy like me.”
Nickname is Kubi.
• Joined Moose Jaw Warriors of WHL after being drafted
•
•
•
by Lightning. Led club defensemen in goals (12) assists
(32) and points (44) in 1996-97.
Had an assist in his first NHL game with Tampa Bay on
Mar. 14, 1998. Ranked first among NHL rookies in average ice time per game (22:47) and third in hits (156) in
1998-99.
Led Tampa Bay defensemen in goals (11) and points
(30) in 2000-01. Tied for 17th in NHL for goals by a
defenseman. Led team in total ice time (24:16 per
game) and shifts per game (27.01).
Career-high 17 goals in 2003–04 tied 2006 Canadian
Olympian Wade Redden of Ottawa for most among
NHL defensemen. Shooting percentage of 11.1 also
best among defensemen. Also reached career high in
plus/minus at +9. Played in 22 of Tampa’s 23 playoff
games and was second to 2006 Canadian Olympian
Brad Richards in average time on ice (22:53) as
Lightning won Stanley Cup.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was Slezan Fryden-Mistek.
• First hockey memory is his first practice when he was 7
and his first goal.
• Followed the NHL while growing up in the Czech
Republic, but did not have a favorite team.
• Lists his father as his biggest hockey influence
“because he was taking me to practice every day.”
• Will call his parents, and his fiance first, if Czech
Republic wins at Torino.
• First played for his country in 1993 at a tournament for
16-year-olds in Canada.“I was proud to play.”
• His favorite international hockey moment is winning
•
• Led Czech defensemen in scoring (3-4-7), tied for
•
•
•
second on team and among all defensemen, at
Was named to Czech roster for 2004 World Cup of
Hockey, but withdrew due to injuries prior to tournament.
Was the top-scoring defenseman (2-2-4) for gold
medal-winning Czech Republic team at the 2005
World Championship. (Fellow 2006 Czech
Olympians Thomas Kaberle and Marek Zidlicky
were 1-3-4.) Was his third World Championship
gold.
(which was adopted by the NHL this year.)
• Is competing at his second straight Olympic Games (2002).
• Lists watching the Czech Republic win the gold medal game at Nagano in 1998
as the most memorable hockey game he has watched.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are tennis and soccer in the Summer Games.
• “Work hard, never give up your dream.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
Vitkovice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
35
4
3
7
....
Vitkovice
CzRep
1
0
0
0
....
1994-95
Vitkovice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
20
6 10 16
....
Vitkovice
CzRep
8
2
0
2 10
1995-96
Vitkovice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
16
5 10 15
....
Vitkovice
CzRep
33
3
4
7 32
1996-97
Vitkovice
CzRep
1
0
0
0
0
Moose Jaw
WHL
61 12 32 44 116
1997-98 Tampa Bay
NHL
10
1
2
3 22
Adirondack
AHL
55
4
8 12 86
1998-99 Tampa Bay
NHL
68
9 12 21 80
Cleveland
IHL
6
2
2
4 16
99-2000 Tampa Bay
NHL
69
8 18 26 93
2000-01 Tampa Bay
NHL
70 11 19 30 103
2001-02 Tampa Bay
NHL
82 11 23 34 106
2002-03 Tampa Bay
NHL
75
3 19 22 78
NHL
81 17 18 35 85
2004-05
Vitkovice
CzRep
28
6
5 11 46
NHL Totals
455 60 111 171 567
Tampa Bay's 6th choice, 179th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.
WC-A All-Star Team (1999)
Signed as a free agent by Vitkovice (CzRep), September 17, 2004.
....
....
....
4
....
4
....
11
....
1
....
....
....
....
....
11
22
12
33
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
2
....
1
....
....
....
....
....
0
0
4
0
1993-94
Event
1996
1999 G
2001 G
2002
WJC-A
6
0 2 2
8
WC-A
12
2 6 8 12
WC-A
9
2 3 5 18
Olympics 4
0 1 1
0
WC-A
7
3 4 7
8
W-Cup
DID NOT PLAY – INJUTRED
WC-A
9
2 2 4 10
2004
2005 G
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
gold with the Czech Republic team at the 1999 World
Championship. Tied for first in scoring among defensemen (2-6-8) at 1999 tournament and was named to AllStar Team.
Was top-scoring defenseman (2-3-5) for Czech gold
medal team at the 2001 World Championship.
138
GP
G
A Pts PIM
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
5
....
0
....
....
....
....
....
0
4
6
4
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
7
....
1
....
....
....
....
....
0
4
10
4
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
27
....
14
....
....
....
....
....
12
50
34
62
Finland
COLORADO AVALANCHE
LAAKSONEN, ANTTI
BORN, TAMMELA, FINLAND, OCTOBER 3, 1973.
(lah-AHK-soh-nehn, AHN-tee)
• He left Finland to attend the University of Denver from
1993 to 1997.
• Wears #24 in the NHL because it was his number in
Finland.
• Charitable efforts are being actively involved in helping St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
• Played soccer, baseball and tennis while growing up
and now enjoys fly fishing as a hobby.
• Favorite NHL arena is Madison Square Garden.
• Other favorites include the TV show “24,” actor Chevy
•
•
Junior Championship.“It was great to represent my
country.”
Winning a silver medal at the 2001 World
Championship is his greatest international experience. He also played at the 2004 World
Championship.
Played one game at the 2004 World Cup of
Hockey, where the Finns won the European pool
and reached the finals against Team Canada.
Chase and music by George Strait.
• Led the University of Denver in scoring (25-28-53), was
8th in WCHA, in 1995–96.
• Made his NHL debut with Boston on Oct. 10, 1998.
•
•
•
•
Scored his first goal vs. Los Angeles on Oct. 16, 1998.
Spent most of the season with Providence and led
AHL in plus/minus (+40). Helped Providence win
Calder Cup championship.
Was one of only two Minnesota Wild (with Wes Walz)
to play all 82 games during the club’s inaugural season
of 2000-01. Credited with the club’s first shot on goal
vs. Anaheim on Oct. 6, 2000. Scored club’s first overtime goal vs. Calgary on Nov. 5. 2000. Recorded club’s
first hat trick vs. Vancouver on Nov. 26, 2000.
Recorded career-bests in goals (16), assists (17) and
points (33) in 2001–02. Scored on penalty shot vs.
Brent Johnson at St. Louis on Mar. 26. 2002.
Was only Wild player to appear in all 246 games during
franchise’s first three seasons.
Sat out at Edmonton on Dec. 30, 2003 to end his franchise-record 288 consecutive games played streak.
When I was young…
• Began playing hockey at age 5.
• First hockey team ever played for was the Tammela
Maple Leafs.
• Wayne Gretzky was his favorite player, but Oilers
Finnish stars Jari Kurri and Esa Tikkanen also inspired
his hockey career.
• Says that his brothers Mikko and Olli have had the
most influence on his career.
• Will call his wife and children first if Finland wins
gold in Torino.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Regular Season
Season
Club
League
1991-92
FoPS Jr.
FoPS
FoPS Jr.
FoPS
HPK Jr.
HPK
U.of Denver
U.of Denver
U.of Denver
U.of Denver
Providence
Charlotte
Boston
Providence
Boston
Providence
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Finland-Jr.
Finland-2
Finland-Jr.
Finland-2
Finland-Jr.
Finland
WCHA
WCHA
WCHA
WCHA
AHL
ECHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
G
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
6
....
19
....
14
....
....
16
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
0
....
7
....
5
....
....
1
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
3
....
2
....
4
....
....
3
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
3
....
9
....
9
....
....
4
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
0
....
28
....
4
....
....
4
....
NHL Totals
96 16
1
Boston's 10th choice, 191st overall, in 1997 Entry Draft.
WCHA Second All-Star Team (1996)
Signed as a free agent by Minnesota, July 14, 2000.Signed as a free agent by Colorado, July 2, 2004.
3
4
4
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
G
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
1992-93
GP
24 19 23 42
41 16 15 31
9
5
3
8
34 11 19 30
1
1
1
2
2
0
0
0
36 12
9 21
40 17 18 35
39 25 28 53
39 21 17 38
38
3
2
5
15
4
3
7
11
1
2
3
66 25 33 58
27
6
3
9
40 10 12 22
82 12 16 28
82 16 17 33
82 15 16 31
77 12 14 26
DID NOT PLAY
361 62 68 130
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1993
2001 S
2004
2004 2nd
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
7
9
7
1
2
2
1
0
0
4
2
0
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
139
2
6
3
0
2
8
2
0
22
8
10
36
0
0
38
42
71
63
14
12
2
52
2
57
24
22
26
20
A Pts PIM
Czech Republic
DETROIT RED WINGS
LANG, ROBERT
BORN, TEPLICE, CZECH., DECEMBER 19, 1970.
(LANG, RAW-buhrt)
• He lists the late Ivan Hlinka as his favorite coach
because “he was a player’s coach.”
• Lists Czechoslovakia’s gold medal victory at the 1985
•
•
•
•
•
World Championship as the most memorable game he
has watched.
Wears #20 “because I like it.”
Musician and poverty activist Bob Geldof is the person
he admires most.
Favorite summer hobbies are playing golf and going
fishing.
Other favorites include “Grey’s Anatomy” (TV show),
Clint Eastwood (actor) and U2 (music).
would be with Arnold Palmer, George Bush and Tiger
Williams.
•
•
1998, 2002).
• Greatest international hockey experience was win•
• Had 1 assist in each of his first three games to begin
his NHL career in 1992–93.
• Tied for fourth in NHL with 13 power-play goals for
•
•
Penguins in 1999–2000. Tied fellow 2006 Czech
Olympian Jaromir Jagr for Penguins lead in game-winning goals (5).
Reached career highs in goals (32) and points (80) in
2000–01. Ranked 20th in NHL in scoring. Was one of
four Penguins teammates (along with fellow 2006
Czech Olympians Jagr and Martin Straka and 2006
Russian Olympian Alex Kovalev) among the NHL’s top
20 scorers. Finished 14th in the NHL in shooting percentage (18.1). Led Penguins in plus/minus (+20).
Was tied with 2006 Canadian Olympian Martin St.
Louis for the NHL scoring lead at the time of his trade
to Detroit during the 2003–04 NHL season. Finished
tied for ninth in scoring (30-49-79) despite playing just
69 games. Also tied for ninth in assists with a careerhigh 49.
When I was young…
• First hockey memories are of skating on a pond.
• First hockey team played for was hometown Teplice.
• Favorite team growing up was the Czech national
team.
• Favorite player was Soviet star Sergei Makarov.
• Grew up with fellow 2006 Czech Olympians Martin
Rucinsky, Martin Straka and Jaromir Jagr (New York
Rangers) and Jiri Slegr (Boston Bruins).
• Says his father has had the most influence on his hock•
ey career because “he also loves the game and still
plays.”
Will call his father first if Czechs win gold at Torino.
•
•
•
•
First played for the Czech national team at age 17 and
says it was a “great thrill.” He played exhibition games
with the Czechoslovak junior team vs USSR Juniors in
Leningrad, April 11 and 13, 1989.
Won bronze medal at 1992 World Championship after
winning bronze at the Olympics.
Selected to play for Czech Republic at the 1994 World
Championship, but did not play due to shoulder injury.
Led gold medal-winning Czech team, tied for second
overall, in scoring (5-4-9) at the 1996 World
Championship.
Was named to Czech roster for 2004 World Cup of
Hockey, but withdrew due to injuries prior to tournament.
Favorite international hockey rule is the elimination of the red line for two-line passes. (The NHL
•
•
ning gold at the 1998 Nagano Games. The gold
medal game against Russia is his most memorable
game.
Jaromir Jagr, Martin Rucinsky, Jaroslav Spacek and Martin Straka.
Led bronze medal-winning Czech team team in scoring (5-8-13) at Albertville in
1992 and ranked third overall in Olympic scoring.
Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and bobsled.
• “Stay in school.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
Litvinov
Litvinov
Litvinov
Litvinov
Los Angeles
Phoenix
Los Angeles
Phoenix
Litvinov
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Sparta
Sparta Praha
Boston
Pittsburgh
Houston
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Washington
Washington
Detroit
Czech
Czech
Czech
Czech
NHL
IHL
NHL
IHL
CzRep
NHL
NHL
CzRep
EuroHL
NHL
NHL
IHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
Regular Season
GP
G
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
3
2
5
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
32
8
7 15
....
8
3
3
6 ....
56 26 26 52 38 ....
.... .... .... ....
43 12 31 43 34 ....
.... .... .... ....
11
0
5
5
2 .... .... .... .... ....
38
9 21 30 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
1993-94
32
9 10 19 10 .... .... .... .... ....
44 11 24 35 34 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
16
4 19 23 28 ....
.... .... .... ....
36
4
8 12
4 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96
68
6 16 22 10 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97
38 14 27 41 30
5
1
2
3
4
4
2
2
4
0
4
2
1
3
2
1997-98
3
0
0
0
2 .... .... .... .... ....
51
9 13 22 14
6
0
3
3
2
9
1
7
8
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99
72 21 23 44 24 12
0
2
2
0
99-2000
78 23 42 65 14 11
3
3
6
0
2000-01
82 32 48 80 28 16
4
4
8
4
2001-02
62 18 32 50 16 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03
82 22 47 69 22
6
2
1
3
2
2003-04
63 29 45 74 24 .... .... .... .... ....
6
1
4
5
0 12
4
5
9
6
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
646 174 293 467 170 63 13 18 31 14
Los Angeles' 6th choice, 133rd overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.
Signed as a free agent by Pittsburgh, September 2, 1997.Claimed by Boston from Pittsburgh in Waiver Draft, September 28, 1997.
Claimed on waivers by Pittsburgh from Boston, October 25, 1997.Signed as a free agent by Washington, July 1, 2002.Traded to
Detroit by Washington for Tomas Fleischmann, Detroit's 1st round choice (Mike Green) in 2004 Entry Draft and Detroit's 4th round
choice in 2006 Entry Draft, February 27, 2004.
Year Medal
1992 B
B
1996 G
1996
1997 B
1998 G
2002
2004
National Team
Event
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
140
GP
8
8
8
3
8
6
4
G
A Pts PIM
5 8 13
2 2 4
5 4 9
0 0 0
1 1 2
0 3 3
1 2 3
DID NOT PLAY
8
2
2
2
25
0
2
Canada
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
LECAVALIER, VINCENT
BORN, ILE BIZARD, QUE., APRIL 21, 1980.
(luh-KAV-uhl-YAY, VIHN-sihnt)
• In 1998, he became the fifth player from the QMJHL to
•
•
•
•
•
•
be selected first overall in the NHL Entry Draft (Guy
Lafleur, Mario Lemieux, Pierre Turgeon and Alexandre
Daigle).
At age 19, became youngest team captain in NHL history on Mar. 11, 2000 (served through 2000–01 season).
He has developed the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation,
and focuses other charitable efforts towards Crohn’s
Disease, the St. Petersburg Children’s Hospital, and
helping minor hockey in Quebec.
seven of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final when Tampa Bay
beat Calgary.
Favorite NHL arena is the old Montreal Forum “because
of the great history it had.”
Hobby is playing golf. The person he admires most is
Tiger Woods “because he has a strong mentality
towards his game.”
Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite actor is Al Pacino.
• Played just 58 games in 1997–98, but ranked 5th in
QMJHL in scoring (44-71-115).
• Finished ninth among NHL rookies, 4th overall on
Tampa Bay, in scoring (13-15-28) in 1998–99.
• Led team in goals (25), assists (42), and points (67) in
1999–2000.
• Became first player in Lightning history with three
straight 20-goal seasons in 2001–02.
• Named assistant captain in 2002–03. Set career highs
•
•
in goals (33), assists (45), points (78) and shots on goal
(274).
In his playoff debut in 2003, led Tampa forwards in ice
time (22:36). Set up Martin St. Louis for triple overtime
goal vs. Washington on Apr. 20, 2003 to give Tampa
first playoff series win in franchise history.
Finished second on team to fellow 2006 Canadian
Olympian Martin St. Louis in goals with 32 in 2003–04.
Tied for 4th on team in plus/minus at +23, shattering
his previous career best. Was fourth on team, sixth
overall in NHL, in playoff scoring (9-7-16) as Tampa Bay
won Stanley Cup.
When I was young…
• Favorite player was Steve Yzerman.
• Has been friends with teammate and fellow 2006
• First represented his country with the Under-18
•
•
•
team, winning gold at the 1997 Under-18 Three
Nations tournament in Czech Republic.“I never
thought about it twice. You wait for your chance to
play for your country and if you get it, you do it.”
(from Canadian Hockey Magazine)
Led Canada’s Team Quebec to a bronze medal at
the 1997 Under-17 Challenge.
Favorite international hockey memory is the 2004
World Cup of Hockey. He was a late addition as a
replacement for Steve Yzerman, but led team, was
second in tournament to 2006 Swedish Olympian
Fredrik Modin, in scoring (2-5-7) as Canada won
the event. Scored overtime winner vs. Czech
Republic in semifinal. Was named tournament MVP
and selected to All-Star team.
Favorite international hockey rules are having the larger ice surface and playing
without a red line. (The NHL adopted the “no red line” rule this season.)
• Other Olympic sport of interest is the 100-meter sprint at the Summer Games.
• “Work hard and have fun.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04◆
2004-05
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Notre Dame
SMHL
22 52 52 104
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Rimouski
QMJHL
64 42 61 103 38
4
4
3
7
2
Rimouski
QMJHL
58 44 71 115 117 18 *15 *26 *41 46
Tampa Bay
NHL
82 13 15 28 23 .... .... .... .... ....
Tampa Bay
NHL
80 25 42 67 43 .... .... .... .... ....
Tampa Bay
NHL
68 23 28 51 66 .... .... .... .... ....
Tampa Bay
NHL
76 20 17 37 61 .... .... .... .... ....
Tampa Bay
NHL
80 33 45 78 39 11
3
3
6 22
Tampa Bay
NHL
81 32 34 66 52 23
9
7 16 25
Kazan
Russia
30
7
9 16 78
4
1
0
1
6
NHL Totals
467 146 181 327 284 34 12 10 22 47
Tampa Bay's 1st choice, 1st overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
QMJHL All-Rookie Team (1997) • QMJHL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1997) • Canadian Major Junior Rookie of the Year (1997) •
QMJHL First All-Star Team (1998) • Canadian Major Junior First All-Star Team (1998)
Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia), November 4, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1998
2001
2004 1st
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
7
7
6
1
3
2
1
2
5
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canadian Olympian Brad Richards since childhood.
• Lists his father as having had the greatest influence on
•
Regular Season
League
his career. When he was a child, his father would give
him 50 cents for every goal he scored, but a dollar for
every assist to encourage him and develop him as a
hockey player (from the Montreal Gazette, August 9,
2004).
Wears jersey #4 because his grandfather was a fan of
Jean Beliveau.
141
2
5
7
4
29
8
Finland
DALLAS STARS
LEHTINEN, JERE
BORN, ESPOO, FINLAND, JUNE 24, 1973.
(LEH-tih-nehn, YUH-ree)
• He played a lot of soccer when he was young and
•
•
•
•
would like to be a soccer player if he wasn’t playing
hockey.
His favorite hockey coach is Martti Merra.
The most memorable game he has played was game
six of the 1999 Stanley Cup Final when Dallas beat
Buffalo to win the Cup.
Lists “Eighties Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup wins” as
the most memorable hockey games he has watched.
Is a big fan of heavy metal music. Lists James Hetfield
of Metallica as the person he admires most.
• Led Finnish league with 11 playoff goals in 1993–94.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Won Finnish title with TPS Turku in 1994–95. Led the
league in playoff goals (8), and was second behind
teammate and fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Saku
Koivu in points (14).
Finished seventh among NHL rookies in assists with 22
in 1995–96.
Finished third in voting for Selke Trophy (best defensive forward) in 1996–97.
Won Selke Trophy in 1997–98 and became just the
third player to win Selke Trophy in consecutive seasons in 1998–99. Tied for 6th in NHL in plus/minus
(+29) that year. Set career highs in assists (32) and
points (52). Tied for second among playoff scorers with
10 goals as Dallas won Stanley Cup.
Scored his first career hat trick vs. Nashville on Jan. 17,
2001.
In 2001-02, tied for seventh in NHL in plus/minus (+27).
Set new career-high with 31 goals in 2002–03. Finished
fourth in NHL in plus/minus (+39). Won the Selke
Trophy for third time (fifth nomination).
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is playing his first game on an
outdoor rink at age five.
• His first hockey team was EJK Espoon Jaaklubi.
• Favorite team growing up was his hometown team of
Espoo, whom he would later play for.
• Favorite player was Jari Kurri who is also the player he
patterns his game after.
• Lists his parents as having the biggest influence on his
career.“They took me to all practices, games and tournaments.”
• Played his first national game with Under-16 Finnish
Team in Minsk, Russia.
• Was a member of Team Finland that won the 1990
•
World Challenge Under-17 Championship (then
known as the Quebec Cup).
Won bronze medal at 1991 European Junior
Championship.
• Played at World Junior Championship in 1991,
•
•
1992 and 1993. Ranked fourth in tournament scoring (6-8-14) behind 2006 Swedish Olympians Peter
Forsberg and Markus Naslund and 2006 Czech
Olympian David Vyborny at 1993 WJC. Received
Seiko Award as one of best three players on Team
Finland during tournament.
Was a member of team that won Finland’s first
gold medal at the World Championship in 1995
and was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team.
Assisted on game-winning goal by Ville Peltonen
in gold medal game against Sweden.
Tied for second in team scoring (1-3-4) at the 2004
World Cup, where Finns won the European pool
and reached finals against Team Canada.
• Is competing at his fourth consecutive Winter Games (1994, 1998 and 2002).
• Won bronze medals at Lillehammer in 1994 and at Nagano in 1998. Was one of
five players tied for fourth in Olympic scoring (4-2-6) at Nagano.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and cross-country skiing.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1989-90
1990-91
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Kiekko-67 Jr.
Finland-Jr.
32 23 23 46
6
5
0
3
3
0
K-Espoo Jr.
Finland-Jr.
3
3
1
4
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
K-Espoo
Finland-2
32 15
9 24 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
1991-92
Kiekko-67 Jr.
Finland-Jr.
8
5
4
9
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
K-Espoo
Finland-2
43 32 17 49
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
1992-93
Kiekko-67 Jr.
Finland-Jr.
4
5
3
8
8 ....
.... .... .... ....
K-Espoo
Finland
45 13 14 27
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
1993-94
TPS
Finland
42 19 20 39
6 11 *11
2 13 *2
1994-95
TPS
Finland
39 19 23 42 33 13 *8
6 14
4
1995-96 Dallas
NHL
57
6 22 28 16 .... .... .... .... ....
Michigan
IHL
1
1
0
1
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1996-97 Dallas
NHL
63 16 27 43
2
7
2
2
4
0
1997-98 Dallas
NHL
72 23 19 42 20 12
3
5
8
2
1998-99◆ Dallas
NHL
74 20 32 52 18 23 10
3 13
2
99-2000 Dallas
NHL
17
3
5
8
0 13
1
5
6
2
2000-01 Dallas
NHL
74 20 25 45 24 10
1
0
1
2
2001-02 Dallas
NHL
73 25 24 49 14 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Dallas
NHL
80 31 17 48 20 12
3
2
5
0
2003-04 Dallas
NHL
58 13 13 26 20
5
0
0
0
0
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
568 157 184 341 134 82 20 17 37
8
Minnesota's 3rd choice, 88th overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.
Finnish First All-Star Team (1995) • WC-A All-Star Team (1995) • Frank J.Selke Trophy (1998, 1999, 2003)
Rights transferred to Dallas after Minnesota franchise relocated, June 9, 1993.• Missed majority of 1999-2000 season recovering
from leg injury suffered in game vs.Nashville, October 16, 1999.
Event
1991
WJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WJC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
Finland
Finland
Finland
S
Finland
Finland
B
Finland
S
Finland
G
Finland
Finland
B
Finland
Finland
2nd Finland
B
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1998
2002
2004
142
GP
G
A Pts PIM
4
5
7
7
7
8
8
8
4
6
4
6
2
5
0
1
6
3
3
2
2
4
1
1
0 2
4 9
2 2
1 2
8 14
0 3
5 8
5 7
2 4
2 6
2 3
3 4
0
6
2
0
10
0
4
4
0
2
2
2
Finland
ATLANTA THRASHERS
LEHTONEN, KARI
BORN, HELSINKI, FINLAND, NOVEMBER 16, 1983.
(LEH-tuh-nehn, KAH-ree)
• Nicknames (courtesy of Thrashers teammate Andy
Sutton) are Lehts and Karl.
• Wears #32 because he wore it as a junior player.
• He has tried to develop and pattern his game after
Patrick Roy.
• Names Jami Kauppi from junior hockey as his favorite
coach.
• Favorite hobby is reading. Superstition is to sleep a lot
on game days.
• Bono from U2 is the person he most admires.“He is a
legend. That guy is unreal.”
• U2 is his favorite band.“CSI” is his favorite TV show.“Full
Metal Jacket” is his favorite movie.
• First played for Finland on the Under-16 national
team and says “it was huge!”
• Was a member of the Finnish squad at the 2000
•
• Made his debut in the Finnish elite league with Jokerit
•
•
•
•
in 2000–01. Led team to league championship as
league’s youngest goalie in 2001–02.
Led Finnish elite league with 23 wins, was second with
5 shutouts in 2002–03. Finished fifth in league in average (1.98) and save percentage (.928). Led Jokerit to
2002–03 Continental Cup over Russian champion
Yaroslavl.
Began his NHL career in 2003–04 by posting a fourgame win streak from Mar. 19-Apr. 3 to tie team record.
Made 19 saves to post first NHL win in NHL debut
against Florida on Mar. 20, 2004. Made 30 saves to
notch first NHL shutout at Florida on Mar. 27. Was
named runner-up for NHL Defensive Player of the
Week for week ending March 28. Spent most of
2003–04 with the Chicago Wolves. Shared 15th in AHL
with 20 wins and tied for eighth in league with .926
save percentage.
Established career highs with Chicago (AHL) in
2004–05 with 57 games and 38 wins. Ranked second in
the league in wins. Led Chicago to the Calder Cup
Final and ranked second in the playoffs with a 1.71
goals-against average.
Left Atlanta’s 2005–06 season-opener at Florida on
Oct. 5, 2005 after the first period with an injured groin.
Missed 35 games before being reinstated on Dec. 26.
When I was young…
• First hockey memories are of putting his skates on for
the first time at age 4.
• First hockey team played for was TJV Vanataa.
Leafs.
• Favorite player was Leafs star Doug Gilmour.
• Is a childhood friend of fellow 2006 Finnish Olympians
Tuomo Ruutu (Chicago), Mikko Koivu (Minnesota) and
Joni Pitkanen (Philadelphia).
• Lists is parents as having had the biggest influence on
•
his career and thanks them for “helping me with everything,”
Will call his mother first if Finland wins gold at Torino.
•
•
•
•
Viking Cup in Camrose, Alberta. Also played for
the Finnish Under-18 team at the 2000 Five
Nations Cup in Salt Lake City and at the World
Under-18 Championship. Winning gold at that
tournament is his greatest international experience. Calls the gold medal game the most memorable he has played.“Were big underdogs and
beat Russia 2–1. I had 53 saves and Ilya Kovalchuk
did not score.”
Served as backup to Ari Ahonen for silver-medal
winning Finnish team at the 2001 World Junior
Championship.
Led Finland to first place at the 2002 Karlaja Cup in Helsinki, posting 4–0-0 record
with a 1.13 goals-against average and .946 save percentage.
Won bronze medal at the 2002 World Junior Championship. Named Best
Goaltender at tournament after leading all goalies with a 1.17 average and a .943
save percentage.
Won bronze medal at 2003 World Junior Championship. Shared first among tournament goalies with 2 shutouts. Finished fourth in save percentage (.926) and
fifth in average (2.19).
Saw no action as spare goaltender behind injured 2006 Finnish Olympian Miikka
Kiprusoff at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He calls the final game against Team
Canada the most memorable he has watched because “Finland was so close to
the victory.”
• Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping “because the Finns are good in
that event.”
• “Have fun while playing.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
Jokerit U18
Fin-U18
.... .... .... ....
.... .... .... .... 4 2 2 240 7 0 1.75
Jokerit Jr.
Finland-Jr. 33 21 9 3 1974 86 2 2.61 12 9 3 758 14 4 1.11
Jokerit Jr.
Finland-Jr. 31 20 9 1 1799 71 3 2.37 1 0 1 54 4 0 4.44
Jokerit
Finland
4 3 0 0 189
6 0 1.90 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Jokerit Jr.
Finland-Jr.
6 5 1 0 360 11 1 1.83 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Jokerit
Finland
23 13 5 3 1242 37 4 1.79 *11 *8 3 *623 18 *3 1.73
2002-03 Jokerit
Finland
45 *23 14 6 2635 87 5 1.98 10 6 4 626 17 *2 1.63
2003-04 Atlanta
NHL
4 4 0 0 240
5 1 1.25 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Chicago
AHL
39 20 14 2 2192 88 3 2.41 10 6 4 663 23 1 2.08
2004-05 Chicago
AHL
57 38 17 2 3378 128 5 2.27 16 10 6 983 28 2 *1.71
NHL Totals
4 4 0 0 240
5 1 1.25 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
(Atlanta's 1st choice, 2nd overall, in 2002 Entry Draft).
Finnish elite league First Team All-Star (2002) • Finnish elite league Best Goaltender(2002) • Finnish elite league Playoff MVP
(2002) • AHL Second All-Star Team (2005)
Year Medal
2000 G
2001 S
B
2002 B
National Team Event
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
2003 B Finland
20042nd Finland
143
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WJC-A
W-Cup
GP W
6
1
4
6
L
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
5 0 1 307 9
1 1.76
1 0 0 60 2
0 2.00
3 1 0 239 7
2 1.76
4 2 0 360 7
1 1.17
6 3 2 1 357 13
2 2.19
U.S.A.
CALGARY FLAMES
LEOPOLD, JORDAN
BORN, GOLDEN VALLEY, MN, AUGUST 3, 1980.
(LEE-oh-pohld, JOHR-dan)
• He patterned his game after Hall of Famer Paul Coffey
• Member of the U.S. National Team Development
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“because he was fluid in his skating and in his play on
the ice.”
Names Greg Cronin (former U.S. NTDP coach and currently head coach at Northeastern) as his favorite
coach “because he was always tough on me.”
His most memorable hockey game played was the
2002 NCAA National Championship “because it was an
unbelievable game at home in Minnesota.”
Wears #4 because “it was given to me a long time ago.”
Contributes towards to the charity efforts of Garth
Brooks and the Teammates for Kids Foundation.
Favorite arena is the New Hope Ice Arena where he
grew up.
Other favorites include:“Everybody Loves Raymond”
(TV show),“Stripes” (movie), Vince Vaughn (actor).
Favorite type of music is “anything with a good beat.”
would be with Leopold III (King of Belgium from 1934
to 1951) “because we share the same name,” Vince
Vaughn “because he is an extremely funny actor,” and
Albert Einstein.
• Was a runner-up for Hobey Baker Award (top NCAA
•
•
•
player) in 2000–01 and became just the fourth
defenseman to win the honor in 2002.
Captained Minnesota to the 2002 NCAA championship. Led all NCAA defensemen in scoring (20-2848). Set new University of Minnesota record for most
career goals by a defenseman (45).
Led all NHL rookies in average ice time (20:36) in
2002–03. Led Flames rookies in points (4-10-14).
Played all 82 regular-season games, plus 26 playoff
games as Flames reached seventh game of Stanley
Cup Final in 2003–04. Was second on team, tied for
sixth in playoffs, with 10 assists. Average playoff ice
time of 25:41 was second on Flames to 2006 Canadian
Olympian Robin Regehr.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the Golden Valley Sabers.
• First hockey memory is “feeling power every time I
touched the puck.”
• Favorite team was the University of Minnesota Golden
Gophers.
• Favorite player growing up was Larry Olink.
• Lists his father as having the most influence on his
•
•
•
•
•
Program in 1997–98. (Was an inaugural member
of the program along with 2006 Olympians Rick
DiPietro and John-Michael Liles.)
Beating Canada on New Year’s Eve in Winnipeg at
the 1999 World Junior Championship is his greatest international hockey memory.
Tied for second in team scoring (1-2-3) at 2000
WJC.
Led United States team in defense scoring and
was tied for fourth among all players on team
with 4 points (1G, 3A) at 2003 World
Championship.
Was named to original U.S. roster for 2004 World
Cup of Hockey but was hurt in exhibition game
prior to tournament. Played later that season at the 2005 World Championship.
Favorite international ice hockey rule is the bigger ice surface.
• Lists the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic game between the USA and Russia (played
several months before he was born) as the memorable hockey game he has
watched “because it was historic.”
• “Always have fun pursuing your dreams.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
Armstrong
Armstrong
USA U-18
U.of Minnesota
U.of Minnesota
U.of Minnesota
U.of Minnesota
Calgary
Saint John
Calgary
High-MN
High-MN
USDP
WCHA
WCHA
WCHA
WCHA
NHL
AHL
NHL
2003-04
2004-05
Regular Season
GP
G
A Pts PIM
19 11 14
30 24 36
60 11 12
39
7 16
39
6 18
42 12 37
44 20 28
58
4 10
3
1
2
82
9 24
DID NOT PLAY
140 13 34
25
60
23
23
24
49
48
14
3
33
30
....
16
20
20
38
28
12
0
24
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
26
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
0
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
10
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
10
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
6
NHL Totals
47 36 26
0 10 10
6
Anaheim's 1st choice, 44th overall, in 1999 Entry Draft.
WCHA All-Rookie Team (1999) • WCHA Second All-Star Team (2000) • WCHA First All-Star Team (2001, 2002) • NCAA West First
All-American Team (2001) • Hobey Baker Memorial Award (Top U.S.Collegiate Player) (2002)
Traded to Calgary by Anaheim for Andrei Nazarov and Calgary's 2nd round choice (later traded to Phoenix – later traded back to
Calgary – Calgary selected Andrei Taratukhin) in 2001 Entry Draft, September 26, 2000.
Event
GP
1999
2000
2002 G
2003
2004
2005
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
6
7
7
6
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
career because “we spent a lot of time together while I
was growing up.”
Will call his wife first if U.S. wins gold in Torino.
• First played for the USA in 1995 and was “very proud
to represent the country.”
• Played for Team USA at 1997 World Under-17
Challenge.
144
G
A Pts PIM
0 1 1
0
1 2 3
0
0 1 1
4
1 3 4
2
7
0 1 1
0
Sweden
DETROIT RED WINGS
LIDSTROM, NICKLAS
BORN, VASTERAS, SWEDEN, APRIL 28, 1970.
(LID-struhm, NIHK-las)
• He became the first European to win the Norris Trophy
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2001. He won the
award for three straight seasons after finishing as the
runner-up for three straight seasons.
Became first European to win the Conn Smythe
Trophy as playoff MVP when Detroit won the Stanley
Cup in 2002.
Was a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) five times in six seasons through 2002–03. (No
defenseman has won Lady Byng since 1954.)
Owns a sports bar called Bars and Stars in his hometown with former Swedish Olympian Tommy Salo.
Most memorable hockey game played in was game
four of the 1997 Stanley Cup Final when Detroit won
for the first time since 1955.
Favorite coach is Scotty Bowman because “he is a winner.”
Other favorites are “Seinfeld” (TV show),“The
Shawshank Redemption” (movie), Jack Nicholson
(actor) and U2 (music).
would Tiger Woods, George W. Bush and Muhammad Ali.
• Runner-up to 2006 Russian Olympic boss Pavel Bure
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
for Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 1991–92. Was
first among NHL rookies in plus/minus (+36) and
assists (49), ranked third in points (60).
Set career-high in plus/minus (+43) in 1993–94 to rank
third in NHL.
Finished third among NHL defensemen in scoring (1542-57) in 1996–97. Led team in plus/minus (+12) in
playoffs as Detroit won Stanley Cup.
Led all NHL defenseman in scoring (17-42-59) in
1997–98. Set Detroit playoff records for points (19) and
assists (13) by a defenseman as Red Wings repeated as
Stanley Cup champions.
Established career highs in goals (20), points (73),
power-play goals (9) and shorthanded goals (4) in
1999–2000. Led all NHL defensemen in points. Was
third in NHL in ice time (28:45).
Finished second in scoring among NHL defenseman
(15-56-71 ) in 2000–01. His 56 assists are career high.
Was second in league in total ice time at 28:26 per
game. Was 13th in NHL, first among defensemen, with
272 shots.
Led Red Wings, was fourth in NHL, with 50 assists in
2001–02. Tied 2006 Russian Olympian Sergei Gonchar
as top-scoring defenseman with 59 points.
Named to First All-Star Team for sixth straight year in
2002–03 (only third defenseman to be so honored).
Tied Sergei Gonchar as top defenseman with 18 goals,
third with 62 points. Plus/minus of +40 topped only by
2006 Swedish Olympian Peter Forsberg and 2006
Czech Olympian Milan Hejduk (both +52).
Led all NHL players in average time on ice at 27:39 in
2003–04.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of skating outdoors.
• First hockey team ever played for was Skogsbo at age 7.
• Favorite team growing up was the Toronto Maple Leafs.
• Favorite player was Toronto’s Swedish star Borje
• Credits his parents for having the greatest influence on his career.
• Will call his parents first if Sweden wins gold at
Torino.
• First played for Sweden on a national junior team
•
•
when he was 17.“It was a moment filled with
pride.” He was a member of Sweden’s team at the
1988 European Junior Championship.
Greatest international hockey moment came
when Sweden won the 1991 World
Championship in Finland.
Championship, joining the team for last two
games of the tournament.
• Is competing at his third consecutive Winter Games (1998, 2002).
• Lists Sweden’s gold medal win over Canada in a shootout at the 1994
Lillehammer Olympics as the most memorable game he has watched.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are the 100-meter sprint and other track & field
events at the Summer Games.
• “Have fun with sports and work hard.”
What Others Say…
• “He’s the one guy who, if you go around and ask who’s the most valuable, every
guy will say Nick. If our team could reflect one player’s approach, we’d pick
Nick’s.”
– Red Wings teammate Brendan Shanahan. (from ESPN article by Chris Smith)
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Vasteras
Sweden-2
3
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
6
Vasteras
Sweden
34
1
6
7
4
5
0
2
2
0
Vasteras
Sweden
39
8
8 16 14
2
0
1
1
2
Vasteras
Sweden
38
4 19 23
2
4
0
0
0
4
Detroit
NHL
80 11 49 60 22 11
1
2
3
0
Detroit
NHL
84
7 34 41 28
7
1
0
1
0
Detroit
NHL
84 10 46 56 26
7
3
2
5
0
Vasteras
Sweden
13
2 10 12
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
Detroit
NHL
43 10 16 26
6 18
4 12 16
8
1995-96 Detroit
NHL
81 17 50 67 20 19
5
9 14 10
1996-97◆ Detroit
NHL
79 15 42 57 30 20
2
6
8
2
1997-98◆ Detroit
NHL
80 17 42 59 18 22
6 13 19
8
1998-99 Detroit
NHL
81 14 43 57 14 10
2
9 11
4
99-2000 Detroit
NHL
81 20 53 73 18
9
2
4
6
4
2000-01 Detroit
NHL
82 15 56 71 18
6
1
7
8
0
2001-02◆ Detroit
NHL
78
9 50 59 20 23
5 11 16
2
2002-03 Detroit
NHL
82 18 44 62 38
4
0
2
2
0
2003-04 Detroit
NHL
81 10 28 38 18 12
2
5
7
4
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
1016 173 553 726 276 168 34 82 116 42
Detroit's 3rd choice, 53rd overall, in 1989 Entry Draft.
NHL All-Rookie Team (1992) • NHL First All-Star Team (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) • James Norris Memorial Trophy
(2001, 2002, 2003) • Conn Smythe Trophy (2002)
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1988
1990
1991
1991
1994 B
1996
1998
2002
2004 S
2004
EJC-A
6
WJC-A
7
EJC-A
10
Can-Cup
6
WC-A
4
W-Cup
4
Olympics 4
Olympics 4
WC-A
2
W-Cup
4
1
3
3
1
1
2
1
1
0
1
0
3
3
1
0
1
1
5
1
0
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Salming.
145
1
6
6
2
1
3
2
6
1
1
0
2
4
4
2
0
2
0
0
2
U.S.A.
COLORADO AVALANCHE
LILES, JOHN-MICHAEL
BORN, ZIONSVILLE, IN, NOVEMBER 25, 1980.
(LIGH-uhls, JAWN-MIGHK-uhl)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
He is the first native of Indiana to play for a U.S.
Olympic hockey team.
He closed out his college hockey career as the top
goal-scoring defenseman in Michigan State history
(44) and third-highest in points (138). He is the only
two-time winner of the CCHA’s Best Offensive
Defenseman Award.
NHL game, October 10, 2003 vs. Chicago.
Active in the charitable efforts of Hinote’s Heroes and
the Adam Foote Foundation.
Wears #26 because it was his first training camp number.
His favorite coach is Rob Kirsh “because he was a great
teacher.”
Enjoys golfing. He lettered in the sport at Culver
Military Academy.
Favorite TV show is “The O.C.”. Favorite movie is “A River
Runs Through It.” Favorite actor is Ali Larter. Favorite
band is Our Lady Peace.
would be with his grandfather, George Bush, and
Peyton Manning.
•
•
•
•
camp in Lake Placid. Participated in 1999 USA
Hockey Summer Challenge, where U.S. won gold.
Was selected to 2000 U.S. national junior team but
missed World Junior Championship due to shoulder injury suffered in last minute of last exhibition
game.
Was late addition to U.S. roster for the 2004 World
Cup of Hockey, replacing injured Hal Gill.
Calls the World Cup of Hockey and his time preparing for the World Junior Championship his greatest
international hockey experiences.
His favorite international hockey rule is the
shootout, because of its excitement. (The NHL
adopted the shootout this season.)
• The most memorable hockey game he has ever seen was the 1980 “Miracle on
Ice” in Lake Placid, which was played three years before he was born.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is swimming in the Summer Games.
• “Always work hard.”
• Earned honorable mention status for CCHA All-Rookie
Team honors in 1999–2000.
• Led Spartan defensemen in goals (7), power-play goals
(5) and game-winning goals (3) in 2000–01.
• Led Michigan State in scoring in both 2001–02 (13-22•
•
35) and 2002–03 (16-34-50). Was a finalist for the
Hobey Baker Award in 2003.
Signed amateur tryout contract with Hershey Bears on
March 30, 2003 and made his AHL debut that night.
Led all NHL rookie defensemen in goals (10), assists
(24) and points (34) while tying for lead in games
played (79) in 2003–04. Was named to NHL All-Rookie
Team.
When I was young…
• Began skating at age five and playing hockey at age
seven.
• First hockey team was the Coliseum Whalers. His first
hockey memory is scoring a goal.
• Favorite team growing up was the Colorado
Avalanche.
• Favorite player growing up was fellow defenseman
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
G
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
USA U-17
USDP
67
6 14 20 44 ....
.... .... .... ....
USA U-17
USDP
13
2
5
7
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
USA U-18
USDP
46
4 14 18 47 ....
.... .... .... ....
99-2000
Michigan State
CCHA
40
8 20 28 26 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01
Michigan State
CCHA
42
7 18 25 28 ....
.... .... .... ....
2001-02
Michigan State
CCHA
41 13 22 35 18 ....
.... .... .... ....
2002-03
Michigan State
CCHA
39 16 34 50 46 ....
.... .... .... ....
Hershey
AHL
5
0
1
1
4
5
0
0
0
2
2003-04 Colorado
NHL
79 10 24 34 28 11
0
1
1
4
2004-05
Iserlohn
Germany
17
5
6 11 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
79 10 24 34 28 11
0
1
1
4
Colorado's 8th choice, 159th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.
CCHA Second All-Star Team (2001) • CCHA First All-Star Team (2002, 2003) • NCAA West Second All-American Team (2002) •
NCAA West First All-American Team (2003) • NHL All-Rookie Team (2004)
Signed as a free agent by Iserlohn (Germany), December 29, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
2004
2005
W-Cup
WC-A
2
7
0
0
0
0
United States
United States
• Credits his parents for being the biggest influence on
his hockey career “because of their love and dedication.”
Will call his father first if Team USA wins gold in Torino.
• First played for Team USA with the National Team
•
GP
1997-98
1998-99
Brian Leetch. (Leetch is the player he patterns his
game after.)
•
Regular Season
League
Development Program.“It was a great experience.”
(Was an inaugural member of the program along with
2006 Olympians Jordan Leopold and Rick DiPietro.)
Attended the 1999 U.S. national junior team evaluation
146
0
0
0
0
Sweden
NEW YORK RANGERS
LUNDQVIST, HENRIK
BORN, ARE, SWEDEN, MARCH 2, 1982.
(LUHND-kvihst, HEHN-rihk)
• Nicknames are Henke and Hank
• Wears #30 for the New York Rangers because 35 is
retired in honor of Mike Richter.
• Patterns his game after Patrick Roy and Dominik
Hasek.
• Superstition is tapping his stick on the boards as he
•
•
•
•
•
comes on the ice. One tap to start the game, two taps
for the second period, three taps for the third period.
Lists the 2005 Swedish elite league championship
game, a 1–0 overtime win for Frolunda over Farjestads,
as the most memorable game he has played.
Sites Frolunda coach Conny Evensson as his favorite.
“He’s smart with mental preparation and with reading
people.”
Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite movie is
“Gladiator.” Favorite actors are Will Ferrell and Angelina
Jolie. Favorite musicians are Bruce Springsteen and
Lars Winnerback.
Bruce Springsteen is the person he admires most. If he
could have dinner with any three people, they would
be with Springsteen, Bono of U2 and Angelina Jolie.
• First represented Sweden at a Four Nations tournament in 1999. He was proud to be so honored.
• Won a bronze medal at the 2000 World Under-18
Championship.
• Was fifth in goals-against average (1.86), fourth in
•
•
•
save percentage (.928), at the 2001 World Junior
Championship.
Ranked second in minutes played (419:15), fourth
in average (2.15) and fifth in save percentage
(.906) at the 2002 World Junior Championship.
After seeing no action as a spare goaltender
when Sweden won a silver medal at the 2003
World Championship, he lists his first starting
assignment at the 2004 World Championship as
his greatest international hockey experience. Was
third in average (1.64), sixth in save percentage (.925) as Sweden again won silver
in 2004.
Saw no action as spare goaltender behind fellow 2006 Olympian Mikael Tellqvist
at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Favorite international hockey rule is no red line for two-line passes. (The NHL
• Spent his entire Swedish career in the Vastra Frolunda
system.
• Was named Swedish junior player of the year in
•
•
•
•
2001–02. Garnered eight postseason victories in eight
games and posted league-leading 2 shutouts and 2.21
average in 2002 playoffs.
Ranked first in the Swedish elite league with 6
shutouts and a 1.45 average in 2002–03. Recorded a
.928 save percentage. Had league-leading 2 postseason shutouts as Vastra Frolunda capture Swedish playoff championship.
Played in 48 of 50 regular-season games for Vastra
Frolunda in 2003–04. Ranked second in the league
with a 2.17 average, third with 7 shutouts.
Led Swedish elite league in wins (33), average (1.79),
save percentage (.936) and shutouts (6) in 2004–05. Set
several Swedish playoff records in Frolunda’s championship run including lowest average (1.05), highest
save percentage (.962), most shutouts (6) and longest
shutout streak (172:29).
Made NHL debut with NY Rangers on Oct. 8, 2005 at
New Jersey, stopping 24 of 27 shots in a 3–2 overtime
loss. Got his first win on Oct. 13 vs. New Jersey and
earned first star honors in the 4–1 victory.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was Jarpen IF.
• First hockey memory is losing his first game 12–0.
• Favorite team growing up was his hometown team of
Frolunda (whom he later played for).
• Favorite player was NHL great Patrick Roy.
• Lists the gold medal game at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics, where Sweden
•
beat Canada in a shootout to win its first Olympic gold medal, as the most memorable game he has watched.
Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and soccer at the Summer Games.
• “Work hard, have fun.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
35 .... .... ....
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
30 .... .... ....
V.Frolunda U18 Swe-U18
2 .... .... ....
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
19 .... .... ....
Molndal
Sweden-2
7 .... .... ....
V.Frolunda
Sweden
4 .... .... ....
2001-02 V.Frolunda
Sweden
20 .... .... ....
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
1 1 0 0
2002-03 V.Frolunda
Sweden
28 .... .... ....
V.Frolunda Jr.
Swe-Jr.
1 1 0 0
2003-04 V.Frolunda
Sweden
*48 .... .... ....
2004-05 Frolunda
Sweden
44 *33 8 3
(NY Rangers' 7th choice, 205th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft).
WC-A All-Star Team (2004)
2100 95 0 2.73
1726 73 0 2.54
120
5 0 2.50
1140 50 2 2.64
420 29 0 4.22
190 11 0 3.47
1152 52 2 2.71
60
4 0 4.00
1650 40 *6 *1.45
60
4 0 4.00
*2897 105 7 2.17
*2642 79 *6 *1.79
2000 B Sweden
WJ18-A
2001
2002
2003 S
2004 S
2004
2005
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
• Lists his parents and his brother as having had the
• Will call his parents first if Sweden wins gold at Torino.
147
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP W
L
P l ay o f f s
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
4 .... .... .... 240 9
0 2.25
7 3 4 0 419 13
0 1.86
7 3 2 2 419 15
1 2.15
8 *5 2 1 476 13
1 1.64
9 6 3 0 510 20
1 2.35
....
5
3
....
....
....
8
....
12
....
10
14
....
4
2
....
....
....
8
....
....
....
....
*12
L Mins GA SO Avg
....
1
1
....
....
....
0
....
....
....
....
2
....
300
182
....
....
....
489
....
739
....
610
854
....
7
5
....
....
....
18
....
26
....
20
15
....
2
0
....
....
....
*2
....
*2
....
0
*6
....
1.40
1.62
....
....
....
2.21
....
2.11
....
1.97
*1.05
Canada
FLORIDA PANTHERS
LUONGO, ROBERTO
GOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 205 LBS/ 93 KG
BORN: MONTREAL, QUE., APRIL 4, 1979.
(loo-WAHN-goh, roh-BUHR-toh)
• He speaks fluent French, English and Italian.
• His nickname is Louie “because of my last name.”
• He lists Patrick Roy as the person to pattern his game
after.“He was always in good position.”
• Montreal is his favorite place to play “because it’s my
home town.”
• Wears jersey #1.“It means everything.”
• His hobbies are poker, golf and watching movies.
• Favorite movie is “The Shawshank Redemption.”
•
Favorite TV shows are “Survivor,”“The Apprentice,” and
“The Amazing Race.” Favorite actor is Brad Pitt. Favorite
band is U2. Favorite cartoon character is Superman.
“He was my hero growing up.”
Has a charity called Louie Saves Lives. Money is donated for ever win and shutout. He also provides 10 free
tickets for every game to sick children.
• Established a team record of 32 wins for Val d’Or of
•
•
•
•
•
•
QMJHL in 1996–97. Established team records in average (3.09) and shutouts (7) in 1997–98. Led QMJHL
goaltenders in virtually every category in leading
Foreurs to appearance in Memorial Cup Final.
Completed junior hockey career with 22-game for
Acadie-Bathurst in 1998–99. Again led QMJHL goaltenders in virtually ever category as he led his club to
Memorial Cup Final.
Made NHL debut with New York Islanders and won
first career NHL game with 43-save effort Nov. 28, 1999
at Boston in a 2–1 victory. His 43 saves in debut established new Islanders team record.
Made 21 saves to earn first win as a Panther on Nov.
25, 2000 in a 2-1 victory vs. Tampa Bay in overtime. It
was the first victory by a rookie goalie in Panthers history. He finished the 2000–01season tied for sixth in
NHL in save percentage (.920) and tied the secondbest save percentage for a rookie in NHL history
(Manny Fernandez, 1999-00).
Set Panthers records with 57 saves and 60 shots faced
in 3-2 OTL vs. Detroit Feb. 27, 2002. Made 37 saves for
Team Melrose to win inaugural NHL YoungStars Game
at All-Star weekend in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2003.
In 2003–04 He reached a career high with 24 wins and
set all new Panthers team records for games (72), minutes (4,252), saves (2,303), shots faced (2475) and
shutouts (7). He was fifth in NHL in shutouts, third in
save percentage (.931). Finished third in voting for
Vezina Trophy (behind 2006 Canadian Olympian
Martin Brodeur and injured 2006 Finnish Olympian
Miikka Kiprusoff ). Named to Second All-Star Team.
Made 53 saves in a 3–2 regulation time win over
Washington on Dec. 18, 2005.
• The first sport he played as a child was soccer, and
he played both soccer and hockey until he was 14.
• Used to write “NHL player” when teachers would
•
ask what you want to be when you grow up. . The
teachers “always reminded me of the long odds
and told me to pick another job.”
Credits coach Richard Liboiron with “giving me a
chance to become what I am today.”
• Got married in the spring of 2005. Will call his wife
Gina first if Canada wins gold in Torino.
• Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey.“They have always supported me.”
• The person he admires most is his father Antonio.
“My dad, works hard every day of his life.”
• His first job was selling shoes in his father’s store.
• First time playing for his country was at the 1998 World Junior Championships.“It
was a great honor.”
• Had won bronze medal with Canada’s Team Quebec at 1995 World Under-17
Challenge.
• Took over from injured Sean Burke during semifinals at the 2003 World
Championship and starred in the gold medal game
• Was Canada’s top goaltender at the 2004 World Championships, winning gold
again and being named tournament’s Best Goaltender.
• Favorite international hockey moment is winning Canada’s semifinal game
against the Czech Republic at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey in place of the
injured Martin Brodeur.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field in the Summer Games.
• “Always work hard to achieve your goal and never give up.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
Montreal-Bourassa QAAA
25 10 14 0
94 1465 0 3.85 .... .... .... ....
Val-d'Or
QMJHL
23 6 11 4 1201 74 0 3.70 3 0 1 68
Val-d'Or
QMJHL
60 32 22 2 3305 171 2 3.10 13 8 5 777
Val-d'Or
QMJHL
54 27 20 5 3046 157 *7 3.09 *17 *14 3*1019
Val-d'Or
QMJHL
21 6 10 2 1176 77 1 3.93 .... .... .... ....
Acadie-Bathurst QMJHL
22 14 7 1 1340 74 0 3.31 *23 *16 6*1400
NHL
24 7 14 1 1292 70 1 3.25 .... .... .... ....
Lowell
AHL
26 10 12 4 1517 74 1 2.93 6 3 3 359
2000-01 Florida
NHL
47 12 24 7 2628 107 5 2.44 .... .... .... ....
Louisville
AHL
3 1 2 0 178 10 0 3.38 .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Florida
NHL
58 16 33 4 3030 140 4 2.77 .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Florida
NHL
65 20 34 7 3627 164 6 2.71 .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Florida
NHL
72 25 33 14 4252 172 7 2.43 .... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
266 80 138 33 14829 653 23 2.64 .... .... .... ....
WJC-A All-Star Team (1999) • Named Best Goaltender at WJC-A (1999) • NHL Second All-Star Team (2004)
Traded to Florida by NY Islanders with Olli Jokinen for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha, June 24, 2000.
When I was young…
•
•
•
Favorite team was the Edmonton Oilers. Favorite player was goalie Grant Fuhr.
First hockey memory is “my first time ever on the ice I
couldn’t skate.”
Lists the most memorable games he watched as
Edmonton winning the Stanley Cup.
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
GP W
1998
1999
2001
2003
2004
3 ………
7 4 2 1
2 ………
4 ………
7 5 1 1
1 1 0 0
2 1 0 1
2005 S
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
148
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
L
T
Mins GA
SO
145 7 …
405 13 …
83 2
0
212 7
1
440 17
1
63 3
0
120 3
1
Avg
2.89
1.93
1.44
1.98
2.32
2.82
1.50
....
5
44
37
....
64
....
18
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
0
0
*2
....
0
....
0
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
4.41
3.40
*2.18
....
2.74
....
3.01
....
....
....
....
....
....
Finland
BUFFALO SABRES
LYDMAN, TONI
BORN, LAHTI, FINLAND, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977.
(LEWD-man, TOH-nee)
• He wears #5 because “it was available.”
• His favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite movie is
“Saving Silverman.” Favorite band is the Finnish metal
band Children of Bodom.
• In his final two seasons in Finland, he helped HIFK
•
•
•
•
Helsinki finished second in both the regular season
and playoffs in 1998–99 and led all HIFK defensemen
in scoring (4-18-22) in 1999–2000.
Made his NHL debut for Calgary on Oct. 2, 2000 vs.
Detroit. Scored his first career goal against future
teammate Roman Turek of St. Louis on Mar. 3, 2001.
Finished fourth among Flames defensemen, second
among team rookies in scoring (3-16-19) in 2000–01.
points (28) in 2001–02. Was sixth on the Flames in
points, tied for fifth in assists and second in defenseman scoring.
Led Flames defensemen in scoring (6-20-26) and in
average time on ice (25:47) in 2002–03.
Limited by injuries to just 67 games in 2003–04, but
still finished second in scoring among Flames defensemen (4-16-20). Played just six playoff games as Flames
reached the Stanley Cup Final.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Kiekkoreipas.
• Favorite team growing up was Reipas in his hometown
of Lahti.
• Favorite player was fellow Lahti native and former
NHLer Janne Laukkanen.
•
•
on his career.“They bought me equipment and paid
for me to play when I was young.”
Lists his wife and children as the people he admires
most.
Will call his wife first if Finland wins gold at Torino.
• First played for Finland on the Under-18 team in
•
•
•
•
1995. Helped Finland win gold at the 1995
European Junior Championship. He calls this his
greatest international memory.
and 1997.
Won silver medals at World Championship in 1998
and 1999. Won bronze in 2000.
Finland won the European pool and reached the
finals against Canada. He was second among
Finnish defensemen with 3 assists.
Favorite international hockey rule is no-touch
icing.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1993-94
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
K-Reipas U18
Fin-U18
9
3
1
4
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
K-Reipas Jr.
Finland-Jr.
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
K-Reipas U18
Fin-U18
9
7
4 11 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
K-Reipas Jr.
Finland-Jr.
26
6
4 10 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
1995-96
K-Reipas Jr.
Finland-Jr.
9
2
2
4
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kiekko-67
Finland-2
39
5
2
7 30
3
0
1
1
0
1996-97
Tappara
Finland
49
1
2
3 65
3
0
0
0
6
1997-98
Tappara
Finland
48
4 10 14 48
4
0
2
2
0
1998-99
HIFK
Finland
42
4
7 11 36 11
0
3
3
2
HIFK
EuroHL
6
0
2
2 29
4
1 .... .... ....
99-2000
HIFK
Finland
46
4 18 22 36
9
0
4
4
6
2000-01 Calgary
NHL
62
3 16 19 30 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Calgary
NHL
79
6 22 28 52 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Calgary
NHL
81
6 20 26 28 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Calgary
NHL
67
4 16 20 30
6
0
1
1
2
2004-05
HIFK
Finland
8
1
2
3
2
5
0
3
3
0
NHL Totals
289 19 74 93 140
6
0
1
1
2
Calgary's 5th choice, 89th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.
Signed as a free agent by HIFK (Finland), January 31, 2005.Traded to Buffalo by Calgary for Buffalo's 3rd round choice in 2006
Entry Draft, August 25, 2005.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2002
2003
2004
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
6
6
10
10
9
9
7
6
0
2
0
0
1
1
2
0
2
0
1
0
0
1
1
3
Finland
Finland
S
Finland
S
Finland
B
Finland
Finland
Finland
2nd Finland
149
2
2
1
0
1
2
3
3
6
6
31
4
12
10
6
6
Slovakia
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
MAJESKY, IVAN
BORN, BANSKA BYSTRICA, CZECH., SEPTEMBER 2, 1976.
(migh-EHV-skee, ee-VAHN)
• He lists his first game in the NHL (with Florida vs.
•
•
•
•
Tampa Bay on Oct. 10, 2002) as the most memorable
game he has played.“It was my dream to play in
the NHL.”
The most memorable game he has watched was
Slovakia vs. Russia at the 2002 World Championship
when Slovakia won the gold medal.
His hobby is playing tennis.
His favorite TV show is “Friends” His favorite movies are
“The Godfather” and “The Big Lebowski.” Al Pacino is
his favorite actor. Metallica is his favorite rock band,
but his favorite musicians are Andrea Bocelli and
Luciano Pavarotti.
would be with his wife, his parents and his brother.
• Helped Zvolen finish second in the regular-season
standings in 1999–2000.
• Led Ilves with 99 penalty minutes in 2000–01.
• Was third among team defensemen in scoring (6-6-12),
second on team in penalty minutes (84) in 2001–02.
• Scored his first NHL goal vs. Patrick Lalime of Ottawa
•
•
on Nov. 14, 2002. Was one of three Panthers to play in
all 82 games in 2002–03. Finished third on team in
penalty minutes (92). Ranked second among club’s
defensemen and fourth overall with average ice time
of 20:53.
Posted a plus or even rating in 42 out of 63 games in
2003–04. Skated in at least 30 shifts on six occasions.
Missed the first 15 games of the 2005–06 season with
a knee injury suffered during the 2005 World
Championship.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of skating with his father and
his brother.
• First hockey team played for was Iskra Banska Bystrica.
• Favorite team growing up was Iskra Banska Bystrica.
• Favorite player growing up was former NHLer Robert
Svehla.
Olympians Richard Zednik of Montreal and Michal
Handzus of Philadelphia.
•
on his career.“My father was a hockey player too.” Also
lists his parents as the people he admires most.
Will call his wife first if Slovakia wins gold at Torino.
• He played his first game as a member of the
•
•
•
•
•
Slovak national team in an exhibition against the
Czech Republic on April 11, 1999.
Worked out with the Slovak national team in
preparation for the 2001 World Championship,
but did not play.
Helped Slovakia capture a bronze medal at the
2003 World Championship. Calls this his greatest
Was named to the original Slovak roster for the
2004 World Cup of Hockey but withdrew due to
injuries suffered at team training camp.
Was injured during the 2005 World
Championship.
Favorite international ice hockey rule is the bigger
ice surface.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill skiing at the Winter Games and
track & field in the summer.
• “Have patience, have passion, work hard and respect authority.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
B.Bystrica
Slovakia
17
0
0
0 18 ....
.... .... .... ....
B.Bystrica
Slovakia
49
2
4
6
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
B.Bystrica
Slovak-2
43
6
7 13 50 ....
.... .... .... ....
B.Bystrica
Slovakia
48
7
7 14 68 ....
.... .... .... ....
Zvolen
Slovakia
....
.... .... ....
....
6
0
2
2
2
99-2000
Zvolen
Slovakia
51
7
9 16 68 10
0
4
4
2
2000-01
Ilves
Finland
54
2 14 16 99
9
0
1
1
6
2001-02
Ilves
Finland
44
6
6 12 84 ....
.... .... .... ....
2002-03 Florida
NHL
82
4
8 12 92 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Atlanta
NHL
63
3
7 10 76 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Sparta
CzRep
28
2
6
8 40
5
2
1
3
6
NHL Totals
145
7 15 22 168 .... .... .... .... ....
Florida's 12th choice, 267th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.
Traded to Atlanta by Florida for Atlanta's 2nd round choice (Kamil Kreps) in 2003 Entry Draft, June 21, 2003.Signed as a free agent
by Sparta (CzRep), November 12, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Washington, August 10, 2005.
Event
2002
2003 B
2004
2004
2005
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
150
GP
4
9
9
G
A Pts PIM
0 1 1
4
0 0 0
4
0 0 0
6
1
0 0 0
0
Czech Republic
NEW YORK RANGERS
MALIK, MAREK
BORN, OSTRAVA, CZECH., JUNE 24, 1975.
(MAW-leck, MAIR-ehk)
• Nickname is Harry from the movie “Harry and the
Hendersons.”
• He ended the NHL’s longest shootout with a trick shot
•
•
•
•
•
goal in the 15th round against 2006 German Olympian
Olaf Kolzig of Washington on Nov. 26, 2005. He calls
this game the most memorable he has played, along
with the five games he played with Carolina in the
2002 Stanley Cup Final vs. Detroit.
He patterns his style of play after former New Jersey
Devils great Scott Stevens.
Hobbies are soccer and tennis.
His favorite arena to play in is Madison Square Garden
because of “the atmosphere.”
Other favorites include “Seinfeld” (TV show), Robert
DeNiro, Charlize Theron and Eva Mendes (actors), U2,
Metallica and DJ Tiesto (music).
Robert DeNiro and Wayne Gretzky.
• First represented his country in 1992.“It was an
honor.”
• Won a bronze medal at the 1993 European Junior
•
•
Championship. Played at the World Junior
Calls the 2004 World Cup of Hockey his greatest
international experience.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are soccer, tennis
and track & field at the Summer Games.
• “Have fun, but work hard.”
• Played his first NHL game with Hartford on Jan. 22,
•
•
•
•
•
1995 vs. New Jersey and collected an assist. Led all
Springfield (AHL) defensemen in assists (30), was second in points (41) in 1994–95 despite playing just 58
games.
After three seasons in North America, returned to
Europe to play for Malmo of Swedish elite league in
1997–98. Returned to NHL in 1998–99.
Led Carolina defensemen in plus/minus (+13) in
1999–2000, ranking second overall on team.
Was one of only two Hurricanes to play in all 82 games
in 2001–02. Set career-highs in games, assists (19), and
points (23). Was second on team, first among defensemen, in plus/minus (+8).
Split 2002–03 season between Carolina and
Vancouver, setting new career high with 7 goals.
Tied NHL scoring leader Martin St. Louis of Tampa Bay
(a 2006 Canadian Olympian) for the NHL lead in
plus/minus (+35) in 2003–04.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was Vitkovice. He played his
first hockey in their system.
• Favorite player was Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman
Paul Coffey.
• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Czech
Olympian Pavel Kubina of Tampa, as well as Filip Kuba
of Minnesota and Vaclav Varada of Ottawa.
• Lists his parents and his family as having the biggest
influence on his career.
• Will call his wife and parents first if the Czech Republic
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Vitkovice Jr.
Czech-Jr.
20
5 10 15 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
Vitkovice
CzRep
38
3
3
6
0
3
0
1
1
0
Springfield
AHL
58 11 30 41 91 ....
.... .... .... ....
Hartford
NHL
1
0
1
1
0 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96 Hartford
NHL
7
0
0
0
4 .... .... .... .... ....
Springfield
AHL
68
8 14 22 135
8
1
3
4 20
1996-97 Hartford
NHL
47
1
5
6 50 .... .... .... .... ....
Springfield
AHL
3
0
3
3
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
1997-98
Malmo
Sweden
37
1
5
6 21 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99
Vitkovice
CzRep
1
1
0
1
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
Carolina
NHL
52
2
9 11 36
4
0
0
0
4
New Haven
AHL
21
2
8 10 28 ....
.... .... .... ....
99-2000 Carolina
NHL
57
4 10 14 63 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Carolina
NHL
61
6 14 20 34
3
0
0
0
6
2001-02 Carolina
NHL
82
4 19 23 88 23
0
3
3 18
2002-03 Carolina
NHL
10
0
2
2 16 .... .... .... .... ....
Vancouver
NHL
69
7 11 18 52 14
1
1
2 10
2003-04 Vancouver
NHL
78
3 16 19 45
7
0
0
0 10
2004-05
Vitkovice
CzRep
42
1
9 10 50
7
0
0
0 37
NHL Totals
464 27 87 114 388 51
1
4
5 48
Hartford's 2nd choice, 72nd overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.
Transferred to Carolina after Hartford franchise relocated, June 25, 1997.Traded to Vancouver by Carolina with Darren Langdon for
Jan Hlavac and Harold Druken, November 1, 2002.Signed as a free agent by Vitkovice (CzRep), September 17, 2004.Signed as a
free agent by NY Rangers, August 2, 2005.
1994
1995
2004
Event
EJC-A
Czech Republic W-Cup
151
GP
G
A Pts PIM
2
7
7
4
0
2
2
0
2
4
5
0
2
6
7
0
0
20
12
4
Russia
MONTREAL CANADIENS
MARKOV, ANDREI
BORN, VOSKRESENSK, USSR, DECEMBER 20, 1978.
(MAHR-kahf, AHN-dray)
• Nickname is Marky.
• Hobbies and summer activities including reading and
“long walks on the beach!”
• Wears #79 “because that’s what they gave me.”
• Likes watching The Learning Channel. Favorite movie
•
is “Dumb and Dumber.” Lists Rosie O’Donnell as his
favorite actress. Lists the Russian duo t.A.T.u. as his
favorite music group.
would be with Jessica Simpson, Oprah Winfrey and
Rosie O’Donnell.
• Was just 17 years old when he made Voskresensk in
1995–96.
• Was team’s top-scoring defenseman (10-5-15) in
1997–98.
• Finished in second place in Russian Hockey League
•
•
•
•
and European Hockey League with Moscow Dynamo
in 1998–99. Won regular-season and playoff championships in 1999–2000. Was named best defenseman in
Russian league in both seasons.
Led Dynamo defensemen in scoring (10-11-21) in
1998–99. Was top-scoring defenseman in the Russian
Hockey League (11-12-23 in 29 games) in 1999–2000.
Was named Dynamo’s most valuable player.
Was the Montreal Canadiens’ highest-scoring rookie
(6-17-23) in 2000-01.
Established career highs for games played (79), goals
(13), assists (24), points (37) and plus/minus (+13) in
2002-03. Ranked 25th amongst NHL defensemen scoring leaders.
Was Dynamo Moscow’s top scoring defenseman (7-1623) in 2004–05. Won regular-season and playoff championship.
When I was young…
• His earliest hockey memory is scoring seven goals in a
game when he was seven.
• Favorite team growing up was Dynamo Moscow.
• Favorite player was Slava Fetisov. (He lists Fetisov as
the player he patterns his game after.)
• Was childhood friends with Buffalo’s Maxim
Afinogenov.
• It meant “lots” the first time he played for his country.
• Tied with Alexander Khavanov as the top-scoring
•
•
Russian defenseman (0-2-2) at the 2000 World
Championship.
Was the top-scoring Russian defenseman (1-4-5) at
the 2005 World Championship. Tied fellow 2006
Russian Olympians Pavel Datsyuk and Alex Kovalev
and Evgeni Malkin for the team lead in assists.
Favorite international hockey rules is the big ice
“because I am an amazing passer.”
• Says he will call Canadiens teammate Craig Rivet
•
first if Russia wins gold at Torino. (He lists Rivet as
the person he admires most.)
Other Olympic sport of interest is tennis in the Summer Games.
• “Just work hard.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Voskresensk
CIS
38
0
0
0 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
Voskresensk
Russia
43
8
4 12 32
2
1
1
2
0
Voskresensk
Russia
43 10
5 15 83 ....
.... .... .... ....
38 10 11 21 32 16
3
6
9
6
12
7
5 12 12
6
2
2
4
4
99-2000
29 11 12 23 28 17
4
3
7
8
2000-01 Montreal
NHL
63
6 17 23 18 .... .... .... .... ....
Quebec
AHL
14
0
5
5
4
7
1
1
2
2
2001-02 Montreal
NHL
56
5 19 24 24 12
1
3
4
8
Quebec
AHL
12
4
6 10
7 ....
.... .... .... ....
2002-03 Montreal
NHL
79 13 24 37 34 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Montreal
NHL
69
6 22 28 20 11
1
4
5
8
2004-05
42
7 16 23 76 10
2
0
2 22
NHL Totals
267 30 82 112 96 23
2
7
9 16
Montreal's 6th choice, 162nd overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
WJC-A First All-Star Team (1998) • Russian League All-Star Team (2000) • Russian League Most Valuable Player Award (2000)
Signed as a free agent by Dynamo Moscow (Russia), June 19, 2004.
1997 B Russia
1998 S Russia
1999
2000
2004
2005 B
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
152
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
6
7
6
6
2
9
0
3
1
0
0
1
1
2
4
2
1
4
1
5
5
2
1
5
2
6
2
0
2
20
Russia
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
MARKOV, DANNY
BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, JULY 30, 1976.
(MAHR-kahf, DA-nee)
• He’s nicknamed Elvis for his fondness for leather jack•
•
•
•
•
•
ets and black sunglasses and Sputnik because “I’m in
my own space.”
Most memorable game he has played was his first in
the NHL.“Maple Leafs against Dallas and the trainers
forgot to pack my skates. They bought new ones but
they were too tight!”
Most memorable game he has watched was the 2004
World Cup of Hockey semifinal between Canada and
the Czech Republic.
Lists Paul Maurice and Pat Quinn as his favorite coaches. Viacheslav Fetisov and Scott Stevens are the players
to pattern his game after “because they were both talented and tough.”
Favorite arenas to play in are the Air Canada Centre in
Toronto (“good atmosphere”) and Rexall Place in
Edmonton (“best ice”).
The person he admires most is Russian actor/producer
Nikita Michalkov.“Strong, powerful person. Real
Russian man with a big family, successful career,
beloved work and people’s love and respect.”
be with filmmaker Nikita Michalkov, tycoon and sports
franchise owner Roman Abramovich and soccer star
David Beckham “because I like strong and talented
people.”
• First competed for his country as a 16 year old.
• First major international tournament was the 1998
World Championship.
• Lists making Russia’s 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic
team as his favorite international hockey moment.
• Was named to original Russian roster for 2004
World Cup of Hockey but withdrew prior to tournament.
• Is competing at his second consecutive Olympic
Games.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing as well
as soccer and volleyball in the Summer Games.
• “Working hard, strong will to be one of the best players, be yourself!! And no
smoking!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
• Made North American debut with St. John’s (AHL) dur•
•
•
ing 1996–97 season. Was rookie of the year and top
defenseman with St. John’s in 1997-98.
Was one of five Leafs defensemen to average over 20
minutes of ice time (20:09) in 1999–2000 and had
career best plus/minus of +13.
In his first season in Phoenix in 2001-02, he established
career highs in goals (6), assists (36) and points (36).
Missed last 10 games of season and the playoffs with a
broken bone in his foot. At the time of his injury was
15th in NHL in defenseman scoring and 10th in hits
(208).
Split 2003–04 season between Carolina and
Philadelphia, playing career-high 78 games and tying
career high with 6 goals. Led Carolina in average time
on ice (23:39) at time of trade. Scored 10,000th goal in
Flyers history on Mar. 5 vs. Ottawa.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was Spartak Moscow (which
became the team he played for).
• Favorite player was Viacheslav Fetisov.
Season
Club
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Spartak
CIS
13
1
0
1
6
1
0
0
0
0
Spartak
CIS
39
0
1
1 36 ....
.... .... .... ....
Spartak
CIS
38
2
0
2 12
2
0
0
0
2
Spartak
Russia
39
3
6
9 41 ....
.... .... .... ....
St.John's
AHL
10
2
4
6 18 11
2
6
8 14
1997-98 Toronto
NHL
25
2
5
7 28 .... .... .... .... ....
St.John's
AHL
52
3 23 26 124
2
0
1
1
0
1998-99 Toronto
NHL
57
4
8 12 47 17
0
6
6 18
99-2000 Toronto
NHL
59
0 10 10 28 12
0
3
3 10
2000-01 Toronto
NHL
59
3 13 16 34 11
1
1
2 12
2001-02 Phoenix
NHL
72
6 30 36 67 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Phoenix
NHL
64
4 16 20 36 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Carolina
NHL
44
4 10 14 37 .... .... .... .... ....
Philadelphia
NHL
34
2
3
5 58 18
1
2
3 25
2004-05
Chekhov
Russia-2
26
5
7 12 16 12
0
3
3
6
NHL Totals
414 25 95 120 335 58
2 12 14 65
Toronto's 7th choice, 223rd overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.
Traded to Phoenix by Toronto for Robert Reichel,Travis Green and Craig Mills, June 12, 2001.Traded to Carolina by Phoenix with
future considerations (Edmonton's 3rd round choice (previously acquired, later traded to NY Rangers - NY Rangers selected Billy
Ryan) in 2004 Entry Draft, June 26, 2004) for David Tanabe and Igor Knyazev, June 21, 2003.Traded to Philadelphia by Carolina for
Justin Williams, January 20, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Vityaz Chekhov (Russia-2), November 15, 2004.Traded to Nashville by
Philadelphia for Nashville's 3rd round choice (later traded to Los Angeles) in 2006 Entry Draft, August 2, 2005.
Event
1998
2002 B
2004
WC-A
Olympics
W-Cup
Russia
Russia
Russia
• Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey.“Big
•
Regular Season
League
thanks to my father who brought me into hockey
despite my resistance and now hockey is my life. When
my father first introduced hockey to me I hated it. I
didn’t want to play and complained about the sight of
hockey.”
Will call his family first if Russia wins gold at Torino.
153
GP
4
5
G
A Pts PIM
0 0 0
0
0 1 1
0
Canada
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
MCCABE, BRYAN
BORN, ST. CATHARINES, ONT., JUNE 8, 1975.
(mih-KAYB, BRIGH-uhn)
• He was added to the Canadian Olympic team as part
of the three-man injury reserve.
• He played center until 1990, when he took advice from
•
•
•
•
•
the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) management that he
should consider playing as a defenseman.
Lists the 1987 Canada Cup game “when Mario Lemieux
scored” and the final game of the 1989 Stanley Cup
“when Lanny McDonald scored” as the most memorable games he has watched.
Patterns his game after former New Jersey Devils star
Scott Stevens and 2006 U.S. Olympian Chris Chelios.
List former NHLer Bryan Maxwell, who coached him at
Spokane (WHL), as his favorite coach. Favorite NHL
arena is the Bell Centre in Montreal “because I love the
atmosphere.”
Other favorites are “Seinfeld” (TV show),“Field of
Dreams,”“Braveheart” and “The Shawshank
Redemption” (movies), Vince Vaughn and Charlize
Theron (actors), Metallica, Tool and Linkin Park (music).
would be with actors Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro and
Vince Vaughn.
• Lists his parents and his brother Sean as having
had the biggest influence on his career.
• His wife is the person he admires most “for bless•
ing me with a daughter and for taking the brunt
of the load.”
Will call his wife first if Canada wins gold in Torino
because she will not be able to attend.
• Says of his first experience playing for Canada on
•
•
•
the Under-18 team at the 1992 Pacific Cup in
Japan, ”there’s nothing like putting on the red
and white.” Canada won gold.
Greatest international experience is winning
back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championship in 1994 and 1995.
Lists the two gold medal games, and his first game in the NHL, as the most
memorable games he has played.
Won gold at the 1997 World Championship. Also played at the event in 1998
and 1999.
His favorite part of international hockey is “when they play the national anthem
after you win a game.”
• Led Brandon in scoring (3-4-7 in four games) in the
• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and swimming and track & field
•
•
•
•
•
1995 Memorial Cup playoffs as the Wheat Kings won
the junior championship.
Played all 82 games as an NHL rookie with the
Islanders in 1995–96. Finished second among team
defensemen in scoring (8-20-28) in 1996–97. Was
named captain of the Islanders on Sep. 9, 1997.
Had played in 246 straight games to begin his career
before missing the season opener with Vancouver in
1998–99.
Scored a career-high 17 goals for Toronto in 2001–02
to tied for second among NHL defensemen. Ranked
seventh in the NHL in hits (250) and 24th in average
ice time (24:34).
Established career highs in assists (37) and points (53)
in 2003–04. Ranked in the top five among defensemen
in goals (16), assists and points. Was among the NHL
leaders in plus/minus (+22) and average ice time
(25:44). Finished fourth in voting for Norris Trophy as
best defenseman. Was the first Leafs defenseman to be
named to a postseason All-Star Team since Borje
Salming in 1979–80.
Has ranked among the NHL’s top scorers throughout
the 2005–06 season. Is on pace to shatter all personal
and Maple Leafs defensemen scoring records.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of playing his first year with his
brother and only scoring one goal.
• First hockey team was the Baby Leafs.
• Favorite team growing up was the Calgary Flames.
• Favorite player was Flames star Lanny McDonald.
at the Summer Games.
• “Enjoy yourself. To this day I still love to go to the rink and compete. Believe in
yourself because you can do anything you put your mind to.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Cgy.Canucks
AMHL
33 14 34 48 55 ....
.... .... .... ....
Medicine Hat
WHL
68
6 24 30 157
4
0
0
0
6
Medicine Hat
WHL
14
0 13 13 83 ....
.... .... .... ....
Spokane
WHL
46
3 44 47 134
6
1
5
6 28
1993-94
Spokane
WHL
64 22 62 84 218
3
0
4
4
4
1994-95
Spokane
WHL
42 14 39 53 115 ....
.... .... .... ....
Brandon
WHL
20
6 10 16 38 18
4 13 17 59
NHL
82
7 16 23 156 .... .... .... .... ....
NHL
82
8 20 28 165 .... .... .... .... ....
NHL
56
3
9 12 145 .... .... .... .... ....
Vancouver
NHL
26
1 11 12 64 .... .... .... .... ....
1998-99 Vancouver
NHL
69
7 14 21 120 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Chicago
NHL
79
6 19 25 139 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Toronto
NHL
82
5 24 29 123 11
2
3
5 16
2001-02 Toronto
NHL
82 17 26 43 129 20
5
5 10 30
2002-03 Toronto
NHL
75
6 18 24 135
7
0
3
3 10
2003-04 Toronto
NHL
75 16 37 53 86 13
3
5
8 14
2004-05
HV 71
Sweden
10
1
0
1 30 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
708 76 194 270 1262 51 10 16 26 70
NY Islanders' 2nd choice, 40th overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.
WHL West Second All-Star Team (1993) • WHL West First All-Star Team (1994) • WJC-A All-Star Team (1995) • Named Best
Defenseman at WJC-A (1995) • WHL East First All-Star Team (1995) • Memorial Cup Tournament All-Star Team (1995) • NHL
Second All-Star Team (2004)
Traded to Vancouver by NY Islanders with Todd Bertuzzi and NY Islanders' 3rd round choice (Jarkko Ruutu) in 1998 Entry Draft for
Trevor Linden, February 6, 1998.Traded to Chicago by Vancouver with Vancouver's 1st round choice (Pavel Vorobiev) in 2000 Entry
Draft for Chicago's 1st round choice (later traded to Tampa Bay – later traded to NY Rangers – NY Rangers selected Pavel Brendl)
in 1999 Entry Draft, June 25, 1999.Traded to Toronto by Chicago for Alexander Karpovtsev and Toronto's 4th round choice
(Vladimir Gusev) in 2001 Entry Draft, October 2, 2000.Signed as a free agent by HV 71 (Sweden), October 29, 2004.
Year Medal
1994 G
1995 G
1997 G
1998
1999
National Team
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
7
7
11
6
10
0
3
0
1
1
0 0
9 12
2 2
2 3
3 4
154
6
4
10
4
10
Slovakia
OTTAWA SENATORS
MESZAROS, ANDREJ
BORN, POVAZSKA BYSTRICA, CZECH., OCTOBER 13, 1985.
(MEHT-zahr-ohsh, AWN-dray)
• Made his NHL debut vs. Toronto in the first game of
•
•
•
•
•
this NHL season (Oct. 5, 2005). Calls this the most memorable game he has played “because it allowed me to
realize my dream.” Scored his first goal vs. Alex Auld of
Vancouver on Dec. 10, 2005.
Most memorable hockey game watched was between
Edmonton and Montreal “because it was the first NHL
game I saw live.”
Nickname is Mez because of his last name.
Enjoys playing tennis and soccer in his spare time
Favorite TV show is “Sex and the City.” Favorite movie is
“Happy Gilmore.” Favorite actors are Nicolas Cage and
Angelina Jolie. Favorite band is U2.
Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are basketball
and soccer at the Summer Games.
• “Work hard and be humble.”
What Others Say…
• “He plays really hard and he fights through some
bruises and stuff like that and he wins the team
over and the guys over because of how hard he
plays. That’s the biggest thing he has. He’s just getting better every week.” – Ottawa teammate and
2006 Swedish Olympian Daniel Alfredsson, Toronto
Star Dec. 26, 2005.
• Helped Trencin win both the regular-season and playoff titles in Slovak elite league in 2003–04.
• Played his first season in North America with
Vancouver (WHL) in 2004–05. Ranked fifth in WHL
rookie scoring (11-30-41). Was named Vancouver’s
rookie of the year and defenseman of the year.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was Povazska Bystrica.
• Favorites teams growing up were the Ottawa Senators
and Detroit Red Wings.
• Favorite player was Pavel Bure.
• Coaches, but especially his parents, have been the
most influential people in his career.
• Names his father as his favorite coach because he
•
•
coached for 12 years and still gives him tips when he
comes home. He developed his playing style from listening to his father.
His father is also the person he admires most “because
he always taught me to be humble and to do the right
thing.”
Will call his parents first if Slovakia wins gold at Torino.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
2002-03
Trencin
Slovakia
Trencin Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
2003-04
Trencin Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
Trencin
Slovakia
2004-05
Vancouver
WHL
Ottawa's 1st choice, 23rd overall, in 2004 Entry Draft.
Event
2002
2003 S
2004
2005
WJ18-A
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
• First time representing Slovakia came in 2002 at the
•
•
GP
G
23
33
5
44
59
0
6
2
3
11
A Pts PIM
1
10
2
3
30
•
Regular Season
League
World Under 18 Championship.“It means a lot to represent my country. It’s a great feeling.”
He captained the Slovak team to a silver medal and
finished tied for third among defensemen in scoring
(2-2-4) at the 2003 World Under-18 Championship. His
first greatest hockey memory is scoring a goal with 40
seconds left against the Czech Republic to move on to
the semifinal at the 2003 Under 18 tournament.
Played at the World Junior Championship in 2004 and
2005. Captained the Slovak team in 2005.
Greatest international hockey memory comes from
the 2004 World Championship, where he had the
opportunity to play with future Ottawa teammate and
fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Zdeno Chara and other
NHL players.
155
GP
G
A Pts PIM
8
7
6
6
0
2
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
4
2
4
8
6
12
4
1
16
4
6
41
4
12
0
8
94
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
14
6
....
....
....
3
1
....
....
....
1
3
....
....
....
4
4
....
....
....
2
14
Finland
DALLAS STARS
MIETTINEN, ANTTI
BORN, HAMEENLINNA, FINLAND, JULY 3, 1980.
(mih-EHT-tih-nehn, AN-tee)
• He was player of the year in the Finnish elite league in
2002–03.
• His most memorable game watched is the 2004 World
Cup of Hockey final between Canada and Finland.
• Wears #20 because “I thought it was a good number.”
• Favorite arena to play in is the Rinkelinmaki because
it’s in his hometown.
• Favorite summer activities are golfing and fishing.
• Chicago is his favorite North American city.
• Other favorites include:“Seinfeld” (TV show),
“Gladiator” (movie), Will Ferrell (actor) and Nirvana
(band).
• Finished sixth in assists (37) and fifth in points (56) dur•
•
•
ing his first full season in the Finnish elite league in
2001–02.
Was tied for second in goals (25), fourth in points (50)
in Finland in 2002–03.
Made his NHL debut on Oct. 8, 2003 vs. Anaheim and
scored his first goal in his second game on Oct. 11 vs.
Nashville. Also played with Utah (AHL) in 2003–04 and
finished third on the team in assists (23), fourth in
points (30) despite playing only 48 games.
Missed 45 games with a shoulder injury while playing
with Hamilton (AHL) in 2004–05.
When I was young…
•
•
•
•
First hockey memory is of hitting the post in his first
game as a child, and being happy.
Favorite team growing up was the hometown HPK
Hameenlinna. (He began his hockey career in their system.)
Favorite player growing up was fellow 2006 Finnish
Olympian Teemu Selanne.
Was childhood friends with Dallas and 2006 Finnish
Olympic Niko Kapanen.
• Thanks his parents for being the most influential peo•
ple in his career. His parents are the people he admires
most.
Will call his mother first if Finland wins gold in Torino.
• First represented Finland as a member of the
national junior team.
• Led Finnish team with 4 goals at the 2000 World
• His greatest international hockey memory is from
his first appearance at the World Championship in
2002. He finished third on the team in scoring (2-46) playing alongside several fellow future 2006
Finnish Olympians.
• “Play different sports, have fun and be dedicated.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
1996-97
1997-98
HPK U18
Fin-U18
HPK U18
Fin-U18
HPK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
1998-99
HPK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
FPS
Finland-2
HPK
Finland
99-2000
HPK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
HPK
Finland
2000-01
HPK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
HPK
Finland
2001-02
HPK
Finland
2002-03
HPK
Finland
2003-04 Dallas
NHL
Utah
AHL
2004-05
Hamilton
AHL
NHL Totals
Dallas' 10th choice, 224th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.
GP
G
36
34
8
35
4
13
16
39
4
55
56
53
16
48
35
16
24
13
1
17
3
0
11
2
3
13
19
25
1
7
8
1
A Pts PIM
29
28
0
22
1
0
13
1
10
11
37
25
0
23
20
0
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
2000
2002
2003
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
7
9
6
4
2
0
1
4
1
Finland
Finland
Finland
156
5
6
1
2
4
0
53
41
1
39
4
0
24
3
13
24
56
50
1
30
28
1
34
63
2
28
6
2
16
8
2
20
50
54
0
20
21
0
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
8
....
....
....
4
....
7
....
....
8
10
....
....
4
....
....
1
....
....
....
0
....
1
....
....
2
1
....
....
1
....
A Pts PIM
....
0
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
....
4
7
....
....
1
....
....
1
....
....
....
0
....
1
....
....
6
8
....
....
2
....
....
2
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
....
8
29
....
....
6
....
U.S.A.
LOS ANGELES KINGS
MILLER, AARON
BORN, BUFFALO, NY, AUGUST 11, 1971.
(MIHL-luhr, AIR-ruhn)
• He wears #3 because of baseball immortal Babe Ruth.
• Hobbies include golf, fishing, playing laser tag and horticulture.
• Favorite arena is Buffalo’s old Memorial Auditorium.
• Other favorites include:“The Office” (TV show),“A
•
•
Clockwork Orange” (movie), Jessica Biel (actress), Rob
Zombie (musician).
The person he admires most is Ron Popeil because “he
is a great inventor.”
would be with Chris Farley, Jessica Beil and fisherman
Roland Martin.
• Played four seasons at University of Vermont from
•
•
•
•
1989 to 1993 where he was a teammate of John
LeClair.
Played his first full NHL season in 1996–97 and led all
rookies in plus/minus (+15). Tied for second among
rookies with 3 game-winning goals.
Played a career-high 76 games in 1998–99 and
reached a career high with 18 points.
Traded from Colorado to Los Angeles in a deal for
2006 Canadian Olympian Rob Blake. Combined
between Colorado and L.A. to record a career-high 14
assists in 2000–01. Also reached a career-high in
plus/minus (+22). Tied a career high with 18 points.
Named Kings Outstanding Defensemen and Kings
Best Defensive Player in voting by the local media in
2001–02. His teammates selected him as Unsung Hero.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the Buffalo Regals.
• Favorite team growing up was his hometown Buffalo
Sabres.
• Favorite player was the Sabres’ Bill Hajt.
• Says his parents have had the most influence on his
career because they made the sacrifices so he could play.
• Names his father as his favorite coach because “he
made me work hard.”
• Patterned his game after his brother Bill for his checking ability.
• Will call his wife first if U.S. wins gold at Torino.
• First played for U.S. team at the 1991 World Junior
Championship.“It was an honor to do so.”
• Played at World Championship in 2004 and 2005,
winning bronze in 2004.
• Played at 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
• Favorite international hockey rule is the no-touch
icing.
• Is appearing at his second consecutive Winter
Games.
• His greatest international hockey experience was
•
•
playing against Canada in the gold medal game at
Salt Lake City in 2002.
Most memorable game watched was the United
States vs. USSR at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
Other Olympic sport of interest is swimming at the Summer Games.
• “Go to school first.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
Niagara
Niagara
U.of Vermont
U.of Vermont
U.of Vermont
U.of Vermont
Quebec
Cornwall
Cornwall
Quebec
Colorado
Cornwall
Colorado
Colorado
Colorado
Colorado
Colorado
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
NAHL
NAHL
ECAC
ECAC
ECAC
ECAC
NHL
AHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
Regular Season
GP
G
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
30
4
9 13
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
59 24 38 62 60 ....
.... .... .... ....
31
1 15 16 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
30
3
7 10 22 ....
.... .... .... ....
31
3 16 19 28 ....
.... .... .... ....
30
4 13 17 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
1
0
0
0
0 .... .... .... .... ....
64
4 10 14 49 13
0
2
2 10
1994-95
76
4 18 22 69 ....
.... .... .... ....
9
0
3
3
6 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96
5
0
0
0
0 .... .... .... .... ....
62
4 23 27 77
8
0
1
1
6
1996-97
56
5 12 17 15 17
1
2
3 10
1997-98
55
2
2
4 51
7
0
0
0
8
1998-99
76
5 13 18 42 19
1
5
6 10
99-2000
53
1
7
8 36 17
1
1
2
6
2000-01
56
4
9 13 29 .... .... .... .... ....
13
0
5
5 14 13
0
1
1
6
2001-02
74
5 12 17 54
7
0
0
0
0
2002-03
49
1
5
6 24 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04
35
1
2
3 32 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
482 24 70 94 303 80
3
9 12 40
ECAC First All-Star Team (1993) • NCAA East Second All-American Team (1993)
Traded to Quebec by NY Rangers with NY Rangers' 5th round choice (Bill Lindsay) in 1991 Entry Draft for Joe Cirella, January 17,
1991.Transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchise relocated, June 21, 1995.Traded to Los Angeles by Colorado with Adam
Deadmarsh, a player to be named later (Jared Aulin, March 22, 2001) and Colorado's 1st round choices in 2001 (Dave Steckel) and
2003 (Brian Boyle) Entry Drafts for Rob Blake and Steve Reinprecht, February 21, 2001.• Missed majority of 2003-04 season
recovering from cervical injury suffered in game vs.Atlanta, December 10, 2003.
Event
1991
2002 S
2004 B
2004
2005
WJC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
157
GP
G
A Pts PIM
8
6
9
5
7
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
2
2
0
1
0
2
0
4
4
4
6
U.S.A.
DALLAS STARS
MODANO, MIKE
BORN, LIVONIA, MI, JUNE 7, 1970.
(moh-DA-noh, MIGHK)
• He is one of four U.S. players to be selected first overall
•
•
•
•
•
in the NHL Entry Draft (Brian Lawton in 1983, Bryan
Berard in 1995, Rick DiPietro, 2000).
He is the second U.S.-born player to record 400 goals
and 600 assists over his career (Jeremy Roenick). He
became the 64th player (fifth American) to score 1,000
career points with an assist on Nov. 15, 2002.
In 2001–02, he became the third American-born player
to post at least nine 30-goal seasons (Joe Mullen and
Pat LaFontaine). Fellow 2006 U.S. Olympian Keith
Tkachuk became fourth in 2003–04.
Wears #9 in honor of hockey legend Gordie Howe and
baseball great Ted Williams.
His most memorable game played is game six of the
1999 Stanley Cup Final, when Dallas won the Cup in
triple overtime.
In 2000, he created the Mike Modano Foundation
which is dedicated to raising money to improve the
quality of life and assist underprivileged children in
the Dallas area.
• Finished second to Sergei Makarov in rookie scoring
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
(29-46-75) in 1989–90 and was runner-up to Makarov
for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.
Helped Minnesota reach Stanley Cup Final in 1991.
Led North Stars in scoring in 1991–92 (33-44-77) and
1992–93 (33-60-93). Scored 50 goals after the team
moved to Dallas in 1993–94.
Led team in scoring for fourth time (36-45-81) in
1995–96. Finished second in NHL in plus/minus with a
career-best +43 in 1996–97.
Scored three hat tricks in 1998-99 to tie franchise
record. Led all playoff performers with 18 assists in 23
games as Dallas won Stanley Cup.
Finished among NHL’s top 10 scorers (38-43-81) for the
first time in 1999–2000. Led team in seven offensive
categories.
Led Stars with 51 assists and 84 points in 2000–01.
Ranked among NHL leaders in both categories.
In 2001–02, named Stars Bill Masterton Award winner
as team MVP for eighth time in 11 seasons. Was tied for
ninth in NHL in points (77) and tied for 15th in goals
(34),
Was a finalist for Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) in
2002–03. Was tied for fourth in NHL in assists (57), tied
for sixth in plus/minus (+34), tied for tenth in points (85).
When I was young…
• First hockey team was Little Caesars.
• Favorite hockey team growing up was the Toronto
Maple Leafs.
• Favorite player was Leafs legend Darryl Sittler.
• Greatest influence on his hockey career has come
from his father “because he is always honest.”
• When he was young, his mother would play goalie in
•
• Finished second in scoring (6-9-15) to Jeremy
Roenick at 1989 WJC.
• Played in 1991 Canada Cup where U.S. finished
•
•
•
•
second to Canada. Tied for team lead in scoring
with Brett Hull (2-7-9).
Was a member of U.S. team that won World Cup of
Hockey in 1996.
Tied with 2006 Swedish Olympian Daniel
Alfredsson for tournament lead with 6 assists at
2004 World Cup of Hockey. Tied Keith Tkachuk for
U.S. team lead with 6 points.
Was third on the U.S. team with 3 goals at the 2005
World Championship.
Favorite international hockey rule is the bigger ice surface.
• Lists playing at Salt Lake City in 2002 as his favorite international hockey experience. Americans won a silver medal and he led the tournament with 6 assists.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are the swimming events at the Summer
Games.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Det.Compuware
MNHL
69 66 65 131 32 ....
.... .... ....
Prince Albert
WHL
70 32 30 62 96
8
1
4
5
Prince Albert
WHL
65 47 80 127 80
9
7 11 18
Prince Albert
WHL
41 39 66 105 74 ....
.... .... ....
Minnesota
NHL
.... .... .... .... ....
2
0
0
0
1989-90 Minnesota
NHL
80 29 46 75 63
7
1
1
2
1990-91 Minnesota
NHL
79 28 36 64 65 23
8 12 20
1991-92 Minnesota
NHL
76 33 44 77 46
7
3
2
5
1992-93 Minnesota
NHL
82 33 60 93 83 .... .... .... ....
1993-94 Dallas
NHL
76 50 43 93 54
9
7
3 10
1994-95 Dallas
NHL
30 12 17 29
8 .... .... .... ....
1995-96 Dallas
NHL
78 36 45 81 63 .... .... .... ....
1996-97 Dallas
NHL
80 35 48 83 42
7
4
1
5
1997-98 Dallas
NHL
52 21 38 59 32 17
4 10 14
1998-99◆ Dallas
NHL
77 34 47 81 44 23
5 *18 23
99-2000 Dallas
NHL
77 38 43 81 48 23 10 *13 23
2000-01 Dallas
NHL
81 33 51 84 52
9
3
4
7
2001-02 Dallas
NHL
78 34 43 77 38 .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Dallas
NHL
79 28 57 85 30 12
5 10 15
2003-04 Dallas
NHL
76 14 30 44 46
5
1
2
3
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
1101 458 648 1106 714 144 51 76 127
Minnesota's 1st choice, 1st overall, in 1988 Entry Draft.
WHL East First All-Star Team (1989) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1990) • NHL Second All-Star Team (2000)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1993, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004)
Transferred to Dallas after Minnesota franchise relocated, June 9, 1993.
Event
1988
United States
1989
United States
1991 2nd United States
1993
United States
1996 1st United States
1998
United States
2002 S United States
2004
United States
2005
United States
WJC-A
WJC-A
Can-Cup
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
WC-A
the basement for him and his brother. The brothers fitted her with lots of extra equipment so she wouldn’t
get hurt, then took turns shooting tennis balls at her.
Will call his mother first if USA wins gold in Torino.
158
GP
7
7
8
6
7
4
6
5
7
G
A Pts PIM
4 1 5
6 9 15
2 7 9
0 0 0
2 4 6
2 0 2
0 *6 6
0 *6 6
3 1 4
8
12
2
2
4
0
4
0
4
....
4
18
....
0
12
16
4
....
16
....
....
0
12
16
10
0
....
4
8
98
Sweden
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
MODIN, FREDRIK
BORN, SUNDSVALL, SWEDEN, OCTOBER 8, 1974.
(moh-DEEN, FREHD-rihk)
• Modin was the first forward to win the All-Star Hardest
•
•
•
•
•
•
Shot Competition, blasting a shot at 102.1 mph in
2001.
Toronto is his favorite hockey city, the Montreal’s Bell
Centre is his favorite arena.
Wears #33 “because it was the only number available.”
The most memorable game he has played was Tampa
Bay’s victory in game seven of the 2004 Stanley Cup
playoffs.
Bruce Springsteen and U2 are his favorite musicians.
Anthony Hopkins is his favorite actor. His favorite TV
show is “The Sopranos.” Favorite cartoon character is
Spider-Man “because he’s my son’s favorite.”
be with Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn.
Nicknames are Freddie and Mo.
• Made NHL debut for Toronto on Oct. 5, 1996 and
played 76 games as a rookie.
• Finished third on Leafs in game-winning goals (4), tied
for fourth in goals (16), in 1997–98.
• Scored a goal in his first game for Tampa Bay vs. NY
•
•
•
•
•
•
Islanders on Oct. 2, 1999. Ranked second on Lightning
in goals (22) and points (48), tied for second in assists
(26) in 1999-2000. Led team in shots (167) and gamewinning goals (5).
Had career-high 32 goals in 2000-01. Led Tampa Bay in
goals, power-play goals (8), shots (217) and shooting
percentage (14.7).
Scored first career hat trick vs. NY Rangers on Oct. 22,
2000
Played in his first NHL All-Star Game in 2001 and had 4
assists (tied for second in All-Star history).
Assisted on Dave Andreychuk’s 250th career powerplay goal, breaking Phil Esposito’s NHL record, on Nov.
15, 2002.
Was third on Lighting behind 2006 Canadian
Olympians Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier with
29 goals as Tampa Bay set club records for wins (46)
and points (106) in 2003–04. Set career high with 57
points and shattered previous career best in
plus/minus at +31 to rank 4th in NHL.
Was third on the Lightning, fourth overall, in playoff
scoring (8-11-19) as Tampa Bay won Stanley Cup in
2004.
When I was young…
• Began playing hockey at age four.
• Favorite team growing up was Brynas IF. Favorite
player was Tomas Sandstrom.
• Is married and has two children.
• Most memorable international hockey moment
•
•
was winning gold at the 1998 World
Championship. Played on a line with Mats Sundin
and Peter Forsberg at that tournament.
Championship. Won bronze at 2001 World
Championship. (Also played at World
Championship in 1996, 2000.)
Led tournament in scoring (4-4-8) and was named to All-Star Team at 2004 World
Cup of Hockey.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is skiing.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04◆
2004-05
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Sundsvall/Timra
Sweden-2
11
1
0
1
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sundsvall/Timra
Sweden-2
30
5
7 12 12
5
1
0
1
0
Sundsvall/Timra
Sweden-2
30 16 15 31 36
2
0
1
1
6
Brynas
Sweden
38
9 10 19 33 14
4
4
8
6
Brynas
Sweden
22
4
8 12 22 ....
.... .... .... ....
Toronto
NHL
76
6
7 13 24 .... .... .... .... ....
Toronto
NHL
74 16 16 32 32 .... .... .... .... ....
Toronto
NHL
67 16 15 31 35
8
0
0
0
6
Tampa Bay
NHL
80 22 26 48 18 .... .... .... .... ....
Tampa Bay
NHL
76 32 24 56 48 .... .... .... .... ....
Tampa Bay
NHL
54 14 17 31 27 .... .... .... .... ....
Tampa Bay
NHL
76 17 23 40 43 11
2
0
2 18
Tampa Bay
NHL
82 29 28 57 32 23
8 11 19 10
Timra
Sweden
43 12 24 36 58
7
1
1
2
8
NHL Totals
585 152 156 308 259 42 10 11 21 34
Toronto's 3rd choice, 64th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.
Traded to Tampa Bay by Toronto for Cory Cross and Tampa Bay's 7th round choice (Ivan Kolozvary) in 2001 Entry Draft, October 1,
1999.Signed as a free agent by Timra (Sweden), October 5, 2004.
1994 S Sweden
1996
1998 G
2000
2001 B
2004
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
159
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
7
6
5
7
9
4
2
1
3
3
3
4
2 4
1 2
3 6
1 4
2 5
4 *8
2
4
2
4
10
2
Russia
SAN JOSE SHARKS
NABOKOV, EVGENI
GOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 200 LBS/ 91 KG
BORN, UST-KAMENOGORSK, USSR, JULY 25, 1975.
(na-BAW-kahv, ehv-GEH-nee)
• He became the seventh goalie in NHL history to score
a goal on Mar.10, 2002.
• His first NHL start was a shutout, stopping 39 shots
•
•
•
•
opposite Patrick Roy , on Jan. 19, 2000 in a 0–0 tie
with the Colorado Avalanche. He lists this as the
The most memorable games he has watched are tapes
of the 1972 series between Canada and the USSR.
Lists two people as his favorite coaches. One is San
Jose goalie coach Warren Strelow.“He understands
goaltending and has helped me through my career.”
The other is former Sharks head coach Darryl Sutter.
“He taught me to prepare for games and how to play
at the same level.”
The HP Pavilion in San Jose is his favorite NHL arena.
“It’s my home rink.”
Other favorites include “Two-and-a-Half Men” (TV
show),“Godfather” and “Rounders” (movies), Al Pacino
and Bruce Willis (actors) and Nickelback and Metallica
(music), but “I listen to everything in moderation.”
• Signed his first North American contract in the sum•
•
•
•
mer of 1997 and spent next two seasons with
Kentucky (AHL). Was second in AHL in shutouts (5), tied
for second in wins (26) and eighth in average (2.62) in
1998–99.
Played his first NHL game on Jan. 1, 2000 at Nashville,
stopping all four shots in relief of Steve Shields.
Led all NHL rookie goalies in virtually every category in
2000–01. Was 11th in the NHL in wins (32), sixth in
average (2.19), tied for tenth in save percentage (.915).
Helped San Jose to the third-lowest team average in
NHL (2.30). Won Calder Trophy as rookie of the year
and finished fourth in voting for Vezina Trophy as top
goaltender.
Set career high and franchise record with 37 wins in
2001–02 (Sharks won franchise-best 44 games). Was
third in the NHL in wins, tied for second in shutouts (7).
Became Sharks all-time leader in games played by a
goaltender (184), passing 2006 Latvian Olympian and
former NHLer Arturs Irbe on Feb. 5, 2003.
Helped lead the Sharks to the Pacific Division title with
a franchise-best 104 points in 2003–04. Finished third
in the NHL with 9 shutouts and 13th in average (2.20).
When I was young…
• First team played for was Torpedo.
• Favorite teams growing up were Torpedo and
Dynamo,“where I ended up playing.”
• Favorite player was Soviet goaltending legend
Vladislav Tretiak. Has worn #20 since childhood in
honor of Tretiak.
• First played for the Soviet Union in exhibition
•
•
•
•
•
games with the Under-16 team in 1990 when he
was 14 years old.
Played for the Soviet Union as a 16-year old, competing at the 1992 World Under-17 Challenge.
Represented Kazakhstan at the 1994 World
Championship C-Pool competition.
Was not eligible to represent Russia after that
until an IIHF ruling on July 1, 2004.
Was named to the original Russian roster for the
2004 World Cup of Hockey, but withdrew due to
injuries prior to the tournament.
His greatest international hockey experience was
playing with Dynamo Moscow vs. TPS Turku in the
1997 European Hockey League tournament final.
“We lost.”
• Because of having played previously for Kazakhstan, he was ruled ineligible to
play for Russia at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
• Of competing for Russia in 2006, he says: “I take great pride in playing for my
•
national team. It has been a long time. It’s one thing to do it as a kid, but this will
be different.”
Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and the biathlon relay.
• “Work hard and believe in yourself.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
GP W
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
1992-93 Ust-Kamenogorsk CIS
4 1 0 0 109
5 0 2.75 .... .... .... ....
1993-94 Ust-Kamenogorsk CIS
11 .... .... .... 539 29 0 3.23 .... .... .... ....
1994-95 Dynamo Mosc. CIS
24 .... .... .... 1265 40 .... 1.90 13 .... .... 810
1995-96 Dynamo Mosc. CIS
39 .... .... .... 2008 67 5 2.00 6 .... .... 298
1996-97 Dynamo Mosc. Russia
27 .... .... .... 1588 56 2 2.12 4 .... .... 255
1997-98 Kentucky
AHL
33 10 21 2 1866 122 0 3.92 1 0 0 23
1998-99 Kentucky
AHL
43 26 14 1 2429 106 5 2.62 11 6 5 599
99-2000 San Jose
NHL
11 2 2 1 414 15 1 2.17 1 0 0 20
Cleveland
IHL
20 12 4 3 1164 52 0 2.68 .... .... .... ....
Kentucky
AHL
2 1 1 0 120
3 1 1.50 .... .... .... ....
2000-01 San Jose
NHL
66 32 21 7 3700 135 6 2.19 4 1 3 218
2001-02 San Jose
NHL
67 37 24 5 3901 149 7 2.29 12 7 5 712
2002-03 San Jose
NHL
55 19 28 8 3227 146 3 2.71 .... .... .... ....
2003-04 San Jose
NHL
59 31 19 8 3456 127 9 2.20 17 10 7 1052
2004-05 Magnitogorsk
Russia
14 … … … 808 27 3 2.00 5 .... .... 307
NHL Totals
258 121 94 29 14698 572 26 2.34 34 18 15 2002
NHL All-Rookie Team (2001) • Calder Memorial Trophy (2001) • Scored a goal vs.Vancouver, March 10, 2002.
GP W
1994
3 ………
Kazakhstan
•
League
his career when he was younger. Since reaching the
NHL, the most influential person has been Sharks goaltending coach Warren Strelow.
Will call his family, parents, and Warren Strelow if
Russia wins gold at Torino.
160
WC-C1
L
T
Mins GA
140
SO
6 …
Avg
2.57
....
....
30
7
12
1
30
0
....
....
10
31
....
30
13
71
....
....
....
....
0
0
*2
0
....
....
1
0
....
3
0
4
....
....
2.22
1.41
2.82
2.59
3.00
0.00
....
....
2.75
2.61
....
1.71
2.53
2.13
Slovakia
PHOENIX COYOTES
NAGY, LADISLAV
BORN, SACA, CZECH., JUNE 1, 1979.
(NA-gee, LA-dih-slahv)
• Was acquired by Phoenix with fellow Slovak Michal
•
•
•
•
•
Handzus, Jeff Taffe and a first-round draft choice in the
deal that sent Keith Tkachuk to St. Louis,
His nickname is Madar because his last name is
Hungarian.
Lists Petr Nedved as the person to pattern his game
after.
Person he admires most is Vin Deisel. Favorite actors
are Vin Deisel and Halle Berry. Favorite movies are
“XXX” and “Hannibal.” Favorite TV shows are “Desperate
Housewives” and “Friends.” Favorite band is Metallica.
be with Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson and Alicia Keys.
Hobbies are tennis, soccer and golf. Favorite vacation
spots are Italy and Spain.
• Played for Kosice in Slovakian elite league as 18-year•
•
•
•
•
old in 1997–98 and tied for second on team in goals
(19) and penalty minutes (41).
Led entire QMJHL in goals and trailed only Pavel
Brendl (73) of WHL’s Calgary Hitmen for goals scored in
entire CHL in 1998–99. Finished season ranked fifth in
QMJHL with 126 points (between 2006 Canadian
Olympians Simon Gagne with 120 and Brad Richards
with 131).
Played in his first NHL game for St. Louis vs. Nashville
on Nov. 22, 1999.
Played 74 games in first full NHL season with Phoenix
in 2001–02 and topped 20-goal plateau (23) for first
time. Ranked third on Coyotes in goals, tied for second
in game-winning goals (5) and finished second in
shots (187).
Established career highs in games (80), assists (35),
points (57), shots (209) and plus/minus (+17) in 200203. Led team, and tied for 15th in NHL, with six gamewinning goals.
Played just 55 games due to injuries in 2003–04 but
established new career high with 24 goals. Was second
on team behind 2006 Canadian Olympian Shane Doan
in goals and points (52). Led team in power-play goals
(11), game-winning goals (6), plus/minus (+11) and
shooting percentage (15.0). Was tied for 13th in NHL in
power-play goals.
When I was young…
• Began skating at age 6.
• Favorite sports team growing up was Manchester
United. Favorite hockey player was Jaromir Jagr.
• First represented his country as a 15-year-old.
• First major tournament was the 1997 European
• Led Slovakia in scoring, ranked among tournament
•
•
•
leaders (4-3-7) at World Junior Championship in
1999. Won bronze medal.
Lists playing for Slovakia’s gold medal-winning
team at 2002 World Championship as his most
memorable moment in hockey.
Won bronze at World Championship in 2003 and
tied for 15th at the tournament in goals (4) and
points (8).
(which was adopted by the NHL this season).
• “Have Fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Presov
Slovakia
11
6
5 11
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Kosice Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
45 29 30 59 105 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kosice
Slovakia
29 19 15 34 41 11
2
4
6
6
Halifax
QMJHL
63 71 55 126 148
5
3
3
6 18
Worcester
AHL
....
.... .... ....
....
3
2
2
4
0
99-2000 St. Louis
NHL
11
2
4
6
2
6
1
1
2
0
Worcester
AHL
69 23 28 51 67
2
1
0
1
0
2000-01 St. Louis
NHL
40
8
8 16 20 .... .... .... .... ....
Worcester
AHL
20
6 14 20 36 ....
.... .... .... ....
Phoenix
NHL
6
0
1
1
2 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Phoenix
NHL
74 23 19 42 50
5
0
0
0 21
2002-03
Kosice
Slovakia
1
2
1
3
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Phoenix
NHL
80 22 35 57 92 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Phoenix
NHL
55 24 28 52 46 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Kosice
Slovakia
18
9
7 16 40 ....
.... .... .... ....
Mora
Sweden
19
4
4
8 22 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
266 79 95 174 212 11
1
1
2 21
St.Louis' 6th choice, 177th overall, in 1997 Entry Draft.
Traded to Phoenix by St.Louis with Michal Handzus, the rights to Jeff Taffe and St.Louis' 1st round choice (Ben Eager) in 2002
Entry Draft for Keith Tkachuk, March 13, 2001.Signed as a free agent by Kosice (Slovakia), September 17, 2004.Signed as a free
agent by Mora (Sweden), December 17, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1997
1999 B
2001
2002 G
2003 B
2004
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
5
6
7
6
9
4
1
4
2
1
4
1
0
3
1
3
4
0
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Olympian Marek Svatos of the Colorado Avalanche.
• Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey. Will
call his mother first if Slovakia wins gold at Torino.
161
1
7
3
4
8
1
6
6
6
6
10
0
Canada
NASH, RICK
BORN, BRAMPTON, ONT., JUNE 16, 1984.
(NASH, RIHK)
• He is the youngest player on the Canadian Olympic
team at age 21.
• At age 19, was the youngest player in history to lead
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the NHL in goals (41) in 2003–04. (Tied for the lead
with 2006 Olympic teammate Jarome Iginla of Calgary
and 2006 Russian Olympian Ilya Kovalchuk of Atlanta.)
Was just the eighth #1 NHL Draft choice to score a
goal in his first NHL game (Oct. 10, 2002 vs. Chicago).
Was the first #1 pick to accomplish this feat in the
same year he was drafted since Mario Lemieux in 1984.
He tries to pattern his game after former Flyers star
and current Pittsburgh Penguin John LeClair.
Wears #61 because of his former trainer in London
(OHL), Dan Brankley.
Hobby is playing golf. His first job was being a golf cart
attendant.
Favorite NHL arena is the historic Maple Leaf Gardens
in Toronto.
Other favorites include:“Seinfeld” (TV show),
“Youngblood” (movie) Green Day and Tim McGraw
(musicians.) Favorite book is Of Mice and Men.
If he could have dinner with anyone in the world, it
would be with Tiger Woods.
• Was OHL rookie of the year in 2000–01. Led London in
•
•
•
•
goals (31). Ranked second on Knights, and among OHL
rookies, in scoring (31-35-66).
Led Knights in goals (32), second in points (72) in
2001–02.
Was the youngest player in the NHL in his rookie season of 2002–03. Led all rookies in power-play points (610-16). Ranked among rookie leaders in goals (17),
assists (22), points (39), power-play goals (6), shots
(154) and shooting percentage (11.0). Played in the
YoungStars Game as part of the NHL All-Star Weekend.
Shared Maurice Richard Trophy (top goal scorer) with
Jarome Iginla and Ilya Kovalchuk (41). Also led NHL
with 19 power-play goals. Set Columbus franchise
record for goals and power-play goals. Was first
teenager to top 40 goals since Jimmy Carson in
1987–88. Was first teenager to play in NHL All-Star
Game since Owen Nolan and Jaromir Jagr in 1992.
Played with fellow Canadian Olympian Joe Thornton
with Davos in 2004–05. Finished second in goals (26) in
Swiss league behind Oleg Petrov. Helped Davos win
Spengler Cup title and Swiss league championship.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is playing on a pond behind the
house with his father and brother.
Leafs.
• Favorite player was 2006 Swedish Olympian Mats
Sundin.
• Most memorable game played was the All-Ontario
Peewees because his team won the championship.
• Favorite coach is Keith Carrigan of the Toronto
• Lists his parents as having the biggest influence
•
on his career because “they’re the ones who were
up in the morning to drive me.”
Will call his parents and his brother first if Canada
• Describes his first experience of playing for Team
Canada as “a feeling that every Canadian dreams of.”
• Played for Canada’s Team Ontario at the 2001
•
•
•
•
World Under-17 Challenge. Led the tournament
with 5 goals.
Won a gold medal with Canada’s Under-18 team
at a Six Nations tournament in the Czech
Republic in August of 2001. Led Canada in goals
(5), assists (5) and points (10). Teammates included 2006 Canadian Olympic
reserve Eric Staal. Both list this tournament as their favorite international
hockey moment.
Won silver medal at 2002 World Junior Championship. Teammates included 2006
Canadian Olympic reserve Jason Spezza and Jay Bouwmeester.
Won silver medal at 2005 World Championship. Led tournament with 9 goals.
Was second to fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Joe Thornton with 15 points. Was
named to tournament All-Star Team.
Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout because “it brings excitement
to the fans.” (The NHL adopted the shootout this season.)
• The most memorable hockey game he has watched was the 2002 Olympic final
between Canada and the USA.
• “Live as if you die tomorrow, dream as if you live forever.”
What Others Say…
• “He’s got that automatic ability, that you can’t teach somebody, of where to be.
It’s a certain type of hockey sense.” Columbus teammate Luke Richardson.
(Toronto Sun, Jan. 19, 2004)
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Tor.Marlboros
GTHL
34 61 54 115 34 ....
.... .... .... ....
London
OHL
58 31 35 66 56
4
3
3
6
8
London
OHL
54 32 40 72 88 12 10
9 19 21
Columbus
NHL
74 17 22 39 78 .... .... .... .... ....
Columbus
NHL
80 *41 16 57 87 .... .... .... .... ....
Davos
Swiss
44 26 20 46 83 15
9
2 11 26
NHL Totals
154 58 38 96 165 .... .... .... .... ....
Columbus' 1st choice, 1st overall, in 2002 Entry Draft.
OHL All-Rookie Team (2001) • OHL Rookie of the Year (2001) • CHL All-Rookie Team (2001) • NHL All-Rookie Team (2003) •
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (2004) (tied with Jarome Iginla and Ilya Kovalchuk)
Signed as a free agent by Davos (Swiss), August 3, 2004.
2002 S Canada
2005 S Canada
Marlboros in the GTHL because “he coached at a top
level for young guys.”
162
Event
GP
G
WJC-A
WC-A
7
9
1
*9
A Pts PIM
2 3
6 15
2
8
Sweden
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
NASLUND, MARKUS
BORN, ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN, JULY 30, 1973.
(NAZ-luhnd, MAHR-kuhs)
•
•
•
•
•
•
He was runner up to fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian
Peter Forsberg scoring for the Art Ross Trophy and in
voting for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2002–03. He
and Forsberg are childhood friends who come from
the same hometown.
Was named captain of the Vancouver Canucks on
Sept. 15, 2000, succeeding Mark Messier.
Favorite NHL arena is GM Place in Vancouver.“It’s
home.” He does charitable work for Canuck Place.
Nickname is Nazzy. Hobbies are boating and traveling.
Favorite movie is “The Shawshank Redemption.”
Favorite actors are Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino.
Favorite bands are Guns & Roses and Greed.
would be with comic actors Mike Myers, Dana Carvey
and Robin Williams.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Led MoDo in goals (22) and points (40) in 1991–92.
Was fourth in the Swedish elite league in goals (22),
sixth in points (39) in 1992–93.
Led all Pittsburgh players in scoring at Penguins
Training Camp Tournament in 1992 and 1993.
Led Canucks in goals (36), points (66), shots on goal
(205) and shooting percentage (17.6) in 1998–99. Was
named club MVP. Tied for fifth in the NHL with 15
power-play goals.
Led Canucks in scoring (27-38-65) again in 1999–2000.
Ranked among NHL leaders in goals (41), power-play
goals (18) and shots (277) despite missing the last 10
games of season (and playoffs) after suffering a broken leg on Mar. 16, 2000. Was named club MVP.
Finished second in the NHL in scoring (40-50-90)
behind 2006 Canadian Olympian Jarome Iginla of
Calgary in 2001–02. Again named Canucks MVP.
points (104), power-play goals (24) and game-winning
goals (12) in 2002–03. Led all NHL players in gamewinning goals and in power-play points (54). Was second to 2006 Czech Olympian Milan Hejduk of
Colorado in goals, second to Vancouver teammate
and 2006 Canadian Olympian Todd Bertuzzi in powerplay goals and second to 2006 Swedish Olympian
Peter Forsberg of Colorado in points. Was again
named team MVP.
Led Canucks in scoring (35-49-84) for sixth straight
season in 2003–04 and ranked fourth in the NHL. Was
seventh in goals and tenth in assists. Scored all four
goals in 4–3 win over Pittsburgh on Dec. 9 2003. This
was one of only three 4-goal games that season (2006
Slovak Olympian Miroslav Satan and fellow 2006
Swedish Olympian Daniel Sedin had the others).
Named to NHL First-All-Star Team for third straight
season.
When I was young…
•
•
•
•
First hockey memory is his first practice “when I
couldn’t skate.”
First hockey team played for was Jarved
Favorite team growing up was MoDo in the Swedish
elite league.
Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky.
Lists his father, who coached him from age eight
to 15, as having had the biggest influence on his
career.
Will call his wife first if Sweden wins gold in
Torino.
•
First played for his country in 1989 as a 16-yearold at a Four Nations tournament in Russia. Says
his greatest international experience was “the
first time representing Tre Kronor.”
Won gold at the 1990 European Junior
Championship. He scored 14 goals at the 1991
EJC.
Won silver medal at the 1992 World Junior Championship. Tied for the tournament lead
in goals (8), tied for third in points (10).
Set a tournament record with 13 goals at the 1993 World Junior Championship.
Finished second to Peter Forsberg in assists (11) and points (24). Earned another
silver medal and was named to tournament All-Star Team.
•
Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field and table tennis at the
Summer Games.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Ornskoldsvik
Sweden-3
14
7
6 13
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
MoDo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
33 43 35 78 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
MoDo
Sweden
32 10
9 19 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
MoDo
Sweden
39 22 18 40 54 ....
.... .... .... ....
MoDo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
2
4
1
5
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
MoDo
Sweden
39 22 17 39 67
3
3
2
5
0
1993-94 Pittsburgh
NHL
71
4
7 11 27 .... .... .... .... ....
Cleveland
IHL
5
1
6
7
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95 Pittsburgh
NHL
14
2
2
4
2 .... .... .... .... ....
Cleveland
IHL
7
3
4
7
6
4
1
3
4
8
1995-96 Pittsburgh
NHL
66 19 33 52 36 .... .... .... .... ....
Vancouver
NHL
10
3
0
3
6
6
1
2
3
8
1996-97 Vancouver
NHL
78 21 20 41 30 .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 Vancouver
NHL
76 14 20 34 56 .... .... .... .... ....
1998-99 Vancouver
NHL
80 36 30 66 74 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Vancouver
NHL
82 27 38 65 64 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Vancouver
NHL
72 41 34 75 58 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Vancouver
NHL
81 40 50 90 50
6
1
1
2
2
2002-03 Vancouver
NHL
82 48 56 104 52 14
5
9 14 18
2003-04 Vancouver
NHL
78 35 49 84 58
7
2
7
9
2
2004-05
MODO
Sweden
13
8
9 17
8
6
0
1
1 10
NHL Totals
790 290 339 629 513 33
9 19 28 30
WJC-A All-Star Team (1993) • NHL First All-Star Team (2002, 2003, 2004) • Lester B.Pearson Award (2003)
Traded to Vancouver by Pittsburgh for Alek Stojanov, March 20, 1996.Signed as a free agent by MODO (Sweden), December 20,
2004.
1990 G Sweden
1991
1992 S
1993 S
S
1996
1996
1999 B
2002
B
2004
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
163
Event
GP
EJC-A
6
EJC-A
6
WJC-A
7
WJC-A
7
WC-A
8
WC-A
1
W-Cup
1
WC-A
10
Olympics 4
WC-A
3
W-Cup
4
G
A Pts PIM
0 0 0
14 2 16
8 2 10
13 11 24
1 1 2
0 0 0
0 0 0
6 4 10
2 1 3
1 2 3
0 3 3
2
14
12
33
14
0
2
16
0
0
0
Canada
NIEDERMAYER, SCOTT
BORN, EDMONTON, ALTA., AUGUST 31, 1973.
(NEE-duhr-MIGH-uhr, SKAWT)
•
•
•
•
•
He is the only player to win the Stanley Cup, the
Memorial Cup, an Olympic gold medal, a World Junior
Championship and a World Championship.
Works in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Society.
NHL game.
Most memorable hockey games watched were during
the 1987 Canada Cup tournament.
Favorite television show is “The A-Team.” Favorite
movie is “Braveheart”. Favorite actor is Al Pacino.
Favorite musical group is Metallica.
Championship.
• Was named to the All-Star Team at the 1992 WJC.
• Was assistant captain of gold medal team at the
• Favorite international hockey rule is the larger ice
surface “because there is more opportunity.”
• Is playing at his second straight Olympic Games.
• Winning gold at Salt Lake City is his favorite international hockey moment.
snowboarding.
• As junior, named Memorial Cup MVP when his team
won Canadian national junior championship in 1992.
• Led Devils defensemen in playoff points (4-7-11) in
1995 as New Jersey won its first Stanley Cup title.
• Established career highs for goals (14), assists (43) and
points (57) in 1997–98.
• Topped all New Jersey defenseman in scoring (7-3138) for fifth straight season in 1999–2000.
• Tied for first (with Jeff Friesen) on Devils, and ranked
•
first among defensemen, with a plus/minus of +23 in
2002–03. Surpassed Scott Stevens as Devils’ franchise
leader in points among defensemen with his 406th on
January 28, 2003. His 16 assists in playoffs were tops
among all scorers as New Jersey won Stanley Cup. Tied
teammate Jamie Langenbrunner as top playoff scorer
with 18 points.
In 2003-4, tied with Canadian Olympic teammate Chris
Pronger for second in scoring (14-40-54) among NHL
defensemen behind 2006 Russian Olympian Sergei
Gonchar. His 14 goals equalled career high and ranked
among NHL leaders for defensemen. Served as Devils
captain from Jan. 9 in absence of Scott Stevens.
Ranked 11th among NHL defensemen in plus/minus
(+20). Was nominated for Norris Trophy as NHL’s best
defenseman for first time and won award over 2006
Slovak Olympian Zdeno Chara of Ottawa and Pronger.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of getting dressed and going
down to the rink.
• First minor hockey team was with the Cranbrook
Minor Hockey Association.
• Favorite player was Paul Coffey.
• Brother Rob also plays in the NHL. They are now team•
•
mates in Anaheim. This is the first time they have
played together for an entire season since 1988–89
when they played together with the Cranbrook
Bantam Eagles.
When the Niedermayers faced each other in the 2003
Stanley Cup Final, it marked the first time siblings
faced each other in championship series since 1946.
(Tom Reardon, Boston and Ken Reardon, Montreal.)
Lists his parents as having the greatest influence on
his hockey career “for all of their support and time.”
• “Have fun and work hard.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Cranbrook
BCAHA
62 55 37 92 100 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kamloops
WHL
64 14 55 69 64 17
2 14 16 35
Kamloops
WHL
57 26 56 82 52 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kamloops
WHL
35
7 32 39 61 17
9 14 23 28
New Jersey
NHL
4
0
1
1
2 .... .... .... .... ....
1992-93 New Jersey
NHL
80 11 29 40 47
5
0
3
3
2
1993-94 New Jersey
NHL
81 10 36 46 42 20
2
2
4
8
NHL
48
4 15 19 18 20
4
7 11 10
1995-96 New Jersey
NHL
79
8 25 33 46 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 New Jersey
NHL
81
5 30 35 64 10
2
4
6
6
1997-98 New Jersey
NHL
81 14 43 57 27
6
0
2
2
4
1998-99
Utah
IHL
5
0
2
2
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
New Jersey
NHL
72 11 35 46 26
7
1
3
4 18
NHL
71
7 31 38 48 22
5
2
7 10
2000-01 New Jersey
NHL
57
6 29 35 22 21
0
6
6 14
2001-02 New Jersey
NHL
76 11 22 33 30
6
0
2
2
6
NHL
81 11 28 39 62 24
2 *16 *18 16
2003-04 New Jersey
NHL
81 14 40 54 44
5
1
0
1
6
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
892 112 364 476 478 146 17 47 64 100
New Jersey's 1st choice, 3rd overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.
• Brother of Rob • WHL West First All-Star Team (1991, 1992) • Canadian Major Junior Scholastic Player of the Year (1991) • WJC-A
All-Star Team (1992) • Memorial Cup Tournament All-Star Team (1992) • Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy (Memorial Cup
Tournament MVP) (1992) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1993) • NHL Second All-Star Team (1998) • NHL First All-Star Team (2004) •
James Norris Trophy (2004)
Signed to tryout (PTO) contract by Utah (IHL) with New Jersey retaining NHL rights, October 19, 1998.Signed as a free agent by
Anaheim, August 3, 2005.
1991 G Canada
1992
1996
2002
2004
2004
Canada
2nd Canada
G
Canada
G
Canada
1st Canada
• First represented Canada at the 1991 World Junior
164
Event
WJC-A
WJC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
7
8
6
9
6
0
0
1
1
3
1
0
0
3
1
2
1
0
0
4
2
5
2
0
10
6
4
12
9
Finland
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
NIITTYMAKI, ANTERO
BORN, TURKU, FINLAND, JUNE 8, 1980.
(NEE-too-mah-kee, AN-tehr-oh)
• He was named to the Finnish Olympic team to replace
the injured Miikka Kiprusoff.
• He became the first goaltender in the history of North
•
•
American professional hockey to be credited with an
overtime goal while playing for the Philadelphia
Phantoms (AHL). On April 11, 2004 at Hershey in the
final game of the AHL season, Hershey needed a win
to qualify for the playoffs. Midway through overtime,
with the game tied 2–2, Hershey coach Paul Fixter
gambled and pulled goaltender Philippe Sauve during
a power play to give the Bears a five-on-three man
advantage. During the ensuing attack, a wild pass by
Shane Willis left the Phantom zone, rebounded off the
side boards at center ice and entered the vacated
Hershey net. Niittymaki was the last Philadelphia player to play the puck, and he was credited with the goal.
He considers fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Teppo
Numminen to be the most underrated person in
sports.
If he weren’t playing hockey, he would like to be a bartender.
• His first international tournament was the 1997
World Under-17 Challenge.
• Played at the 1998 European Junior Championship.
• Played at the 2000 World Junior Championship.
Other 2006 Olympic netminders to appear at that
tournament were Rick DiPietro of the USA and Ilya
Bryzgalov of Russia. Teammates included fellow
2006 Finnish Olympians Ossi Vaananen and Antti
Miettinen.
• Is making his Olympic debut.
What Others Say…
• “The feeling we have on the bench is that when
we have the lead and we are going into the third period, it’s going to take a heck
of a shot to beat him because he doesn’t give up anything easily.” — Flyers coach
Ken Hitchcock, Jan 5, 2005 pressofatlanticcity.com
• Was rookie of the year in the Finnish elite league in
•
•
•
•
•
1999–2000. Helped lead TPS to the playoff championship.
Was second in the Finnish league in save percentage
(.937), third in goals-against average (1.84) in 2001–02.
Set a Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL) record with seven
shutouts in 2003–04. Ranked fifth in wins, (24), tied for
fifth in shutouts, and ninth in average (2.02) in the AHL.
Made his NHL debut on Feb. 4, 2004 and stopped 19 of
20 shots in a 5–1 win vs. Washington.
Was named playoff MVP when Phantoms won the
2005 Calder Cup. Set a Phantoms record with 33 wins
in 2004–05. Ranked fifth in the AHL in wins and eighth
in average (2.07).
Stopped all 28 shots faced and all three Calgary
shootout attempts to record a 1–0 shootout win for
his first career NHL shutout on Dec. 6, 2005.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP W
1998-99
1999-00
TPS Turku Jr.
Finland-Jr. 35 8
TPS Turku Jr.
Finland-Jr. 1 1
TPS Turku
Finland
32 23
2000-01 TPS Turku
Finland
21 10
2001-02 TPS Turku
Finland
27 16
AHL
40 14
NHL
3 3
Philadelphia
AHL
49 24
AHL
58 33
NHL Totals
3 3
Won Jack A. Butterfield Trophy (Playoff MVP - AHL)
6 14 2095 60
0 0
60
1
6 2 1899 68
6 1 1112 46
8 1 1498 46
21 2 2283 98
0 0 180
3
13 6 2728 92
21 4 3453 119
0 0 180
3
0
0
3
2
3
0
0
7
6
0
Event
1998 S
2000 B
EJC-A
WJC-A
Finland
Finland
165
GP W
1
5
L
P l ay o f f s
T
Mins GA
0 1 0
1 2 1
60 4
245 10
SO
Avg
0 4.00
0 2.45
1.72
1.00
2.15
2.48
1.84
2.58
1.00
2.02
2.07
1.00
....
....
8
....
4
....
....
12
21
....
....
....
6
....
2
....
....
6
15
....
L Mins GA SO Avg
.... ....
.... ....
1 453
.... ....
2 295
.... ....
.... ....
6 796
5 1269
.... ....
....
....
13
....
11
....
....
24
37
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
....
0
3
....
....
....
1.72
....
2.24
....
....
1.81
1.75
....
Sweden
LOS ANGELES KINGS
NORSTROM, MATTIAS
BORN, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, JANUARY 2, 1972.
(NOHR-struhm, MAT-tee-ahs)
• He was a teammate of childhood idol Borje Salming
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
during two years in Swedish elite league. (Had an
impressive training camp with NY Rangers before
returning to Sweden for 1992–93 season.)
Lists Swedish coach Tomas Storm as his biggest influence in hockey and his favorite coach.
Lists his fist NHL game (with NY Rangers Oct. 11, 1993
vs. Washington) as the most memorable hockey game
he has played.“It was a dream come true.”
Traded to Los Angeles on March 14, 1996 as part of
seven-player deal that sent Jari Kurri and Marty
McSorley to New York.
Wears #14 “because it was given to me.”
Hobbies are boating and working out. He owns a
Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Enjoys watching the Discovery Channel. Favorite
movies are “Blow” and “The Big Blue.” Favorite book is
“Snow Falling on Cedars.” Favorite actors are Gary
Oldham and Susan Sarandon. Favorite bands are Pearl
Jam and Alice in Chains.
Nicknames are Matty and Swede.
• Won Lars-Erik Sjoberg Trophy as Rangers top rookie in
training camp in 1993–94 and 1994–95.
• Established career highs in assists (21) and points (22)
•
•
•
•
•
•
for Los Angeles in 1996–97. Named club’s outstanding
defenseman.
Led all Kings defensemen in plus/minus (+14) in 199798. Named club’s “unsung hero.”
Named outstanding defenseman and unsung hero
again in 1998–99. Ranked third in NHL with 236 hits.
Played in his first NHL All-Star Game.
Was a career-best +22 in 1999–2000.
Was named Kings’ best defenseman for third time in
2000–01. Was 12th in NHL, first on Kings, in hits (246).
Tied 2006 U.S. Olympian Mathieu Schneider for Kings
lead, ranked 18th in NHL, in blocked shots (137). Led
Kings in total ice time (21:50 per game). Also led in
shifts per game (26.7).
Was named 12th captain of Kings in 2001–02. Led
team in ice time with 23:01 per game. Named both
outstanding defenseman and best defensive player
in 2002–03.
Was named Kings best defensive player for fifth time
in his career in 2003–04.
When I was young…
• Favorite player was New Jersey’s Scott Stevens.
• His earliest hockey memory is not having all his pads
at his first hockey practice.
• His first hockey team was Bredanas BK.
• Lists his whole family as the people he admires most
“for all of the support.”
• Will call his father first if Sweden wins gold at Torino,
• If he could have dinner with anyone it would be with
• First played for his country in an exhibition game
•
•
•
•
with the Swedish Junior team vs Czechoslovakia
(Nov.5, 1991).
Championships. Says of this experience, it was
“reaching a major goal.”
Has played at World Championship five times. Won
gold in 1998, silver in 1997 and 2003.
Favorite international hockey moment is the 1996
World Cup of Hockey. (Also represented Sweden at
the 2004 World Cup.)
Tied for second (was first among defensemen, and
among all Swedish players) with 7 assists at the
• Is competing at this third consecutive Winter Games (1998, 2002).
• Lists the United States victory over the Soviet Union at the Lake Placid Olympics
in 1980 as the most memorable hockey game he has watched.
• “Work hard, have fun! It’s just a game!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Mora
Sweden-2
9
1
1
2
6
1
0
0
0
2
AIK
Sweden
39
4
3
7 28
3
0
2
2
2
AIK
Sweden
22
0
1
1 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
NY Rangers
NHL
9
0
2
2
6 .... .... .... .... ....
Binghamton
AHL
55
1
9 10 70 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
Binghamton
AHL
63
9 10 19 91 ....
.... .... .... ....
NY Rangers
NHL
9
0
3
3
2
3
0
0
0
0
1995-96 NY Rangers
NHL
25
2
1
3 22 .... .... .... .... ....
Los Angeles
NHL
11
0
1
1 18 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 Los Angeles
NHL
80
1 21 22 84 .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 Los Angeles
NHL
73
1 12 13 90
4
0
0
0
2
1998-99 Los Angeles
NHL
78
2
5
7 36 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Los Angeles
NHL
82
1 13 14 66
4
0
0
0
6
2000-01 Los Angeles
NHL
82
0 18 18 60 13
0
2
2 18
2001-02 Los Angeles
NHL
79
2
9 11 38
7
0
0
0
4
2002-03 Los Angeles
NHL
82
0
6
6 49 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Los Angeles
NHL
74
1 13 14 44 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Solna
Sweden-3
8
1
0
1
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
684 10 104 114 515 31
0
2
2 30
NY Rangers' 2nd choice, 48th overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.
Traded to Los Angeles by NY Rangers with Ray Ferraro, Ian Laperriere, Nathan Lafayette and NY Rangers' 4th round choice (Sean
Blanchard) in 1997 Entry Draft for Marty McSorley, Jari Kurri and Shane Churla, March 14, 1996.Signed as a free agent by AIK
Solna (Sweden-3), January 11, 2005.
1992 S Sweden
1996
1996
1997 S
1998
G
2000
2002
2003 S
2004
2005
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
“my grandparents that I never met.”
166
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WJC-A
7
WC-A
6
W-Cup
4
WC-A
11
Olympics 4
WC-A
1
WC-A
6
Olympics 4
WC-A
9
W-Cup
4
WC-A
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
2
1
0
1
0
2
0
7
1
0
1
2
1
0
1
0
3
0
7
10
6
0
14
2
0
8
0
8
0
2
Finland
BUFFALO SABRES
NUMMINEN, TEPPO
BORN, TAMPERE, FINLAND, JULY 3, 1968.
(NOO-mih-nehn, TEH-poh)
• He holds the Winnipeg/Phoenix franchise records for
•
•
•
•
goals (108), assists (426) and points (534) by a defenseman. On the all-time franchise list, ranks first in games
played (1,098), third in assists and fourth in points.
Has had a variety of nicknames over his career, including Repo Man, Chico and Zeppo, usually stemming
from people’s inability to pronounce his first name.
Most memorable hockey game watched was the 1987
Canada Cup Final between Canada and Russia.
The person he admires most is Bono of U2 for his continuous work in helping Africa and other countries facing great debt.
would be with Bono, John Lennon and the Dalai Lama.
• Scored game-tying goal in his first NHL game on
Oct. 6, 1988.
• Plus/minus ranking of +15 led the Jets in 1991–92. Led
Jets again in plus/minus in 1994–95 (+12).
• Set single-season highs for assists (43) and points (54)
in 1995–96.
• Became the highest-scoring defenseman in
•
•
•
•
Jets/Coyotes history in 1997–98. Tied for sixth in scoring (11-40-51) among NHL defensemen that season.
Led Coyotes in plus/minus with a career-best +25.
Made first appearance in NHL All-Star Game in
1998–99.
Had played in 360 consecutive games (most in NHL
at the time) when he was sidelined by an injury on
Mar. 3, 2000.
Named team captain prior to 2001–02 season. Scored
career-high 13 goals.
Reached 30-point plateau for sixth straight season in
2002–03.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was Tappara in his hometown of Tampere.
• Favorite player as a child was Boston Bruins legend
Bobby Orr.
• His father coached the Finnish Olympic hockey team
at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
• Credits his father for being the greatest influence on
•
his hockey career because “you can always ask him for
advice.”
Will call his wife first if Finland wins gold at Torino.
• Was selected to represent Finland at 1994 World
•
Championship, but could not play due to injury. He
has played at the World Championship four times.
Played at the Canada Cup in 1987 and at the World
Cup in 1996 and 2004. Finland won the 2004
European pool and reached the finals against
Team Canada.
• Is competing at his fourth Olympic Games
(1988, 1998 and 2002).
• His greatest international hockey experience was
•
winning an Olympic silver medal at Calgary in
1988. (This was Finland’s first Olympic hockey
medal.) He won bronze at Nagano in 1998.
Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping.
• “Try many sports. Have fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Club
League
1984-85
Tappara Jr.
Whitby
Tappara Jr.
Tappara
Tappara
Tappara
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
TuTo
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Dallas
Finland-Jr.
OJHL
Finland-Jr.
Finland
Finland
Finland
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
Finland
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
GP
G
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
30 14 17 31 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
16
3
9 12
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1985-86
2
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
1
2
31
2
4
6
6
8
0
0
0
0
1986-87
44
9
9 18 16
9
4
1
5
4
1987-88
40 10 10 20 29 10
6
6 12
6
1988-89
69
1 14 15 36 .... .... .... .... ....
1989-90
79 11 32 43 20
7
1
2
3 10
1990-91
80
8 25 33 28 .... .... .... .... ....
1991-92
80
5 34 39 32
7
0
0
0
0
1992-93
66
7 30 37 33
6
1
1
2
2
1993-94
57
5 18 23 28 .... .... .... .... ....
1994-95
12
3
8 11
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
42
5 16 21 16 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96
74 11 43 54 22
6
0
0
0
2
1996-97
82
2 25 27 28
7
3
3
6
0
1997-98
82 11 40 51 30
1
0
0
0
0
1998-99
82 10 30 40 30
7
2
1
3
4
99-2000
79
8 34 42 16
5
1
1
2
0
2000-01
72
5 26 31 36 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02
76 13 35 48 20
4
0
0
0
2
2002-03
78
6 24 30 30 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04
62
3 14 17 18
4
0
1
1
0
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
1160 111 440 551 423 54
8
9 17 20
Winnipeg's 2nd choice, 29th overall, in 1986 Entry Draft.
WJC-A All-Star Team (1988) • Named Best Defenseman at WJC-A (1988) • WC-A All-Star Team (1997)
Transferred to Phoenix after Winnipeg franchise relocated, July 1, 1996.Traded to Dallas by Phoenix for Mike Sillinger, July 22, 2003.
Signed as a free agent by Buffalo, August 4, 2005.
• Made his first international appearance at the Under-16
1986 G Finland
•
•
1991
1996
1996
1997
1998
2002
2004
2004
European Championship.“It was an awesome feeling,
a dream come true to play for my country.”
Won gold at the 1986 European Junior Championship.
Named Best Defenseman at 1988 World Junior
Championship. Finland won bronze medal.
Regular Season
Season
1987
1988 B
Finland
Finland
S
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
B
Finland
Finland
Finland
2nd Finland
167
Event
EJC-A
Can-Cup
WJC-A
Olympics
Can-Cup
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
Olympics
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
GP
G
A Pts PIM
5
4
7
6
6
1
2
5
6
4
7
6
3
1
5
1
1
0
0
2
1
0
2
0
2
0
2
4
1
1
0
2
1
1
2
2
5
1
7
5
2
1
0
4
2
1
4
2
4
2
4
0
2
0
0
6
2
0
2
0
Sweden
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
OHLUND, MATTIAS
BORN, PITEA, SWEDEN, SEPTEMBER 9, 1976.
(OH-luhnd, MAT-tee-ahs)
• He helped Lulea win its first Swedish championship in
•
•
•
•
•
1996. Lists this as his most memorable moment in
hockey.
Played his first NHL game in Japan on Oct. 3, 1997 vs.
Anaheim.
Wears #2 because “the Canucks gave it to me.”
He devotes a great deal of time to working with children’s causes, including Canuck Place and Children’s
Hospital.
Hobby is golf. Favorite TV Show is “Seinfeld.” Favorite
movie is “Braveheart.” Favorite band is U2.
Nicknames are Matty and Oly.
• Led all rookie defensemen in scoring (7-23-30) in
•
•
•
•
•
•
1997–98. Led all rookies with 172 shots on goal.
Runner-up to Sergei Samsonov in Calder Trophy voting. Named to NHL All-Rookie Team.
Finished seventh in NHL with average ice time of 26:04
per game in 1998–99.
Missed 38 games due to eye injury in 1999–2000 but
was still named Vancouver’s best defenseman in voting by fans. Led Canucks in ice time with 27:41 per
game. Led NHL with an average of 33.02 shifts per
game.
Was second in NHL in shifts per game (32.34) in
2000–01. Was 12th in NHL with 146 blocked shots. Tied
for team lead in playoff scoring (1-3-4) as Vancouver
returned to postseason for the first time since 1996.
Had career high 36 points in 2001-02.
Had career high with 27 assists in only 59 games in
2002-03. Led team in ice team (25:23).
Played all 82 games for first time in career in 2003–04
and set new career high with 14 goals. Led Canucks,
ranked eighth among NHL defensemen, in ice time
(25:47). His 35.1 shifts per game trailed only Colorado’s
Adam Foote (35.5).
When I was young…
• His first hockey memory is scoring three goals in a
•
•
•
tournament when he was seven years old. His first
hockey team was Ojeby IF.
Favorite team growing up was Lulea in Sweden (whom
he later played for).
Favorite player was Borje Salming.
Was childhood friends with Tomas Holmstrom of the
Detroit Red Wings.
•
Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey.
• First played for country as a 16-year old with
national junior team.
• Played at both World and European Junior
•
•
•
Championships in 1994. Won gold at European
tourney. Earned silver at WJC in 1994 and 1996,
bronze in 1995.
Named Best Defenseman at 1996 tournament.
Has played at the World Championship three
times. Lists Sweden’s gold medal victory in 1998 as
his favorite international hockey moment.
Played at 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Games (1998, 2002).
• “Have fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
Pitea
Sweden-2
22
0
6
6 16 ....
....
Pitea
Sweden-2
28
7 10 17 62 ....
....
Lulea
Sweden
34
6 10 16 34
9
4
Lulea
Sweden
38
4 10 14 26 13
1
Lulea
Sweden
47
7
9 16 38 10
1
Lulea
EuroHL
6
0
3
3
0 ....
....
1997-98 Vancouver
NHL
77
7 23 30 76 .... ....
1998-99 Vancouver
NHL
74
9 26 35 83 .... ....
99-2000 Vancouver
NHL
42
4 16 20 24 .... ....
2000-01 Vancouver
NHL
65
8 20 28 46
4
1
2001-02 Vancouver
NHL
81 10 26 36 56
6
1
2002-03 Vancouver
NHL
59
2 27 29 42 13
3
2003-04 Vancouver
NHL
82 14 20 34 73
7
1
2004-05
Lulea
Sweden
2
1
0
1
4 ....
....
NHL Totals
480 54 158 212 400 30
6
Vancouver's 1st choice, 13th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.
WJC-A All-Star Team (1996) • Named Best Defenseman at WJC-A (1996) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1998)
Signed as a free agent by Lulea (Sweden), December 21, 2004.
Year Medal
1994 S
G
1995 B
1996 S
1997 S
1998
G
2001 B
2002
2004
National Team
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
WJC-A
7
EJC-A
5
WJC-A
7
WJC-A
7
WC-A
11
Olympics 4
WC-A
10
WC-A
9
Olympics 4
W-Cup
4
0
0
1
0
2
0
2
2
0
1
2
6
0
5
1
1
1
3
2
0
168
2
6
1
5
3
1
3
5
2
1
2
8
4
32
12
4
8
12
2
0
A Pts PIM
....
....
0
0
2
....
....
....
....
3
1
4
4
....
12
....
....
4
1
3
....
....
....
....
4
2
7
5
....
18
....
....
16
47
8
....
....
....
....
6
6
12
13
....
37
Czech Republic
FLORIDA PANTHERS
OLESZ, ROSTISLAV
BORN, BILOVEC, CZECH., OCTOBER 10, 1985.
(OH-lehsh, RAHS-tih-slav)
• He became the youngest player ever to play in the
•
•
Czech elite league at age 15 in 2000–01, beating fellow
2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir Jagr’s mark.
Wears #85 for the year he was born.
According to fellow 2006 Czech Olympian Martin
Straka of the NY Rangers, he was the last player cut
from the Czech team that won gold at the 2005 World
Championship. (Palm Beach Post. Dec. 23, 2005)
• Scored his first goal in the Czech elite league as a 16year-old in 2001–02.
• In all, played five seasons in the Czech elite league
while still seeing action as a junior.
• Played with fellow 2006 Czech Olympian David
•
•
Vyborny and 2006 Slovak Olympian Ivan Majesky with
Sparta Praha in 2004–05.
Played in five preseason games for Florida in 2005–06
and ranked tied for first on the club in scoring (2-2-4).
Made is NHL debut on Oct. 5 vs. Atlanta. Recorded his
first NHL point with an assist, Oct. 7 vs. Tampa Bay.
Scored his first NHL goal on Oct. 10 vs. 2006 U.S.
Olympian Rick DiPietro of the NY Islanders.
• Is competing at his first Winter Games.
What he says…
• “When I play with older players, I've always tried to
learn from them, both hockey skills and the way to
be part of a team," Olesz said. "From them, I
learned to work hard and be a team player.” –
NHL.com June 27, 2004.
What Others says…
• “It’s a big deal [to be chosen for the Olympic team]
because when you look at the Czech team, they
have a lot of talent. To me, it speaks highly of how
they view this kid in their country.”
– Panthers coach Jacques Martin, (SunSentinel) Dec. 23, 2005.
When I was young…
• Is a product of the HC Sareza Ostrava team.
• Made his debut with the Czech junior team (Under-16)
•
•
•
•
during a Four Nation Tournament in February of 2001.
He was fourth in scoring (1-5-6) in three games.
Made his debut with the Czech national team at the
2003 Baltica Cup.
Was one of five players tied for the Czech scoring lead
(2-3-5) at the 2003 World Under-18 Championship.
Tied Jiri Hudler for the scoring lead (3-2-5) on the
Czech team at the 2004 World Junior Championship.
Finished fourth in tournament scoring (7-3-10) at the
2005 World Junior Championship behind Patrice
Bergeron and Ryan Getzlaf of Canada, and 2006
Russian Olympian Alexander Ovechkin.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
2000-01
Vitkovice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
Vitkovice
CzRep
2001-02
Vitkovice
CzRep
Vitkovice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
2002-03
Vitkovice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
Vitkovice
CzRep
Opava
CzRep-2
2003-04
Vitkovice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
Vitkovice
CzRep
Jihlava
CzRep-2
2004-05
Sparta
CzRep
Sparta Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
Florida's 1st choice, 7th overall, in 2004 Entry Draft.
GP
G
15
3
11
34
7
40
1
3
35
2
47
....
10
0
1
19
1
6
0
2
1
1
6
....
A Pts PIM
3
1
2
20
1
3
0
0
11
0
7
....
2003
2004
2005 B
Event
Czech Republic WJC-18
169
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
6
7
2
3
7
3 5
2 5
3 10
4
6
12
13
1
3
39
2
9
0
2
12
1
13
....
14
0
0
81
12
41
0
0
10
0
12
....
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
2
....
5
....
....
6
1
5
1
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
....
2
0
0
0
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
....
1
0
2
1
....
....
....
0
....
0
....
....
3
0
2
1
....
....
....
2
....
2
....
....
4
0
0
0
Russia
OVECHKIN, ALEXANDER
(oh-VEHCH-kihn, al-EHX-AN-duhr)
• He lists his last game in the Russian league and his first
•
•
•
•
•
•
game in the NHL as the most memorable games he
has played. He scored two goals in his NHL debut vs.
Columbus on Oct. 5, 2005. In his last game in Russia,
Dynamo Moscow won the league playoff championship.
His superstition is having two filet mignon before
each game.
Favorite coach was Zinetula Bilyaletdinov with
Dynamo Moscow.
He studied media in a sports university in Russia.
Favorite hobbies and summer activities are going to
disco clubs, playing video games and watching movies.
Favorite movie is the Russian production “Afonya.”
Favorite actor is Russian film star Yuri Nicolin. Favorite
TV show is “MTV Cribs.” Favorite musician is 50 Cent.
would be with Kate Hudson, Michael Jordan and Charlize
Theron.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, SEPTEMBER 17, 1985.
• First played for his country at the Four Nations
tournament in 2000–01. Calls it “an honor.”
• Led 2002 World Under-18 Championship in goals
•
•
•
•
(14) and points (18). Tied for lead in goals (9),
ranked third in points (13) at 2003 tournament.
Played on gold medal-winning Russian team at
2003 World Junior Championship. Tied for tournament lead in goals (6).
Tied for Russian team lead in goals (5) and points
(7) at 2004 WJC. Was tied for second in tournament in goals.
Tied Canada’s Jeff Carter and 2006 Czech
Olympian Rostislav Olesz with 7 goals at 2005
WJC. Finished third in scoring with 11 points
behind Canadians Patrice Bergeron and Ryan
Getzlaf.
Made debut with Russian national team at Ceska Poistovna EuroTour and at
Sweden Games in 2003–04. Was youngest player on Russian team at 2004 World
Championship and played the entire tournament on top line with fellow 2006
Russian Olympian Maxim Sushinsky.
Led Russian team, ranked among tournament leaders, in scoring (5-3-8) at the
Favorite international ice hockey rule is the big ice.
• Made his debut in top Russian league as a 16-year-old
in 2001–02.
• At age 18 in 2003–04, he played on top line for
•
•
•
• Most memorable hockey game he has watched was the 1998 Olympic Final
between Russia and the Czech Republic.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is basketball at the Summer Games.
•
•
Dynamo Moscow and led team with 13 goals. Was
third on team with 24 points.
Was among team’s top playoff scorers (2-4-6) in
2004–05 as Dynamo Moscow won both the regular
season an playoff championships.
After scoring two goals in his NHL debut, went on to
collect points in each of his first eight NHL games in
2005–06.
Had scored 30 goals through 43 games putting him
on pace for 50+, a feat previously achieved by only
three rookies.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of his brother taking him to
play hockey.
• Favorite team growing up was the San Jose Sharks.
• Favorite players were Owen Nolan and 2006 Canadian
Olympian Jarome Iginla. He patterned his style of play
after Iginla.
•
•
•
•
•
Says his family has had the biggest influence on his
career.
His mother won two Olympic gold medals in basketball (1976, 1980).
His father is a former professional soccer player.
Wears #8 because it was his mother’s Olympic basketball number.
He will call his mother first if Russia wins gold at
Torino.
• “Listen to your parents and don’t take drugs!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
2001-02
Dynamo Moscow 2 Russia-3
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Washington's 1st choice, 1st overall, in 2004 Entry Draft.
GP
G
22
19
40
53
37
2
18
8
13
13
A Pts PIM
2
8
7
11
13
Year Medal
2002 S
2003 G
B
2004
2004
2005 S
B
National Team
Event
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WJC-A
WC-A
170
GP
G
8 *14
6 *6
6 *9
6
5
6
1
2
1
6
7
8
5
A Pts PIM
4 *18
1 7
4 13
2 7
1 2
0 1
4 11
3 8
0
4
8
0
0
0
4
4
4
26
15
24
26
4
20
28
40
32
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
3
....
5
3
10
0
....
0
0
2
0
....
0
0
4
0
....
0
0
6
0
....
2
2
31
Latvia
OZOLINSH, SANDIS
BORN, RIGA, LATVIA, AUGUST 3, 1972.
(OH-zoh-linsch, SAN-dihz)
• He lists winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado
in 1996 as his biggest hockey moment.
• His biggest influence has come from coach Vasily
Playing for Latvia…
•
•
•
Tikohnov, the son of legendary Soviet coach
Viktor Tikohnov.
Joined former Riga and current 2006 Latvian
Olympic teammate Arturs Irbe when he joined
the San Jose Sharks in 1992–93. He and Irbe later
established a youth hockey charity foundation in
Latvia.
He received the second most votes for the NHL
All-Star Game (behind Mario Lemieux) in 2003.
• Made his North American debut with the San
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Jose Sharks’ farm club in Kansas City in January
1992 after playing in his native Riga, Latvia.
Led all Sharks defensemen in scoring (7-6-23) as
a rookie in 1992–93 despite missing 47 games
with injuries.
He topped all Sharks defensemen again in
1993–94 (26-38-64). His 26 goals ranked second
among all NHL defensemen.
Led all Sharks defensemen for the third straight
season and finished third overall on the team in
scoring (9-16-25 in 48 games) in 1994–95
Led all Avalanche defensemen in scoring (13-3750) in 1995–96. In the playoffs, he led all NHL
defensemen with 19 points (5G, 14A) as Colorado
won the Stanley Cup.
Was a finalist for the Norris Trophy as best
defenseman in 1996–97. Led NHL in goals by a
defenseman and set career highs in assist (45)
and points (68). Led the NHL with 42 power-play
points.
Tied for fifth among NHL defensemen in scoring
(13-38-51) in 1997–98.
Had his first career hat trick vs. Vancouver on
Dec. 6, 1999. Finished seventh among NHL
defensemen in scoring (16-36-52) in 1999–2000.
Became the first Carolina player to play in the AllStar Game in 2001. Led Hurricanes defensemen
in scoring (12-32-44) in 2000–01.
Played with Carolina and Florida in 2001–02 and
finished fifth among NHL defensemen in scoring
(14-38-52). Tied for seventh in goals.
Led the Mighty Ducks in plus/minus (+8) as
Anaheim reached game seven of the Stanley Cup
Final vs. New Jersey in 2003.
When I was young…
• Enjoyed figure skating as a child.
• Won a gold medal for Russia at the 1992
•
World Junior Championship along with 2006
Russian Olympians Darius Kasparaitis, Alex
Kovalev, Nikolai Khabibulin and Alexei
Yashin.
First represented Latvia at the 2001 World
Championship. Finished among the tournament’s defenseman assist leaders with 5.
Was among three Latvians to lead the team
with 2 goals at the 2002 World
Championship.
• Played just one game at the 2002 Salt Lake
City Olympics but had 4 assists in a 6–6 tie with Slovakia.
• Helped Latvia reach the Torino Games by playing at the 2005 Group B
Olympic Qualifying tournament.
What He Says…
• “Hockey was big, but I don’t know if it was the most popular. Soccer and
basketball are pretty big there. We only had two closed facilities, and
everything else was outside. It didn’t matter. We didn’t care, we were kids.
We’d put the skates on and play for hours and enjoy ourselves. School
yard rinks and ponds.” – Ozolinsh on his early hockey experiences in
Latvia, CNNSI.com Feb. 2, 2000
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1990-91
1991-92
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Riga
USSR
44
0
3
3 51 ....
.... .... .... ....
Riga
CIS
30
6
0
6 42 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kansas City
IHL
34
6
9 15 20 15
2
5
7 22
1992-93 San Jose
NHL
37
7 16 23 40 .... .... .... .... ....
1993-94 San Jose
NHL
81 26 38 64 24 14
0 10 10
8
1994-95 San Jose
NHL
48
9 16 25 30 11
3
2
5
6
1995-96
San Francisco
IHL
2
1
0
1
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
San Jose
NHL
7
1
3
4
4 .... .... .... .... ....
◆ Colorado
NHL
66 13 37 50 50 22
5 14 19 16
1996-97 Colorado
NHL
80 23 45 68 88 17
4 13 17 24
1997-98 Colorado
NHL
66 13 38 51 65
7
0
7
7 14
1998-99 Colorado
NHL
39
7 25 32 22 19
4
8 12 22
99-2000 Colorado
NHL
82 16 36 52 46 17
5
5 10 20
2000-01 Carolina
NHL
72 12 32 44 71
6
0
2
2
5
2001-02 Carolina
NHL
46
4 19 23 34 .... .... .... .... ....
Florida
NHL
37 10 19 29 24 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Florida
NHL
51
7 19 26 40 .... .... .... .... ....
Anaheim
NHL
31
5 13 18 16 21
2
6
8 10
2003-04 Anaheim
NHL
36
5 11 16 24 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
779 158 367 525 578 134 23 67 90 125
San Jose's 3rd choice, 30th overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.
NHL First All-Star Team (1997)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003)
• Missed majority of 1992-93 season recovering from knee injury suffered in game vs.Philadelphia, December 30, 1992.Traded to
Colorado by San Jose for Owen Nolan, October 26, 1995.Traded to Carolina by Colorado with Columbus' 2nd round choice (previously acquired, Carolina selected Tomas Kurka) in 2000 Entry Draft for Nolan Pratt, Carolina's 1st (Vaclav Nedorost) and 2nd (Jared
Aulin) round choices in 2000 Entry Draft and Philadelphia's 2nd round choice (previously acquired, Colorado selected Agris
Saviels) in 2000 Entry Draft, June 24, 2000.Traded to Florida by Carolina with Byron Ritchie for Bret Hedican, Kevyn Adams and
Tomas Malec, January 16, 2002.Traded to Anaheim by Florida with Lance Ward for Pavel Trnka, Matt Cullen and Anaheim's 4th
round choice (James Pemberton) in 2003 Entry Draft, January 30, 2003.• Missed majority of 2003-04 season recovering from
shoulder injury suffered in game vs.Colorado, December 19, 2003.
1991 S Soviet Union
1992 G Russia
2001
2002
2005
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
171
Event
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
Olympic Q
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
7
6
1
6
3
1
1
0
0
2
0
2
5
5
4
1
1
3
6
5
4
3
1
6
4
2
0
12
4
Sweden
PAHLSSON, SAMUEL
BORN, ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN, DECEMBER 17, 1977.
(PAWL-suhn, SAM-ew-ehl)
• He lists playing in game seven of the 2003 Stanley Cup
•
•
•
•
•
Final for Anaheim vs. New Jersey as the most memorable game he has played.
The most memorable game he has watched was
Sweden winning the World Championship in 1987.
Wears #26 because “the equipment manager gave it to
me.”
Hobby is boating.
“Wedding Crashers.” Favorite actor is Will Ferrell.
Favorite musician is Lars Winnerback.
would be with Courteney Cox-Arquette, Jennifer
Aniston and Lisa Kudrow from “Friends.”
• Was named Swedish Junior player-of-the-year with
MoDo in 1996–97.
• Helped MoDo to first-place regular season finish in
•
•
•
•
•
1998–99. Finished tied with fellow 2006 Swedish
Olympian Henrik Sedin for second in scoring on MoDo
(17-17-34). Finished third on the club in goals.
Was third on the team in goals (16) and fourth in
points (27) in 1999–2000.
Made his NHL debut in Boston’s 2000–01 season opener vs. Ottawa on Oct. 5, 2000. Scored first NHL goal Oct.
20 at Calgary. Made his Mighty Duck debut Nov. 24 at
Calgary.
Had an NHL-high 14 assists in 2001–02 . Tied Steve
Thomas for team lead in plus/minus (+10) in 2002–03.
Scored a goal vs. 2006 Canadian Olympian Martin
Brodeur of New Jersey in game five of the 2003
Stanley Cup Final.
Played all 82 games for the first time in his career in
2003–04. Established career high in goals (8) and NHL
highs in points (22) and penalty minutes (52). Tied NHL
high with 14 assists.
PIM (56) with Frolunda in 2004–05. Frolunda won
Swedish league championship.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Ange IK at age five.
• Favorite team growing up was MoDo.
• Favorite player was Swedish NHLer Bengt Gustafsson.
• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Swedish
Olympians Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
Playing For Sweden…
• First played for his country at age 17 at the 1995
European Junior Championship.
• First international world tournament was the 1996
World Junior Championship.
• Tied for team lead with 3 assists at the 2004 World
•
Championship. Lists the gold medal game at the
tournament (which Sweden lost to Canada) as his
greatest international experience.
Was second on the team to fellow 2006 Swedish
Olympian Daniel Alfredsson with 5 assists at the
2005 World Championship. Tied for second on the
team with 7 points.
• “Have fun. Don’t get too serious too fast.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Ange
Sweden-4
9
0
0
0
0
Ange
Sweden-4
STATISTICS NOT AVAILABLE
MoDo
Sweden
1
0
0
0
0
MoDo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
30 10 11 21 26
MoDo
Sweden
36
1
3
4
8
1996-97
MoDo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
5
2
6
8
2
MoDo
Sweden
49
8
9 17 83
1997-98
MoDo
Sweden
23
6 11 17 24
1998-99
MoDo
Sweden
50 17 17 34 44
99-2000
MoDo
Sweden
47 16 11 27 67
MoDo
EuroHL
4
1
0
1
0
2000-01 Boston
NHL
17
1
1
2
6
Anaheim
NHL
59
3
4
7 14
2001-02 Anaheim
NHL
80
6 14 20 26
2002-03 Anaheim
NHL
34
4 11 15 18
Cincinnati
AHL
13
1
7
8 24
2003-04 Anaheim
NHL
82
8 14 22 52
2004-05
Frolunda
Sweden
48
6 18 24 56
NHL Totals
272 22 44 66 116
Swedish Junior Player of the Year (1997)
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
4
....
....
9
13
13
3
....
....
....
21
....
....
14
21
....
....
0
....
....
3
3
3
1
....
....
....
2
....
....
4
2
....
....
0
....
....
0
3
3
1
....
....
....
4
....
....
7
4
....
....
0
....
....
3
6
6
2
....
....
....
6
....
....
11
6
....
....
0
....
....
6
10
8
2
....
....
....
12
....
....
24
12
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
Traded to Boston by Colorado with Brian Rolston, Martin Grenier and New Jersey's 1st round choice (previously acquired, Boston
selected Martin Samuelsson) in 2000 Entry Draft for Raymond Bourque and Dave Andreychuk, March 6, 2000.Traded to Anaheim
by Boston for Patrick Traverse and Andrei Nazarov, November 18, 2000.Signed as a free agent by Frolunda (Sweden), September,
2004.
•
•
Lists his father, and Olle Dahlsson (who coached him
for two years with Vasteras Elites) as having had the
Will call his wife first if Sweden wins gold in Torino.
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
Year Medal
1995 B
1996 S
1999 B
2000
2004 S
2004
2005
National Team
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
5
7
10
7
9
4
9
1
0
1
0
1
0
2
4
0
3
0
3
0
5
172
5
2
0
0
4
4
0
4
4
8
0
6
7 *28
U.S.A.
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
PARRISH, MARK
BORN, BLOOMINGTON, MN, FEBRUARY 2, 1977.
(PAIR-ihsh, MAHRK)
• Nickname is Grumpy because he hates mornings.
• Favorite summer activities and hobbies are hunting
and golfing.
• Favorite NHL arena to play in is the Xcel Energy Center,
because he’s a Minnesotan.
• Other favorites include:“Boston Legal” (TV show),
“Anchorman” (movie), Will Ferrell (actor) and
Nickelback (band).
• First time he pulled on a jersey for the United
•
• Named team MVP with St. Cloud State in 1996–97. Tied
•
•
•
•
•
for WCHA lead in goals (27), ranked tenth in points
(42).
Named team MVP with Seattle (WHL) in 1997–98.
Led NHL rookies in goals (24) and shooting percentage (18.6) with Florida in 1998–99, tied for rookie lead
in game-winning goals (5). Scored 4 goals in a game
on Oct. 30, 1998 (was one of only five NHL players with
a 4-goal game that season).
points (60) and plus/minus (+10) in 2001–02. Played in
his first NHL All-Star Game.
Won Islanders “Good Guy” award in 2002–03.
Missed 23 games in 2003–04 with an ankle injury suffered Jan. 1, 2004.
When I was young…
•
States came on the Under-17 team. It was “an
honor” to do so. Team USA won silver at the 1994
World Under-17 Challenge, its first medal at the
event.
Lists playing at the 1997 World Junior
Championship, where the U.S. won silver, as his
greatest international hockey memory. His 5 goals
at the tournament ranked him among a group of
players tied for second, behind 2006 Russia’s Sergei
Samsonov who had 6 goals. His 7 points were second on the U.S. team behind tournament scoring
leader Michael York (5-5-10).
His 5 goals at the 2005 World Championship led
the U.S. team.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is baseball at the Summer Games.
• “Work hard, and have fun.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
• First hockey team was the Bloomington Oxferson.
• First hockey memory is of scoring his first goal.
• Favorite team growing up was the Minnesota North
Stars.
• Favorite player growing up was Dino Ciccarelli.
Season
Club
League
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Jefferson
St.Cloud State
St.Cloud State
Seattle
New Haven
Florida
New Haven
Florida
NY Islanders
NY Islanders
NY Islanders
NY Islanders
High-MN
WCHA
WCHA
WHL
AHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
• Credits his brother for having he most influence on his
•
•
career because he brought the game of hockey to the
Parrish family. Names his father as his favorite coach.
Wears #37 because his father wore #7 and his brother
wore #3.
Will call his father first if U.S. wins gold in Torino.
1998-99
Regular Season
GP
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
27 40 20 60 42
39 15 13 28 30
35 *27 15 42 60
54 54 38 92 29
1
1
0
1
2
73 24 13 37 25
2
1
0
1
0
81 26 18 44 39
70 17 13 30 28
78 30 30 60 32
81 23 25 48 28
59 24 11 35 18
DID NOT PLAY
442 144 110 254 170
....
....
....
5
....
....
....
4
....
7
5
5
....
....
....
2
....
....
....
0
....
2
1
1
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
3
....
....
....
1
....
1
0
2
....
....
....
5
....
....
....
1
....
3
1
3
....
....
....
2
....
....
....
0
....
6
4
0
NHL Totals
21
4
4
8 10
Colorado's 3rd choice, 79th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.
NCAA West Second All-American Team (1997) • WHL West First All-Star Team (1998)
Rights traded to Florida by Colorado with Anaheim's 3rd round choice (previously acquired, Florida selected Lance Ward) in 1998
Entry Draft for Tom Fitzgerald, March 24, 1998.Traded to NY Islanders by Florida with Oleg Kvasha for Roberto Luongo and Olli
Jokinen, June 24, 2000.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1996
1997 S
1998
2001
2004 B
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
6
6
6
4
6
1
5
0
1
5
3
2
0
0
0
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
173
4
7
0
1
5
2
8
4
2
6
Finland
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
PITKANEN, JONI
BORN, OULU, FINLAND, SEPTEMBER 19, 1983.
(PIHT-ka-nuhn, YOH-nee)
• He ranked first among European defensemen in the
NHL Central Scouting final draft report for 2002.
• His most memorable hockey moment is playing in the
2004 Eastern Conference final vs. Tampa Bay.
• He goes through an average of two sticks per week.
• If he couldn’t be a hockey player, he’d like to play
professional soccer.
• Enjoys working with children’s charities.
• His favorite NHL arena on the road is the Air Canada
Centre in Toronto.
• His favorite non-hockey athlete is basketball star Allen
Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers.
• Is a fan of comic actors Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell.
Favorite movie is “Rambo: First Blood Part II.” Best concert ever attended was Bruce Springsteen.
When I was young…
• Favorite player growing up was Mario Lemieux.
• Played at the World Under-17 Challenge in
Timmins, Ontario in 2000.
• Won a gold medal with the Finnish Under-18 team
•
•
at the Five Nations Cup in Salt Lake City in
2000–01.
and 2003. He won bronze medals both years and
was named the tournament’s Best Defenseman in
2003.
Was named to the Finnish roster for the 2004
World Cup of Hockey but saw no action at tournament as Finland won the European pool and
played Canada in the final.
• Product of Karpat Oulu system, playing all or parts of
•
•
•
three seasons with the team in the Finnish elite league
from 2000 to 2003.
Collected his first NHL assist in his first game vs. Buffalo
on Oct. 9, 2003. Scored his first goal on the power-play
vs. Phoenix on Oct. 18.
Was second behind 2006 U.S. Olympian John-Michael
Liles among NHL rookie defensemen in points with 27
(8G, 19A) in 2003–04. Was second among NHL rookies
behind Trent Hunter of the Islanders in plus/minus at
+15. Was tied for second with Liles behind Calder
Trophy candidate Michael Ryder of Montreal among
NHL rookies in power-play assists (12) and tied for second behind Ryder with 2006 Finnish Olympian Tuomo
Ruutu in power-play points (17). Played for the Eastern
Conference Team at 2004 NHL YoungStars Game.
Helped the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL) win the
Calder Cup championship in 2004–05. Played in the
AHL All-Star Game.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
Karpat Jr.
Finland-Jr.
30
Karpat Jr.
Finland-Jr.
38
Karpat Jr.
Finland-Jr.
24
Karpat
Finland
21
2001-02
Karpat
Finland
49
Karpat Jr.
Finland-Jr.
....
2002-03
Karpat
Finland
35
NHL
71
2004-05
Philadelphia
AHL
76
NHL Totals
71
Philadelphia's 1st choice, 4th overall, in 2002 Entry Draft.
NHL All-Rookie Team (2004)
1
12
6
0
4
....
5
8
6
8
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
A Pts PIM
5
14
11
0
15
....
15
19
35
19
Year Medal
2002 B
2003 B
2004 2nd
National Team
Event
GP
Finland
Finland
Finland
WJC-A
WJC-A
W-Cup
7
7
174
G
A Pts PIM
1 3 4
1 5 6
DID NOT PLAY
0
0
6
26
17
0
19
....
20
27
41
27
12
26
77
10
65
....
38
44
105
44
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
....
6
....
2
4
1
....
15
21
15
....
1
....
0
0
0
....
0
3
0
....
4
....
0
0
0
....
3
4
3
....
5
....
0
0
0
....
3
7
3
....
2
....
2
12
0
....
6
16
6
Canada
EDMONTON OILERS
PRONGER, CHRIS
BORN, DRYDEN, ONT., OCTOBER 10, 1974.
(PRAHN-guhr, KRIHS)
• He purchased a part ownership in the Mississauga Ice
Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League in 2003.
• Became the first defenseman since Bobby Orr (1972)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
to win the Hart Trophy and Norris Trophy in the same
season in 1999–2000. Edged 2006 Czech Olympian
Jaromir Jagr for the Hart Trophy by one vote (396-395).
Was the closest vote in Hart Trophy history at the time.
(Jose Theodore and Jaromir Jagr finished tied in voting in 2001–02. Theodore won because he had more
first-place votes.)
Became the youngest captain in St. Louis Blues history
at age 23 in 1997.
Lists Raymond Bourque as the player to pattern his
game after.“He was great at both ends of the ice.”
Wears #44 “because 4 was taken my first year as a pro.”
Nickname is Prongs. (Has also been known as Captain
Crunch.)
The Staples Centre is his favorite arena because of “the
weather and atmosphere.”
Lists Canada’s 6–5 win over Russia to clinch the 1987
Canada Cup as the most memorable hockey game he’s
ever watched.“It was unbelievably thrilling.”
His favorite TV show is “CSI.” Favorite move is “Wall
Street.” Favorite actors are George Clooney and Rachel
McAdams. Favorite musician is Tim McGraw. Favorite
cartoon character is the Roadrunner.“Beep! Beep!
Enough said.”
be George Clooney, George Bush and Bobby Orr.
• Was OHL’s top-scoring defenseman (15-62-77) in
1992–93.
• Led NHL in plus/minus (+47) in 1997–98 and was a
finalist for Norris Trophy.
• Finished fourth in Norris Trophy voting in 1998–99.
•
•
•
Won Norris and Hart trophies in 1999–2000 after leading the Blues to a club-record 51 wins and 114 points.
points (62) that season. Led the NHL with a +52 rating.
Limited to 51 games due to injuries in 2000–01, but
averaged nearly a point per game (8-39-47) and
helped lead the Blues to the Western Conference Final.
Missed majority of 2002–03 season (77 games) rehabilitating from offseason wrist and knee surgery.
Returned to the line up on March 29.
Tied with fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Scott
Niedermayer of New Jersey for second in scoring (1440-54) among NHL defensemen (behind 2006 Russian
Olympian Sergei Gonchar) in 2003–04. His 14 goals
equalled career high and ranked among NHL leaders
for defensemen. His 40 assists also tied Niedermayer
for second behind Gonchar. His 203 shots on goal tied
for fifth among NHL defensemen. Finished third in voting for Norris Trophy as NHL’s best defenseman behind
Niedermayer and 2006 Slovak Olympian Zdeno Chara
of Ottawa.
When I was young…
• First hockey team he played for was the Dryden
Teepees.
• Favorite team growing up was the New York Islanders.
• Listed Bobby Orr as his childhood hero when
he was drafted in 1993.
• Favorite coach was Jack McMaster in youth
hockey because “he believed in me.”
• Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey “because of the sacrifices they made,”
• Lists his children as the people he admires most.
•
“They’re the best!”Will call his children first if
Canada wins gold in Torino.
Brother Sean played parts of eight seasons in the
NHL before joining the Frankfurt Lions (Germany)
in 2004–05.
• First international experience was at the Phoenix Cup Under-18 tournament in
Japan in 1991.“It was an awesome feeling.” (Canada won silver behind Russia.)
• Helped Canada win first of five straight gold medals at World Junior
Championship in 1993.
• Lists Canada’s gold medal victory at Salt Lake City in 2002 as the most
memorable game he has played.
• Had planned to spend 1993–94 season with Canadian Olympic team if he had
not made the Hartford Whalers.
• Favorite international rule is no red line (which was introduced to the NHL
this year).
• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and 100-meter and 200-meter
sprints in the Summer Games.
• “Never give up and always strive to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Stratford
Peterborough
Peterborough
Hartford
Hartford
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
OHA-B
OHL
OHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
Regular Season
GP
G
A Pts PIM
48 15 37 52
63 17 45 62
61 15 62 77
81
5 25 30
43
5
9 14
78
7 18 25
79 11 24 35
81
9 27 36
67 13 33 46
79 14 48 62
51
8 39 47
78
7 40 47
5
1
3
4
80 14 40 54
DID NOT PLAY
722 94 306 400
132
90
108
113
54
110
143
180
113
92
75
120
10
88
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
10
21
....
....
13
6
10
13
7
15
9
7
5
....
1
15
....
....
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
0
A Pts PIM
....
8
25
....
....
5
1
9
4
4
7
7
3
1
....
9
40
....
....
6
2
10
5
7
8
8
4
1
....
28
51
....
....
16
22
26
28
32
32
24
14
16
NHL Totals
1098 85 10 41 51 210
Hartford's 1st choice, 2nd overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.
• Brother of Sean • OHL All-Rookie Team (1992) • OHL First All-Star Team (1993) • Canadian Major Junior First All-Star Team
(1993) • Canadian Major Junior Defenseman of the Year (1993) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1994) • NHL Second All-Star Team (1998,
2004) • Bud Ice Plus/Minus Award (1998) • NHL First All-Star Team (2000) • Bud Light Plus/Minus Award (2000) • James Norris
Memorial Trophy (2000) • Hart Trophy (2000)
Traded to St.Louis by Hartford for Brendan Shanahan, July 27, 1995.• Missed majority of 2002-03 season recovering from wrist
and knee surgery, September 10, 2002.Traded to Edmonton by St.Louis for Eric Brewer, Doug Lynch and Jeff Woywitka, August 2,
2005.
1993 G Canada
1997 G Canada
1998
2002 G
2004 1st
Canada
Canada
Canada
Favorite player was Mike Bossy.
175
Event
WJC-A
WC-A
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
GP
7
9
6
6
G
A Pts PIM
1 3 4
6
0 2 2 12
0 0 0
4
0 1 1
2
Czech Republic
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
PROSPAL, VACLAV
BORN, CESKE BUDEJOVICE, CZECH., FEBRUARY 17, 1975.
(PRAWS-pahl, VAT-slav)
• Hobbies include golf, tennis and spending time with
his family.
• Names Bill Barber as his favorite coach because “he got
me to the NHL.”
• Most memorable hockey games played were the
•
•
World Championship finals in both 2000 and in 2005
when the Czech team won gold.
Most memorable hockey game watched was the
Russia. vs. Canada game at the 1987 Canada Cup when
Wayne Gretzky had 5 assists.
would be with Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and
Michael Jordan.
• Appeared in first NHL game Mar. 5, 1997 vs. New
•
•
•
Jersey. Prior to his callup, he was leading the AHL in
assists (63) and points (95). Played for AHL World AllStar Team in 1997 All-Star Classic and was also named
to AHL’s First All-Star Team.
Scored a career-high 22 goals for Ottawa in
1999–2000.
Was second on Tampa Bay in points (55), assists (37)
and power-play goals (7) in 2001–02. Led team with 14
multipoint games.
Tied NHL high with 22 goals in 2002-03, set new highs
in assists (57), points (79) and plus/minus (+9). Among
Lightning leaders ranked first in points, tied for first in
assists (57), tied for second in plus/minus and third in
game-winning goals (4). In postseason, assisted on
2006 Canadian Olympian Martin St. Louis’ series-clinching goal in triple overtime as Tampa won the franchise’s first playoff series.
Played all 82 games with Anaheim in 2003–04 and led
team with 35 assists. Was second to Sergei Fedorov for
team lead in points (54). power-play goals (7) and
game-winning goals (4).
Played in his hometown in 2004–05 and led Ceske
Budejovice to the championship in the Czech second
division. Led the league in scoring (28-60-88).
• Won gold medal with the Czech Republic at 2000
•
•
•
the World Championship. Tied for 11th in tournament scoring (3-4-7). Says playing at this event was
“a dream come true.”
Tied with Radek Dvorak for second on the Czech
team in scoring (3-4-7) behind fellow 2006 Czech
Olympians Martin Rucinsky and Jaromir Jagr at the
2004 World Championships. Tied for tenth in scoring at tournament.
Tied Martin Havlat for the Czech lead with 3 assists
at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Calls winning gold at the 2005 World
Championship his greatest international experience. Led the Czech team, and ranked among tournament leaders, with 6 assists. Was second on the
team behind fellow 2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir
Jagr with 8 points.
• Selected to play for the Czech Republic at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, but
missed the tournament due to a fractured left fibula.
• “Play because you like it, not to please someone else.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
G
A Pts PIM
• First hockey team played for was Motor Ceske
Budejovice.
• Favorite player growing up was Wayne Gretzky,
• Was a childhood friend of Edmonton’s Radek Dvorak.
C.Budejovice Jr.
Czech-Jr.
36 16 16 32 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
C.Budejovice Jr.
Czech-Jr.
32 26 31 57 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
Hershey
AHL
55 14 21 35 38
2
0
0
0
2
Hershey
AHL
69 13 32 45 36
2
1
0
1
4
Hershey
AHL
68 15 36 51 59
5
2
4
6
2
Philadelphia
NHL
18
5 10 15
4
5
1
3
4
4
Philadelphia
AHL
63 32 63 95 70 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL
41
5 13 18 17 .... .... .... .... ....
Ottawa
NHL
15
1
6
7
4
6
0
0
0
0
1998-99 Ottawa
NHL
79 10 26 36 58
4
0
0
0
0
99-2000 Ottawa
NHL
79 22 33 55 40
6
0
4
4
4
2000-01 Ottawa
NHL
40
1 12 13 12 .... .... .... .... ....
Florida
NHL
34
4 12 16 10 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Tampa Bay
NHL
81 18 37 55 38 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Tampa Bay
NHL
80 22 57 79 53 11
4
2
6
8
2003-04 Anaheim
NHL
82 19 35 54 54 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
C.Budejovice
CzRep-2
39 28 60 88 82 16 15 15 30 32
NHL Totals
549 107 241 348 290 32
5
9 14 16
Philadelphia's 2nd choice, 71st overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.
AHL First All-Star Team (1997)
Traded to Ottawa by Philadelphia with Pat Falloon and Dallas' 2nd round choice (previously acquired, Ottawa selected Chris Bala)
in 1998 Entry Draft for Alexandre Daigle, January 17, 1998.Traded to Florida by Ottawa for future considerations, January 20, 2001.
Traded to Tampa Bay by Florida for Ryan Johnson and Tampa Bay's 6th round choice (later traded back to Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay
selected Doug O'Brien) in 2003 Entry Draft, July 10, 2001.Signed as a free agent by Anaheim, July 17, 2003.Traded to Tampa Bay
by Anaheim for Tampa Bay's 2nd round choice (Brendan Mikkelson) in 2005 Entry Draft, August 16, 2004.Signed as a free agent
by Budejovice (CzRep-2), September 17, 2004.
•
•
When I was young…
• His father played professional hockey in
Czechoslovakia.
on his career.
• Will call his wife and children first if the Czechs win
gold in Torino.
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
P l ay o f f s
GP
1994
1995
2000 G
2004
2004
2005 G
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
• Won bronze medal at the 1993 European Junior
Championship.
• Played at the World Junior Championship in 1994 and
1995.
176
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
6
7
7
9
7
4
9
4
1
3
3
3
1
2
7 11
1 2
7 10
4 7
4 7
3 4
6 8
2
16
2
8
2
0
4
Czech Republic
NEW YORK RANGERS
PRUCHA, PETR
BORN, CHRUDIM, CZECH., SEPTEMBER 14, 1982.
(PROO-khah, PEE-tuhr)
• He was selected 240th overall in the 2002 NHL Entry
Draft. (There were 291 selections made that year).
• Does charitable work with Madison Square Garden’s
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cheering for Children, as well as making appearances
at various Rangers events.
Hobbies are tennis, wind surfing and watching soccer.
Patterns his game after fellow 2006 Czech Olympian
Milan Hejduk of Colorado.
Lists Pavel Marek, who has coached at several levels in
the Czech Republic, as his favorite coach.
Most memorable game played is the 2005 Czech
league championship game with Pardubice.
Most memorable game watched was the final game of
the 2004 World Cup.
“Wedding Crashers.” Favorite actor is Angelina Jolie.
• Played four seasons with Pardubice in the Czech elite
•
•
•
league. Established career highs in 2003–04 with 11
goals, 13 assists and 24 points. Pardubice finished first
in the regular-season standings. Had 13 points (6G, 7A)
in just 16 postseason games in 2004–05 as Pardubice
won the playoff championship.
Made his NHL debut on Oct. 8, 2005 at New Jersey.
Tallied his first career NHL goal on Oct. 17 against 2006
Canadian Olympian Roberto Luongo of Florida.
Posted a six-game goal scoring streak from Dec. 3 to
Dec. 13 to match a Rangers franchise record for a rookie goal scoring streak (D. Turcotte 1989–90, Tony
Granato 1988–89, Bill Cook 1926–27).
Reached the 20-goal plateau vs. Florida on Jan. 7, 2006,
scoring against 2006 Canadian Olympian Roberto
Luongo.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Pardubice.
• First memorable moment was be named best shooter
in a tournament and winning a new red helmet.
Penguins.
• Favorite player was 2006 Russian Olympic general
manager Pavel Bure.
• Played at the 2002 World Junior Championship.“I
was proud. It was a great honor.”
• Was tied for third on the Czech team in goals (3)
•
at the 2004 World Championship. Lists playing at
this tournament, in Prague, as his greatest international experience.
Saw some action with the Czech team that won
• Other Olympic sports of interest are “all of them.”
• “Listen to your parents.”
What Others Say…
• “Petr always seems to be around the puck in the offensive zone. He has the ability to find ways to get scoring chances by playing hard and determined around
the offensive net. I like his competitive approach.” — Don Maloney, New York
Rangers Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
Chrudim Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
43
Pardubice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
54
Pardubice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
28
Sumperk
CzRep-2
8
Sumperk
CzRep-Q
5
Pardubice
CzRep
20
2002-03
Pardubice
CzRep
49
Pardubice Jr.
CzRep-Jr.
4
Hr.Kralove
CzRep-2
11
2003-04
Pardubice
CzRep
48
Hr.Kralove
CzRep-2
3
2004-05
Pardubice
CzRep
47
35
39
38
6
5
1
7
5
3
11
1
7
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
A Pts PIM
27
22
28
4
3
1
9
4
5
13
0
10
2002
2004
2005 G
Event
Czech Republic WC-A
Czech Republic WC-A
Olympian Ales Hemsky of Edmonton.
• Lists his parents as the people he admires most.
• Lists his father “and many coaches” as the people who
have had the biggest influence on his career.
• Will call his mother first if the Czechs win gold at
Torino.
177
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
7
3
1
3
0
0
1
0
1
4
0
2
6
0
62
61
66
10
8
2
16
9
8
24
1
17
62
18
18
0
0
2
12
25
35
24
25
24
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
....
....
3
....
....
5
17
....
....
7
....
16
....
....
2
....
....
0
2
....
....
4
....
6
....
....
6
....
....
0
6
....
....
3
....
7
....
....
8
....
....
0
8
....
....
7
....
13
....
....
0
....
....
0
8
....
....
2
....
2
U.S.A.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS
RAFALSKI, BRIAN
BORN, DEARBORN, MI, SEPTEMBER 28, 1973.
(ra-FAWL-skee, BRIGH-uhn)
• He studied economics at the University of Wisconsin.
• After he did not get drafted, he went to work as an
•
•
•
•
•
•
intern for a cigarette company before deciding to pursue he dream of playing professional hockey in
Europe.
Larry Robinson is his favorite coach “because he led
the team to my first Stanley Cup.”
Most memorable hockey game played was a triple
overtime 1–0 loss to Dallas in the 2000 Stanley Cup
Final. New Jersey won the Cup in double overtime the
next game.
Held a charity autograph session with the Stanley Cup
in 2003 in Round Lake, Wisconsin for MaKenna Hauser,
a two-year old girl with a congenital heart defect.
The person he admires most is President Bush
“because he has made hard choices that don’t please
everyone, but they are decisions that need to be made.”
would be with Alan Greenspan, President George
Bush, and Frank Sinatra.
The Igloo in Pittsburgh is his favorite arena because “I
have a tendency to play well there.” Other favorites
include:“The Sopranos” (TV show), the Lord of the
Rings trilogy (movies) and Led Zeppelin and Dave
Matthews Band (musicians).
• Led Wisconsin to conference title, named team MVP, in
senior season (1994–995).
• Named best defender in Finnish elite league in 1998
•
•
•
•
•
and 1999. He was the top-scoring defenseman, fourth
overall, in Finland in 1998–99.
Plus/minus rating of +21 was tied for first among NHL
rookies in 1999–2000. Played in all 23 New Jersey playoff games. His 8 playoff points (2G, 6A) tied for second
all-time among Devils rookies. Half his points (1G, 3A)
came in the finals as New Jersey won Stanley Cup.
Led all Devils defensemen with 52 points (9G, 43A) in
2000–01. Ranked eighth among NHL defensemen.
Plus/minus rating of +36 was tied for 3rd overall. Set
Devils playoff records for defensemen in goals (7),
assists (11) and points (18). Was tops among NHL
defensemen in playoff goals, second to 2006 Canadian
Olympian Rob Blake in points. Was seventh overall in
playoff scoring.
Selected to play in 2002 All-Star Game but unable to
play due to knee injury. Led Devils defensemen in
scoring (7-40-47) for second straight year in 2001–02.
Again finished first among Devils defensemen in scoring (3-37-40) in 2002–03. Finished third among
defensemen in playoff scoring (2-91-11) as Devils won
Stanley Cup.
His 30 assists and 36 points in just 69 games in
2003–04 ranked second among Devils defensemen
behind Norris Trophy winner and 2006 Canadian
Olympian Scott Niedermayer.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of pushing a folding chair
on the ice to learn how to skate.
• First hockey team was the Wyandotte Chiefs.
• Favorite team growing up was the Detroit Red
Wings.
• Favorite player was Hall of Famer Paul Coffey.
• Will call his father first if U.S. wins gold in Torino.
•
•
•
World Junior Championship. Calls this moment “a
big step in the right direction.”Won a bronze
medal in 1992.
Played at 1995 World Championship and represented United States in qualifying for the 1999 World Championship.
Was top scoring U.S. defenseman (0-3-3) at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Favorite international hockey rule is no red line for two-line offside passes. (The
NHL adopted the “no red line” rule his season.)
• Is competing at his second straight Olympics (2002).
• Winning a silver medal at Salt Lake City is his greatest international hockey experience.
• Most memorable hockey game watched was when the 1980 U.S.“Miracle on Ice”
Olympic team beat the USSR for a chance to win gold.
• “Work hard and always have fun.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Madison
USHL
47 12 11 23 28 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Wisconsin
WCHA
34
3 14 17 34 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Wisconsin
WCHA
32
0 13 13 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Wisconsin
WCHA
37
6 17 23 26 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Wisconsin
WCHA
43 11 34 45 48 ....
.... .... .... ....
Brynas
Sweden
40
4 14 18 26
9
0
1
1
2
HPK
Finland
49 11 24 35 26 10
6
5 11
4
HIFK
Finland
40 13 10 23 20
9
5
6 11
0
HIFK
Finland
53 19 34 53 18 11
5 *9 *14
4
HIFK
EuroHL
6
4
6 10 10
4
1
0
1
2
NHL
75
5 27 32 28 23
2
6
8
8
2000-01 New Jersey
NHL
78
9 43 52 26 25
7 11 18
7
2001-02 New Jersey
NHL
76
7 40 47 18
6
3
2
5
4
NHL
79
3 37 40 14 23
2
9 11
8
2003-04 New Jersey
NHL
69
6 30 36 24
5
0
1
1
0
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
377 30 177 207 110 82 14 29 43 27
WCHA First All-Star Team (1995) • NCAA West First All-American Team (1995) • Finnish elite league First All-Star Team (1998,
1999) • Finnish elite league Best Defenseman Award (1998, 1999) • NHL All-Rookie Team (2000)
Signed as a free agent by New Jersey, June 18, 1999.
1992 B United States
1993
1995
1999
2002 S
2004
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
178
Event
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-Q
Olympics
W-Cup
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
7
5
3
6
4
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
2
0
1
2
3
1
2
0
1
3
3
2
2
2
0
2
6
Canada
OTTAWA SENATORS
REDDEN, WADE
BORN, LLOYDMINSTER, SASK., JUNE 12, 1977.
(REH-duhn, WAYD)
• He was selected second overall by the New York
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Islanders in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, but was then
traded to Ottawa for #1 pick Bryan Berard.
He has a suite at the Corel Centre for Children’s
Hospital.
Hobbies including golfing and boating.
Nickname is Reds.
Says if he had not become a hockey player he’d have
taken over his father’s farm or gone into engineering
like his brother.
Will Ferrell is his favorite actor.“Anchorman” is his
favorite movie.“Seinfeld” is his favorite television show.
be Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Muhammad Ali.
Most memorable game he ever watched was Canada’s
victory over Russia at the 1987 Canada Cup “because
of Mario [Lemieux]’s famous goal to win.”
He was named Best Defenseman at the 2005 World
Championship.
• Helped Brandon Wheat Kings reach Memorial Cup
tournament in 1995 and 1996.
• Scored a goal on his first shot in his first NHL game
•
•
•
•
•
•
on Oct. 5, 1996. Was NHL rookie of the month
for April 1997.
Led Senators in plus/minus (+17) in 1997–98.
Named an assistant captain on Oct. 2, 1999.
Led Senators defensemen in scoring (10-37-47), setting
new career highs in assists and points, in 2000–01 as
Ottawa set club records for wins (48) and points (109).
Was third in NHL in shifts per game (31.8). Led
Senators in total ice time, ranked 13th in the NHL
(25:17 per game).
Ranked among NHL leaders in average time on ice per
game at 25:06 (19th) in 2001–02. Also among leaders
in average shifts per game at 31.1 (tied for 9th) and
plus-minus at +22 (tied for 22nd).
Equalled his career high with 10 goals in 2002–03 as
Ottawa set new records for wins (52) and points (113)
and won Presidents’ Trophy.
Set new career high and tied 2006 Czech Olympian
Pavel Kubina of Tampa Bay for most goals by an NHL
defenseman with 17 in 2003–04. Career best 12 powerplay goals tied Pittsburgh’s Dick Tarnstrom for NHL
lead among defensemen. Average time on ice of 24:54
was 13th among NHL defensemen. Plus/minus rating
of +21 was second among Senators defensemen
behind 2006 Slovak Olympian and Norris Trophy runner-up Zdeno Chara (+33). Finished tenth in voting for
Norris Trophy as NHL’s best defenseman.
When I was young…
• Lists his father as both his biggest influence in
•
•
hockey and his favorite coach.“He was my first
coach.”
Lists his mother as the person he admires most
“because of her great attitude.”
Will call his brother Bart first if Canada wins gold
at Torino.
• First time playing for Canada was at 1994 La Copa
•
•
•
•
Mexico Under-18 tournament in Mexico City.
Canada won gold.“I was very proud.”
Favorite international hockey moment is winning
gold at World Junior Championship in 1995 and
1996. Most memorable moment was Czech Republic game at 1995 tournament
“because it was a big win and I scored the tying goal.”
Led Canadian defensemen in scoring (0-3-3) at 2001 World Championship.
Was a member of Canadian team that won 2004 World Cup of Hockey, but
played only two games due to injuries. Played at 2005 World Championship
despite seeing no action during 2004–05 season.
Favorite international rule is the big ice.
• Attended Canada’s orientation camp for 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is 100-meter dash in the Summer Games.
• “Have fun and try hard.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Lloydminster
Brandon
Brandon
Brandon
Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa
AJHL
WHL
WHL
WHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
G
A Pts PIM
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
34
4 11 15 64 ....
.... .... .... ....
63
4 35 39 98 14
2
4
6 10
64 14 46 60 83 18
5 10 15
8
51
9 45 54 55 19
5 10 15 19
82
6 24 30 41
7
1
3
4
2
80
8 14 22 27
9
0
2
2
2
72
8 21 29 54
4
1
2
3
2
81 10 26 36 49 .... .... .... .... ....
78 10 37 47 49
4
0
0
0
0
79
9 25 34 48 12
3
2
5
6
76 10 35 45 70 18
1
8
9 10
81 17 26 43 65
7
1
0
1
2
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
629 78 208 286 403 61
7 17 24 24
NY Islanders' 1st choice, 2nd overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.
WHL Rookie of the Year (1994) • WHL East Second All-Star Team (1995) • WHL East First All-Star Team (1996) • Memorial Cup
Tournament All-Star Team (1996)
Traded to Ottawa by NY Islanders with Damian Rhodes for Don Beaupre, Martin Straka and Bryan Berard, January 23, 1996.
1995 G Canada
1996 G Canada
1999
2001
2004 1st
2005 S
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Favorite player was Mark Messier.
• His first hockey team was the Hillmond Tom Thumbs.
•
Regular Season
GP
His first hockey memory is scoring an overtime goal
for that team.
Was childhood friends with Scott Hartnell of the
Nashville Predators.
179
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
7
6
10
7
2
9
3
0
1
0
0
2
2
2
2
3
1
3
5
2
3
3
1
5
0
2
6
25
0
2
Canada
CALGARY FLAMES
REGEHR, ROBYN
BORN, RECIFE, BRAZIL, APRIL 19, 1980.
(reh-GEER, RAW-bihn)
• On July 4, 1999, he suffered two broken legs in a car
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
accident. Recovered in time to begin season on a twoweek conditioning stint with St. John of the AHL and
made his NHL debut for Calgary on October 14.
“Sometimes things happen to make a person stronger
.… I am very appreciative of what I have now. I know
things can change in an instant.”
He works with a charity called P.A.R.T.Y. — Program to
prevent Alcohol and Risk related problems in Youth.
Nickname is Reggie.
“The Simpsons” is his favorite TV show. He likes a lot of
movies, actors and musicians. Favorites are “Bull
Durham” or “Slapshot,” Jamie Foxx, and Nickelback and
Metallica”.
He wears #28 “because 24 was taken.” Favorite cartoon
character is the Roadrunner.“I’d like to be that fast on
the ice.”
The Air Canada Centre is his favorite arena “because
Toronto is a great hockey city.”
Lists Marc Habscheid as his favorite coach “because he
taught me the most.” (Habscheid was his junior coach
at Kamloops from 1997 to 1999.)
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the person he admires most
“because he has gone from a nobody bodybuilder to
movie star and Governor of California.” If he could
have dinner with any three people, they would be with
George Bush, Bono of U2 and Nelson Mandela.
Lists the seventh game of the 2004 Stanley Cup and
the final game of the 2004 World Cup of Hockey as the
most memorable games he’s played in.
• Reached WHL final with Kamloops Blazers in 1999.
• His five goals in 1999–2000 led Flames rookies. Was
•
•
•
•
Flames nominee for Masterton Trophy (dedication to
hockey), the youngest nominee in history.
Finished fourth on team in penalty minutes (70), second in hits (171), first in blocked shots (104) and fifth in
average time on ice (19:43) in 2000–01.
Played in 2002 Young Stars Game at All-Star Weekend.
Was second on team to 2006 Finnish Olympian Toni
Lydman in average ice time (22:45) in 2002–03.
Played all 82 games for first time in 2003–04 and
established new career highs in assists (14) and points
(18). Led all Flames players in average ice time (22:20).
Was third in scoring among defensemen (2-7-9) during
playoffs as Flames reached seventh game of Stanley
Cup Final. Averaged 26:26 of ice time during the playoffs, nearly three minutes more per game than any
other player who reached the Stanley Cup Final.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is his father teaching him
how to skate.
• His first hockey team was the Rosthern Redwings.
• His favorite team growing up was the Montreal
• His father is his biggest influence in hockey
•
because “he taught me how to skate and coached
me for a few years.”
Will call either his parents, his brother or his sister
first if Canada wins gold at Torino.
• First time playing for his country was at a 1997
•
•
•
•
Three Nations Under-18 tournament involving
Canada, Slovakia and the Czech Republic played
in the Czech Republic.“Playing for your country
was and still is a highlight every time.” Also played
for Canada’s Team Western at the 1997 World
Under-17 Challenge.
Won gold medal at 1997 Three Nations event, silver at 1999 World Junior Championship.
Winning the World Cup of Hockey in 2004 is his favorite international hockey
moment.
Played at the 2005 World Championship despite seeing no action during
2004–05 season.
Favorite international rule is the shootout (which was introduced to the NHL this
season)“because it’s for the fans.”
• Lists Canada’s gold medal victory at Salt Lake City in 2002 as the most memorable game he’s ever watched.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are moguls skiing at the Winter Olympics and
beach volleyball and track events in the Summer Games.
• “Have fun, first of all. Work hard to achieve your goal. Don’t let anyone tell you
that you cannot do it! Go for it!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Regular Season
Season
Club
League
GP
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
Prince Albert
Kamloops
Kamloops
Kamloops
Calgary
Saint John
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
SMHL
WHL
WHL
WHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
59
8 24
64
4 19
65
4 10
54 12 20
57
5
7
5
0
0
71
1
3
77
2
6
76
0 12
82
4 14
DID NOT PLAY
363 12 42
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
32
23
14
32
12
0
4
8
12
18
157
96
120
130
46
0
70
93
87
74
GP
G
....
5
5
12
....
....
....
....
....
26
....
0
0
1
....
....
....
....
....
2
A Pts PIM
....
1
3
4
....
....
....
....
....
7
....
1
3
5
....
....
....
....
....
9
....
18
8
21
....
....
....
....
....
20
NHL Totals
54 370 26
2
7
9 20
Colorado's 3rd choice, 19th overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
WHL West First All-Star Team (1999)
Traded to Calgary by Colorado with Rene Corbet,Wade Belak and Colorado's 2nd round compensatory choice (Jarret Stoll) in 2000
Entry Draft for Theoren Fleury and Chris Dingman, February 28, 1999.
1999
S
2000
2004
2005
1st
S
Canadiens. Favorite players were Larry Robinson and
2006 U.S. Olympian Chris Chelios. He lists those two as
the players to pattern his game after.
180
Event
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
7
6
6
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
6
4
Canada
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
RICHARDS, BRAD
BORN, MURRAY HARBOUR, P.E.I., MAY 2, 1980.
(RIH-chahrds, BRAD)
• Richards’ hometown of Murray Harbour, PEI is a town
of only 400 people.
• Summer activities and hobbies include playing golf
and riding sea-doos.
• Charitable efforts are focused around supporting
•
•
•
•
•
•
those with children’s cancer (Richy’s Rascals), Children’s
Wish Foundation, the Foundation for Autism in Prince
Edward Island and the Golf Tournament. He has purchased a suite at the St. Petes-Times Forum in order to
bring children from the Pediatric Cancer Centre to
watch games and other events.
seven of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final when Tampa Bay
beat Calgary.
Most memorable hockey games watched came during
the 1987 Canada Cup.
Favorite arenas are Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens and
the Air Canada Centre “because I always saw them on
TV.”
Other favorites include:“Friends” (TV show),
“Braveheart” (movie), Will Ferrell (actor), and U2 (musical group).
Admires Tiger Woods “because of how he deals with
what he does and still wins.”
would be with golfers Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson, and
Jack Nicklaus.
• Won numerous awards in 1999–2000 after leading
•
•
•
•
QMJHL and all of Canadian junior hockey in goals (71),
assists (115) and points (186) and leading Rimouski to
Memorial Cup championship.
Was only Lightning player to appear in all 82 games in
rookie season of 2000–01. Led NHL rookies in goals
(21), assists (41) and points (62), setting Tampa Bay
rookie records. Led team in assists and points. Was runner-up to Evgeni Nabokov for Calder Trophy and was
named to NHL All-Rookie Team.
Led Lightning in assists (42), points (62) and shots (251)
in 2001–02. Had 26 points in 24 games after Olympic
break to tie for ninth in NHL in post-Olympic scoring.
Tied Lightning franchise record with career-high 57
assists in 2002–03. Led team in assists and shots (277).
Shots total ranks second in franchise history to Roman
Hamrlik’s 281 in 1995–96.Tied for fourth in NHL in
assists.
In 2003–04, established career highs in goals (26),
points (79), average time on ice, (20:25), game-winning
goals (6) and his plus/minus total of +14. Was tenth in
NHL in scoring, sixth in assists. Led Lightning with 244
shots. In playoffs, led all scorers with 26 points in 23
games as Tampa Bay won Stanley Cup. Was tied for
second behind Jarome Iginla with 12 goals and second behind Martin St. Louis with 14 assists (all are
2006 Canadian Olympians). Scored the Cup-winning
goal and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the Northumberland
Squirts.
• First hockey memory is of winning a squirt
tournament.
Blackhawks.
• Favorite player was 2006 Canadian Olympic team•
mate Joe Sakic of Colorado. He patterns his game
after Sakic and wears #19 because it’s Sakic’s
number.
Has been friends with Tampa Bay and Canadian
Olympic teammate Vincent Lecavalier since they
played together at Notre Dame College.
• Credits his father for having the most influence on his career because he always
coached him.
• Will call his parents and his sister first if Canada wins gold in Torino.
• First represented Canada at 1997 Under-18 Three Nations tournament in Czech
Republic. Calls it “an unbelievable feeling.”
• Won bronze medal at 2000 World Junior Championship.
• Played at World Championship in 2001. Tied with Scott Walker for team scoring
lead (3-3-6).
• Had 4 points (1G, 3A) in six games with Canadian team that won the 2004 World
Cup of Hockey. Calls the victory here his favorite international hockey moment.
• Favorite international hockey rule is playing without a red line for two-line passes. (The NHL adopted the “no red line” rule his season.)
• “Just play and not worry about pro hockey. Stay in school.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04◆
2004-05
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Notre Dame
SJHL
63 39 48 87 73 ....
.... .... .... ....
Rimouski
QMJHL
68 33 82 115 44 19
8 24 32
2
Rimouski
QMJHL
59 39 92 131 55 11
9 12 21
6
Rimouski
QMJHL
63 *71 *115 *186 69 12 13 *24 *37 16
Tampa Bay
NHL
82 21 41 62 14 .... .... .... .... ....
Tampa Bay
NHL
82 20 42 62 13 .... .... .... .... ....
Tampa Bay
NHL
80 17 57 74 24 11
0
5
5 12
Tampa Bay
NHL
82 26 53 79 12 23 12 14 *26
4
Kazan
Russia
6
2
5
7 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
326 84 193 277 63 34 12 19 31 16
Tampa Bay's 2nd choice, 64th overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
SJHL Rookie of the Year (1997) • QMJHL First All-Star Team (2000) • Canadian Major Junior First All-Star Team (2000) • Canadian
Major Junior Player of the Year (2000) • Memorial Cup Tournament All-Star Team (2000) • Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy
(Memorial Cup Tournament MVP) (2000) • NHL All-Rookie Team (2001) • Lady Byng Trophy (2004) • Conn Smythe Trophy (2004)
Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia), November 8, 2004.
2000 B Canada
2001
2004 1st
Canada
Canada
181
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
7
7
6
1
3
1
1
3
3
2
6
4
0
0
0
U.S.A.
ROLSTON, BRIAN
MINNESOTA WILD
CENTER/RIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 210 LBS./95 KG
BORN, FLINT, MI, FEBRUARY 21, 1973.
(ROHL-stuhn, BRIGH-uhn)
• He lists the fourth game of the 1995 Stanley Cup Final,
•
•
•
when New Jersey swept Detroit, as the most memorable game he has played.
His superstitions include following a set pregame
ritual.
Enjoys playing golf in his free time. Is also an avid guitar and drum player.
Favorite TV show is “The Office.” Favorite band is Velvet
Revolver.
• Played two seasons of college hockey at Lake Superior
•
•
•
•
•
•
State University, playing in NCAA championship each
season and winning the title in 1991–92. He scored the
game-winning goal in championship game.
Made his NHL debut with New Jersey vs. Pittsburgh on
February 5, 1995.
Scored a hat trick, with all 3 goals coming in third period, vs. Tampa Bay on November16, 1996.
Tied Scott Pellerin and 2006 Canadian Olympian Joe
Sakic for NHL lead with 5 shorthanded goals in
1998–99.
Established career high for assists (39) with Boston in
2000–01. Tied for second in NHL with 4 shorthanded
assists.
Established career highs in goals (31) and points (62) in
2001–02. Set a Bruins record and led the NHL with nine
shorthanded goals.
Led league in shorthanded points (5-2-7) in 2002–03
and was second in NHL in shorthanded goals.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was the Fryers Flyers. First hockey
•
•
•
memories include starting to play hockey as a five year
old and scoring his first goal.
Mark Messier was his favorite player.
First job as a child was mowing lawns in the neighborhood.
• Biggest influence on his career has been his parents
and his brothers.
• Will call his wife first if the U.S. wins gold in Torino.
• First time pulling on a jersey for USA was at a Select-16
tournament.
• Played for Team USA at World Junior Championship in
•
•
•
1991, 1992 and 1993, winning bronze in 1992. Finished
his World Junior career as Team USA’s all-time leader in
World Junior games played (22), tied for third in goals
(10) and tied for second in scoring (20). Won Bob
Johnson Award from USA Hockey in 1992–93 for excellence in international competition.
Played most of the 1993–94 season with U.S. national
team.
Scored game-winning goal in bronze medal game at
1996 World Championship. Also saw some action with
U.S. team that won World Cup of Hockey in 1996.
Played at World Cup of Hockey again in 2004.
• Is competing at his third Olympic Games (1994,
2002).
• Winning the silver medal at Salt Lake City is his
greatest international hockey moment.
• Led the Americans with 7 goals in eight games at
•
•
Lillehammer. (Only Slovakia’s Miroslav Satan had
more goals with 9.)
The 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid were the most
memorable hockey games he has ever watched.
Other Olympic sport of interest is downhill skiing
• “Have fun and work hard!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Det.Compuware
NAHL
40 36 37 73 57 ....
.... .... .... ....
Det.Compuware
NAHL
36 49 46 95 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
Lake Superior
CCHA
37 14 23 37 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
Lake Superior
CCHA
39 33 31 64 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
United States
Nat-Tm
41 20 28 48 36 ....
.... .... .... ....
Albany
AHL
17
5
5 10
8
5
1
2
3
0
1994-95
Albany
AHL
18
9 11 20 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
◆ New Jersey
NHL
40
7 11 18 17
6
2
1
3
4
1995-96 New Jersey
NHL
58 13 11 24
8 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 New Jersey
NHL
81 18 27 45 20 10
4
1
5
6
1997-98 New Jersey
NHL
76 16 14 30 16
6
1
0
1
2
1998-99 New Jersey
NHL
82 24 33 57 14
7
1
0
1
2
99-2000 New Jersey
NHL
11
3
1
4
0 .... .... .... .... ....
Colorado
NHL
50
8 10 18 12 .... .... .... .... ....
Boston
NHL
16
5
4
9
6 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Boston
NHL
77 19 39 58 28 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Boston
NHL
82 31 31 62 30
6
4
1
5
0
2002-03 Boston
NHL
81 27 32 59 32
5
0
2
2
0
2003-04 Boston
NHL
82 19 29 48 40
7
1
0
1
8
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
736 190 242 432 223 47 13
5 18 22
New Jersey's 2nd choice, 11th overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.
NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team (1992, 1993) • CCHA First All-Star Team (1993) • NCAA West Second All-American
Team (1993)
Traded to Colorado by New Jersey with New Jersey's 1st round choice (later traded to Boston – Boston selected Martin
Samuelsson) in 2000 Entry Draft for Claude Lemieux and Colorado's 1st (David Hale) and 2nd (Matt DeMarchi) round choices in
2000 Entry Draft, November 3, 1999.Traded to Boston by Colorado with Martin Grenier, Samuel Pahlsson and New Jersey's 1st
round choice (previously acquired, Boston selected Martin Samuelsson) in 2000 Entry Draft for Raymond Bourque and Dave
Andreychuk, March 6, 2000.Signed as a free agent by Minnesota, July 8, 2004.
Event
1991
1992
1993
1994
1996
1996
2002
2004
WJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
W-Cup
B
B
1st
S
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
182
GP
G
A Pts PIM
8
7
7
8
8
1
6
2
1
3
6
7
3
0
0
0
5
3
2
0
4
0
3
0
6
6
8
7
7
0
3
0
0
2
2
8
4
0
0
0
Czech Republic
NEW YORK RANGERS
RUCINSKY, MARTIN
BORN, MOST, CZECH., MARCH 11, 1971.
(roo-CHIHN-skee, MAHR-tihn)
• Nickname is Rosy.“I don’t know why.”
• Wears #26.“I always have.”
• Lists current Rangers coach Tom Renney, former
•
•
•
•
•
•
Canadiens coach Mario Tremblay and the late Czech
coach Ivan Hlinka as his favorite coaches. Lists Hlinka
“as a player and a coach” as the person he most
admires.
Patterns his game after former Swedish NHL scoring
star Kent Nilsson.
Lists the three-game 1987 Canada Cup Final between
Canada and Russia as the most memorable hockey
games he has watched.“Best hockey games I have
ever seen.”
Hobbies are golf, tennis and movies.
Favorite NHL arena is Madison Square Garden.“Best
atmosphere ever.”
Other favorites include “Seinfeld” (TV show),
“Braveheart” (movie), Robert DeNiro (actor) and U2
(music).
If he could have dinner with any person, it would be
with Lance Armstrong.
• Played junior hockey with fellow 2006 Czech
Olympians Jaromir Jagr and Petr Nedved.
• Traded from Colorado to Montreal as part of the
•
•
•
•
•
Patrick Roy trade, Dec. 6, 1995. Recorded his first NHL
hat trick for Montreal vs. Florida on Jan. 25, 1996.
Established career highs in goals (29) assists (46) and
points (75) in 1995–96 but missed playoffs due to a
shoulder injury.
Led Canadiens with 17 goals in 1998–99 and with 49
points (25G, 24A) in 1999–2000. Played in 2000 NHL
All-Star Game.
Had a career-high 5 points (1G, 4A) vs. Carolina on Oct.
21, 2000.
Tied for third in the NHL with a career-high 4 shorthanded goals for St. Louis in 2002–03.
Led Litvinov, ranked 12th in the Czech league, in scoring (15-26-41) in 2004–05.
Is in his third stint with the NY Rangers in 2005–06.
When I was young…
• He remembers “the first time I stepped on the ice.”
• Favorite team growing up was Litvinov, which was the
first team he played for.
Olympian Robert Lang of Detroit and Boston’s Jiri Slegr.
• Lists his father (and his first pro coach, Ivan Hlinka) as
having had the biggest influence on his career.
• Will call his mother, father and sister first if the Czech
Republic wins gold at Torino.
• Played for Czechoslovakia at the 1991 World Junior
•
Championship. Finished fourth in scoring (9-5-14)
behind 2006 U.S. Olympian Doug Weight, three-time
former Canadian Olympian Eric Lindros and 2006
Russian Olympic general maanger Pavel Bure. Was
named to tournament All-Star Team.
Lists gold medal victories at the World Championship
in 1999, 2001 and 2005, as well at Nagano in 1998, as
his most memorable international experiences.
• Scored 10 points and named an All-Star at the
• Tied for third in tournament scoring (5-4-9) at the
• Was third on the team in scoring (2-4-6) behind
•
fellow 2006 Czech Olympians Jaromir Jagr and
Vaclav Prospal at the 2005 World Championship.
• Is competing at his third consecutive Olympic
Games (1998, 2002).
• Lists the gold medal game at Nagano in 1998 as
his most memorable hockey game.
• Is one of seven players back from the Czech
•
Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, Jaroslav Spacek and Martin Straka.
Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and track & field.
• “Go for it.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Litvinov
Czech
3
1
0
1
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
Litvinov
Czech
39 12
6 18
....
8
5
3
8 ....
Litvinov
Czech
56 24 20 44 69 ....
.... .... .... ....
Edmonton
NHL
2
0
0
0
0 .... .... .... .... ....
Cape Breton
AHL
35 11 12 23 34 ....
.... .... .... ....
Quebec
NHL
4
1
1
2
2 .... .... .... .... ....
Halifax
AHL
7
1
1
2
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
1992-93 Quebec
NHL
77 18 30 48 51
6
1
1
2
4
1993-94 Quebec
NHL
60
9 23 32 58 .... .... .... .... ....
1994-95
Litvinov
CzRep
13 12 10 22 54 ....
.... .... .... ....
Quebec
NHL
20
3
6
9 14 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96
Vsetin
CzRep
1
1
1
2
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Colorado
NHL
22
4 11 15 14 .... .... .... .... ....
Montreal
NHL
56 25 35 60 54 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 Montreal
NHL
70 28 27 55 62
5
0
0
0
4
1997-98 Montreal
NHL
78 21 32 53 84 10
3
0
3
4
1998-99
Litvinov
CzRep
3
2
2
4
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Montreal
NHL
73 17 17 34 50 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Montreal
NHL
80 25 24 49 70 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Montreal
NHL
57 16 22 38 66 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Montreal
NHL
18
2
6
8 12 .... .... .... .... ....
Dallas
NHL
42
6 11 17 24 .... .... .... .... ....
NY Rangers
NHL
15
3 10 13
6 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03
Litvinov
CzRep
2
1
0
1
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
St. Louis
NHL
61 16 14 30 38
7
4
2
6
4
2003-04 NY Rangers
NHL
69 13 29 42 62 .... .... .... .... ....
Vancouver
NHL
13
1
2
3 10
7
1
1
2
6
2004-05
Litvinov
CzRep
38 15 26 41 87 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
817 208 300 508 677 35
9
4 13 22
Edmonton's 2nd choice, 20th overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.
WJC-A All-Star Team (1991) • WC-A All-Star Team (1999)
Traded to Quebec by Edmonton for Ron Tugnutt and Brad Zavisha, March 10, 1992.Transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchise
relocated, June 21, 1995.Traded to Montreal by Colorado with Andrei Kovalenko and Jocelyn Thibault for Patrick Roy and Mike
Keane, December 6, 1995.Traded to Dallas by Montreal with Benoit Brunet for Donald Audette and Shaun Van Allen, November 21,
2001.Traded to NY Rangers by Dallas with Roman Lyashenko for Manny Malhotra and Barrett Heisten, March 12, 2002.Signed as
a free agent by St.Louis, October 30, 2002.Signed as a free agent by NY Rangers, August 28, 2003.Traded to Vancouver by NY
Rangers for R.J.Umberger and Martin Grenier, March 9, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Litvinov (CzRep), August 20, 2004.Signed
as a free agent by NY Rangers, August 3, 2005.
1991
1994
1996
1998
1999
2001
2002
2004
2004
2005
G
G
G
G
Czechoslovakia
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
183
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WJC-A
7
Can-Cup
4
WC-A
6
W-Cup
3
Olympics 6
WC-A
12
WC-A
9
Olympics 4
WC-A
7
W-Cup
4
WC-A
9
9
0
2
0
3
4
2
0
4
1
2
5 14
2 2
2 4
0 0
1 4
6 10
4 6
3 3
5 9
1 2
4 6
2
4
8
2
4
16
30
2
6
10
22
Finland
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
RUUTU, JARKKO
BORN, VANTAA, FINLAND, AUGUST 23, 1975.
(ROO-too, YAHR-koh)
• He left Finland to attend Michigan Tech University in
1995–96.
• Has been compared to Esa Tikkanen, but “I didn’t pattern my game after anyone.”
• Wears #37 because “it was given to me at my first training camp.”
• Lists his hobbies as music, motorcycling and bobsled.
• Favorite movies are “Heat” and “Old School.” Lists his
•
•
•
favorite actor as Dustin Diamond. Favorite cartoon
character is Bart Simpson. Favorite TV show is “Orange
County Choppers” about customizing motorcycles.
Favorite bands are Metallica and Megadeath.
be with Paul Sr. from “Orange County Choppers,” Chris
Rock and Jesse James.
He likes playing in Vancouver’s G.M. Place because of
the “great fans.”
Nicknames are Rudi and Ruuts.
• Led HIFK, his Finnish elite league team, with 155 PIM in
1996–97.
• Was the top playoff goal scorer (7) with HIFK in
•
•
•
•
1997–98 as his club won the Finnish league
championship.
Made his NHL debut with Vancouver on Nov. 20, 1999.
Recorded his first point vs. Phoenix on Feb. 27, 2000.
Scored his first career goal (shorthanded) vs. Phoenix
on Jan 24, 2001.
Played in just 36 games in 2002–03, but played in 13 of
Vancouver’s 14 playoff games.
Established new career highs with 71 games played, 6
goals, 8 assists, 14 points, 133 penalty minutes in
2003–04. Scored his first career power-play goal Jan.
31, 2004 vs. Washington.
When I was young…
• Did not want to play hockey as a boy. His father forced
•
him to go to one practice.“He has never had to force
me since.”
Favorite players were Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri.
• Brother of fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Tuomo Ruutu
•
of the Chicago Blackhawks. Another brother, Mikko,
was drafted 201st overall by the Ottawa Senators in
1999.
Lists his parents as the people he admires most. Will
call his parents and his brother first if Finland wins
gold at Torino.
• First represented Finland at Father David Bauer
•
•
•
tournament featuring Canada, Finland and Russia
in Barrie, Ontario in 1996.“I felt that I was representing my country and I was really proud of it.”
Played with Finnish national team at 1997 Izvestia
tournament in Moscow.
Won silver medal at 1998 and 2001 World
Championships. Also played at tournament in 2004
and 2005.
Played in 2004 World Cup of Hockey, where Finns
Team Canada.
•
Games (2002.) Lists playing at Salt Lake City and at the 2004 World Cup of
Hockey as his most memorable international hockey moments.
Other Olympic sports of interest are “everything!”
• “Have fun and always give everything you’ve got!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1991-92
1992-93
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
HIFK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
HIFK U18
Fin-U18
33 26 21 47 53 ....
.... .... .... ....
HIFK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1993-94
HIFK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
19
9 12 21 44 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
HIFK Jr.
Finland-Jr.
35 26 22 48 117 ....
.... .... .... ....
1995-96
Michigan Tech
WCHA
39 12 10 22 96 ....
.... .... .... ....
1996-97
HIFK
Finland
48 11 10 21 *155 ....
.... .... .... ....
1997-98
HIFK
Finland
37 10 10 20 87
8 *7
4 11 10
1998-99
HIFK
Finland
25 10
4 14 136
9
0
2
2 43
HIFK
EuroHL
5
1
2
3
8 ....
.... .... .... ....
99-2000 Vancouver
NHL
8
0
1
1
6 .... .... .... .... ....
Syracuse
AHL
65 26 32 58 164
4
3
1
4
8
2000-01 Vancouver
NHL
21
3
3
6 32
4
0
1
1
8
Kansas City
IHL
46 11 18 29 111 ....
.... .... .... ....
2001-02 Vancouver
NHL
49
2
7
9 74
1
0
0
0
0
2002-03 Vancouver
NHL
36
2
2
4 66 13
0
2
2 14
2003-04 Vancouver
NHL
71
6
8 14 133
6
1
0
1 10
2004-05
HIFK
Finland
50 10 18 28 *215
3
0
0
0 41
NHL Totals
185 13 21 34 311 24
1
3
4 32
Vancouver's 3rd choice, 68th overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
• Spent majority of 2002-03 season as a healthy reserve.Signed as a free agent by HIFK (Finland), September 23, 2004.
1998 S Finland
2001 S Finland
2002
Finland
2004
Finland
2004 2nd Finland
2005
Finland
184
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WC-A
10
WC-A
9
Olympics 4
WC-A
6
W-Cup
4
WC-A
7
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
16
10
4
20
6
4
Canada
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
ST. LOUIS, MARTIN
BORN, LAVAL, QUE., JUNE 18, 1975.
(sehn-loo-EE, mahr-TEHN)
• He spent two summers working in a Quebec lumberyard.
• Has no constant superstitions, but likes to try to always
do the same things if things are going well.
• Favorite coach is John Tortorella “because we won the
Stanley Cup together.”
• Most memorable hockey game played was game six of
•
•
•
•
•
the 2004 Stanley Cup Final when he scored the overtime winner to give the Lightning a chance at Lord
Stanley. They won the Cup in game seven.
Most memorable hockey game watched was Canada
Cup 1987 Canada vs. Russia to see Mario Lemieux and
Wayne Gretzky play together.
Favorite hobby is playing golf.
Favorite NHL arena is Montreal Bell Centre, because
he’s from the area.
Other favorites include:“Seinfeld” (TV show),“Forrest
Gump” (movie), Robert DeNiro (actor), and U2 (musical
group).
would be with Bono from U2, Robert DeNiro and Tiger
Woods.
• Played four years at University of Vermont from 1993
•
•
•
•
to 1997 and led club in scoring every year. Is Vermont’s
all-time leader in assists and points, ranks third in
goals. Was only 4 points shy of ECAC record for most
career points. Was finalist for Hobey Baker Award as
top NCAA player in 1995, 1996 and 1997.
Made NHL debut with Calgary on Oct. 9, 1998 vs. San
Jose in a game played in Tokyo. Scored his first goal vs.
Roman Turek of Dallas on Oct. 20.
Tied for tenth in NHL with 3 shorthanded goals for
Tampa Bay in 2000–01. Tied for Lightning lead with 4
game-winning goals.
Missed 26 games with broken leg in 2001–02, but
returned to play all 82 games in breakout season of
2002–03. Tied fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Vincent
Lecavalier for team lead in goals (33). Led team in
plus/minus (+10). Played in first NHL All-Star Game.
Won puck control competition and was second in
fastest skater competition during SuperSkills event at
All-Star Weekend. Led Lightning with 12 points (7G, 5A)
in 11 playoff games. Scored third consecutive gamewinning goal in triple overtime vs. Washington on Apr.
20 to give Tampa first playoff series win in franchise
history.
Won Art Ross Trophy as NHL scoring leader (38-56-94)
in 2003–04. Also won Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, finished
third in voting for Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship)
and fourth in voting for Selke Trophy (best defensive
forward). Shared Bud Light Award with 2006 Czech
Olympian Marek Malik of Vancouver, leading NHL in
plus/minus at +35. Tied 2006 U.S. Olympian Scott
Gomez for NHL lead in assists. Tied for second in goals.
Led in shorthanded goals (8) and shorthanded points
(11). In playoffs, led all scorers with 15 assists, second to
fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Brad Richards with 24
points as Tampa Bay won Stanley Cup.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Delta de Laval.
• First hockey memory is of his first stick, because it
was a Champion. He cried when he broke it.
Canadiens.
• Favorite player was Montreal’s Mats Naslund. He
wears #26 because it was Naslund’s number.
• Was childhood friends with fellow NHLers Jocelyn
Thibault and Eric Perrin.
• Biggest influence on his career was his father
•
because “he always supported me and worked
extra hours to help pay for it and now we have
the same work ethic.”
The person he admires most is his wife, who has to take care of their two kids
when he’s not around.
• First represented Canada at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
• Favorite international hockey rule no red line for the two-line pass “because it
speeds up the game.” (The NHL adopted the “no red line” rule this season.)
• “Have fun, work hard, let the rest take care of itself. If it’s there, it’s there. If it’s not,
it’s OK. It’s just a game.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Laurentides
QAAA
42 29 *74 *103 38 12
7 15 22 16
Hawkesbury
CJHL
31 37 50 87 70 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Vermont
ECAC
33 15 36 51 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Vermont
ECAC
35 23 48 71 36 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Vermont
ECAC
35 29 56 85 38 ....
.... .... .... ....
U.of Vermont
ECAC
36 24 *36 60 65 ....
.... .... .... ....
Cleveland
IHL
56 16 34 50 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
Saint John
AHL
25 15 11 26 20 20
5 15 20 16
1998-99 Calgary
NHL
13
1
1
2 10 .... .... .... .... ....
Saint John
AHL
53 28 34 62 30
7
4
4
8
2
99-2000 Calgary
NHL
56
3 15 18 22 .... .... .... .... ....
Saint John
AHL
17 15 11 26 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01 Tampa Bay
NHL
78 18 22 40 12 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Tampa Bay
NHL
53 16 19 35 20 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Tampa Bay
NHL
82 33 37 70 32 11
7
5 12
0
NHL
82 38 *56 *94 24 23
9 *15 24 14
2004-05
Lausanne
Swiss
23
9 16 25 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
364 109 150 259 120 34 16 20 36 14
ECAC First All-Star Team (1995, 1996, 1997) • ECAC Player of the Year (1995) • NCAA East First All-American Team (1995, 1996,
1997) • NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team (1996) • NHL First All-Star Team (2004) • Art Ross Trophy (2004) • Lester B.
Pearson Award (2004) • Hart Trophy (2004)
Signed as a free agent by Calgary, February 19, 1998.Signed as a free agent by Tampa Bay, July 31, 2000.Signed as a free agent by
Lausanne (Swiss), November 4, 2004.
2004 1st Canada
185
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
W-Cup
6
2
2
4
0
Canada
COLORADO AVALANCHE
SAKIC, JOE
BORN, BURNABY, B.C., JULY 7, 1969.
(SAK-ihk, JOH)
• He won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in his 13th sea•
•
•
•
•
•
•
son in 2001–02. No other NHLer had played so many
seasons before winning this honor for the first time.
Joined Mark Messier, Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Clarke
as the only players to captain their club to a Stanley
Cup championship and capture the Hart Trophy in the
same season.
Recorded career goal #500 Dec. 11, 2002, becoming
the 13th player in NHL history to record his first 500
goals with one franchise.
He and his wife are active with the Food Bank of the
Rockies Charity.
Has worn #19 since peewee hockey.
Is an avid golfer with a 6 handicap.
His favorite athlete is Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle
Mariners.
Favorite movies are “Wedding Crashers” and
“Caddyshack.”
• First cracked top 10 in scoring with 102 points (39G,
63A) in his second season of 1989–90.
• First runner up for Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship)
•
•
•
•
•
to Wayne Gretzky in 1992. Has been team captain in
Quebec/Colorado since 1992.
Finished fourth in NHL in scoring (19-43-62 in 47
games) in 1994-95.
Led all playoff scorers with 34 points (18-16-34) to capture Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) when
Colorado won Stanley Cup in 1996. Scored game-winning goal in six of Colorado’s 16 playoff wins. Had set
personal high in goals (51), assists (69), and points
(120) during the 1995–96 season. Finished third in NHL
in points behind Mario Lemieux and 2006 Czech
Olympian Jaromir Jagr.
Reached 1,000-point plateau on December 27, 1999.
Established new single-season high with 54 goals in
2000–01 as Colorado set club records for wins (52) and
points (118) and won Presidents’ Trophy. Runner-up to
Jaromir Jagr for Art Ross Trophy with 118 points.
Finished 2001–02 season tied for fifth in NHL scoring
(26-53-79). Became 34th player in NHL history to
record 1,000 games with one franchise.
Tied for second in NHL scoring (33-54-87) in 2003–04
with 2006 Russian Olympian Ilya Kovalchuk of Atlanta,
trailing fellow 2006 Canadian Martin St. Louis of Tampa
Bay. Was fourth in assists. Tied with St. Louis for most
multi-point games (26). Selected to his 12th NHL AllStar Game and was named MVP, posting his first career
All-Star hat trick. Scored two playoff overtime goals to
tie Maurice Richard’s record of six career OT goals. Led
all playoff scorers in goals and points as Colorado won
the Stanley Cup.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of being four years old and
going to watch the Canucks vs. Atlanta Flames.
• First hockey team played for was the North Shore
Winter Club.
• Wayne Gretzky was his favorite player.
• Lists his parents as being the most influential
•
•
people in his career for supporting him and driving him to the rink.
His father was born in Croatia during World War I
and later emigrated to Canada.
His sister Rosemarie was Canadian Junior figure
skating champion in 1984.
• Led Canada’s Team Pacific to bronze medal at the
•
•
•
•
•
1986 Quebec Cup (forerunner of the World
Under-17 Challenge).
Played one game for the Canadian national team
in 1986–87.
Won gold with Team Canada at the 1988 World
Led Team Canada in scoring (6-5-11) at the 1991 World Championship.
Tied for second in team scoring (4-3-7) at the 1994 World Championship as
Canada captured gold for the first time since 1961.
Led team with 4 goals as Canada won the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
• Is playing at this third consecutive Winter Games (1998, 2002).
• Was injured prior to Canada’s semifinal loss to the Czech Republic at the 1998
Nagano Games.
• Was an assistant captain for Canada’s gold medal team at Salt Lake City in 2002.
Led Team Canada in scoring (4-3-7), tied for third overall at the tournament.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1985-86
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Burnaby
BCAHA
80 83 73 156 96 ....
.... .... .... ....
Lethbridge
WHL
3
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1986-87
Swift Current
WHL
72 60 73 133 31
4
0
1
1
0
1987-88
Swift Current
WHL
64 *78 82 *160 64 10 11 13 24 12
1988-89 Quebec
NHL
70 23 39 62 24 .... .... .... .... ....
1989-90 Quebec
NHL
80 39 63 102 27 .... .... .... .... ....
1990-91 Quebec
NHL
80 48 61 109 24 .... .... .... .... ....
1991-92 Quebec
NHL
69 29 65 94 20 .... .... .... .... ....
1992-93 Quebec
NHL
78 48 57 105 40
6
3
3
6
2
1993-94 Quebec
NHL
84 28 64 92 18 .... .... .... .... ....
1994-95 Quebec
NHL
47 19 43 62 30
6
4
1
5
0
1995-96◆ Colorado
NHL
82 51 69 120 44 22 *18 16 *34 14
1996-97 Colorado
NHL
65 22 52 74 34 17
8 *17 25 14
1997-98 Colorado
NHL
64 27 36 63 50
6
2
3
5
6
1998-99 Colorado
NHL
73 41 55 96 29 19
6 13 19
8
99-2000 Colorado
NHL
60 28 53 81 28 17
2
7
9
8
2000-01◆ Colorado
NHL
82 54 64 118 30 21 *13 13 *26
6
2001-02 Colorado
NHL
82 26 53 79 18 21
9 10 19
4
2002-03 Colorado
NHL
58 26 32 58 24
7
6
3
9
2
2003-04 Colorado
NHL
81 33 54 87 42 11
7
5 12
8
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
1155 542 860 1402 482 153 78 91 169 72
Quebec's 2nd choice, 15th overall, in 1987 Entry Draft.
WHL East Second All-Star Team (1987) • WHL East Rookie of the Year (1987) • WHL East Player of the Year (1987) • WHL East First
All-Star Team (1988) • WHL Player of the Year (1988) • Canadian Major Junior Player of the Year (1988) • Conn Smythe Trophy
(1996) • NHL First All-Star Team (2001, 2002, 2004) • Bud Light Plus/Minus Award (2001) (tied with Patrik Elias) • Lady Byng
Trophy (2001) • Lester B.Pearson Award (2001) • Hart Trophy (2001)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004)
Transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchise relocated, June 21, 1995.
Year Medal
1988 G
1994 G
1996 2nd
1998
2002 G
2004 1st
National Team
Event
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
186
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
8
8
4
6
6
3
4
2
1
4
4
1
3
2
2
3
2
4
7
4
3
7
6
2
0
6
4
0
2
Finland
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
SALO, SAMI
BORN, TURKU, FINLAND, SEPTEMBER 2, 1974.
(SA-loh, SA-mee)
• He played for Swedish champions Frolunda in
2004–05.
• The most memorable game he has watched was
Finland’s first World Championship victory in 1995.
• Lists Vladimir Jurzinov, an old coach from Finland, as
•
•
•
•
his biggest influence in hockey.“He was persistent
with young guys to get their skills better.”
Wears #6 because “the trainer gave it to me.”
Enjoys working with charities to raise money and help
fight cancer. Also does work with local children’s hockey clubs.
Likes playing at Vancouver’s G.M. Place because of the
“great atmosphere,”
Favorite TV show is “CSI Miami.” Favorite movies are
“Old School,”“The Matrix,” and “The Rock.” Favorite
actor is Will Ferrell.
• Played his first full season in Finnish elite league with
•
•
•
TPS Turku in 1995–96. Team finished second behind
Jokerit Helsinki in both regular season and playoffs in
1995–96 and 1996–97.
Made his NHL debut with Ottawa on Oct. 10, 1998.
Scored his first NHL goal vs. Boston on Jan. 21, 1999.
Scored his first career hat trick vs. Pittsburgh on Mar.
30, 1999. Plus/minus of +20 remains career high.
Named to NHL All-Rookie Team.
Played career-high 79 games for Vancouver in 2002-03
and set new career highs in goals (9), assists (21) and
points (30).
Averaged career-best 22:14 of ice-time in 2003–04,
third on Canucks behind 2006 Swedish Olympian
Mattias Ohlund (25:47) and Ed Jovanovski (23:11).
Established career high with 5 power-play goals.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was his hometown team,
•
•
TPS Turku. (He would later play for TPS at both the junior and elite levels). Lists making the TPS pro team as
his first great hockey memory.
Favorite player was Jari Kurri.
Was childhood friends with Atlanta goalie Jani Hurme.
(They have played together on numerous teams, and
numerous levels — including Ottawa in the NHL —
over the years.)
• Will call his wife first if Finland wins gold at Torino.
• First international experience with a Finnish team
•
•
•
came at the Izvestia Cup in Moscow in 1996.“It
meant a lot, looking at all the great players who
have worn the Finnish national team jersey.”
Won silver medal at 2001 World Championship,
his first major international tournament. Lists this
as his favorite international hockey moment. He
was the second-highest scoring defenseman on
the Finnish team and in the tournament (3-6-9)
behind Petteri Nummelin. Named to the
tournament’s 2nd All-Star Team.
Played at 2004 World Cup of Hockey, where Finns
Team Canada.
Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice.“It
gives you a lot more time with the puck.”
• Lists playing at the 2002 Olympics (and his first NHL game) as the most memorable games he has played.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and downhill skiing.
• “Play all the possible sports you can, it will benefit your hockey game.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Kiekko-67 Jr.
Finland-Jr.
23
4
5
9 26 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kiekko-67 Jr.
Finland-Jr.
21
9
4 13
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
TPS Jr.
Finland-Jr.
36
7 13 20 16
7
0
1
1 10
TPS Jr.
Finland-Jr.
14
1
3
4
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kiekko-67
Finland-2
19
4
2
6
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
TPS
Finland
7
1
2
3
8
1
0
0
0
0
1995-96
TPS
Finland
47
7 14 21 32 11
1
3
4
8
1996-97
TPS
Finland
48
9
6 15 10 10
2
3
5
4
TPS
EuroHL
6
0
2
2
6
2
0
0
0
2
1997-98
Jokerit
Finland
35
3
5
8 10
8
0
1
1
2
Jokerit
EuroHL
6
1
1
2
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99 Ottawa
NHL
61
7 12 19 24
4
0
0
0
0
Detroit
IHL
5
0
2
2
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
99-2000 Ottawa
NHL
37
6
8 14
2
6
1
1
2
0
2000-01 Ottawa
NHL
31
2 16 18 10
4
0
0
0
0
2001-02 Ottawa
NHL
66
4 14 18 14 12
2
1
3
4
2002-03 Vancouver
NHL
79
9 21 30 10 12
1
3
4
0
2003-04 Vancouver
NHL
74
7 19 26 22
7
1
2
3
2
2004-05
Frolunda
Sweden
41
6
8 14 18 14
1
6
7
2
NHL Totals
348 35 90 125 82 45
5
7 12
6
• Missed majority of 1999-2000 season recovering from wrist injury suffered in game vs.Philadelphia, November 28, 1999.•
Missed majority of 2000-01 season recovering from shoulder injury suffered in game vs.Atlanta, December 14, 2000.Traded to
Vancouver by Ottawa for Peter Schaefer, September 21, 2002.Signed as a free agent by Frolunda (Sweden), September 24, 2004.
2001 S Finland
2002
Finland
2004
Finland
2004 2nd Finland
187
Event
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
GP
G
A Pts PIM
9
4
7
6
3
0
0
0
6
0
3
1
9
0
3
1
6
0
0
2
Sweden
DETROIT RED WINGS
SAMUELSSON, MIKAEL
BORN, MARIEFRED, SWEDEN, DECEMBER 23, 1976.
(SAM-yuhl-suhn, MIH-kigh-ehl)
• His most memorable hockey game played was during
•
•
•
•
•
•
a Swedish elite league game when he scored a goal
with just one second left on the clock.
Lists former NHLer Nick Fotiu as his favorite coach.
Fotiu was an assistant coach when he played with
Kentucky (AHL) in 2000–01.
His favorite arena is Madison Square Garden in New
York.
Other favorites include “Friends” (TV show),“Vertical
Limit” (movie), Eddie Murphy (actor) and Bruce
Springsteen (music).
Bono of U2 is the person he admires most “because of
his humanitarian efforts in Africa.”
would be with Muhammad Ali, George W. Bush and
Winston Churchill.
• Played parts of three seasons in the Swedish elite
•
•
•
•
league before spending the entire season with Brynas
in 1999–2000.
Spent most of his first North American season with
Kentucky (AHL) in 2000–01. Finished seventh in the
league in scoring (32-46-78). Made his NHL debut with
San Jose on Jan. 3. 2001 vs. Calgary.
Played in an NHL-high 67 games for the NY Rangers in
2001–02.
Established NHL highs in goals (10), assists (14) and
points (22) with the Rangers and Pittsburgh in
2002–03.
Scored goals in four straight games for Detroit to
begin the 2005–06 season. Surpassed his previous
career high with 2 goals vs. Colorado on Nov. 23, 2005
to give him 11 on the season in just 23 games.
When I was young…
• First hockey memories are of skating outdoors in his
hometown.
• First hockey team played for was IF Mariefred.
• Favorite team growing up was Sodertalge.
• Favorite player was fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian
Mats Sundin of Toronto.
• Has a brother who plays professional floorball in
Norway.
• Lists his father as having had the greatest influence on his career.
• Will call his father first if Sweden wins gold at
Torino.
• First played for Sweden at the 2005 ROSNO Cup
•
tournament in Russia, and names the experience
as his greatest international hockey memory.
Represented Sweden at the 2005 World
Championship and finished among the team leaders in assist (4) and plus/minus (+5).
• Lists the most memorable game he has watched as being Canada’s 3–2 victory
over Sweden at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and curling.
• “Have fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1994-95
1995-96
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Sodertalje Jr.
Swe-Jr.
30
8
6 14 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sodertalje Jr.
Swe-Jr.
22 13 12 25 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sodertalje
Sweden-2
18
5
1
6
0
4
0
0
0
0
1996-97
Sodertalje Jr.
Swe-Jr.
2
2
1
3
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Sodertalje
Sweden
29
3
2
5 10 10
0
0
0
4
1997-98
Nykoping
Sweden-2
10
5
1
6 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sodertalje
Sweden
41 11
9 20 66 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99
Sodertalje
Sweden-2
18 13 10 23 26 10
2
2
4 12
V.Frolunda
Sweden
27
0
5
5 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
99-2000
Brynas
Sweden
40
4
3
7 76 11
7
2
9
6
Brynas
EuroHL
4
0
2
2
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01 San Jose
NHL
4
0
0
0
0 .... .... .... .... ....
Kentucky
AHL
66 32 46 78 58
3
1
0
1
0
2001-02 NY Rangers
NHL
67
6 10 16 23 .... .... .... .... ....
Hartford
AHL
8
3
6
9 12 ....
.... .... .... ....
2002-03 NY Rangers
NHL
58
8 14 22 32 .... .... .... .... ....
Pittsburgh
NHL
22
2
0
2
8 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Florida
NHL
37
3
6
9 35 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Geneve
Swiss
12
2
4
6 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sodertalje
Sweden
29
7 13 20 45 10
3
3
6 24
NHL Totals
188 19 30 49 98 .... .... .... .... ....
San Jose's 7th choice, 145th overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
Traded to NY Rangers by San Jose with Christian Gosselin for Adam Graves and future considerations, June 24, 2001.Traded to
Pittsburgh by NY Rangers with Joel Bouchard, Richard Lintner, Rico Fata and future considerations for Mike Wilson, Alex Kovalev,
Janne Laukkanen and Dan LaCouture, February 10, 2003.Traded to Florida by Pittsburgh with Pittsburgh's 1st round choice
(Nathan Horton) and 2nd round compensatory choice (Stefan Meyer) in 2003 Entry Draft for Florida's 1st (Marc-Andre Fleury)
and 3rd (Daniel Carcillo) round choices in 2003 Entry Draft, June 21, 2003.• Missed majority of 2003-04 season recovering from
jaw (November 21, 2003 vs.Washington) and hand (January 21, 2004 vs.Columbus) injuries.Signed as a free agent by Geneve
(Swiss), September 8, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Sodertalje (Sweden), October 26, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Detroit,
September 19, 2005.
2004 S Sweden
188
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WC-A
9
1
4
5
4
Slovakia
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
SATAN, MIROSLAV
BORN, TOPOLCANY, CZECH., OCTOBER 22, 1974.
(SHA-tuhn, MEER-oh-slav)
• Created the Miroslav Satan Foundation for charity.
• Hobbies are golf and travel.
• Most memorable game he has watched was the final
•
of the 1985 World Championship when
Czechoslovakia won gold.
Favorite actor is Jim Carrey. Favorite musician is
Phil Collins.
• Led tournament in assists (8) and points (13)
•
•
• Played his first NHL game on Oct. 15, 1995 at
•
•
•
•
•
•
Philadelphia and registered his first career NHL point
(an assist). Was ninth among NHL rookies in points (35)
and sixth in goals (18) in 1995–96. Finished 12th in voting for Calder Trophy for rookie of the year.
Finished tied for seventh in NHL with career-high 40
goals and was fifth in shooting percentage (19.2) in
1998–99. Led Sabres in scoring with 66 points and
shared Memorial Trophy (MVP award as voted by
teammates) with 2006 Czech Olympian Dominik
Hasek.
With 33 goals in 1999–2000 became first Sabres player
since Alexander Mogilny (1992–93 and 1993–94) with
back-to-back 30-goal seasons.
Led team in goals (29), assists (33) and points (62) in
2000–01.
Led team in goals (37), assists (36), points (73), powerplay goals (15), shorthanded goals (5) and tied for the
team lead with 5 game-winning goals in 2001–02.
Led Sabres in goals (26), assists (49), points (75) and
power-play goals (11) in 2002-03. Assist and point
totals were new career highs. Was 23rd in NHL scoring.
Led Sabres in goals (29) and game-winning goals (5) in
2003–04. Along with 2006 Russian Olympian Ilya
Kovalchuk and 2006 Canadian Olympian Martin St.
Louis, was one of only three players to score two hat
tricks, including career-best 4-goal game vs. Atlanta on
Feb. 16, 2004. Only 2006 Swedish Olympians Markus
Naslund and Daniel Sedin also had 4-goal games that
season.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is scoring his first goal when he
was eight years old.
• First hockey team was TS Topocjany.
• Favorite player growing up was Mario Lemieux.
Olympian Lubomir Visnovsky.
• Lists his parents and junior coach Jozef Nemec as having had the biggest influence on his career.
• Was top scorer and named best Slovakian player at the
1994 World Junior Championships (Pool C ).
• Helped lead Slovakia to victory at 1994 World
•
Championship (Pool-C1) and 1995 (Pool B) en route to
qualifying for Pool-A,
Led tournament in goals (10) and points (12) when
Slovaks won silver medal at 2000 World
Championship.
•
when Slovaks won gold at the 2002 World
Championship. Lists the gold medal game as the
As team captain, was eighth in tournament scoring (6-4-10) when Slovaks won bronze at 2003
World Championships.
Tied fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Pavol Demitra
for team lead, and tied for fourth in tournament,
in scoring (4-4-8) at the 2004 World
Championship as Slovakia lost bronze medal
game to U.S.
Favorite international rule is the big ice surface.
• Is competing at his third Olympic Games
(1994, 2002).
• He and Lubomir Visnovsky are the only Slovaks making their third Olympic
appearance.
• Lists the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics as his most memorable international expe•
rience. Led Slovakia in goals (9), ranked second to Ziggy Palffy in points (9). Had
two hat-tricks — in 10–4 win vs. Italy and 6–2 win vs. France.
He likes all other Olympic sports.
• “Practice more than your competition.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1991-92
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Topolcany Jr.
Czech-Jr.
31 30 22 52
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Topolcany
Czech-2
9
2
1
3
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
1992-93
Trencin
Czech
38 11
6 17
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
1993-94
Trencin
Slovakia
30 32 16 48 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
Cape Breton
AHL
25 24 16 40 15 ....
.... .... .... ....
Detroit
IHL
8
1
3
4
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
San Diego
IHL
6
0
2
2
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
1995-96 Edmonton
NHL
62 18 17 35 22 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 Edmonton
NHL
64 17 11 28 22 .... .... .... .... ....
Buffalo
NHL
12
8
2 10
4
7
0
0
0
0
1997-98 Buffalo
NHL
79 22 24 46 34 14
5
4
9
4
1998-99 Buffalo
NHL
81 40 26 66 44 12
3
5
8
2
99-2000
Trencin
Slovakia
3
2
8 10
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
Buffalo
NHL
81 33 34 67 32
5
3
2
5
0
2000-01 Buffalo
NHL
82 29 33 62 36 13
3 10 13
8
2001-02 Buffalo
NHL
82 37 36 73 33 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Buffalo
NHL
79 26 49 75 20 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04
Bratislava
Slovakia
7
6
4 10 41 ....
.... .... .... ....
Buffalo
NHL
82 29 28 57 30 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Bratislava
Slovakia
18 11
9 20 14 18 *15
7 *22 16
NHL Totals
704 259 260 519 277 51 14 21 35 14
Edmonton's 6th choice, 111th overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.
Named Best Forward at WC-C1 (1994) • WC-B All-Star Team (1995) • WJC-A All-Star Team (2000) • Named Best Forward at WCA (2000)
Traded to Buffalo by Edmonton for Barrie Moore and Craig Millar, March 18, 1997.Signed as a free agent by Bratislava (Slovakia),
December 29, 2004.Signed as a free agent by NY Islanders, August 3, 2005.
1994 G Slovakia
G
G
1995
1996
1996
2000 S
2002
G
2003 B
2004
2004
2005
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
189
Event
WJC-C
Olympics
WC-C1
WC-B
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
G
A Pts PIM
4
6 7 13
8 *9 0 9
6
7 1 8
7
7 6 13
5
0 3 3
3
0 0 0
9 *10 2 *12
2
0 1 1
9
5 *8 *13
9
6 4 10
9
4 4 8
4
0 0 0
7
2 2 4
4
0
18
4
6
2
14
0
2
2
4
4
8
U.S.A.
DETROIT RED WINGS
SCHNEIDER, MATHIEU
BORN, NEW YORK, NY, JUNE 12, 1969.
(SHNIGH-duhr, MA-thew)
• He played three games in the Soviet Union as part of
Montreal Canadiens’“Friendship Tour” in 1990.
• His favorite coach is Jacques Demers because “he is a
great motivator.”
• The most memorable game he has played was game
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
five of the 1993 Stanley Cup Final when his Montreal
Canadiens beat the Los Angeles Kings.
The most memorable game he has watched was during the 1987 Canada Cup “when Mario Lemieux scored
a big goal against the Russians.”
He patterned his game after fellow 2006 U.S. Olympian
and current Detroit Red Wings teammate Chris Chelios
because “I liked his toughness and skill.”
The person he admires most is his best friend
Jonathan J. MacDonald because he is a Navy Seal.
Favorite arena is the old Chicago Stadium because “it
was where I played in the most exciting regular-season
game of my career.”
Other favorites include:“Law & Order” (TV show),“The
Godfather” (movie), Robert Redford (actor) and the
Counting Crows (band).
would be with George Bush, Harrison Ford and Gary
Bettman.
He says the first person he will call if the U.S. wins gold
in Torino is President Bush.
• Leading scorer among Canadiens defensemen in
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1990–91 (10-20-30). Led all Montreal defensemen in
goals (8) in 1991–92.
Injuries kept him out of most of first two rounds of the
1993 postseason, but returned to help Canadiens win
Stanley Cup.
His career-high 20 goals (including 11 power-play goals)
in 1993–94 ranked fourth among NHL defensemen.
His 41 assists and 54 points combined between the
Islanders and Toronto in 1995–96 established career
highs.
Led all Leafs defensemen in scoring (11-26-37) in
1997–98.
Led Rangers defensemen in goals (10) and points (30)
in 1999–2000.
Tied for fourth among NHL defenseman with 16 goals
for Los Angeles in 2000–01. Was ninth in points with
51. Was 17th in the NHL with 137 blocked shots. Led
the Kings in ice time per game (23:04).
His first point as a Red Wing came in his Detroit debut
on Mar. 12. 2003 (was also his 500th career NHL point).
Led his team in defenseman scoring for the eighth
time in his career in 2003–04, topping Red Wings blueliners in goals (14), assists (32) and points (56). Was
ninth in the NHL in defenseman scoring. Plus/minus of
+22 was best of his career and seventh among NHL
defensemen.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was with the Garden
State Hockey School.
Canadiens.
• Favorite player was Canadiens superstar Guy Lafleur.
• His been friends with fellow 2006 U.S. Olympian
Craig Conroy of the L.A. Kings since childhood.
• Says his father has been the most influential per-
son on his career because “he coached me when I
was young and had a hand in every decision.”
• First put on the Team USA jersey at the 1988
•
•
•
World Junior Championship when he was 18 and
says “it was a great honor.”
Lists his greatest international experience as winning the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
Was named to the original U.S. roster for the 2004
World Cup of Hockey but withdrew due to injury prior to the tournament.
Favorite international hockey rule is the elimination of the red line for two-line
passes. (The NHL adopted the “no red line” rule this season.)
• Is competing at his second Olympic Games (1998).
• Other Olympic sport of interest is men’s downhill skiing.
• “Have fun and love what you do!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Mount St.Charles High-RI
19
3 27 30
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Cornwall
OHL
63
7 29 36 75
5
0
0
0 22
Cornwall
OHL
48 21 40 61 83 11
2
6
8 14
Montreal
NHL
4
0
0
0
2 .... .... .... .... ....
Sherbrooke
AHL
....
.... .... ....
....
3
0
3
3 12
1988-89
Cornwall
OHL
59 16 57 73 96 18
7 20 27 30
1989-90 Montreal
NHL
44
7 14 21 25
9
1
3
4 31
Sherbrooke
AHL
28
6 13 19 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
1990-91 Montreal
NHL
69 10 20 30 63 13
2
7
9 18
1991-92 Montreal
NHL
78
8 24 32 72 10
1
4
5
6
1992-93◆ Montreal
NHL
60 13 31 44 91 11
1
2
3 16
1993-94 Montreal
NHL
75 20 32 52 62
1
0
0
0
0
1994-95 Montreal
NHL
30
5 15 20 49 .... .... .... .... ....
NY Islanders
NHL
13
3
6
9 30 .... .... .... .... ....
NHL
65 11 36 47 93 .... .... .... .... ....
Toronto
NHL
13
2
5
7 10
6
0
4
4
8
1996-97 Toronto
NHL
26
5
7 12 20 .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 Toronto
NHL
76 11 26 37 44 .... .... .... .... ....
1998-99 NY Rangers
NHL
75 10 24 34 71 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 NY Rangers
NHL
80 10 20 30 78 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Los Angeles
NHL
73 16 35 51 56 13
0
9
9 10
2001-02 Los Angeles
NHL
55
7 23 30 68
7
0
1
1 18
2002-03 Los Angeles
NHL
65 14 29 43 57 .... .... .... .... ....
Detroit
NHL
13
2
5
7 16
4
0
0
0
6
2003-04 Detroit
NHL
78 14 32 46 56 12
1
2
3
8
2004-05
DID NOT PLAY
NHL Totals
992 168 384 552 963 86
6 32 38 121
Montreal's 4th choice, 44th overall, in 1987 Entry Draft.
OHL First All-Star Team (1988, 1989)
Traded to NY Islanders by Montreal with Kirk Muller and Craig Darby for Pierre Turgeon and Vladimir Malakhov, April 5, 1995.
Traded to Toronto by NY Islanders with Wendel Clark and D.J.Smith for Darby Hendrickson, Sean Haggerty, Kenny Jonsson and
Toronto's 1st round choice (Roberto Luongo) in 1997 Entry Draft, March 13, 1996.• Missed majority of 1996-97 season recovering
from groin injury suffered in game vs.St.Louis, December 27, 1996.Rights traded to NY Rangers by Toronto for Alexander
Karpovtsev and NY Rangers' 4th round choice (Mirko Murovic) in 1999 Entry Draft, October 14, 1998.Claimed by Columbus from
NY Rangers in Expansion Draft, June 23, 2000.Signed as a free agent by Los Angeles, August 14, 2000.Traded to Detroit by Los
Angeles for Sean Avery, Maxim Kuznetsov, Detroit's 1st round choice (Jeff Tambellini) in 2003 Entry Draft and Detroit's 2nd round
choice (later traded to Boston – Boston selected Martins Karsums) in 2004 Entry Draft, March 11, 2003.
Event
1988
1996 1st
1998
2004
WJC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
W-Cup
United States
United States
United States
United States
190
GP
7
7
4
G
A Pts PIM
0 2 2 16
2 0 2
8
0 0 0
6
Germany
OTTAWA SENATORS
SCHUBERT, CHRISTOPH
BORN, MUNICH, WEST GERMANY, FEBRUARY 5, 1982.
(SHOO-buhrt, KRIHS-tawf )
• He made his NHL debut in Ottawa’s 8–0 win over
•
•
•
•
•
•
Toronto on Oct. 29, 2005. Scored his first goal against
2006 Swiss Olympian Martin Gerber of Carolina on
Nov. 22.
Favorite summer activity is playing soccer.
Favorite coach is former Ottawa junior player Sean
Simpson, who coached him with the Munchen Barons.
Superstition on game day is to eat the same meal
before every game.
Nicknames include Schuby, Herman and German.
Enjoys watching “Kings of Queens,”“The Simpsons”
and “The O.C.” on television. Favorites movies include
“Ocean’s Eleven,”“Saw” (Parts I and II),“Old School” and
“Wedding Crashers.” Favorite actor is George Clooney.
Favorite musicians are Bon Jovi and 50 Cent.
The person he admires most is Bob Geldof. If he could
have dinner with any three people it would be with
Jesus, Bob Geldof and Lance Armstrong.
• Was voted rookie of the year in German elite league in
•
•
•
•
2000–01. Was partnered on defense with former NY
Islanders defenseman Chris Luongo.
Munchen Barons finished first in regular-season standings in 2001–02.
Attended Senators rookie camp prior to 2002–03 season and was invited to attend main camp.
Attended Senators rookie camp and invited to main
camp again in 2003–04. Played exhibition game
against Montreal Canadiens before being assigned to
Binghamton (AHL), where he spent his second straight
season.
Recorded pro career highs with 10 goals, 22 assists and
32 points with Binghamton in 2004–05. Tied 2006
Russian Olympian Anton Volchenkov for second on
team in plus/minus (+24) behind 2006 Canadian
Olympian Jason Spezza.
When I was young…
• First played hockey for Hedos Munchen.
• Favorite player growing up was 2006 Swedish
•
Olympian Nicklas Lidstrom. He patterns his game after
Lidstrom.
He and fellow 2006 German Olympian Christian
Ehrhoff of San Jose are friends from childhood.
• Played at World Junior Championship (Div. 1) in
•
•
•
•
2001 and 2002. Won silver in 2001, gold (and
German promotion) in 2002. Tied fellow 2006
German Olympian Marcel Goc for team lead
with 4 goals at 2002 tournament.
Also played at World Championship in 2001
and 2002.
Led the German team with 4 assists at the 2005
World Championship. Tied fellow 2006 German
Olympians Jochen Hecht and Jan Benda for team
lead with 4 points.
Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice.
Games (2002).
• Germans had best record in preliminary round at 2002 Olympics.
• Lists Germany’s game against Canada at Salt Lake City as the most memorable
hockey game he has played.
• “Always work hard. Never give up. Believe in yourself.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
1998-99
99-2000
Landshut Jr.
Ger-Jr.
Landshut Jr.
Ger-Jr.
Landshut
German-3
2000-01
Munchen Bar.
Germany
2001-02
Munchen Bar.
Germany
2002-03
Binghamton
AHL
2003-04
Binghamton
AHL
2004-05
Binghamton
AHL
GP
G
28
11
55
55
50
70
70
76
15
14
7
6
5
2
2
10
A Pts PIM
20
11
5
3
11
8
10
22
Event
2000
2001 S
WJ18-A
WJC-B
WC-A
WJC-B
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
2002 G
2004
2005
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
• His father has had the most influence on his career.
• Will call his parents first if Germany wins gold at
Torino.
• Felt “enormous pride” the first time he represented his
country.
• Played at the World Junior Under-18 Championship in
2000.
191
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
5
1
4
7
7
2
3
2
1
0
4
0
1
0
0
2
1
0
1
1
0
0
4
4
2
0
5
1
1
0
4
12
10
0
8
6
8
6
6
35
25
12
9
16
10
12
32
77
51
68
80
125
102
69
110
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
10
9
8
1
6
....
....
....
0
3
0
0
2
....
....
....
2
4
1
0
2
....
....
....
2
7
1
0
4
....
....
....
27
32
2
0
20
Sweden
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
SEDIN, DANIEL
BORN, ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN, SEPTEMBER 26, 1980.
(suh-DEEN, DAN-yehl)
• The Canucks traded picks at the 1999 Entry draft in
•
•
•
•
•
order to select Daniel and Henrick Sedin second and
third overall (behind Atlanta’s first overall choice of
Patrik Stefan).
Made his debut in Swedish elite league with MoDo as
a 17-year-old in 1997–98. Helped MoDo finish first in
the regular season in 1998–99 and shared league MVP
honors with his brother.
If he was not a hockey player, he would like to be a
professional soccer player.
Enjoys working with children. Makes a lot of community
appearances in Vancouver, including visits to Canucks
Place.
Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite Movie is “The
Life of David Gale.” Nicole Kidman is his favorite actor.
• Led MoDo in goals (21) and points (42) in 1998-99. Was
13th in league in scoring.
• Was second behind Henrik in scoring (19-26-45) for
MoDo, 11th in league, in 1999–2000.
• Played first NHL game vs. Philadelphia on Oct. 5, 2000.
•
•
•
Scored his first goal (assisted by brother Henrik) vs.
Tampa Bay on Oct. 8, 2000.
Was first rookie to score 20 goals in 2000-01. Finished
tied for second among NHL rookies with 20 goals in
2000-01 and was just the 12th rookie in Canucks history to score 20 goals. Ranked eighth among rookies in
points (34). Led rookies in shooting percentage (15.7).
Played in career-high 82 games in 2003–04.
plus/minus (+18). Scored all 4 goals vs. Detroit in 4–2
win on Feb. 24. Was one of only three 4-goal games
that season (fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Markus
Naslund and 2006 Slovak Olympian Miroslav Satan).
Tied fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Peter Forsberg for
third on MoDo with 13 goals in 2004–05. Was fourth
on team in points with 33.
When I was young…
• MoDo was his favorite team growing up (and the team
he would play for in Sweden).
• MoDo’s home arena, Kempehallen, in his home town, is
his favorite arena.
• Has played virtually his entire career alongside twin
brother Henrik.
• He and his wife had their first child (a daughter) this
summer.
• His parents and two older brothers are his biggest
•
influence in hockey. Lists his older brothers as the people he admires most.
Will call his parents first if Sweden wins gold in Torino.
• First represented Sweden at a Four Nations
Under-16 tournament.
• Led tournament in assists (17) and points (26) as
•
•
•
•
•
Sweden won silver medal at 1997 World Under-17
Challenge.
Won silver medal at 1997 European Junior
Championship. Won gold at 1998 EJC. Tied Denis
Shvidki for tournament scoring lead (3-8-11).
Played at World Junior Championships in 1998,
1999 and 2000. Finished third in tournament scoring (6-4-10) in 2000, but calls the 1999 event in
Winnipeg his favorite international hockey
experience.
Tied for second on Swedish team in goals (3) and
points (5) at 2000 World Championship.
Was part of Sweden’s 26-man roster for 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Led Swedish team in goals (5), tied fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Daniel
Alfredsson in points (9) at 2005 World Championship. Tied for third overall in the
tournament in goals.
• “Work hard and have fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1997-98
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
MoDo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
26 26 14 40
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Malmo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
4
3
3
6
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
MoDo
Sweden
45
4
8 12 26
9
0
0
0
2
1998-99
MoDo
Sweden
50 21 21 42 20 13
4
8 12 14
99-2000
MoDo
Sweden
50 19 26 45 28 13 *8
6 14 18
MoDo
EuroHL
4
3
3
6
0
2
0
0
0
0
2000-01 Vancouver
NHL
75 20 14 34 24
4
1
2
3
0
2001-02 Vancouver
NHL
79
9 23 32 32
6
0
1
1
0
2002-03 Vancouver
NHL
79 14 17 31 34 14
1
5
6
8
2003-04 Vancouver
NHL
82 18 36 54 18
7
1
2
3
0
2004-05
MODO
Sweden
49 13 20 33 40
6
0
3
3
6
NHL Totals
315 61 90 151 108 31
3 10 13
8
Vancouver's 1st choice, 2nd overall, in 1999 Entry Draft.
EJC-A All-Star Team (1998) • Named Best Forward at EJC-A (1998) • Sweden elite league Player of the Year Award (1999)
Signed as a free agent by MODO (Sweden), September 18, 2004.
1997 S Sweden
1998 G Sweden
1999
B
2000
2001 B
2004
2005
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
192
Event
GP
EJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
6
6
7
6
9
7
7
3
G
A Pts PIM
2 4 6
3 8 *11
4 1 5
5 5 10
0 1 1
*6 4 10
3 2 5
0 2 2
DID NOT PLAY
9
5 4 9
2
10
2
2
2
0
8
0
2
Sweden
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
SEDIN, HENRIK
BORN, ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN, SEPTEMBER 26, 1980.
(suh-DEEN, HEHN-rihk)
• The Canucks traded picks at the 1999 Entry draft in
•
•
•
•
•
order to select Daniel and Henrick Sedin second and
third overall (behind Atlanta’s first overall choice of
Patrik Stefan).
Made his debut in Swedish elite league with MoDo as
a 17-year-old in 1997–98. Helped MoDo finish first in
the regular season in 1998–99 and shared league MVP
honors with his brother.
Favorite hockey moment is scoring the overtime winner in game one of the playoffs versus Detroit in 2002.
Enjoys working with children’s charities including
Canuck Place in Vancouver.
Hobbies are boating and golfing, and lowering his
handicap to14. He likes to play backgammon and
cards when on the road.
“Friends” is his favorite TV show.“Braveheart” and “Life
is Beautiful” are his favorite movies. Mel Gibson and
Meg Ryan are his favorite actors.
• Finished third on MoDo, 28th in league, in scoring (12•
•
•
•
•
22-34) in 1998-99. Led MoDo in scoring (9-38-47),
placed eighth in league, in 1999-2000. Was second in
league in assists.
Played his first NHL game vs. Philadelphia on Oct. 5,
2000. Set up brother Daniel’s first NHL goal vs. Tampa
Bay on Oct. 8, 2000. Scored his first goal, and was first
star of game, vs. Toronto on Oct 16, 2000.
Tied for eighth among NHL rookies with 20 assists in
2000-01. Was 13th in rookie scoring with 29 points.
Was one of only seven rookies to play as many as 80
games in regular season (82). Led Canucks with 4
assists in the playoffs as Vancouver returned to the
postseason for the first time since 1996.
Played 82 games for second straight season 2001-02
and scored career-high 16 goals.
Had career-high 31 assists in 2002-03 and 2003–04.
Established new career marks with 42 points and
plus/minus of +23 in 2003–04. Was third on the team in
plus/minus behind league-leader Marek Malik (+35),a
2006 Czech Olympian, and fellow 2006 Swedish
Olympian Markus Naslund (+24).
Was second on MoDo behind Mattias Weinhandl with
14 goals. Was third in points (36) behind Weinhandl
and fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Peter Forsberg.
When I was young…
• MoDo was his favorite team growing up (and the team
•
he would play for in Sweden). His first hockey team
was Jarved.
His favorite arena is Getsinghov – “the outdoor rink
where we started out.”
• First played for his country as a 16 year old.
• Tied for tournament lead with 12 goals, tied for
•
•
•
•
•
second with 20 points, as Sweden won silver at
the 1997 World Under-17 Challenge.
Won silver medal at 1997 European Junior
Championships, gold at 1998 EJC. Lists 1998 victory as his favorite international hockey moment.
“We had to beat Russia by four to win the
European Championship and we won 5–1.”
Was the leading scorer (4-9-13) at the 2000 World
Was tied for second on Swedish team in scoring
(2-3-5) at 2000 World Championship.
Was part of Sweden’s 26-man roster for 2004
Favorite international hockey rules is no red line for two-line offside passes. (The
NHL adopted the “no red line” rule his season.)
• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field and soccer in the Summer
Games.
• “Play a lot of different sports and finish school.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
A Pts PIM
MoDo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
26 14 22 36
....
Malmo Jr.
Swe-Jr.
8
4
7 11
6
MoDo
Sweden
39
1
4
5
8
1998-99
MoDo
Sweden
49 12 22 34 32
99-2000
MoDo
Sweden
50
9 38 47 22
2000-01 Vancouver
NHL
82
9 20 29 38
2001-02 Vancouver
NHL
82 16 20 36 36
2002-03 Vancouver
NHL
78
8 31 39 38
2003-04 Vancouver
NHL
76 11 31 42 32
2004-05
MODO
Sweden
44 14 22 36 50
NHL Totals
318 44 102 146 144
Vancouver's 2nd choice, 3rd overall, in 1999 Entry Draft.
Signed as a free agent by MODO (Sweden), September 18, 2004.
....
....
7
13
13
4
6
14
7
6
31
....
....
0
2
5
0
3
3
2
1
8
....
....
0
8
9
4
0
2
2
3
8
1997-98
1997 S Sweden
1998 G Sweden
1999
B
2000
2001 B
2004
2005
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
• Has played virtually his entire career with twin brother
Daniel.
• Lists his two older brothers as his biggest influence in
hockey.“We always watched their practices.”
193
Event
GP
EJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
6
6
6
8
7
7
9
G
A Pts PIM
3 4 7
5 4 9
3 6 9
0 0 0
4 *9 *13
2 3 5
1 0 1
DID NOT PLAY
9
2 4 6
16
4
10
4
6
6
0
2
....
....
0
10
14
4
3
5
4
4
16
....
....
0
6
2
0
0
8
2
6
10
Germany
PHOENIX COYOTES
SEIDENBERG, DENNIS
BORN, SCHWENNINGEN, WEST GERMANY, JULY 18, 1981.
(SIGH-dehn-buhrg, DEH-nihs)
• He lists his first game in the NHL with the Flyers (Oct.
•
•
•
•
•
10, 2002 at Edmonton) as the most memorable game
he has played. He recorded his first career point with
an assist.
Lists Germany’s Juergen Mueller as his favorite coach.
He goes through two or three sticks in a week.
Hobbies include golf and tennis.
Favorites include “Nip/Tuck” (TV show),“Four Brothers”
and Black Eyed Peas (music).
would be with Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky and Will
Ferrell.
• Is competing at his second consecutive Olympic
Games.
• Germany had the best record in the preliminary
•
round at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Being a
part of the 2002 Olympics has been his greatest
Other Olympic sports of interest are alpine skiing
and ski jumping.
• “Work hard and stay with it.”
• Adler Mannheim finished first in the regular season in
•
•
•
2000–01. Finished second in regular-season standings
and reached the playoff finals in 2001–02. His 7 goals
that season were second among team defensemen
behind 2004 Team USA World Championship hero
Andy Roach.
Scored his first NHL goal on Oct. 31, 2002 vs. Phoenix.
Had 2 assists for Eastern Conference team at the
YoungStars Game during the 2003 All-Star Weekend.
Played five games for the Flyers in 2003–04 but spent
most of season with the AHL Phantoms. Missed 25
games from Jan. 16 through Mar. 6, 2004 with broken
left leg sustained in practice on Jan. 15. Was named to
AHL All-Star Game but did not play due to injury.
Helped the Phantoms win the Calder Cup as AHL
champions in 2004–05.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of his first pair of skates.
• First hockey team played for was Schwenningen
Juniors.
• Favorite team growing up was the Schwenningen Wild
Wings.
• Lists his parents as having had the greatest influence
on his career.”Their support has been vital.”
• Will call his parents and his girlfriend first if Germany
wins gold in Italy.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
• First played for his country at age 16 and says “it is an
honor every time I play for Germany.”
• Played at the 1999 World Under-18 Championship.
• Played at the World Junior Championship in 2000
•
•
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
99-2000
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Mannheim Jr.
Ger-Jr.
52 12 28 40 28 ....
.... .... .... ....
Mannheim
Germany
3
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01
Mannheim Jr.
Ger-Jr.
9
3
8 11 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
Mannheim
Germany
55
2
5
7
6 12
0
1
1 10
2001-02
Mannheim
Germany
55
7 13 20 56
8
0
0
0
2
NHL
58
4
9 13 20 .... .... .... .... ....
Philadelphia
AHL
19
5
6 11 17 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL
5
0
0
0
2
3
0
0
0
0
Philadelphia
AHL
33
7 12 19 31
9
2
2
4
4
2004-05
Philadelphia
AHL
79 13 28 41 47 18
2
8 10 19
NHL Totals
63
4
9 13 22
3
0
0
0
0
Philadelphia's 6th choice, 172nd overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.
• Missed majority of 2003-04 season recovering from leg injury suffered in game vs.Edmonton, January 10, 2004.• Traded to
Phoenix by Philadelphia for Petr Nedved, January 20, 2006
Event
1999
2000 S
2001 S
WJ18-A
WJC-B
WJC-B
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
2002
Club
2004
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
(Pool-B) and 2001 (Div. 1). Tied for team lead in scoring
(1-3-4) with fellow 2006 German Olympian Christian
Ehrhoff in 2001 when Germany earned silver.
Played at the World Championship in 2001 and 2002.
194
GP
G
A Pts PIM
4
5
5
7
7
7
4
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
3
1
1
2
0
0
0
4
1
2
3
0
2
0
2
2
8
8
0
Finland
SELANNE, TEEMU
BORN, HELSINKI, FINLAND, JULY 3, 1970.
(SEH-lahn-nay, TEE-moo)
• He was a kindergarten teacher in Finland for three
years and has served in the Finnish Army.
• Has developed the Finnish Flash Foundation in order
•
•
•
to raise money for handicapped children in Finland,
and has also been named the “First Godfather” to the
Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
Wears #13 because he scored an NHL rookie record 76
goals with that number.
Favorites include:“Lost” (TV show),“Dumb and
Dumber” (movie), Sean Connery as James Bond (actor)
and Pink Floyd (music group).
would be with Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Bill
Clinton.
• Played five years with Jokerit Helsinki in Finnish
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
League from 1987 to 1992. Was named to Finnish AllStar team in 1991 and 1992.
Won Calder Trophy after shattering NHL rookie record
with 76 goals (tied for league lead with Alexander
Mogilny) with Winnipeg in 1992–93. Also set rookie
record with 132 points.
Scored his 100th goal in his 130th game, secondfastest pace in NHL history (Mike Bossy, 129 games).
Finished tied for seventh in NHL scoring (40-68-108)
with Anaheim teammate Paul Kariya in 1995–96.
Finished second in NHL in goals (51) and points (109)
in 1996–97.
Tied Peter Bondra for league lead with 52 goals in
1997–98. Finished third in voting for Hart Trophy (NHL
MVP) and second in voting for Lady Byng (sportsmanship).
Became first winner of the Maurice Richard Trophy
(NHL’s leading goal scorer) with 47 goals in 1998–99.
Also led NHL with 25 power-play goals. Again finished
second in NHL in points (107).
His 85 points in 1999–2000 ranked fifth in NHL.
Was first on Sharks in goals (29), power play goals (9)
and game-winning goals (8 in 2001–02. Joined Jari
Kurri as second Finnish player to score 400 goals on
Mar. 7, 2002.
Led Sharks in scoring (28-36-64) in 2002–03.
Returned to Anaheim in 2005–06 after spending
2003–04 season with Colorado.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of getting a pair of Guy Lafleur
model Bauer skates.
• First hockey team was EPS Espoo.
• Favorite players were Edmonton player and Finnish
•
star Jari Kurri, Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur
and Wayne Gretzky.
Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Finnish
Olympian Jere Lehtinen.
• Thanks his parents for having the most influence on
his hockey career.
• Will call his parents first if Finland wins gold in Torino.
• First played for his country at 1986 Under-16 Four
Nations tournament.
• Named to All-Star Team at 1988 European Juniors.
• Was named MVP at 1999 World Championship.
Finished second in scoring (3-8-11).
• Tied Saku Koivu for Finnish scoring lead, fourth in
tournament (8-3-11) at 2003 World Championship.
• Missed 1994 World Championships due to injury.
• Led Finland in scoring (3-2-5) at 1996 World Cup
of Hockey.
• Tied for second in team scoring (1-3-4) at 2004
•
World Cup where Finns won European pool and
reached finals against Team Canada.
ice “because there is more room.”
1998, 2002).
• Tied for first in goals, fourth in scoring, (7-4-11) at Albertville in 1992.
• Tied with Saku Koivu for Olympic scoring lead (4-6-10) at Nagano in 1998.
• Led Finnish team with 3 goals at Salt Lake City in 2002.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Regular Season
Season
Club
League
1986-87
1987-88
Jokerit Jr.
Jokerit Jr.
Jokerit
PvUK Jr.
Jokerit Jr.
Jokerit
Jokerit
Jokerit Jr.
Jokerit
Jokerit
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Jokerit
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Anaheim
Anaheim
Anaheim
Anaheim
Anaheim
Anaheim
San Jose
San Jose
San Jose
Colorado
Finland-Jr.
Finland-Jr.
Finland-2
Finland-Jr.
Finland-Jr.
Finland-2
Finland
Finland-Jr.
Finland
Finland
NHL
NHL
Finland
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
GP
G
A Pts PIM
33 10 12
33 *43 23
5
1
1
3
3
1
3
8
8
34 35 33
11
4
8
1
0
0
42 33 25
44 *39 23
84 *76 56
51 25 29
20
7 12
45 22 26
51 24 48
28 16 20
78 51 58
73 *52 34
75 *47 60
79 33 52
61 26 33
12
7
6
82 29 25
82 28 36
78 16 16
DID NOT PLAY
879 452 499
22
*66
2
4
16
68
12
0
58
62
132
54
19
48
72
36
109
86
107
85
59
13
54
64
32
8
18
0
2
4
12
0
0
12
20
45
22
6
2
18
4
34
30
30
12
36
0
40
30
32
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
5
....
....
....
5
....
....
....
10
6
....
....
....
....
....
11
....
4
....
....
6
12
....
10
....
4
....
....
....
7
....
....
....
*10
4
....
....
....
....
....
7
....
2
....
....
0
5
....
0
A Pts PIM
.... ....
3
7
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
3 10
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
7 *17
2
6
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
3 10
.... ....
2
4
.... ....
.... ....
2
2
3
8
.... ....
3
3
....
2
....
....
....
4
....
....
....
18
2
....
....
....
....
....
4
....
2
....
....
2
2
....
2
NHL Totals
951 335 49 18 15 33 14
EJC-A All-Star Team (1988) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1993) • NHL First All-Star Team (1993, 1997) • Calder Memorial Trophy (1993)
• NHL Second All-Star Team (1998, 1999) • Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (1999) • WC-A All-Star Team (1999) • WC-A MVP
(1999)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003)
• Missed majority of 1989-90 season recovering from leg injury suffered in game vs.HIFK (Finland), October 19, 1989.Traded to
Anaheim by Winnipeg with Marc Chouinard and Winnipeg's 4th round choice (later traded to Toronto – later traded to Montreal
– Montreal selected Kim Staal) in 1996 Entry Draft for Chad Kilger, Oleg Tverdovsky and Anaheim's 3rd round choice (Per-Anton
Lundstrom) in 1996 Entry Draft, February 7, 1996.Traded to San Jose by Anaheim for Jeff Friesen, Steve Shields and San Jose's 2nd
round choice (later traded to Dallas – Dallas selected Vojtech Polak) in 2003 Entry Draft, March 5, 2001.Signed as a free agent by
Colorado, July 3, 2003.Signed as a free agent by Anaheim, August 22, 2005.
1988 S Finland
1989
1991
1992
1996
1996
1998 B
1999 S
2002
2003
2004 2nd
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
195
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
EJC-A
6
WJC-A
7
Can-Cup
6
Olympics 8
WC-A
6
W-Cup
4
Olympics 5
WC-A
11
Olympics 4
WC-A
7
W-Cup
6
7
5
1
7
5
3
4
3
3
8
1
9
5
1
4
3
2
6
8
0
3
3
16
10
2
11
8
5
*10
11
3
11
4
8
10
2
6
0
0
8
2
2
2
4
Latvia
COLORADO AVALANCHE
SKRASTINS, KARLIS
BORN, RIGA, USSR, JULY 9, 1974.
(SKRAS-tinsh, KAR-lihs)
• He was the last player picked by Nashville (230th over•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
all) in the team’s first NHL Entry Draft in 1998, but was
their first draft pick to appear in an NHL game. He was
also the first Predator to score a point in his NHL debut
with an assist vs. Detroit on Feb. 9, 1999.
Nicknames are Karl and Scratch.
Hobbies are playing soccer and baseball.
Has many superstitions which he keeps to himself.
Most memorable game watched is “any USSR vs.
Canada game.”
Favorite coach is Latvian national team coach Vladimir
Jurzinov.
Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite actor is Johnny
Depp. Favorite sports movie is “Any Given Sunday.”
If he could be any superhero it would be Batman,
because that was the first Hollywood movie he ever
saw.
would be with Marilyn Monroe, Mikhail Gorbachev
and the Dalai Lama.
• Led Milwaukee defensemen, ranked 11th in the IHL, in
•
•
•
•
•
scoring (8-36-44) in his first season in North America in
1998–99.
Ranked second among NHL rookies in average ice
time (20:51) in 1999–2000. Finished 16th with 104 hits.
Led Nashville, and was ninth in the NHL with 160
blocked shots in 2000–01.
in 2001–02. Led Nashville in hits (161) and blocked
shots (137).
Set a Nashville record playing in his 252nd straight
game on Mar. 4, 2003.
In his first year with Colorado in 2003–04, he played all
82 games for the fourth straight season. His ongoing
consecutive game streak of (350+) is the longest
among active NHLers.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Riga Dinamo Jr.
• Favorite team growing up was Riga Dinamo.
• Favorite player growing up was Latvian-born Soviet
star Helmut Balderis.
on his career.
• Lists his daughter as the person he admires most.
• Will call his wife first if Latvia wins gold at Torino.
Playing for Latvia…
• First had the opportunity to compete for his country
•
at age 18 and says that it was “an honor and a responsibility.”
Has represented Latvia at the World Championship in
the C-Pool, the B-Pool and the A-Pool. (Also played at
the World Junior Championship C-Pool in 1994. Latvia
won silver that year. Latvia won gold at the 1995 WJCC to advance to the B-Pool.)
• Played for Latvian team that won the C-Pool World
•
•
•
Championship in 1993 to earn promotion to the BPool.
Greatest international hockey experience came
when Latvia won the B-Pool tournament in 1996
and qualified for the A-Pool.
Led the Latvian team in goals (3) and points (6) at
Tied with three other players for the Latvian lead in
goals (2) at the 2005 World Championship.
• Played one game for Latvia at the 2002 Salt Lake
City Games.
• Had played for Latvia during the 1992–93 Olympic
•
•
Qualifying Tournament, but Latvia did not advance
to the 1994 Lillehammer Games.
Most memorable hockey game played was the qualification final for the 2006
Olympics. Latvia scored three goals in the last five minutes of the game vs.
Belarus to win and qualify to play in Torino.
Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer at the Summer Games.
• “Work hard and believe. You have to love the job that you do!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Riga
CIS
40
3
5
8 16
2
0
0
0
0
Riga
CIS
42
7
5 12 18
2
1
0
1
4
Riga
CIS
52
4 14 18 69 ....
.... .... .... ....
TPS
Finland
50
4 11 15 32 11
2
2
4 10
TPS
Finland
50
2
8 10 20 12
0
4
4
2
TPS Turku
EuroHL
6
0
1
1
4
4
0
0
0 14
1997-98
TPS
Finland
48
4 15 19 67
4
0
0
0
0
TPS Turku
EuroHL
6
0
1
1
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99 Nashville
NHL
2
0
1
1
0 .... .... .... .... ....
Milwaukee
IHL
75
8 36 44 47
2
0
1
1
2
99-2000 Nashville
NHL
59
5
6 11 20 .... .... .... .... ....
Milwaukee
IHL
19
3
8 11 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01 Nashville
NHL
82
1 11 12 30 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Nashville
NHL
82
4 13 17 36 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Nashville
NHL
82
3 10 13 44 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Colorado
NHL
82
5
8 13 26 11
0
2
2
2
2004-05
Riga 2000
Latvia
4
0
4
4
0
9
3 10 13 33
Riga 2000
BelOpen
34
8 17 25 30
3
0
0
0 25
NHL Totals
389 18 49 67 156 11
0
2
2
2
Nashville's 8th choice, 230th overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
Traded to Colorado by Nashville for Colorado's 3rd round choice (later traded to Ottawa – Ottawa selected Peter Regin Jensen) in
2004 Entry Draft, June 30, 2003.Signed as a free agent by Riga (Latvia), September 25, 2004.
1993 G Latvia
1994 S
S
1995 S
1996 G
1997
1999
2000
2001
2002
2004
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
Latvia
196
Event
WC-C
Olympic Q
WJC-C
WC-B
WC-B
WC-B
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
4
4
7
7
7
8
6
7
6
1
6
1
1
1
3
1
2
0
1
1
3
0
2
6
1
5
5
1
2
3
1
2
0
0
0
7
2
6
8
2
4
3
2
3
3
0
2
0
2
33
0
4
8
4
6
4
0
0
2
Canada
EDMONTON OILERS
SMYTH, RYAN
BORN, BANFF, ALTA., FEBRUARY 21, 1976.
(SMIHTH, RIGH-uhn)
• Nicknames are Moo-lay and Smytty.
• Hobbies include all types of water sports, old cars, and
•
•
•
training. Charitable efforts are through the Stollery
Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Teammates for
Kids Foundation.
Wears #94 because it’s the year he graduated from
high school.
game in the NHL against the L.A. Kings, and his first
shift was against Wayne Gretzky.
Most memorable hockey game watched was Wayne
Gretzky in Calgary scoring the overtime winner in
1988, and seeing Gretzky’s last Stanley Cup win in
Edmonton because he was there in person.
• Led Moose Jaw Warriors in scoring, ranked 15th in
WHL, in 1993–94 (50-55-105).
• His 39 goals in 1996–97 ranked 13th in NHL. His 20
•
•
•
•
power-play goals tied Brendan Shanahan for league
league and equalled Oilers record first set by Wayne
Gretzky in 1983–84.
Scored his first career hat trick on Oct. 8, 1996. Scored
all three goals in a 3–0 win over Atlanta on Mar. 13,
2000. Became only the tenth player in NHL history to
score all goals by both teams in a three-or-more-goal
game. (Again scored all goals in a 3–0 victory, this time
against St. Louis on Nov. 14, 2000 to become only player in NHL history to accomplish this feat twice.)
Led Oilers with 31 goals, 11 power-play goals, 6 gamewinning goals and 245 shots in 2000–01. His 70 points
and 6 game winners were both career highs. Also
established career bests in assists (39).
Led Oilers in scoring in 2002–03 (27-34-61) in just 66
games.
Led Oilers in goals (23), assists (36), points (59), powerplay goals (11) and game-winning goals (6) in 2003–04.
Was 16th in NHL with 245 shots. Established a career
high in plus/minus at +11.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of learning how to skate at age
three, with his mom tying his skates before games.
• First minor hockey team was the Banff Bears.
• Had the opportunity to be a stick boy at Team
•
•
Canada’s training camp in Banff when he was eight
years old. He was run over by Glenn Anderson as he
was backing out at the camp and kept the shirt with
the tire marks on it (from the Toronto Sun, Jan 26,
2002).
Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky. He patterned his
game after Gretzky.
•
•
Lists his brothers as having the greatest influence on
his career because “we all pushed each other to be the
best we could.”
Hopes that his whole family can join him in celebrating a gold medal victory in Torino.
• First competed for Canada (and won gold) at the
•
•
•
•
1995 World Junior Championship.“I was proud
and honored to wear the maple leaf.”
Has represented Canada at seven straight World
Championship tournaments from 1999 to 2005.
Has served as captain the last five years. Is
Canada’s all-time leader with 60 games played at
the tournament. Has 15 goals and 16 assists for 31
points.
Led Canadian team with 6 assists in 2000. Tied fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Todd Bertuzzi for
team lead, tied for fourth at the tournament, with
9 points.
Tied for second on team in scoring (2-3-5) in 2001.
Was second on team to Joe Sakic with 3 goals
when Canada won World Cup of Hockey in 2004.
• Is competing at his second straight Olympic Games (2002).
• Torino Olympics will mark his tenth consecutive major international tournament,
a record for a Canadian player.
• Favorite international hockey moment was winning gold in Salt Lake City.
•
Recovered from a fractured right ankle in order to play at the tournament: “You
have to understand. I’ve played for my country before, and there is nothing better than standing out there hearing that national anthem being played.
Nothing.” (from the Toronto Sun, Jan 26, 2002).
Enjoys watching many other Olympic sports, from curling in the Winter to basketball at the Summer Games. Especially enjoys downhill skiing.
• “Follow your dreams.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1990-91
Banff
Lethbridge
Caronport
Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw
Edmonton
Edmonton
Cape Breton
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton
ABHL
AMHL
SMHL
WHL
WHL
WHL
WHL
NHL
NHL
AHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Regular Season
GP
G
A Pts PIM
25 100 50
34
8 21
35 55 61
2
0
0
64 19 14
72 50 55
50 41 45
3
0
0
48
2
9
9
6
5
82 39 22
65 20 13
71 13 18
82 28 26
82 31 39
61 15 35
66 27 34
82 23 36
DID NOT PLAY
642 198 232
NHL Totals
Edmonton's 2nd choice, 6th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.
• Brother of Kevin • WHL East Second All-Star Team (1995)
1995 G Canada
1999
2000
2001
2002 G
2003
2004
2004
2005
G
G
1st
S
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
197
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
WJC-A
7
WC-A
10
WC-A
9
WC-A
7
Olympics 6
WC-A
7
WC-A
9
WC-A
9
W-Cup
6
WC-A
9
2
0
3
2
0
4
2
2
3
2
5
2
6
3
1
0
2
2
1
1
7
2
9
5
1
4
4
4
4
3
4
12
0
4
0
2
2
2
2
6
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
....
98
0
59
88
66
0
28
4
76
44
62
58
58
48
67
70
....
....
....
....
....
....
10
....
....
....
12
12
3
5
6
....
6
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
6
....
....
....
5
1
3
1
3
....
2
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
9
....
....
....
5
3
0
0
4
....
0
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
15
....
....
....
10
4
3
1
7
....
2
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
22
....
....
....
12
16
0
6
4
....
16
....
430 511
44
15
12
27
54
150
29
116
0
33
105
86
0
11
11
61
33
31
54
70
50
61
59
A Pts PIM
Czech Republic
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
SPACEK, JAROSLAV
BORN, ROKYCANY, CZECH., FEBRUARY 11, 1974.
(SPAH-chehk, YA-roh-slahv)
• He holds a hockey tournament in the Czech Republic
to raise money for children with cancer.
• He was named the top defenseman in the Swedish
elite league in 1997–98.
• Lists the late Ivan Hlinka as his favorite coach.
• The most memorable game he has watched was the
•
•
•
1985 World Championship “when the Czech team
won.”
Nickname is Spaco.
Favorite TV show is “That 70’s Show.” Favorite movie is
“Wedding Crashers.” Favorite actress is Angelina Jolie.
Favorite music group is U2. Hobbies are playing golf
and tennis.
Lists Tiger Woods as the person he most admires.
• Played five seasons for Plzen in the Czech elite league
•
•
•
•
•
•
from 1992 to 1997. Led all defensemen with 9 goals
and 29 points in 1996–97.
Finished second on the team, third in the league, in
defenseman scoring (10-16-26) with Farjestad in
Sweden in 1997–98. Farjestad won the league’s playoff
championship.
Made his NHL debut on Oct. 9, 1998. Spent part of the
season in New Haven (AHL) but finished 1998–99 fifth
among rookie defensemen in scoring (3-12-15). Led
the Panthers, finished third among NHL rookies, in
plus/minus (+15).
Led Panthers defensemen in goals (10) and power-play
goals (4) in 1999–2000. Was second on the team in
blocked shots (98), third in average ice time (22:40).
His 23 points (5G, 18A) in just 50 games for Chicago
led all Blackhawks defensemen in 2000–01.
Set career highs and Blue Jackets records for most
assists (36) and points (45) by a defenseman in
2002–03. Led team in ice time per game with 24:47.
Led all Blue Jackets in shifts per game (28.3) and time
on ice (23:26) in 2003–04.
When I was young…
• First hockey memories are of putting on his skates.
• Favorite team growing up was Plzen (whom he would
later play for).
• Favorite player was Ivan Vlcek of Plzen.
Olympian Martin Straka of the New York Rangers and
Petr Sykora of the NY Rangers.
• Says his parents had the most influence on his hockey
career because “they pushed me to succeed.”
• Will call his wife first if the Czechs win gold at Torino.
• Only Czech defenseman to score 2 goals at the
• Favorite international hockey rule is the shoot out.
Games (1998, 2002).
• His greatest international experience is winning
•
•
the gold medal at Nagano in 1998. The gold medal
game is the most memorable game he has played.
Republic’s 1998 gold medal team along with
Dominik Hasek, Milan Hejduk, Jaromir Jagr, Robert
Lang, Martin Rucinsky and Martin Straka.
Other Olympic sport of interest is tennis at the
Summer Games.
• “Hard work pays off when you are trying to become a professional player.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Plzen
Czech
16
1
3
4
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Plzen
CzRep
34
2
6
8
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Plzen
CzRep
38
4
8 12 14
3
1
0
1
2
Plzen
CzRep
40
3 10 13 42
3
0
1
1
4
Plzen
CzRep
52
9 29 38 44 ....
.... .... .... ....
Farjestad
Sweden
45 10 16 26 63 12
2
5
7 14
Farjestad
EuroHL
6
2
3
5
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
1998-99 Florida
NHL
63
3 12 15 28 .... .... .... .... ....
New Haven
AHL
14
4
8 12 15 ....
.... .... .... ....
99-2000 Florida
NHL
82 10 26 36 53
4
0
0
0
0
2000-01 Florida
NHL
12
2
1
3
8 .... .... .... .... ....
Chicago
NHL
50
5 18 23 20 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Chicago
NHL
60
3 10 13 29 .... .... .... .... ....
Columbus
NHL
14
2
3
5 24 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Columbus
NHL
81
9 36 45 70 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Columbus
NHL
58
5 17 22 45 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Plzen
CzRep
30
3
8 11 26 ....
.... .... .... ....
Slavia
CzRep
17
4
9 13 29
7
0
2
2
8
NHL Totals
420 39 123 162 277
4
0
0
0
0
Florida's 5th choice, 117th overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
Traded to Chicago by Florida for Anders Eriksson, November 6, 2000.Traded to Columbus by Chicago with Chicago's 2nd round
choice (Dan Fritsche) in 2003 Entry Draft for Lyle Odelein, March 19, 2002.Signed as a free agent by Plzen (CzRep), September 17,
2004.Signed as a free agent by Slavia (CzRep), January 4, 2005.Signed as a free agent by Chicago, August 3, 2005.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1994
1998 G
1999 G
2001 G
2002
WJC-A
7
Olympics 6
WC-A
12
WC-A
9
Olympics 4
WC-A
7
WC-A
9
WC-A
6
W-Cup
4
WC-A
9
2
0
1
0
0
1
1
2
0
1
0
0
5
3
0
2
5
1
0
0
2003
2004
2004
2005 G
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
• First played for his country at the 1994 World Junior
•
•
Regular Season
League
Championship. It “meant a lot” to have the opportunity
to do so.
Member of gold medal-winning Czech teams at the
1999 and 2001 World Championships.
Rating of +9 was best among defensemen at the 2002
World Championship.
198
2
0
6
3
0
3
6
3
0
1
8
4
8
4
0
8
4
6
0
0
Canada
OTTAWA SENATORS
SPEZZA, JASON
BORN, MISSISSAUGA, ONT., JUNE 13, 1983.
(SPEHT-zah, JAY-suhn)
• No player in history has led both the AHL and the NHL
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
in scoring. Spezza was the top scorer (32-85-117) in the
AHL in 2004–05. His 85 assists were the second-highest
single-season total in the history of the AHL.
He was the youngest player ever to appear in the OHL
All-Star Game in 1999, making it as a 15-year-old.
Was named OHL Eastern Conference’s smartest player,
best stickhandler and best playmaker in the 2002 season-ending coaches poll.
Most memorable game he has played was game five
of the 2003 Eastern Conference playoff against New
Jersey. Had a goal and an assist. Ottawa had trailed in
the series three games to one, but rallied to force a
seventh game before losing to the eventual Stanley
Cup champions.
Nickname is Spez. Hobby is golf.
He enjoys taking part in reading programs with local
schools.
Enjoys watching Survivor and says Jennifer Garner is
his favorite actress. Favorite musical group is Canadian
rockers The Tragically Hip. Would be Superman if he
could choose to be any superhero.
would be with Tiger Woods, Jennifer Garner and
Paris Hilton.
• Lists his father as both his favorite coach (he
•
coached him throughout minor hockey) and the
Will be celebrating with his mom and dad in the
stands if Canada wins gold in Torino.
•
•
•
Junior Championship.“It was one of my greatest
hockey moments.” At the time was one of only
four 16-year-old Canadians to have played at the
tournament (Wayne Gretzky, Eric Lindros, Jay
Bouwmeester).
Was named to the tournament All-Star Team at
the 2001 World Junior Championship.
Won silver medal at 2002 World Junior Championship. Teammates included Rick
Nash and Jay Bouwmeester.
Favorite international hockey rule is having the red line removed for two-line
passes. (This rule was adopted by the NHL this season.)
• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and track & field at the Summer
Games.
• “Have fun and enjoy! Truly love the game.”
• Was second in OHL scoring (43-73-116), two points
•
•
•
•
•
behind Kyle Wellwood, in 2000–01. His 73 assists also
ranked second to Wellwood’s 83.
Was third in OHL scoring (42-63-105) behind Belleville
teammates Nathan Robinson and Mike Renzi in
2001–02. His 63 assists tied Robinson for second, one
behind Renzi.
Was assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) after 2001–02
NHL season for the last three playoff games against
the Chicago Wolves. Scored his first pro goal against
Pasi Nurminen on April 21, 2002.
Was called up to Ottawa from Binghamton (AHL) four
times during 2002–03 season. Scored first NHL goal vs.
Roman Cechmanek of Philadelphia on October 29,
2002. Played in the 2003 AHL All-Star Game.
Played his first full NHL season in 2003–04.
Played in the AHL again in 2004–05. Was the first AHL
player to top 100 points since 2000–01 season.
Finished the season on a 20-game scoring streak (7G,
29A), the longest in the league since 1994–95.
When I was young…
• Lists playing hockey in the basement with his brother
and dad as his favorite early hockey memory.
• First team he played for was West Mall Lightning in
Mississauga.
• Favorite team growing was the Toronto Maple Leafs.
• Favorite player was Mario Lemieux. He lists Lemieux as
the player he patterns his game after.
• Played hockey goalie with Andy Chiodo of the
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Toronto Marlies
MTHL
54 53 61 114 42 ....
.... .... .... ....
Brampton
OHL
67 22 49 71 18 ....
.... .... .... ....
Mississauga
OHL
52 24 37 61 33 ....
.... .... .... ....
Mississauga
OHL
15
7 23 30 11 ....
.... .... .... ....
Windsor
OHL
41 36 50 86 32
9
4
5
9 10
2001-02
Windsor
OHL
27 19 26 45 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
Belleville
OHL
26 23 37 60 26 11
5
6 11 18
Grand Rapids
AHL
....
.... .... ....
....
3
1
0
1
2
2002-03 Ottawa
NHL
33
7 14 21
8
3
1
1
2
0
Binghamton
AHL
43 22 32 54 71
2
1
2
3
4
2003-04 Ottawa
NHL
78 22 33 55 71
3
0
0
0
2
2004-05
Binghamton
AHL
80 32 *85 *117 50
6
1
3
4
6
NHL Totals
111 29 47 76 79
6
1
1
2
2
Ottawa's 1st choice, 2nd overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.
OHL All-Rookie Team (1999) • AHL All-Rookie Team (2003) • AHL First All-Star Team (2005) • John P.Sollenberger Trophy (Top
Scorer - AHL) (2005) • Les Cunningham Award (MVP – AHL) (2005)
Traded to Windsor (OHL) by Mississauga (OHL) with Mark Rideout and Brett Angel for Ryan Courtney, Mike James, Steve Rawski
and Tyler Eady, November 15, 2000.Traded to Belleville (OHL) by Windsor (OHL) for Kyle Wellwood and future considerations,
January 10, 2002.
Year Medal
2000 B
2001 B
2002 S
National Team
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Canada
Canada
Canada
WJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
7
7
7
0
3
0
2
3
4
Pittsburgh Penguins when they were young.
199
2
6
4
2
2
8
Canada
CAROLINA HURRICANES
STAAL, ERIC
BORN, THUNDER BAY, ONT., OCTOBER 29, 1984.
(STAHL, AIR-ihk)
• Lists his first NHL game (at Florida on Oct. 9, 2004) as
•
•
•
•
•
the most memorable he has played. He was still 20
days shy of turning 19 and his linemates were Ron
Francis and Jeff O’Neill.
He patterns his game after Joe Sakic because “he’s a
clutch player.”
Hobbies are golf and wakeboarding.
His favorite arena is the first rink he played in, the
Norwest Arena.“Good ice.”
Other favorites are “The O.C.” and “Seinfeld” (TV show),
“Old School” (movie), Brad Pitt and Jessica Alba
(actors), Keith Urban and Linkin Park (music).
would be with Wayne Gretzky, John F. Kennedy and
Martin Luther King.
• Finished seventh in OHL scoring (39-59-98) in his final
season with Peterborough in 2002–03.
• Led the NHL with 7 preseason goals in 2003–04 to
•
•
make the Hurricanes at age 18. Was tied for ninth
among NHL rookies in scoring (11-20-31) during the
regular season, finished fourth in rookie shots (164).
Played in the NHL YoungStars Game at the All-Star
Weekend and scored the game’s first goal.
Finished tenth in AHL scoring (26-51-77) with Lowell in
2004–05. Led the AHL in shorthanded goals (7) and
plus/minus (+37) Established team records for points,
assists, shorthanded goals and plus/minus. Played in
the AHL All-Star Game.
Began the 2005–06 NHL season with 5 goals and 3
assists in his first four games and has remained among
the league’s top scorers to date.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is being out on the big rink and
trying to skate.
• First hockey team was Allace Repair in the Norwest
Rec Hockey League.
Leafs.
• Favorite players were Wayne Gretzky and fellow 2006
Canadian Olympian Joe Sakic.
• His favorite coach is his bantam coach Darryl Blazino.
“He pushed me and knew I could make it.”
• Brother Marc of the Sudbury Wolves (OHL) was drafted
•
•
•
12th overall by the New York Rangers in 2005. He won
a gold medal with Team Canada and was named the
tournament’s Best Defenseman at the 2006 World
Junior Championship. Brother Jordan plays for the
Peterborough Petes (OHL). Brother Jared Staal will
enter the OHL draft this summer.
Cousin Jeff Heerema was drafted 11th overall by
Carolina in 1998 and is still active in the AHL.
Wears #12 because it was his father’s number.
Lists both parents as being the biggest influence on
his career and the people he admires most.“My parents are great people. They supported us all the time.
•
They were never ones to push or tell us to do that
or practice this. They just kind of wanted us to
enjoy what we did. We all loved the game and
they liked seeing that.” (Globe and Mail Nov. 2,
2005)
Will call his parents first if Canada wins gold at
Torino.
• Played with Canada’s Team Ontario at the 2001
Under-17 Challenge. Won bronze.
• First represented Canada abroad with the Under-
•
•
18 team at a Six Nations Tournament in the Czech
Republic in August of 2001.“It was a proud
moment, knowing many had come before me. I
was honored.” Canada won gold. Teammates
included fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Rick Nash. Both list this tournament as
their favorite international hockey moment.
Played at 2002 World Under-18 Championship. Was second on Canada in assists
(5), tied for second in points (7).
Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice.“Lots of speed.”
• The most memorable game he has watched was Canada’s victory over the
United States in the gold medal game at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field and triathlon at the Summer
Games.
• “Keep working at it no matter what happens.”
What Others Say…
• “Even from Day 1, when he came here even as a little kid a couple of years ago,
he was still mature. He is humble and to me that is the most important thing.
He’s a classy kid and that’s what is going to help him down the line as he continues to get more attention.”
– Carolina teammate Rod Brind’Amour (Toronto Sun Nov. 4, 2005)
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
Thunder Bay
Exhib.
7
4
8 12
0
Peterborough
OHL
63 19 30 49 23
Peterborough
OHL
56 23 39 62 40
Peterborough
OHL
66 39 59 98 36
Carolina
NHL
81 11 20 31 40
Lowell
AHL
77 26 51 77 88
NHL Totals
81 11 20 31 40
Carolina's 1st choice, 2nd overall, in 2003 Entry Draft.
OHL Second All-Star Team (2003) • Canadian Major Junior First All-Star Team (2003)
....
7
6
7
....
11
....
....
2
3
9
....
2
....
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Event
2002
WJ18-A
Canada
200
GP
G
A Pts PIM
8
2
5
7
4
A Pts PIM
....
5
6
5
....
8
....
....
7
9
14
....
10
....
....
4
10
6
....
12
....
Czech Republic
NEW YORK RANGERS
STRAKA, MARTIN
BORN, PLZEN, CZECH., SEPTEMBER 3, 1972.
(STRAH-kuh, MAHR-tihn )
• He was the last player cut from the 1992
Czechoslovakian Olympic team.
• Wears #82 in the NHL because he wore 28 in the Czech
league.
• His first career memorable moment came when he
•
•
•
•
scored his first two career goals for Pittsburgh vs. the
NY Rangers on Feb, 10, 1993.
final game of the 1987 Canada Cup when Wayne
Gretzky set up Mario Lemieux for a late goal to give
Canada a 6–5 win over Russia.
Hobbies are soccer and golf.
“Gladiator.” Favorite actor is Russell Crowe. Favorite
band is U2.
“my girlfriend and my daughter.”
• Led the Czech league in goals (27), was sixth in the
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
league in points (55), with Plzen in 1991–92 and was
named to the Czech All-Star Team.
Pittsburgh secured his release from Plzen on Oct. 28,
1992. Played his first NHL game at Toronto on Nov. 7,
1992.
Led Penguins in plus/minus with +24 in 1993–94 .
Traded to Ottawa in 1994–95 and scored his first goal
as a Senator vs. Penguins.
Tied for 11th in NHL scoring (35-48-83) with the
Penguins in 1998–99. His 35 goals are a career high.
Led Penguins in shorthanded goals (4) for second
straight season.
Tied a career best with a plus/minus rating of +24 in
1999–2000. Ranked 17th in the NHL.
Was one of four Pittsburgh teammates to finish among
the top 20 NHL scorers in 2000–01. Finished sixth with
a new career-high 95 points (27G, 68 A). His 68 assists
were also a career high and just one off the NHL lead.
Played just 60 games in 2002–03, but ranked second
on the Penguins in goals (18), third in assists (28) and
second in points (46).
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was Plzen, which was also
his first hockey team.
Olympian Jaroslav Spacek of the Chicago Blackhawks
and Petr Sykora of NY Rangers.
on his career.
• Lists his mother as the person he admires most
because of her work ethic.
• Will call his parents first if the Czech Republic wins
gold in Torino.“I did in 1998.”
• First represented Czechoslovakia at the 1990
European Junior Championship.
• Played for Czechoslovakia at the World Junior
• First represented the Czech Republic at the 1994
World Championship.
• Led Czech team and tied for sixth in tournament
•
scoring (6-4-10) at the 2003 World Championship.
Was tied for third in goals.
Won gold at the 2005 World Championship.
• Lists the Czech Republic’s gold medal victory at
•
•
the 1998 Nagano Games as his greatest international hockey experience, and the gold medal
game against Russia as the most memorable he has played.
Is one of seven players back from the Czech Republic’s 1998 gold medal team
along with Dominik Hasek, Milan Hejduk, Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, Martin
Rucinsky and Jaroslav Spacek.
Other Olympic sports of interest are soccer and tennis at the Summer Games.
• “Work hard and have passion for the game.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Plzen
Czech
1
0
3
3
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Plzen
Czech
47
7 24 31
6 ....
.... .... .... ....
Plzen
Czech
50 27 28 55 20 ....
.... .... .... ....
Pittsburgh
NHL
42
3 13 16 29 11
2
1
3
2
Cleveland
IHL
4
4
3
7
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1993-94 Pittsburgh
NHL
84 30 34 64 24
6
1
0
1
2
1994-95
Plzen
CzRep
19 10 11 21 18 ....
.... .... .... ....
Pittsburgh
NHL
31
4 12 16 16 .... .... .... .... ....
Ottawa
NHL
6
1
1
2
0 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96 Ottawa
NHL
43
9 16 25 29 .... .... .... .... ....
NY Islanders
NHL
22
2 10 12
6 .... .... .... .... ....
Florida
NHL
12
2
4
6
6 13
2
2
4
2
1996-97 Florida
NHL
55
7 22 29 12
4
0
0
0
0
1997-98 Pittsburgh
NHL
75 19 23 42 28
6
2
0
2
2
1998-99 Pittsburgh
NHL
80 35 48 83 26 13
6
9 15
6
99-2000 Pittsburgh
NHL
71 20 39 59 26 11
3
9 12 10
2000-01 Pittsburgh
NHL
82 27 68 95 38 18
5
8 13
8
2001-02 Pittsburgh
NHL
13
5
4
9
0 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Pittsburgh
NHL
60 18 28 46 12 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Pittsburgh
NHL
22
4
8 12 16 .... .... .... .... ....
Los Angeles
NHL
32
6
8 14
4 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Plzen
CzRep
45 16 18 34 76 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
730 192 338 530 272 82 21 29 50 32
Czechoslovakian First All-Star Team (1992)
Traded to Ottawa by Pittsburgh for Troy Murray and Norm Maciver, April 7, 1995.Traded to NY Islanders by Ottawa with Don
Beaupre and Bryan Berard for Damian Rhodes and Wade Redden, January 23, 1996.Claimed on waivers by Florida from NY
Islanders, March 15, 1996.Signed as a free agent by Pittsburgh, August 6, 1997.• Missed majority of 2001-02 season recovering
from leg injury suffered in game vs.Florida, October 28, 2001.Traded to Los Angeles by Pittsburgh for Martin Strbak and Sergei
Anshakov, November 30, 2003.Signed as a free agent by Plzen (CzRep), September 17, 2004.Signed as a free agent by NY
Rangers, August 2, 2005.
1992
1994
1996
1998 G
2003
2004
2004
2005 G
Czechoslovakia
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
201
Event
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
6
7
3
1
6
9
7
5
9
4
1
2
1
0
1
6
2
1
3
2 6
5 6
6 8
0 1
0 0
2 3
4 10
2 4
2 3
1 4
2
0
4
4
0
0
4
4
0
8
Switzerland
MONTREAL CANADIENS
STREIT, MARK
BORN, ENGLISBERG, SWITZ., DECEMBER 11, 1977.
(STREET, MAHRK)
• He has represented Switzerland internationally since
•
•
•
•
•
1995 when he was 17 years old. Has served as captain
of the Swiss national team and of the Zurich Lions.
Was selected 262nd overall by Montreal in the 2004
NHL Entry Draft (A total of 291 players were selected
that year).
Hobbies and summer activities are playing golf and
barbeques with his family and friends.
Tennis star Roger Federer is the person he admires
most. He admires his style and his “mental toughness.”
Favorite TV show is “24.” Favorite movie is “One Flew
Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Jack Nicholson is his favorite
actor. His favorite band is U2.
would be with singer Gwen Stefani and actress
Angelina Jolie.“That’s good enough.”
• Made his Swiss elite league debut with Davos in
1996–97.
• Made his North American debut in 1999–2000, playing
for teams in the IHL, the AHL and the ECHL.
• Won Swiss playoff championship with Zurich in
2000–01, regular season title in 2002–03.
• Was third in scoring (12-24-26) with Zurich in 2003–04.
•
Was third on the team again in 2004–05 (14-29-43)
behind Swiss league leader Randy Robitaille (22-45-67)
and Robert Petroviky (21-29-50), who was tenth.
Picked up his first NHL point in his first NHL game,
assisting on a Sheldon Souray goal for Montreal at
Toronto on Oct. 8, 2005.
When I was young…
Blackhawks.
• Favorite player was 2006 U.S. Olympian Chris Chelios.
He patterns his style of play after Chelios and Reijo
Ruotsalainen.
on his career.
• First played for Switzerland at the 1995 European
• Played at the World Junior Championship in 1996 and
•
•
•
1997. Was named a tournament All-Star in 1997 when
the WJC was held in Switzerland.
Has played at the World Championship every year
since 1998. Lists the 1998 tournament, when
Switzerland finished fourth, as his greatest international experience. Lists the most memorable game he has
played as Switzerland’s 3–2 win over Russia at the 2000
World Championship in St. Petersburg.
Tied for the Swiss team lead with 4 goals at the 1999
World Championship.
Tied for the team lead with 3 assists at the 2001 World
Championship.
• Led the team with 3 assists at the 2002 World
Championship.
• Led the team with 4 assists at the 2003 World
Championship.
• Ranked among the tournament leaders with 6
assists at the 2005 World Championship. Led Swiss
team with 7 points.
• Is playing at his second consecutive Olympic
Games.
• Also represented Switzerland in the Olympic quali•
fying tournament for Nagano in 1998 (Swiss team
did not qualify) and for this year’s Torino Games.
Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill skiing and ski jumping.
• “Have fun playing this great game.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
Fribourg
Swiss
34
Davos
Swiss
46
Ambri
Swiss
2
Davos
Swiss
38
1998-99
Davos
Swiss
44
99-2000
Springfield
AHL
43
Utah
IHL
1
Tallahassee
ECHL
14
2000-01
Zurich
Swiss
44
2001-02
Zurich
Swiss
28
2002-03
Zurich
Swiss
37
2003-04
Zurich
Swiss
48
2004-05
Zurich
Swiss
44
Montreal's 8th choice, 262nd overall, in 2004 Entry Draft.
2
2
0
4
7
3
0
0
5
6
4
12
14
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
A Pts PIM
2
9
0
10
18
12
1
5
11
17
19
24
29
Event
1995
1996
1997
EJC-A
WJC-A
Olympic Q
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
Olympic Q
WC-A
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
202
GP
G
A Pts PIM
5
5
4
6
9
6
7
6
4
6
7
7
3
7
1
1
0
2
0
4
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
1
3
4
1
2
6
3
1
0
2
0
4
1
3
2
3
4
2
3
7
6
4
2
31
2
2
4
2
0
4
10
2
8
4
4
11
0
14
25
15
1
5
16
23
23
36
43
6
18
0
14
42
18
2
16
48
36
62
78
46
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
4
6
....
18
6
5
....
....
16
16
12
13
15
0
0
....
1
3
0
....
....
2
0
1
5
4
A Pts PIM
0
0
....
5
3
0
....
....
5
6
7
2
11
0
0
....
6
6
0
....
....
7
6
8
7
15
2
0
....
20
8
2
....
....
37
14
2
14
20
Slovakia
FLORIDA PANTHERS
STUMPEL, JOZEF
BORN, NITRA, CZECH., JULY 20, 1972.
(STUM-puhl, JOH-zehf )
• Before signing with Florida for the 2005–06 season, he
•
•
•
•
had spent his 11-year NHL career with Boston and Los
Angeles, serving two stints with each club.
Became the first European player to lead the Bruins in
scoring (21-55-76) in 1996–97.
Set an NHL record with Los Angeles by scoring three
overtime goals in one month in March of 2000.
Enjoys playing soccer and tennis.
Favorite music group is Metallica.
• Left Czechoslovakia to play in Germany in 1991–92.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Joined the Boston Bruins at the conclusion of the
European season in 1991-92, playing four games on a
tryout agreement. Played his first NHL game Mar. 15,
1992 vs. Los Angeles. Scored his first NHL goal on Mar.
31 at Quebec.
Recorded first career hat-trick and added one assist
vs. Winnipeg on Nov. 21, 1995. Finished third in Bruins
scoring with 54 points and third in assists with 36 in
1995–96.
Tied Paul Kariya for 12th in the NHL with 55 assists in
1996–97. Led Bruins with 76 points.
Led Los Angeles in scoring, ranked tenth in the NHL
(21-58-79), in 1997-98. Was fifth in assists.
Led Kings with a career-high plus/minus rating of +23
in 1999–2000.
Combined for 50 assists with L.A. and Boston in
2001–02 to finish third in the NHL.
Chest injury limited him to 64 games in his return to
Los Angeles in 2003–04. Scored 4 of his 8 goals on
power-play.
Ranked third on the team, and among the top 20 in
the Czech elite league, in scoring (13-26-39) with Slavia
Praha in 2004–05.
When I was young…
• Favorite players growing up were Slovak-born international stars Igor Liba and Darius Rusnak.
• Won bronze medal representing Czechoslovakia at
•
•
•
•
•
the 1990 European Junior Championship and at
the 1991 World Junior Championship.
First represented Slovakia at the 1996 World Cup of
Hockey.
Won a gold medal at the 2002 World
Championship.
Led the tournament in assists (11), tied teammate
Ziggy Palffy for the lead in points (5) when the
Slovaks won bronze in 2003.
Played at the 2004 World Championship when
Slovakia lost the bronze medal game to the U.S.
Led the Slovak team in assists (7) at the 2005 World
Championship. Was in a four-way tie for second in
assists with 2006 Canadian Olympian Simon
Gagne, 2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir Jagr and 2006 Swedish Olympian Mattias
Norstrom behind tournament leader and 2006 Canadian Olympian Joe
Thornton.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Nitra
Czech-2
38 12 11 23
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Nitra
Czech
49 23 22 45 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
Koln
Germany
33 19 18 37 35
4
1
1
2
0
Boston
NHL
4
1
0
1
0 .... .... .... .... ....
1992-93 Boston
NHL
13
1
3
4
4 .... .... .... .... ....
Providence
AHL
56 31 61 92 26
6
4
4
8
0
1993-94 Boston
NHL
59
8 15 23 14 13
1
7
8
4
Providence
AHL
17
5 12 17
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
Koln
Germany
25 16 23 39 18 ....
.... .... .... ....
Boston
NHL
44
5 13 18
8
5
0
0
0
0
1995-96 Boston
NHL
76 18 36 54 14
5
1
2
3
0
1996-97 Boston
NHL
78 21 55 76 14 .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 Los Angeles
NHL
77 21 58 79 53
4
1
2
3
2
1998-99 Los Angeles
NHL
64 13 21 34 10 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Los Angeles
NHL
57 17 41 58 10
4
0
4
4
8
2000-01
Bratislava
Slovakia
9
2
4
6 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
Los Angeles
NHL
63 16 39 55 14 13
3
5
8 10
2001-02 Los Angeles
NHL
9
1
3
4
4 .... .... .... .... ....
Boston
NHL
72
7 47 54 14
6
0
2
2
0
2002-03 Boston
NHL
78 14 37 51 12
5
0
2
2
0
2003-04 Los Angeles
NHL
64
8 29 37 16 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Slavia
CzRep
52 13 26 39 41
7
4
2
6 10
NHL Totals
758 151 397 548 187 55
6 24 30 24
Boston's 2nd choice, 40th overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.
Traded to Los Angeles by Boston with Sandy Moger and Boston's 4th round choice (later traded to New Jersey – New Jersey
selected Pierre Dagenais) in 1998 Entry Draft for Dmitri Kristich and Byron Dafoe, August 29, 1997.Traded to Boston by Los
Angeles with Glen Murray for Jason Allison and Mikko Eloranta, October 24, 2001.Traded to Los Angeles by Boston with Boston's
7th round choice (later traded to Nashville – Nashville selected Miroslav Hanuljak) in 2003 Entry Draft for Philadelphia's 4th
round choice (previously acquired, Boston selected Patrick Valcak) in 2003 Entry Draft and Detroit's 2nd round choice (previously
acquired, Boston selected Martins Karsums) in 2004 Entry Draft, June 22, 2003.Signed as a free agent by Slavia (CzRep), August
28, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Florida, August 17, 2005.
1996
1997
1998
2002
G
2003 B
2004
2004
2005
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
203
Event
EJC-A
WJC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
6
7
3
8
4
2
3
9
9
4
7
G
A Pts PIM
1 3 4
4 4 8
0 0 0
2 1 3
1 2 3
2 1 3
0 1 1
4 11 15
1 2 3
0 0 0
0 7 7
4
2
0
4
6
0
4
0
2
2
6
Germany
BOSTON BRUINS
STURM, MARCO
BORN, DINGOLFING, WEST GERMANY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1978.
(STURHM, MAHR-koh)
• He was one of three players traded by San Jose to
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Boston this season for 2006 Canadian Olympian Joe
Thornton.
He was the first German player ever taken in the first
round of the NHL Entry Draft (21st overall by San Jose
in 1996).
He was one of the top junior players in the history of
German hockey.
Was slated to play Canadian junior hockey with
Kingston (OHL), but made the San Jose Sharks right
out of Germany in 1997–98.
His most memorable game played is his first game in
the NHL. He had an assist, then scored the game-winning goal for San Jose vs. Chicago on Oct. 4, 1997. (His
first three career goals were game winners, one of only
five players since 1967 to accomplish this feat.)
Has established his own charity, Marco Sturm Stiftung
(Donation) for children with cancer.
Most memorable game watched was when 2006
German Olympic coach Uwe Krupp scored the Stanley
Cup-winning goal for Colorado in triple overtime in
1996.
Hobbies are tennis and soccer.
Favorites include:“Monday Night Football” (TV show),
“Wedding Crashers” (movie), U2 (music group), Will
Ferrell (actor).
would be with Will Ferrell, Jennifer Aniston and
German tennis great Steffi Graf.
If he wasn’t a hockey player, he would be a BMW
mechanic.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Was runner-up as NHL rookie of the month for
October, won award in November. Finished 1997–98
season tied for fifth among rookies in points (30) and
assists (20).
Played in his first All-Star Game in 1999 and placed
second in fastest skater competition at SuperSkills.
Became first German-born player to score in All-Star
Game.
Career high 4 shorthanded goals in 1999–2000 tied for
first on the Sharks and tied for third in NHL.
Topped 20-goal plateau for first time with 21 goals in
2001–02. Tied Mike Rathje for first on team in
plus/minus with club-record (since broken) +23.
Tied 2006 Finnish Olympian Teemu Selanne and
Patrick Marleau for club lead with a career-high 28
goals in 2002–03. Was fourth on team with career-high
48 points.
Missed last 15 games of 2003–04 regular season and
all of playoffs with broken leg suffered Mar. 5, 2004 but
still topped 20-goal plateau for third straight season
with 21 and led team with 10 power-play goals.
Had a goal and an assist in his first game for Boston vs.
Ottawa on Dec. 1, 2005.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was EV Landshut.
• Favorite team growing up was the Landshut Cannibals.
• Lists his father as the most influential person in
his career.
• Says the best part of growing up in Germany was
his grandmother’s home cooking.
• Will call his wife and children first if Germany wins
gold in Torino.
• First played for Germany at an Under-16 tournament in Slovakia.
• Played as a 15-year-old at the 1994 European
• Won a silver medal at the 1995 EJC (Germany’s
first medal in European junior play).
• Was top scorer (5-6-11) and named to All-Star
Team at the 1996 EJC.
• Also played at the World Junior Championship in 1995 and 1996. Was third lead•
•
ing scorer (4-6-10) in 1996. (2006 Canadian Olympian Jarome Iginla and fellow
German Florian Keller led the tournament with 12 points).
Led Germany in goals (4) and points (5) at the 2001 World Championship in
Germany.
Led German team with 2 goals, tied for lead in points (2) at the 2004 World Cup
of Hockey.
• Germany had the best record in the preliminary round at Salt Lake City in 2002.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and the 100-, 200- and 400meter races at the Summer Games.
• “Have fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Landshut
Germany
47 12 20 32 50 11
1
3
4 18
Landshut
Germany
46 16 27 43 40
7
1
4
5
6
San Jose
NHL
74 10 20 30 40
2
0
0
0
0
San Jose
NHL
78 16 22 38 52
6
2
2
4
4
San Jose
NHL
74 12 15 27 22 12
1
3
4
6
San Jose
NHL
81 14 18 32 28
6
0
2
2
0
San Jose
NHL
77 21 20 41 32 12
3
2
5
2
San Jose
NHL
82 28 20 48 16 .... .... .... .... ....
San Jose
NHL
64 21 20 41 36 .... .... .... .... ....
Ingolstadt
Germany
45 22 16 38 56 11
3
4
7 12
NHL Totals
530 122 135 257 226 38
6
9 15 12
San Jose's 2nd choice, 21st overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.
Signed as a free agent by Ingolstadt (Germany), August 8, 2004.Traded to Boston by San Jose with Brad Stuart and Wayne
Primeau for Joe Thornton, November 30, 2005.
Event
1994
1995
EJC-A
WJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
EJC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
Olympics
W-Cup
S
1996
1997
1998
2001
2002
2004
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
204
GP
G
A Pts PIM
5
7
5
6
5
8
2
7
5
4
0
0
2
4
5
1
0
4
0
2
1 1
0 0
3 5
6 10
6 11
1 2
0 0
1 5
1 1
0 2
4
6
2
51
8
4
0
26
0
0
Slovakia
SUCHY, RADOSLAV
BORN, KEZMAROK, CZECH., APRIL 7, 1976.
(soo-KHEE, RAD-oh-slav)
• He came to North America as 17-year-old and spent
three seasons in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
• He lists his first game in the NHL (Oct. 23, 1999 vs.
•
•
•
•
Washington) and the gold medal game at the 2000
World Championship as the greatest games he has
played.
He wears #21 “for no reason.”
His hobbies are tennis, golf and watching TV.
His favorites include “Friends” (TV show),“Gladiator”
(movie), Bruce Willis (actor) and Metallica (music).
would be with Bruce Willis, Pam Anderson and Roger
Federer.
• Finished fourth on Springfield in scoring (second
•
•
•
•
•
among defensemen) in 1998–99 (4-32-36).
Represented the Falcons at the 1999 AHL All-Star
Game.
Started the 1999–2000 season on the Phoenix roster
but was reassigned to Springfield on Oct. 9. Was
recalled from Springfield on Oct. 20 and played for the
Coyotes for remainder of season.
Led Phoenix in blocked shots (112) in 2000–01.
Led Coyotes in plus/minus (+25) and ranked 13th in
the NHL (fifth among defensemen) in 2001–02.
Scored his first NHL goal (in his 152nd NHL game) and
added an assist vs. NY Islanders on Nov. 17, 2001.
Played in all 82 games for the first time in 2003–04 and
had only 8 penalty minutes. Established career highs in
goals (7), assists (14), points (21), power-play goals (2)
and game-winning goals (2). Finished with plus/minus
rating of +1, making him a plus player in each of his
first five NHL seasons.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was PS Poprad.
• Favorite team growing up was the Los Angeles Kings.
• Favorite player was Hall of Famer Raymond Bourque.
• He lists Jozef Skokan as his favorite coach. He became
his coach when he was seven years old, and coached
him for ten years.
• Lists his parents and older brother as having had the
• Lists his parents as the people he admires most.
• Will call his wife and parents first if Slovakia wins gold
at Torino.
• First played for his country when he was 16 years
old.
• Prior to representing Slovakia, he played in exhibi•
•
•
•
tion games for the Czechoslovakia Under-16 team
in 1991–92.
Won a gold medal for Slovakia at the 1994
European Junior Championship (Pool C).
Played at the World Junior Championship in 1996.
His greatest international hockey experiences are
winning silver and bronze medals at the World
Ranked second among defensemen at the 2000
tournament with 5 assists. Tied for seventh among
defensemen in points (5).
• Other Olympic sports of interest are “every one.”
• “Work hard but have a lot of fun.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1993-94
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Poprad Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
30 11 12 23 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
Poprad
Slovakia
3
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
Sherbrooke
QMJHL
69 12 32 44 30
7
0
3
3
2
1995-96
Sherbrooke
QMJHL
68 15 53 68 68
7
0
3
3
2
1996-97
Sherbrooke
QMJHL
32
6 34 40 14 ....
.... .... .... ....
Chicoutimi
QMJHL
28
5 24 29 26 19
6 15 21 12
1997-98
Las Vegas
IHL
26
1
4
5 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
Springfield
AHL
41
6 15 21 16
4
0
1
1
2
1998-99
Springfield
AHL
69
4 32 36 10
3
0
1
1
0
99-2000 Phoenix
NHL
60
0
6
6 16
5
0
1
1
0
Springfield
AHL
2
0
1
1
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01 Phoenix
NHL
72
0 10 10 22 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Phoenix
NHL
81
4 13 17 10
5
1
0
1
0
2002-03 Phoenix
NHL
77
1
8
9 18 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Phoenix
NHL
82
7 14 21
8 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Poprad
Slovakia
34
5 10 15 24
5
0
0
0
2
NHL Totals
372 12 51 63 74 10
1
1
2
0
QMJHL All-Rookie Team (1995) • QMJHL Second All-Star Team (1997) • George Parsons Trophy (Memorial Cup Tournament Most
Sportsmanlike Player) (1997)
Signed as a free agent by Phoenix, September 26, 1997.Traded to Columbus by Phoenix with Phoenix's 6th round choice (Derek
Reinhart) in 2005 Entry Draft for Columbus' 4th round choice (later traded to Philadelphia - Philadelphia selected Jeremy
Duchesne) in 2005 Entry Draft, July 6, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Poprad (Slovakia), October 4, 2004.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1994
1996
2000 S
2003 B
2004
2005
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
6
6
8
9
3
7
1
2
0
0
0
0
7
1
5
3
0
0
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
205
8
3
5
3
0
0
2
0
0
4
0
0
Sweden
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
SUNDIN, MATS
BORN, BROMMA, SWEDEN, FEBRUARY 13, 1971.
(suhn-DEEN, MATS)
• He became the first European player to be chosen #1
in the NHL Entry Draft in 1989.
• Named 16th captain (first European) in Toronto Maple
Leafs history on Sep. 30, 1997.
• Became the highest-scoring Swedish player in NHL his•
tory during the 2001–02 season. Became the first
Swedish player to record 1,000 career points on Mar.
10, 2003.
In 2001, a Swedish television network chartered a
plane to fly him to the World Championship to play in
the semifinal game vs. the Czech Republic a day after
Toronto was eliminated from the NHL playoffs.
•
•
•
•
•
• Scored in his first NHL game on Oct. 4, 1990 vs.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hartford. Had a career-best 7-point game (5G, 2A) vs.
Hartford on Mar. 5, 1992.
Had a point in each of Quebec’s first 30 games to start
the 1992–93 season (21G, 25A). Went on to enjoy
career highs that year in goals (47), assists (67) and
points (114). Finished 11th in NHL scoring.
Led Toronto in scoring (and in most other offensive
categories) every season from 1994–95 to 2001–02,
then again in 2003–04.
Tied for second in NHL with 6 shorthanded goals in
1995–96. Set a regular-season record by scoring at 0:06
of overtime on Dec. 30, 1995.
Finished seventh in NHL in scoring (41-53-94) in 199697.
Set a regular-season record with 4 overtime goals in
1999–2000.
Led Toronto in scoring (41-39-80) for eighth straight
season in 2001–02. Was fourth in NHL in scoring, tied
for second in goals.
Led Leafs with 37 goals in 2002–03, but finished second on team in scoring (72 points) behind Alexander
Mogilny. Was eighth in NHL in goals, 25th in points.
Led Leafs in goals (31), assists (44) and points (75) in
2003–04. Tied with 2006 Canadian Olympian Jarome
Iginla of Calgary and 2006 U.S. Olympian Bill Guerin of
Dallas for league lead in game-winning goals (10) and
tied for second in league with 36 third-period points.
Was 13th overall in NHL points.
Passed fellow Swede Borje Salming for third place alltime in Maple Leafs’ scoring with his 769th Toronto
point on Dec. 3, 2005.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of skating on the lake where
he grew up.
• Played soccer and bandy (a form of field hockey on
ice), as well as hockey, until he was 16.
Canadiens.
• Favorite players were Swedish NHL stars Mats Naslund
and Kent Nilsson.
• First played for his country with a junior national team
•
in 1987. Played at the 1988 Quebec Cup (forerunner of
the World Under-17 Challenge).
Played at the European Junior Championship in 1988
•
•
and 1989.“I didn’t start to think seriously about
the national team or the NHL until the European
Junior tournaments.”
Championship. Was a teammate of 2006 Swedish
Olympian Nicklas Lidstrom.
Led Sweden in goals (7) and points (12) en route
to a gold medal at the 1991 World Championship.
Won gold again at the 1992 World Championship
and was named Best Forward.
Tournament scoring leader (5-9-14) at the 1994
World Championship.
Tied fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Peter
Forsberg for tournament scoring lead (5-6-11)
when Sweden won gold again at the 1998 World
Championship.
Won a silver medal at the 2003 World Championship and led the Swedish team
in goals (6) and points (10). Was tied for third overall in goals, tied for sixth in
points. Was named Best Forward and tournament MVP.
Named to Canada Cup All-Star Team in 1991 and World Cup of Hockey All-Star
Team in 1996.
• Is competing at his third consecutive Olympics (1998, 2002).
• Was the leading scorer (5-4-9) at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill and cross-country skiing.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Regular Season
Season
Club
League
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
Nacka
Djurgarden
Quebec
Quebec
Quebec
Quebec
Djurgarden
Toronto
Toronto
Toronto
Toronto
Toronto
Toronto
Toronto
Toronto
Toronto
Toronto
Sweden-2
Sweden
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
Sweden
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
GP
G
P l ay o f f s
A Pts PIM
GP
G
25 10
8 18 18
34 10
8 18 16
80 23 36 59 58
80 33 43 76 103
80 47 67 114 96
84 32 53 85 60
12
7
2
9 14
47 23 24 47 14
76 33 50 83 46
82 41 53 94 59
82 33 41 74 49
82 31 52 83 58
73 32 41 73 46
82 28 46 74 76
82 41 39 80 94
75 37 35 72 58
81 31 44 75 52
DID NOT PLAY
1086 465 624 1089 869
....
8
....
....
6
....
....
7
6
....
....
17
12
11
8
7
9
....
7
....
....
3
....
....
5
3
....
....
8
3
6
2
1
4
A Pts PIM
....
0
....
....
1
....
....
4
1
....
....
8
5
7
5
3
5
....
7
....
....
4
....
....
9
4
....
....
16
8
13
7
4
9
....
4
....
....
6
....
....
4
4
....
....
16
10
14
4
6
8
NHL Totals
83 35 39 74 72
Quebec's 1st choice, 1st overall, in 1989 Entry Draft.
Swedish World All-Star Team (1991, 1992, 1994, 1997) • Canada Cup All-Star Team (1991) • WC-A All-Star Team (1992) • Named
Best Forward at WC-A (1992) • World Cup All-Star Team (1996) • NHL Second All-Star Team (2002, 2004)
Traded to Toronto by Quebec with Garth Butcher,Todd Warriner and Philadelphia's 1st round choice (previously acquired, later
traded to Washington – Washington selected Nolan Baumgartner) in 1994 Entry Draft for Wendel Clark, Sylvain Lefebvre, Landon
Wilson and Toronto's 1st round choice (Jeffrey Kealty) in 1994 Entry Draft, June 28, 1994.
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1988
1989
1990
1991
1991
1992 G
1994 B
1996
1998
EJC-A
6
EJC-A
6
WJC-A
7
EJC-A
10
Can-Cup
6
WC-A
8
WC-A
8
W-Cup
4
Olympics 4
WC-A
10
WC-A
2
Olympics 4
WC-A
7
W-Cup
4
5
6
5
7
2
2
5
4
3
5
0
5
6
1
4
2
2
5
4
6
9
3
0
6
1
4
4
5
G
2001 B
2002
2003 S
2004
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
206
9
8
7
12
6
8
14
7
3
11
1
*9
10
6
8
14
6
12
16
8
4
4
4
6
2
10
10
0
Slovakia
COLORADO AVALANCHE
SVATOS, MAREK
BORN, KOSICE, CZECH., JUNE 17, 1982.
(SVA-tohsh, MAIR-ehk)
• Nickname is Svats.
• Patterns his style of play after Wayne Gretzky.
• Fist NHL memory is game four of the 2004 Western
•
•
•
Conference Quarterfinal. He scored the winning goal
at 5:18 of double overtime, ending the fifth-longest
game in Avalanche history.
The most memorable game he has played was the second game of the 2005–06 season when he scored his
first career hat trick vs. injured 2006 Finnish Olympian
Miikka Kiprusoff of Calgary on Oct. 10, 2005.
Favorite television show is “The Sopranos.” Favorite
movies are “Scarface” and “Friday.” Favorite actor is Al
Pacino.
would be with Angelina Jolie, Wayne Gretzky and
Leonardo De Vinci.
• First played for his country as a member of the
•
•
•
Under-16 team in 1998. Says that playing for
Slovakia is a “great experience.”
Played at the 2000 Viking Cup tournament in
Camrose, Alberta and at that year’s World Under-18
Championship.
His greatest international experience is playing at
the World Junior Championship in 2002.
sized ice surface.
soccer in the Summer Games.
• “Work hard, have fun, never give up!”
• Played only 39 games for Kootenay (WHL) in his first
•
•
•
•
•
season in North American in 2000–01, but was seventh
on the team in goals (23) and eighth in points (41).
Won the Memorial Cup (Canadian Hockey league
major junior championship) with Kootenay in 2001–02.
Set a franchise record with 22 power-play goals. Also
set a franchise record for most goals (3) and points (4)
in one period. Set a playoff record by scoring a goal in
four consecutive games.
Along with 2006 U.S. Olympian John-Michael Liles, was
one of four rookies to start the 2003–04 season with
Colorado. Missed 78 games from Oct. 12, 2003 to Apr.
2, 2004 with a shoulder injury. Scored his first two NHL
goals vs. Columbus in his first game back from injury.
Was fourth in scoring (18-28-46) with Hershey (AHL) in
2004–05.
Recorded the first penalty shot goal by a rookie in
franchise history on Dec. 4, 2005 vs. Buffalo.
Collected his second NHL hat trick vs. St. Louis on Jan.
9, 2006 to reach 25 goals on the season in just 44
games.
When I was young…
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
GP
G
A Pts PIM
99-2000
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Kosice Jr.
Slovak-Jr.
39 43 30 73 28 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kosice
Slovakia
19
2
2
4
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01
Kootenay
WHL
39 23 18 41 47 11
7
2
9 26
2001-02
Kootenay
WHL
53 38 39 77 58 21 12
6 18 40
2002-03
Hershey
AHL
30
9
4 13 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
2003-04 Colorado
NHL
4
2
0
2
0 11
1
5
6
2
2004-05
Hershey
AHL
72 18 28 46 69 ....
.... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
4
2
0
2
0 11
1
5
6
2
• Missed majority of 2002-03 season recovering from shoulder injury that required surgery, January 28, 2003.• Missed majority of
2003-04 season recovering from shoulder injury suffered in game vs.St.Louis, October 12, 2003.
Event
2000
2002
WJ18-A
WJC-A
Slovakia
Slovakia
• First hockey team played for was Kosice.
• Favorite team growing up was the Vancouver Canucks.
• Favorite player was Red Wings superstar Steve
Yzerman.
• Is childhood friends with fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian
Ladislav Nagy of Phoenix.
• Credits his parents with being the most influential
•
Regular Season
League
people in his hockey career. Also lists them as the people he most admires.
Will call his parents first Slovakia wins gold at Torino.
207
GP
G
6
7
2
*7
A Pts PIM
0
1
2
8
0
6
Sweden
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
TELLQVIST, MIKAEL
BORN, SUNDBYBERG, SWEDEN, SEPTEMBER 19, 1979.
(TEHL-kvihst, MIGH-kuhl)
• Nicknames are Tellan and Telly.
• Favorite coach is former Swedish national team coach
Hardy Nilson because “he gave me the chance to play.”
• Focuses his charitable efforts to help the Salvation
Army.
• Favorite summer activity is golf.
• Favorite NHL arena is the Air Canada Centre in Toronto
“because it is always sold out.”
• Other favorites include:“CSI” and “The Simpsons” (TV
•
shows),“Sin City” and “Saving Private Ryan” (movies),
Will Ferrell (actor) and U2 (musical group).
would be with Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and
Lance Armstrong.
• Made debut in Swedish elite league with Djurgardens
IF in 1998–99.
• Replaced former NHLer Tommy Soderstrom as
•
•
•
•
•
•
Djurgardens’ top goaltender in 1999–2000. Led
Djurgardens to Swedish championship. Regular-season leader in goals-against average (2.07). Postseason
leader in games (13), minutes (814), shutouts (3) and
average (1.55).
Led Djurgardens to its second straight Swedish championship in 2000–01. Led league in average (2.08) and
shutouts (5) in the regular season. Topped playoffs in
games (16), minutes (1006) and shutouts (1).
Went to training camp with the Maple Leafs in
2001–02 but was assigned to the team’s St. John’s farm
club (AHL).
Made NHL debut in third period of game at Montreal
on Jan. 18, 2003. Picked up win in overtime to join Kelly
Hrudey as only netminders with relief victory in overtime in NHL debut. Made first NHL start vs.
Philadelphia on Jan. 21.
Started 2003–04 season as backup to Ed Belfour as
Trevor Kidd was out with shoulder injury. Played 12
games for Leafs and only 23 games with St.John’s as he
was usually back and forth between NHL and minors.
Appeared in a career-high 45 games and had a careerbest 24 wins with St. John’s in 2004–05.
Recorded his first NHL shutout Dec. 1, 2005 vs. Atlanta.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is when his dad brought him to
watch his first hockey game.
• Favorite team growing up was Djurgardens IF (whom
he later played for).
• Favorite players were Rolf Ridderwall and Tommy
Soderstrom.
• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Swedish
• First played for Sweden when he was 17 years old
•
•
•
•
in an exhibition game vs. Finland with the Under18 team on Nov. 7, 1996. He says “it is always a big
honor.”
Missed 1999 World Junior Championship due to
fractured skull.
Played at World Championship in 2000, 2001 and
2003. Made 30 saves in 3–2 victory over United
States in bronze medal game at 2001 tournament. Was top goaltender on silver medal-winning Swedish team in 2003. Calls the 2003 quarterfinal game against Finland the most memorable game he has played.
Was Sweden’s top goaltender at the 2004 World
Cup of Hockey.
Favorite international rule is the allowance for bigger equipment.
• Served as Sweden’s spare goaltender at Salt Lake City.
• Most memorable hockey game watched was the 1994 Olympic final when
Sweden beat Canada in a shootout to win its first Olympic gold medal.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill skiing and track & field at the
Summer Games.
• “Just have fun, that’s what it’s all about. Enjoy it when you can.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1997-98
1998-99
Djurgarden Jr.
Swe-Jr.
23 .... .... .... 1380 55
Djurgarden
Sweden
3 1 2 0 124
8
Djurgarden
EuroHL
3 2 1 0 180
8
99-2000 Huddinge
Sweden-2 11 4 7 0 660 33
Djurgarden
Sweden
30 .... .... .... 1909 66
2000-01 Djurgarden
Sweden
43 .... .... .... 2622 91
2001-02 St.John's
AHL
28 8 11 6 1521 79
2002-03 Toronto
NHL
3 1 1 0
86
4
St.John's
AHL
47 17 25 3 2651 148
2003-04 Toronto
NHL
11 5 3 2 647 31
St.John's
AHL
23 10 11 1 1343 59
2004-05 St.John's
AHL
45 24 16 4 2600 115
NHL Totals
14 6 4 2 733 35
(Toronto's 3rd choice, 70th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft).
.... 2.39
0 3.87
.... 2.33
.... 3.30
2 *2.07
*5 *2.08
0 3.12
0 2.79
1 3.35
0 2.87
1 2.64
0 2.65
0 2.86
GP W
2000
2001 B
2002
2003 S
2004
1 .... .... .... 60 4
0 4.00
1 1 0 0 60 2
0 2.00
7 .... .... .... 393 9
0 1.37
3 1 1 1 179 12
0 4.03
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Olympian Nicklas Kronwall of the Detroit Red Wings.
• Thanks his family for having the greatest influence on
his career because of their continuous support.
• Will call his fiancée first, then his parents, if Sweden
208
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
L
P l ay o f f s
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
2
4
....
....
*13
*16
1
....
....
....
....
5
....
0
....
....
....
....
....
1
....
....
....
....
1
....
L Mins GA SO Avg
2 120
.... 240
.... ....
.... ....
.... *814
....*1006
0 15
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
.... ....
4 253
.... ....
8
11
....
....
21
45
0
....
....
....
....
15
....
0
0
....
....
*3
*1
0
....
....
....
....
0
....
4.00
2.75
....
....
*1.55
2.68
0.00
....
....
....
....
3.56
....
Canada
SAN JOSE SHARKS
THORNTON, JOE
BORN, LONDON, ONT., JULY 2, 1979.
(THOHRN-tuhn, JOH)
• He was traded from Boston to San Jose this season for
•
•
•
•
•
three players, including 2006 German Olympian Marco
Sturm.
He lists former Bruins coach Robbie Ftorek as his
favorite coach because “he really taught me how to
play offense and defense.”
The person he admires most is basketball superstar
Shaquille O’Neal because “he dominates and is the
best ever!”
Most memorable hockey game watched was Detroit
vs. Philadelphia in the 1997 Stanley Cup Final because
“they won the Cup in Detroit and I was in the house.”
Favorite summer hobby is fishing
Other favorites include:“Seinfeld” (TV show),“Back to
the Future” (movie), and Vince Vaughn (actor) He is a
big fan of the music of The Tragically Hip, Aerosmith,
Johnny Cash and Elvis.
• Named top rookie in Canadian junior hockey in
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1995–96. Ranked second in OHL scoring in 1996–97 with
122 points (41G, 81) behind Marc Savard (43-87-130).
Led Bruins in goals (23), assists (37), points (60) and
penalty minutes (82) in 1999–2000, becoming just the
second player in team history to accomplish that feat
(Jimmy Herberts, 1924-25). Was second-youngest player to lead his team in scoring (fellow 2006 Canadian
Olympian Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay). Was only
player to lead his team in points and penalty minutes
and became just fourth Bruin to do so.
Established career high with 37 goals in 2000–01. Tied
for second in the NHL with 19 power play goals and
was fourth with a 20.4 shooting percentage.
Had 5 assists in a game at Florida on Dec. 28, 2001.
Shattered previous career highs with 65 assists and
101 points in 2002–03. Along with 2006 Swedish
Olympians Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund, was
one of three NHL players to top 100 points that season. Was first Bruin to reach 100 points since 1993–94
(Adam Oates). Was first NHL player to score 100+
points with 100+ penalty minutes since Eric Lindros in
1995–96. Became just third player in Bruins history to
score 100 points with 100+ penalty minutes, joining
Bobby Orr (1969–70, 1971–72 and 1974–75) and Ken
Hodge (1971-72).
Led Bruins in assists (50) and points (73) for third time
in career in 2003–04. Was 18th in NHL in scoring,
eighth in assists.
Led Davos in scoring (10-44-54), ranked seventh in
Swiss league, in 2004–05. Combined with fellow 2006
Canadian Olympian Rick Nash to lead Davos to
Spengler Cup title and Swiss playoff championship.
Scored at least two points for six straight games
with San Jose after being traded from Boston
on Nov. 30. 2005.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is playing in the backyard with
his father and brothers.
• First hockey team was with St. Thomas Minor Hockey.
• Favorite teams growing up were the Edmonton Oilers
• Favorite players were Wayne Gretzky and Steve
Yzerman. Wears #19 because of Yzerman.
• Was childhood friends with Florida’s Mike Van Ryn.
• Is a teammate of cousin Scott Thornton in San
Jose.
• Credits his family for being the biggest influence
•
•
•
on his career because “they have always been
there for me.”
Toronto’s Air Canada Centre is his favorite arena
“because my whole family comes and watches.”
If he could have dinner with any three people,
they would be with his two Thornton grandparents and his Grampa Pell.
Will call his parents first if Canada wins gold in
Torino.
• Led Canada’s Team Ontario to gold medal at the 1995 World Under-17
Challenge.
• Represented Canada at the 1996 Air Canada Pacific Cup Under-18 tournament.
•
•
•
•
He was “very proud to be a part of Canadian hockey.” Finished third in scoring (45-9) as Canada won gold.
Was Canada’s youngest player at the 1997 World Junior Championship.
Played on checking line, but still led team with 5 assists, tied for second in scoring with 6 points, as Canada won the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Lists the final as
the most memorable game he has played “because it was a victory and because
it was just a great game.”
Led the 2005 World Championship in assists (10) and points (16). Was second to
2006 Olympic teammate Rick Nash with 6 goals. Was named tournament MVP.
Favorite international hockey rule is having no red line for two-line passes
“because it opens the game up.” (The NHL adopted this rule this season.)
• “Just have fun. It’s only a game!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1993-94
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Elgin
OMHA
67 *83 *85 *168 45 ....
.... .... .... ....
St.Thomas
OHA-B
6
2
6
8
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
St.Thomas
OHA-B
50 40 64 104 53 ....
.... .... .... ....
1995-96
Sault Ste.Marie
OHL
66 30 46 76 53
4
1
1
2 11
1996-97
Sault Ste.Marie
OHL
59 41 81 122 123 11 11
8 19 24
1997-98 Boston
NHL
55
3
4
7 19
6
0
0
0
9
1998-99 Boston
NHL
81 16 25 41 69 11
3
6
9
4
99-2000 Boston
NHL
81 23 37 60 82 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Boston
NHL
72 37 34 71 107 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Boston
NHL
66 22 46 68 127
6
2
4
6 10
2002-03 Boston
NHL
77 36 65 101 109
5
1
2
3
4
2003-04 Boston
NHL
77 23 50 73 98
7
0
0
0 14
2004-05
Davos
Swiss
40 10 44 54 80 14
4 *20 *24 29
NHL Totals
509 160 261 421 611 35
6 12 18 41
Boston's 1st choice, 1st overall, in 1997 Entry Draft.
OHL All-Rookie Team (1996) • OHL Rookie of the Year (1996) • Canadian Major Junior Rookie of the Year (1996) • OHL Second AllStar Team (1997) • NHL Second All-Star Team (2003)
Signed as a free agent by Davos (Swiss), July 8, 2004.Traded to San Jose by Boston for Brad Stuart, Marco Sturm and Wayne
Primeau, November 30, 2005.
1997 G Canada
2001
2004 1st
2005 S
Canada
Canada
Canada
and Toronto Maple Leafs.
209
Event
GP
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
7
6
6
9
G
A Pts PIM
2 2 4
1 1 2
1 5 6
6 *10 *16
0
6
0
4
Finland
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
TIMONEN, KIMMO
BORN, KUOPIO, FINLAND, MARCH 18, 1975.
(TEEM-oh-nehn, KEE-moh)
• He has a partial ownership stake in Kalpa Kuopio, the
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
pro hockey team in his hometown that he used to play
for in Finland. (He lists the Kuopion Jaahalli arena as his
favorite.)
Spent majority of 1994–95 season in with Finnish
champion TPS Turku. Played with Finnish champion
HIFK Helsinki in 1997–98.
Lists Ilkka Pakarinen as his favorite coach.“He’s still my
friend.”
Served as a color commentator for Finnish television
Wears #44 because it was the only number available
when it was given to him.
Favorite cartoon character is Spider-Man because “I’m
not afraid of heights.” Favorite TV show is “Friends.”
Favorite movie is “Old School.” Robert DeNiro and
Nicole Kidman are his favorite actors. U2 is his
favorite band.
He lists Bono of U2 as the person he admires most.
Nickname is Kime.
• Made his NHL debut on Dec. 17, 1999. Led Predators
rookies with 12 points (4G, 8A).
• Established what was then a franchise record for
•
•
•
•
defensemen with 25 assists and 33 points in
1999–2000. Named to World Team for the 2000 NHL
All-Star Game, but could not play due to injuries.
Led all Nashville defensemen in goals (12), assists (13)
and points (25) in 2000–01. Played all 82 games for first
time. Led club and was ranked 21st in NHL in total ice
time (23:11 per game).
Established career high with 13 goals in 2001–02.
Ranked third among NHL defensemen in power-play
goals (9) and seventh in goals. Led club and established franchise record by averaging 24:12 of ice time.
Had a career-high 34 assists to lead team in 2002–03.
Led club in ice time at 22:25 per game.
Led Predators in average ice time (23:52) and shots
(180) during regular season. Established career high in
points (44) to tie for 11th in NHL in scoring by defensemen. Tied franchise record (also first defenseman) with
a four-point game (1G, 3A) on Dec. 20 vs. Vancouver.
When I was young…
• Played tennis, soccer and golf while growing up.
• Favorite team growing up was his home town team,
•
KalPa. (He played his entire junior career, and earliest
elite league games, with KalPa Kuopio.)
Favorite player was Jari Hamalainen.
• First hockey memory is his oldest brother Tommi taking him to his first practice.
• Lists his mom and dad as his biggest influence in
•
hockey. Will call his father first if Finland wins gold in
Torino.
If he could have dinner with anyone it would be with
his late grandfathers.
• First represented Finland as a 17-year-old in 1993
•
•
•
•
at both the World and European Junior
Championships.“It was a great honor.”
Played at World Championship for first of seven
times in 1996. Member of silver medal-winning
Finnish teams at 1998, 1999 and 2001 World
Championship. Ranked among tournament leaders
in 2001 with a plus/minus of +7. Tied for second in
scoring (2-5-7) among defensemen at 2003 World
Championship.
Led Finnish team, and all tournament defensemen,
in scoring (1-5-6) at 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Was
named to All-Star team after Finns won European
pool and reached finals against Team Canada.
Tied Antti-Jussi Niemi for team lead in goals by a
defenseman (2) at the 2005 World Championship.
• Is competing at his third Olympics (1998, 2002). Won bronze medal at Nagano in
1998.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is basketball in the Summer Games.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1990-91
1991-92
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
KalPa Jr.
Finland-Jr.
4
0
1
1
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
KalPa Jr.
Finland-Jr.
32
7 10 17
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
KalPa
Finland
5
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
1992-93
KalPa Jr.
Finland-Jr.
16
9 15 24 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
KalPa
Finland
33
0
2
2
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
1993-94
KalPa Jr.
Finland-Jr.
5
4
7 11
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
KalPa
Finland
46
6
7 13 55 ....
.... .... .... ....
1994-95
TPS Jr.
Finland-Jr.
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
TPS
Finland
45
3
4
7 10 13
0
1
1
6
1995-96
TPS
Finland
48
3 21 24 22
9
1
2
3 12
1996-97
TPS
Finland
50 10 14 24 18 12
2
7
9
8
TPS Turku
EuroHL
6
1
0
1 27
4
0
1
1
0
1997-98
HIFK
Finland
45 10 15 25 59
9
3
4
7
8
1998-99 Nashville
NHL
50
4
8 12 30 .... .... .... .... ....
Milwaukee
IHL
29
2 13 15 22 ....
.... .... .... ....
99-2000 Nashville
NHL
51
8 25 33 26 .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Nashville
NHL
82 12 13 25 50 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Nashville
NHL
82 13 29 42 28 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Nashville
NHL
72
6 34 40 46 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Nashville
NHL
77 12 32 44 52
6
0
0
0 10
2004-05
Lugano
Swiss
3
0
1
1
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Brynas
Sweden
10
5
3
8
8 ....
.... .... .... ....
KalPa
Finland-2
12
4 13 17
6
8
3
7 10
4
NHL Totals
414 55 141 196 232
6
0
0
0 10
Traded to Nashville by Los Angeles with Jan Vopat for future considerations, June 26, 1998.Signed as a free agent by Lugano
(Swiss), October 31, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Brynas (Sweden), November 8, 2004.Signed as a free agent by KalPa Kuopio
(Finland-2), January 3, 2005.
Event
1993
WJC-A
7
2 0
EJC-A
6
2 2
WJC-A
7
3 3
WJC-A
7
2 6
WC-A
6
0 1
W-Cup
DID NOT PLAY
Olympics 6
0 1
WC-A
10
2 6
WC-A
12
1 4
WC-A
9
2 2
Olympics 4
0 1
WC-A
9
1 2
WC-A
7
2 5
W-Cup
6
1 5
WC-A
6
2 1
Finland
Finland
1994
Finland
1995
Finland
1996
Finland
1996
Finland
1998 B Finland
S
Finland
1999 S Finland
2001 S Finland
2002
Finland
Finland
2003
Finland
2004 2nd Finland
2005
Finland
210
GP
G
A Pts PIM
2
4
6
8
1
6
2
4
4
0
1
8
5
4
1
3
7
6
3
2
4
6
10
2
8
2
2
6
U.S.A.
ST. LOUIS BLUES
TKACHUK, KEITH
BORN, MELROSE, MA, MARCH 28, 1972.
(kuh-CHUK, KEETH)
• He and Scott Lachance are the last teenagers to have
•
•
•
•
•
•
played for the U.S. men's hockey team at an Olympic
Games (Albertville, 1992). Prior to 1992, several prominent American teens had played in the Olympics,
including Mark Howe in 1972 (age 16) and Al Iafrate
(age 17), Ed Olczyk (age 17) and Pat LaFontaine (age
19) in 1984.
Nickname Walt was given to him by Ed Olczyk because
of former NHLer Walt Tkaczuk.
Became first American-born player to lead NHL in
goals with a career-high 52 in 1996-97. Joined Kevin
Stevens, Brendan Shanahan and Gary Roberts as only
players in NHL history to top 50 goals and 200 PIM in
one season.
Lists Jim Schoenfeld as his favorite coach.
Outside of hockey, he most admires the Boston Red
Sox for their success.
Favorite summer activity is golf. He played in the Fleet
Classic with PGA seniors David Stockton and Rocky
Thompson.
would be with John F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Jr.
and Masters golf chairman Hootie Johnson.
• Drafted directly out of high school. Spent one season
•
•
•
•
•
•
(1990–91) with Boston University and helped them
reach NCAA Finals.
Collected first point in his first NHL game vs.
Vancouver on Feb. 28, 1992.
Named Jets’ captain on Nov. 6, 1993. Led the Jets in
scoring (41-40-81) and won team MVP honors in
1993–94. His 22 power-play goals ranked fifth in NHL.
in 1995–96. Finished season tied for seventh in NHL
goal scoring (50). Scored a career-high 52 goals in
1996–97.
Established career high with plus/minus total of +22 in
1998–99.
Tied for 12th in NHL with 75 points (38G, 37A) in
2001–02. Tied for seventh in NHL with 38 goals.
Scored 400th career goal on Oct. 12, 2003 at Colorado.
Led Blues in goals (33) and points (71), in 2003–04, was
19th in NHL in points, tenth in goals. His 18 power-play
goals were one behind Rick Nash for NHL lead.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was with East Boston Youth Hockey.
• Favorite player was Bruins star Cam Neely.
• Tom Fitzgerald of the Boston Bruins is his cousin.
• Thanks his parents for having had the most influence
on his hockey career.
• Will call his wife first if U.S. wins gold in Torino.
• Played for Team USA on Under-16 and Under-17
National Teams.
• Tied for lead on U.S. team with 6 goals at the 1991
World Junior Championship.
• Tied for second on U.S. team in scoring (3-4-7) at
•
•
•
•
the 1992 WJC as the Americans won just their
second medal (bronze) in the history of the event.
Named to U.S. team for the 1994 World
Championship, but did not attend due to previous commitment.
Was assistant captain with American team that
won World Cup of Hockey in 1996. Lists this
tournament as his greatest international
hockey experience.
Was tournament’s top goal scorer with 5 at the
2004 World Cup of Hockey. Scored 4 goals in 5-3 win over Russia in quarterfinals.
Tied fellow 2006 U.S. Olympian Mike Modano for team lead with 6 points.
Favorite international hockey rule is having no two-line pass. (The NHL adopted
the “no red line” rule this season.)
• Is competing at his fourth Olympic Games (1992, 1998, 2002). He and Chris
Chelios are the first four-time Olympians in the history of U.S. hockey.
• In 2002 at Nagano, he became the first American hockey Olympian to compete
at three Games before his 30th birthday.
• Is a big fan of the Olympic Games and enjoys watching as many events as he can.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
Malden Cath.
Malden Cath.
Boston University
United States
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
High-MA
High-MA
H-East
Nat-Tm
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
NHL
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
Regular Season
GP
G
A Pts PIM
21 30 16 46
6 12 14 26
36 17 23 40
45 10 10 20
17
3
5
8
83 28 23 51
84 41 40 81
48 22 29 51
76 50 48 98
81 *52 34 86
69 40 26 66
68 36 32 68
50 22 21 43
64 29 42 71
12
6
2
8
73 38 37 75
56 31 24 55
75 33 38 71
DID NOT PLAY
856 431 401 832
....
....
70
141
28
201
255
152
156
228
147
151
82
108
14
117
139
83
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
....
....
....
7
6
....
....
6
7
6
7
5
....
15
10
7
5
....
....
....
....
3
4
....
....
1
6
3
1
1
....
2
5
1
0
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
....
0
0
....
....
2
0
3
3
1
....
7
5
3
2
....
....
....
....
3
4
....
....
3
6
6
4
2
....
9
10
4
2
....
....
....
....
30
14
....
....
22
7
10
13
4
....
20
18
14
10
NHL Totals
1861 81 27 26 53 162
NHL Second All-Star Team (1995, 1998)
Transferred to Phoenix after Winnipeg franchise relocated, July 1, 1996.Traded to St.Louis by Phoenix for Michal Handzus, Ladislav
Nagy, the rights to Jeff Taffe and St.Louis' 1st round choice (Ben Eager) in 2002 Entry Draft, March 13, 2001.
Event
1991
1992 B
WJC-A
WJC-A
Olympics
W-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
1996 1st
1998
2002 S
2004
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
211
GP
G
7
7
8
7
4
5
5
6
3
1
5
0
2
*5
A Pts PIM
3
4
1
1
2
0
1
9 12
7
6
2 12
6 44
2
6
2
2
6 *23
Canada
DALLAS STARS
TURCO, MARTY
BORN, SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT., AUGUST 13, 1975.
(TUHR-koh, MAHR-tee)
• He holds the NCAA record for most career victories
(127–28–7).
• His 1.72 goals-against average in 2002–03 was the
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NHL’s lowest since 1940 (until injured 2006 Finnish
Olympian Miikka Kiprusoff posted a 1.69 mark in
2003–04.)
Wears #35 “because I always have.”
Hobbies are golf, boating, and playing with his family.
Started a non-profit organization called Marty’s
Promise that helps fund child and sport groups in
Sault Ste. Marie. Is also the spokesperson for the Stars’
‘Stick with Reading’ program.
“because of the mystique.”
Other favorites include:“Seinfeld” (TV show),
“Armageddon” (movie), Al Pacino (actor) and George
Strait (musician). If he could be any cartoon character,
it would be Elastic Man “because it would mean having no more pain or injuries.”
His first job was as a bartender.
Most memorable games watched were during the
1987 Canada Cup Series because “I love Team Canada,
and loved watching Wayne and Mario making magic
happen.”
• Thanks his father for being his greatest influence
•
•
in hockey, and for teaching him how to skate, to
love the game, and for giving him the opportunity to play.
His father is the person he admires most “for making sacrifices for his family and kids, and for being
a very selfless person.”
Will call his parents first if Canada wins gold, providing his wife is there with him.
• First represented Canada at the 2002 World
Championship.“It was my dream coming true.”
• Was also a member of Team Canada at the 2005
World Championship, but saw no action behind fellow 2006 Canadian
Olympians Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are gymnastics and boxing at the Summer
Games.
• “Be your best and have fun, therefore you can’t have regrets.”
• Took Michigan to the NCAA Final Four in each of his
•
•
•
•
four seasons at the school, winning the championship
in 1996 and 1998. Won a record nine NCAA tournament games (against two losses) in his career, and is
the only goalie with two career shutouts.
Was IHL rookie of the year in his first pro season of
1998–99. In his second year, set an IHL record with a
shutout streak of 282:30 from Mar. 18 to Apr. 1, 2000.
Led NHL in goals-against average (1.90) and save percentage (.925) as a rookie in 2000–01.
Led in average (1.72) and save percentage (.932) again
in 2002–03. Save percentage was second lowest since
stat was first kept for individual goalies in 1976–77.
(Dominik Hasek, .937 in 1998–99). Finished second in
voting to fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Martin
Brodeur for the Vezina Trophy.
Established new career highs in wins (37) and shutouts
(9) in 2003–04, tying Ed Belfour’s Dallas team records.
Set new team records for games (73) and minutes
(4.359). Ranked second in NHL in wins, tied for third in
shutouts, and third in average (1.98).
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of playing afternoons with his
father after kindergarten with an orange ball.
• Favorites teams growing up were the Toronto Maple
Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks.
• Favorite player was Canuck goaltender Kirk McLean.
• Played minor hockey with Canucks goaltender Dan
•
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
Cambridge
OJHL-B
34 19 10 3 1973 114 0 3.47 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
U.of Michigan
CCHA
37 *27 7 1 2063 95 1 2.76 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
U.of Michigan
CCHA
*42 *34 7 1 *2335 84 *5 *2.16 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
U.of Michigan
CCHA
*41 *33 4 4 *2296 87 *4 *2.27 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
U.of Michigan
CCHA
*45 *33 10 1 *2640 95 4 2.16 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Michigan
IHL
54 24 17 10 3127 136 1 2.61 5 2 3 300 14 0 2.80
Michigan
IHL
60 23 27 *7 3399 139 *7 2.45 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Dallas
NHL
26 13 6 1 1266 40 3*1.90 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Dallas
NHL
31 15 6 2 1519 53 2 2.09 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Dallas
NHL
55 31 10 10 3203 92 7*1.72 12 6 6 798 25 0 1.88
Dallas
NHL
73 37 21 13 4359 144 9 1.98 5 1 4 325 18 0 3.32
Djurgarden
Sweden
6 .... .... .... 356 12 1 2.02 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
NHL Totals
185 96 43 26 10347 329 21 1.91 17 7 10 1123 43 0 2.30
(Dallas' 4th choice, 124th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft).
CCHA Rookie of the Year (1995) • NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team (1996, 1998) • CCHA First All-Star Team (1997) •
NCAA West First All-American Team (1997) • CCHA Second All-Star Team (1998) • NCAA Championship Tournament MVP (1998)
• Garry F.Longman Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year – IHL) (1999) • MBNA Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award (2001, 2003) •
Signed as a free agent by Djurgarden (Sweden), November 13, 2004.
GP W
2002
2005 S
3
Canada
Canada
Cloutier in bantam, and with the Flames’ Shean
Donovan in peewee.
Lists his midget coach Abbie Carricato as his favorite
coach “because he brought me to the next level.”
212
WC-A
WC-A
L
T
Mins GA
SO
Avg
2 1 .... 166 5
1 1.81
Russia
NEW YORK RANGERS
TYUTIN, FEDOR
BORN, IZHEVSK, USSR, JULY 19, 1983.
(TYOO-tihn, feh-DUHR)
• He still ranks as an NHL rookie in 2005–06 because he
played just 25 games in 2003–04.
• Made his North American debut playing junior hockey
•
•
•
with Guelph (OHL) in 2001–02. Tied for third among
OHL defensemen, tied for sixth among OHL rookies, in
scoring (19-40-59).
Went to training camp with the Rangers in 2002
before returning to Russia.
Made his NHL debut on Feb. 12, 2004 at Philadelphia.
Scored his first NHL goal, two men shorthanded, on
Mar. 13 at Florida against 2006 Canadian Olympian
Roberto Luongo.
• Is playing at the Winter Games for the first time.
What he says…
• “I think that every young player wants to try their
abilities in the NHL and I am no exception.” –
Russianprospects.com, Mar. 25, 2004
What Others Say…
• “He is smart with the puck and made heady passes.… Fedor has the strength to play against the
bigger, stronger opponent physically and handle
himself.…Played strong and smart.” — Don
Maloney, New York Rangers scout.
When I was young…
• Was a childhood friend of Anaheim defenseman
Maxim Kondratiev. The two first teamed together
for a regional all-star team when they were 13.
• First international tournament was with the Russian
•
•
•
•
Under-17 team at the European Youth Olympic Days in
the Czech Republic in February of 2000.
Has won gold medals at the 2001 World Under-18
Championship and at the World Junior Championship
in 2002 and 2003.
Was a teammate of fellow 2006 Russian Olympian Ilya
Kovalchuk at the 2001 WJ18.
Was a teammate of fellow 2006 Russian Olympians
Alexander Frolov and Anton Volchenkov at the 2002
WJC and Alexander Ovechkin at the 2003 WJC.
Played at the 2004–05 Rosno Cup with fellow 2006
Russian Olympians Ilya Bryzgalov, Pavel Datsyuk, Ilya
Kovalchuk and Alexei Kovalev, and at the Sweden Cup
with fellow 2006 Russian Olympians Maxim
Afinogenov, Alexander Frolov, Datsyuk, and Kovalchuk
but missed the 2005 World Championship due to an
injury.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1998-99
99-2000
Magnitogorsk 2
Russia-4
7
0
1
Izhevsk 2
Russia-3
38 11
8
Izhevsk
Russia-2
10
0
1
2000-01
St.Petersburg
Russia
34
2
4
2001-02
Guelph
OHL
53 19 40
2002-03
St.Petersburg
Russia
10
1
1
Kazan
Russia
10
0
0
2003-04 NY Rangers
NHL
25
2
5
Hartford
AHL
43
5
9
2004-05
Hartford
AHL
13
2
1
St.Petersburg
Russia
35
5
3
NHL Totals
25
2
5
Signed as a free agent by St.Petersburg (Russia), November 11, 2004.
Year Medal
2001 G
2002 G
2003 G
National Team
Event
Russia
Russia
Russia
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
213
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
7
6
1
1
0
4
0
3
5
1
3
18
2
12
1
19
1
6
59
2
0
7
14
3
8
7
2
68
12
20
54
16
8
14
50
10
24
14
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
....
....
....
9
....
5
....
16
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
2
....
0
....
0
....
....
....
A Pts PIM
....
....
....
....
8
....
0
....
5
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
10
....
0
....
5
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
8
....
4
....
18
....
....
....
Finland
COLORADO AVALANCHE
VAANANEN, OSSI
BORN, VANTAA, FINLAND, AUGUST 18, 1980.
(VAN-ih-nehn, AW-see)
• Nickname is Oswaldo because his father would call
him that as a child.
• Favorite hobby and summer activity is soccer, but he
•
•
•
also enjoys riding his motorcycle and playing basketball. He is a big fan of the National Basketball
Association.
The people he admires most are “all of the great musicians because they create a lot of good energy.” (His
first job was working at his grandfather’s music store.)
would be with musicians Jim Morrison, Elvis Presley
and Freddie Mercury.
His favorite musician is guitar legend Dave Mustaine.
Other favorites are “The Simpsons” (TV show) and
“Forrest Gump” (movie).
• Played junior hockey in Jokerit Helsinki system before
•
•
•
•
reaching the elite league in 1998–99. Helped Jokerit
reach playoff finals against TPS Turku in 1999–2000.
Was one of only seven NHL rookies to play as many as
80 games in 2000–01. He missed the first game of the
season for Phoenix as a healthy scratch, then played all
81 remaining games. Led all NHL rookies in hits (190).
Ranked sixth among NHL rookies in plus/minus (+9).
Ranked eighth among NHL rookies in PIM (90), takeaways (87) and average ice time (19:09).
Played in 149 consecutive games from October 7, 2000
to March 17, 2002.
Ranked third on Phoenix in 2002–03 in hits (173) and
blocked shots (88) and fourth in average ice time
(20:12). Tied all-time franchise single game high with
10 hits vs. St. Louis, Apr. 1, 2003. Represented Phoenix
in NHL YoungStars Game as part of 2003 NHL All-Star
Weekend.
Led all Avalanche defensemen with 25:09 in ice time
third game of the 2004 Western Conference
Quarterfinals at Dallas on Apr. 12. Posted his first career
playoff point with an assist during fifth game of the
series.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Helsingin (Helsinki)
Kojootit.
• First hockey memory is of taking face-offs as a five•
•
•
year-old with KOJO when most of the other kids were
nine and 10 years old.
Favorite team growing up was Jokerit (whom he later
played for).
As a boy, his team sold Coca-Cola at the local rink to
raise money and he got to watch all of the Jokerit
home games.
Favorite player growing up was Finnish NHL star Jari
Kurri.
• First played for his country in on an Under-18
•
•
•
•
team in an exhibition against Swedish Under-18s
in November of 1997.“It was nice to get noticed
and play for my great country.”
Was named to All-Star Team at the 1998 Viking
Cup tournament in Camrose, Alberta. Won a silver
medal at the 1998 European Junior
Championship.
Was the youngest member of Finland’s silver
medal winners at the 2001 World Championship.
Tied for eighth in team scoring with 4 assists at
the Finns won the European pool and reached
finals against Team Canada. He lists this tournament as his greatest international experience.
• Is playing at his second consecutive Winter Games.
• He was the youngest member of the Finnish team at Salt Lake City in 2002.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer at the Summer Games.
• “Just have fun and enjoy it while you can!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Jokerit U18
Fin-U18
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
Jokerit Jr.
Finland-Jr.
17
1
2
3 43 ....
.... .... .... ....
Jokerit Jr.
Finland-Jr.
31
0
6
6 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
Jokerit Jr.
Finland-Jr.
12
1
6
7 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
Jokerit
EuroHL
5
0
0
0
2
1
0
1
1
2
Jokerit
Finland
48
0
1
1 42
3
0
1
1
2
99-2000
Jokerit
Finland
49
1
6
7 46 11
1
1
2
2
2000-01 Phoenix
NHL
81
4 12 16 90 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Phoenix
NHL
76
2 12 14 74
5
0
0
0
6
2002-03 Phoenix
NHL
67
2
7
9 82 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Phoenix
NHL
67
2
4
6 87 .... .... .... .... ....
Colorado
NHL
12
0
0
0
2 11
0
1
1 18
2004-05
Jokerit
Finland
28
2
2
4 30 12
0
0
0 26
NHL Totals
303 10 35 45 335 16
0
1
1 24
Phoenix's 2nd choice, 43rd overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.
Finnish Junior Player of the Year Award (2000) Traded to Colorado by Phoenix with Chris Gratton and Phoenix's 2nd round choice
(Paul Stastny) in 2005 Entry Draft for Derek Morris and Keith Ballard, March 8, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Jokerit (Finland),
December 1, 2004.
1998 S Finland
1999
2000
2001 S
2002
2003
2004 2nd
2005
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
Finland
• Lists his brother Jarkko as having had the most influence on his career.“I have always looked up to him.”
• Found out from his father back home in Finland that
•
Regular Season
he had made the 2002 Olympic team before he heard
about it from Finnish coach Hannu Aravirta.
Will call his parents first if Finland wins gold in Torino.
214
Event
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
6
7
9
2
7
4
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
2
1
4
2
1
0
2
0
2
1
4
3
1
20
8
16
16
0
8
0
8
Slovakia
LOS ANGELES KINGS
VISNOVSKY, LUBOMIR
BORN, TOPOLCANY, CZECH., AUGUST 11, 1976.
(vihsh-NAWV-skee, LOO-boh-mihr)
• He made his elite league debut with Slovan Bratislava
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
in 1994–95 at age 18. Helped Bratislava win regularseason and playoff title in 1997–98. Won regular-season title again in 1998–99. Won playoff championship
again in 1999–2000.
Wears #17 “because it’s my lucky number.” Admits that
he’s superstitious.
Most memorable games he has played were the playoff games between Los Angeles and Detroit in his
rookie season.
Most memorable game watched was the 1987 Canada
Cup Final between Canada and Russia.
Hobbies are squash and driving go-karts.
Admires competitive cyclists “because it is a difficult
and exacting sport.” If he could have dinner with any
three people it would be with Michael Jordan, Lance
Armstrong and Michael Schumacher “because they are
the best sportsmen in the world.”
“The Jerry Springer Show” is his favorite TV show.
Favorite movies are “Man on Fire,”“City of Angels,”“The
Shawshank Redemption” and “Meet Joe Black.” Favorite
actors are Denzel Washington and Nicolas Cage.
Favorite musician is Robbie Williams. Favorite cartoon
character is Hercules.
Nickname is Visna because of his surname.“In my
native language it’s ‘Black Cherry’.”
• Was league’s third-leading scorer among defensemen
•
•
•
(11-12-23) as an 18-year-old in 1994–95. As 20-year-old
in 1996–97, led club in goals by defensemen (11) and
finished second in scoring with 23 points.
Led all defensemen in scoring (21-24-45) in Slovakian
elite league in 1999–2000.
Led all rookie NHL defensemen in scoring (7-32-39)
and ranked fourth overall among all rookies in
2000–01. Ranked second among rookies with 32
assists. Selected to NHL’s All-Rookie Team. Named
Kings “Best Newcomer” in vote by local media. Missed
12 games with knee injury and 11 due to back injury
in 2002-03, but established career high with 8 goals in
just 57 games. Had first career 2-goal game at Atlanta
on Oct. 29, 2002.
Missed a quarter of the season due to injuries in
2002–03 and 2003–04, but still scored career-high 8
goals each year. Averaged career-best 24:02 of ice time
in 2003–04 to rank 25th among all NHL defensemen.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was the Ottawa Senators.
• First team was Topolcany, SR.
• First hockey memory is “ my first goal, on a penalty
shot, when I was 6-years old. We won the game.”
• Lists his parents as his biggest influences in hockey.
•
“They pushed me, took care of me and supported me
all of the time.”
Will call his girlfriend and his parents first if Slovakia
• First represented his country as a 15-year-old.“It
was a very exciting time. I was happy.”
• His favorite international hockey moment is winning gold at the 2002 Worlds in Sweden.
• Won gold with Slovak team at 1994 European
•
•
•
•
•
Junior Championship (Pool-C). Won silver at 1995
World Juniors (Pool-B) and earned All-Star recognition. Was second on team’s overall scoring list
(1-6-7) as Slovaks earned promotion to Pool-A
Captained Slovak team at 1996 World Junior
Championships and was tied for team scoring
lead (1-5-6). Also played at 1996 World
Championship and 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
Led all defensemen, ranked second overall in
tournament, with 6 assists at 2000 Worlds.
Trailed only teammates Ziggy Palffy and fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Jozef
Stumpel in tournament scoring (4-18-12), ranking first among defensemen, in
2003.
Was the top-scoring defenseman (2-6-8) at the 2005 World Championship.
Second-highest scoring Slovak behind Ziggy Palffy.
Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice.“You can play more technical
hockey and do more with the puck.”
• Is competing at his third straight Olympic Games (1998, 2002).
• He and Miroslav Satan are the only Slovaks making their third Olympic
appearance.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are figure skating and tennis and soccer in the
Summer Games.
• “Work hard, have discipline and play with heart.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
P l ay o f f s
G
A Pts PIM
GP
G
Bratislava
Slovakia
36 11
Bratislava
Slovakia
35
8
Bratislava
Slovakia
44 11
Bratislava
EuroHL
6
3
1997-98
Bratislava
Slovakia
36
7
Bratislava
EuroHL
6
1
1998-99
Bratislava
Slovakia
40
9
Bratislava
EuroHL
6
0
99-2000
Bratislava
Slovakia
52 21
2000-01 Los Angeles
NHL
81
7
2001-02 Los Angeles
NHL
72
4
2002-03 Los Angeles
NHL
57
8
2003-04 Los Angeles
NHL
58
8
2004-05
Bratislava
Slovakia
43 13
NHL Totals
268 27
Signed as a free agent by Bratislava (Slovakia), September 27, 2004.
12 23 10
6 14 22
12 23
....
1
4
2
9 16 16
0
1
4
10 19 31
3
3
4
24 45 38
32 39 36
17 21 14
16 24 28
21 29 26
25 38 40
86 113 104
9
13
2
2
11
....
10
....
8
8
4
....
....
14
12
1
1
0
0
2
....
5
....
5
0
0
....
....
2
0
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1994 G Slovakia
1995 S Slovakia
1996
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000 S
2002
G
2003 B
2004
2005
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
215
Event
EJC-C
WJC-B
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
7
6
5
1
8
3
6
9
3
5
9
4
7
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
4
0
2
3 5
6 7
5 6
1 1
0 0
1 1
0 0
2 2
6 6
2 3
1 3
8 12
0 0
6 8
5
4
4
4
0
4
2
6
2
0
2
2
6
0
A Pts PIM
3
5
1
0
4
....
5
....
3
0
1
....
....
10
1
4
6
1
0
6
....
10
....
8
0
1
....
....
12
1
2
2
....
6
8
....
0
....
16
0
0
....
....
10
0
Czech Republic
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
VOKOUN, TOMAS
GOALTENDER. CATCHES RIGHT. 6’0”/183 CM 195 LBS./88 KG
BORN, KARLOVY VARY, CZECH., JULY 2, 1976.
(voh-KOON, TAW-mas)
• His nickname is Voky.
• Created the “Fed by a Pred” event in September of
•
•
•
•
•
2003 with proceeds benefiting the Predators
Foundation.
Hobbies include sports, music, cars, bikes and playing
tennis.
Would choose to be Superman if he could be any cartoon character.
Other favorites include “Seinfeld” (TV show),“Man on
Fire” and “Good Will Hunting” (movies), Robert DeNiro
(actor) and U2 (music group).
• Won bronze medal at 1994 European Junior
•
• Was tenth in Czech league with 3.07 goals-against
average for Kladno in 1994–95,
• Made NHL debut with Montreal at Philadelphia on
Feb. 6, 1997.
• Notched first NHL victory on Dec 12, 1998 vs. San Jose.
•
•
•
•
Recorded career-high 50 saves while earning 5–3 victory over Detroit on Dec. 23. Runner-up for NHL Rookie
of the Month award for December 1998. Posted first
shutout of career and first in Predators history on Jan.
15, 1999 vs. Phoenix (31 saves).
Ranked second among NHL rookie goaltenders with
12 wins and tied for first with 37 games played in
1998–99.
Became first Predator to earn NHL Player of the Week
honors after posting 3–0–0 record, 1 shutout, 1.33 average and .960 save percentage during week of Dec. 27Jan. 2, 2000.
In 2002–03, ranked third in NHL in games played (69),
tied for eighth in average (2.20), and tied for tenth in
save percentage (.918). Played in 57 of Nashville’s last
58 games, including starting last 38 games of season.
Faced five penalty shots during season, tying modernera NHL record.
Established new career high and franchise record, was
tied for third in the NHL, with 34 wins in 2003–04. Tied
for second in NHL in games played (73), ranked fourth
in minutes (4,221), third in shots faced (1,958).
Recorded franchise’s first playoff shutout when he
stopped 41 shots to beat Detroit 3-0 in fourth game of
Western Conference Quarterfinals. Was named to
Western Conference team at NHL All-Star Game.
When I was young…
• First hockey team was HC Banik Sokolov.
• Favorite team growing up was the Montreal Canadiens
(who drafted him in 1994).
• Favorite player was countryman and fellow goaltender
Dominik Hasek.
• Was childhood friends with New Jersey Devils forward
Patrik Elias.
•
•
•
Championship. Was named Best Goaltender and
voted to tournament All-Star Team.
Played at World Junior Championship in 1996.
Played at World Championships in 2003, 2004 and
2005. Lists the Czech Republic’s gold medal victory in 2005 as his greatest international hockey
moment.
Finished second to Andrei Mezin of Belarus in
(.953), tied with Mezin and 2006 Latvian Olympian
Arturs Irbe for first in shutouts (2), at 2005 World
Championship. Was named Best Goaltender.
Was second to 2006 Slovak Olympian Jan Lasak in
(.944) at 2004 tournament. Tied for second with 2006 Swiss Olympian Martin
Gerber with 2 shutouts (Lasak had 4).
Played all five games in goal for Czech team at 2004 World Cup of Hockey, losing
overtime decision to Team Canada in semifinals.
Favorite international ice hockey rule is the big ice surface.
• Most memorable game he has watched was the Czech Republic’s gold medal
victory over Russia at the 1998 Nagano Games.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is tennis at the Summer Games.
• “You must work hard to get there.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
League
Regular Season
GP W
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
Kladno
CzRep
1 0 0 0
20
2 0 6.01 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Kladno
CzRep
26 .... .... .... 1368 70 .... 3.07 5 .... .... 240 19 .... 4.75
Wheeling
ECHL
35 20 10 2 1912 117 0 3.67 7 4 3 436 19 0 2.61
Fredericton
AHL
.... .... .... ....
.... .... .... .... 1 0 1 59 4 0 4.09
1996-97 Montreal
NHL
1 0 0 0
20
4 0 12.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Fredericton
AHL
47 12 26 7 2645 154 2 3.49 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1997-98 Fredericton
AHL
31 13 13 2 1735 90 0 3.11 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
1998-99 Nashville
NHL
37 12 18 4 1954 96 1 2.95 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Milwaukee
IHL
9 3 2 4 539 22 1 2.45 2 0 2 149 8 0 3.22
99-2000 Nashville
NHL
33 9 20 1 1879 87 1 2.78 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
Milwaukee
IHL
7 5 2 0 364 17 0 2.80 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2000-01 Nashville
NHL
37 13 17 5 2088 85 2 2.44 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Nashville
NHL
29 5 14 4 1471 66 2 2.69 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Nashville
NHL
69 25 31 11 3974 146 3 2.20 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Nashville
NHL
73 34 29 10 4221 178 3 2.53 6 2 4 356 12 1 2.02
2004-05 Znojmo
CzRep
27 .... .... .... 1599 69 3 2.59 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....
HIFK
Finland
19 11 4 4 1149 35 2 1.83 4 0 3 205 12 0 3.51
NHL Totals
279 98 129 35 15607 662 12 2.55 6 2 4 356 12 1 2.02
(Montreal's 11th choice, 226th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft).
EJC-A All-Star Team (1994) • Named Best Goaltender at EJC-A (1994)
Claimed by Nashville from Montreal in Expansion Draft, June 26, 1998.Signed as a free agent by Znojmo (CzRep), September 6,
2004.Signed as a free agent by HIFK (Finland), December 20, 2004.
•
•
•
He worked in his parents’ restaurant while growing up.
Lists his father has having had the biggest influence
on his career.
Will call home to his wife and daughter first if the
Czech Republic wins gold in Torino.
P l ay o f f s
L Mins GA SO Avg
Event
1994 B
1996
2003
2004
2004
2005 G
EJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
216
GP W
5
6
7
6
5
8
....
2
....
*5
2
*7
L
T
....
2
....
1
3
1
....
2
....
0
0
0
Mins GA
SO
Avg
300
356
389
370
302
499
....
1
1
2
0
*2
2.20
3.54
2.16
1.14
2.98
1.08
11
21
14
7
15
9
Russia
OTTAWA SENATORS
VOLCHENKOV, ANTON
BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, FEBRUARY 25, 1982.
(vohl-chen-KAHF, AN-tawn)
• His father played for the Soviet Red Army during 1970s
and ’80s.
• He patterns his game after his idols, Ray Bourque and
Slava Fetisov.
• Nicknames are Bear and Volchie.
• Wears jersey #24 “for no special reason.”
• Along with the 2002 gold medal game at the World
•
•
•
Junior Championship, lists his first NHL game (Oct. 10,
2002 vs. New Jersey) as the most memorable game he
has played.
Favorite hobby and summer activity is to go on vacation and travel around the world.
Favorite NHL arenas are the Corel Centre in Ottawa
“because of the great fans” and the Rexall Place in
Edmonton “for the good ice.”
Favorite TV show is “The Simpsons.” Favorite movie is
“Scary Movie.” Favorite actor is Al Pacino. Would like to
be Batman if he could be any superhero.
• Earned silver medal at the 2000 World Under-18
Championship.
• Played at the World Junior Championships in 2001
•
•
and 2002. Won gold in 2002. Was Russia’s team captain, and named to tournament’s Second All-Star
Team. Only goal at the tournament was winner in
5–4 win victory over Canada in final. This is his
greatest international hockey memory.
Played at 2002 World Championships, where Russia
earned silver, losing the final to Slovakia.
Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, but
missed three games due to an ankle injury.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is alpine skiing.
• “Work hard every day, and be happy in what you do.”
• His 4 goals and 16 assists for Krylja Sovetov in 2001–02
•
•
•
•
placed him fourth in team scoring and best among
defensemen.
Recorded first NHL points (2A) and first multipoint
game vs. Carolina on Oct. 23. Scored first goal at
Boston on Dec. 12 .
Played for Eastern Conference Young Stars team at
2002 All-Star Weekend and scored a goal.
Missed 52 games due to surgery for torn labrum in
right shoulder in 2003–04.
Tied Binghamton (AHL) franchise record with four
assists in a game vs. Philadelphia Phantoms on March
30, 2005. Played in the AHL All-Star Game. Tied 2006
German Olympian Christoph Schubert for second on
team in plus/minus (+24) behind 2006 Canadian
Olympian Jason Spezza.
When I was young…
•
•
Grew up playing hockey in the CSKA Moscow (Central
Red Army) system. Began playing at seven years old.
Has been friends with fellow 2006 Russian Olympian
Alexander Frolov of the Los Angeles Kings since childhood.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
GP
G
A Pts PIM
99-2000
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
HK Moscow 2
Russia-3
6
0
1
1 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
HK Moscow
Russia-2
30
2
9 11 36 ....
.... .... .... ....
2000-01
Krylja Sovetov
Russia-2
34
3
4
7 56 ....
.... .... .... ....
2001-02
Krylja Sovetov 2
Russia-3
1
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Krylja Sovetov
Russia
47
4 16 20 50
3
0
0
0 29
2002-03 Ottawa
NHL
57
3 13 16 40 17
1
1
2
4
2003-04 Ottawa
NHL
19
1
2
3
8
5
0
0
0
6
2004-05
Binghamton
AHL
69 10 35 45 62
6
0
3
3
0
NHL Totals
76
4 15 19 48 22
1
1
2 10
Ottawa's 1st choice, 21st overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.
• Missed majority of 2003-04 season recovering from shoulder injury suffered in game vs.Boston, December 8, 2003.
2000 S Russia
2001
2002 G
S
2004
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
• His father is an inspirational influence, having won 13
•
Regular Season
League
championships with the Central Red Army. (He also
played in the 1975 New Year’s Eve game vs. the
Montreal Canadiens.)
Will call his mother and wife first if Russia wins gold at
Torino.
217
Event
WJ18-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
7
7
9
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
4
3
0
0
1
4
4
0
0
6
6
6
0
0
Czech Republic
VYBORNY, DAVID
BORN, JIHLAVA, CZECH., JUNE 2, 1975.
(vih-BOHR-nee, DAY-vihd)
• He scored the game-winning goal in a 1–0 victory over
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Vsetin to give Sparta Praha a 3–0 sweep of 2000 playoff championship. His next goal came in his first NHL
game as a member of the expansion Columbus Blue
Jackets on Oct. 7, 2000.
During the 2000–01 NHL season, he became the first
rookie in history to score two goals on penalty shots.
1987 Canada Cup Final between Canada and the
USSR.
His hobbies are tennis and soccer.
His favorite sports team is Real Madrid. His favorite athlete is Roger Federer.
Montreal is his favorite NHL city. His favorite coach is
Vladimir Ruzicka.
Other favorites include “Basic Instinct” (movie), Kurt
Russell (actor) and Tears for Fears (music).
The person he admires most is Czech President Vaclav
Havel.
• First represented the Czech Republic at age 16.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Won a gold medal at the 1992 European Junior
Championship. Led the tournament in scoring (68-14), was named Best Forward and selected to
the All-Star Team.
Won bronze at 1993 EJC and led tournament in
scoring (7-5-12).
Won bronze medal at the 1993 World Junior
Championship. Finished third in scoring (6-9-15)
behind 2006 Swedish Olympians Peter Forsberg
and Markus Naslund.
Named to All-Star team at 1994 WJC.
First represented Czech Republic at the World
Championships in 1996 and won a gold medal.
Calls the final game at that year’s tournament the
most memorable he has played.
Has won gold again at the World Championship in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2005.
Tied for second on Czech team, tied for fifth overall, in scoring (4-4-8) at the1999
tournament. Led in plus/minus (+8). Finished second on team, third overall, in
scoring (4-6-10) in 2000.
Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and was second on team to Martin
Havlat in plus/minus (+5).
Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice surface.
• Spent the 1994–95 season with Edmonton’s Cape
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Breton (AHL) farm club and ranked fifth among AHL
rookies in scoring (23-38-61).
Returned to Europe for the next five seasons. Helped
Sparta Praha finish first in regular season in 1995–96.
Ranked ninth in the league in assists (29), 14th in
points (49) in 1996–97.
Led MoDo in Sweden in scoring (16-21-37) in 1997–98,
but returned to Sparta Praha in 1998–99. Established
career highs in goals (24), assists (46) and points (70).
Won the league scoring title by 12 points.
Ranked second in league in scoring (25-38-63) in
1999–2000. Was third in league in plus/minus (+43).
Led Sparta Praha to both regular-season and playoff
championships.
Finished the 2000–01 NHL season among the top 10 in
five rookie categories. Was tenth in goals (13) and
points (32), eighth in power-play points (5-7-12), seventh in shots (125).
Scored 20 goals in 2002–03 and set Blue Jackets
record in plus/minus at +20.
Was second on the Blue Jackets behind 2006 Canadian
Olympian Rick Nash in goals (22) and points (53) in
2003–04. Led the team with 31 assists. Established
career highs in goals, assists and points.
Finished sixth in the Czech league in scoring (12-3446) in 2004–05.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was Sparta Praha (Prague).
• He began is career in the Sparta Praha system.
• His favorite player was Soviet star Sergei Makarov.
on his career.
• His father is a hockey coach in the Czech Republic.
• Will call his father first if the Czechs wins gold in
Torino.
• Other Olympic sports of interest are tennis and soccer at the Summer Games.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Sparta
Czech
32
6
9 15
2 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sparta
Czech
52 20 24 44
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Sparta
CzRep
44 15 20 35
0
6
4
7 11
0
Cape Breton
AHL
76 23 38 61 30 ....
.... .... .... ....
Sparta
CzRep
40 12 18 30
.... 12
6
5 11 ....
Sparta
CzRep
47 20 29 49 14 10
7
7 14
6
MoDo
Sweden
45 16 21 37 34
9
0
2
2
2
Sparta
CzRep
52 24 *46 *70 22
8
1
3
4 ....
Sparta
CzRep
50 25 38 63 30
9
3 *8 *11
4
Columbus
NHL
79 13 19 32 22 .... .... .... .... ....
Columbus
NHL
75 13 18 31
6 .... .... .... .... ....
Columbus
NHL
79 20 26 46 16 .... .... .... .... ....
Columbus
NHL
82 22 31 53 40 .... .... .... .... ....
Sparta
CzRep
51 12 34 46 10
5
2
5
7
4
NHL Totals
315 68 94 162 84 .... .... .... .... ....
Edmonton's 3rd choice, 33rd overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.
EJC-A All-Star Team (1992) • Named Best Forward at EJC-A (1992, 1993) • WJC-A All-Star Team (1994)Signed as a free agent by
Columbus, June 8, 2000.Signed as a free agent by Sparta (CzRep), August 9, 2004.
Year Medal
1992 G
1993 B
B
1994
1996
1997
1998
1999
G
B
B
G
G
G
G
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2004
2005 G
National Team
Event
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Czechoslovakia
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
EJC-A
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
6
6
7
7
8
9
9
12
12
9
9
7
9
7
5
9
6
7
6
2
2
2
2
4
4
4
2
1
4
1
0
1
8
5
9
5
2
1
4
4
4
6
0
3
1
1
0
3
218
*14
*12
15
7
4
3
6
8
8
10
2
4
5
2
0
4
0
0
12
6
4
2
0
6
6
6
4
16
8
0
2
8
U.S.A.
ST. LOUIS BLUES
WEIGHT, DOUG
BORN, WARREN, MI, JANUARY 21, 1971.
(WAYT, DUHG)
• He wears #39 because “that is what they gave me.”
• He lists Steve Yzerman as the player to pattern his
•
•
•
•
game after.“A great player, leader, unselfish and a great
work ethic.”
The people he admires most are “my fellow countrymen who fight for our freedom.”
Hobbies are baseball and golfing. If he could have dinner with any three people it would be with Tiger
Woods, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
His favorite TV show is “Seinfeld.” His favorite band is
Pearl Jam. Favorite cartoon character is Superman.
“He’s the best.”
Nickname is Weigher.
• Led Lake Superior State to CCHA title in 1991.
• Made his NHL debut in game six of Patrick Division
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Semifinals in 1991. Made his regular-season debut vs.
Boston on Oct. 3, 1991 and scored his first goal
Led the Oilers in scoring (24-50-74) during his first full
season in Edmonton in 1993–94. Set a franchise record
for the most games played in a single season with 84
in 1995–96. Ranked 11th in NHL scoring and was tied
for fifth in assists with Wayne Gretzky.
Named 10th captain in Oilers history on Sept. 28, 1999.
51 assists in 1999-2000 ranked eighth in NHL
Led Oilers in scoring (25-65-90) for seventh time in
eight seasons in 2000–01. His 65 assists ranked fourth
in the NHL, 90 points ranked eighth.
Named assistant captain with Blues on Oct. 1, 2001.
Led Blues, ranked seventh in NHL with 51 assists in
2003–04.
When I was young…
• Began skating at the age of two. His first team was the
St. Clair Little Hot Dogs.
• His favorite team growing up was the Detroit Red
Wings. Favorite players were Steve Yzerman, Wayne
Gretzky and Pat LaFontaine.
• Met wife Allison, a tennis standout at the University of
Arizona, at an Olympic Festival in Minneapolis in 1990.
• His grandfather was a scorekeeper at Olympia Stadium
in Detroit.
• Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey
because of “their morals and guidance.”
• Will call his parents first if USA wins gold at Torino.
“Hopefully my wife and kids would be there to share
it.”
• First played for his country at the 1991 World Junior
•
•
Championship in Saskatoon.“I realized what an honor
it truly was.”
Was the 1991 WJC top scorer (5-14-19), beating out
Eric Lindros of Canada and 2006 Russian Olympic boss
Pavel Bure. His 19 points are the most ever scored by
an American at one WJC tournament.
Finished third in scoring (3-4-7) when Team USA won
the World Cup of Hockey in 1996.
• Returned to the World Championships in 2005
despite playing just seven games during the
2004–05 season. Tied fellow 2006 U.S. Olympian
Erik Cole for the team lead with 5 assists. Tied Cole,
Brett Hauer and fellow 2006 Olympian Mike
Knuble for the team lead in points (6).
• Is competing in his third consecutive Winter
Games (1998, 2002).
• Lists 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic victory at
Lake Placid as the most memorable game he ever
watched. Team USA’s two victories over Russia at
the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics rank among his
favorite international moments along with the
1996 win over Canada at the World Cup of Hockey.
• “Put your time in (honest time). A great quote I learned in College was ‘character
is how hard you work when nobody is watching.’”
What Others Say…
• “He was just always intense. He just expected to be very good. He’s got that
Messier stare when he’s in a game.” – Former Lake Superior State coach
Frank Anzalone.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Bloomfield
NAHL
34 26 53 79 105 ....
.... .... .... ....
Lake Superior
CCHA
46 21 48 69 44 ....
.... .... .... ....
Lake Superior
CCHA
42 29 46 75 86 ....
.... .... .... ....
NY Rangers
NHL
.... .... .... .... ....
1
0
0
0
0
1991-92 NY Rangers
NHL
53
8 22 30 23
7
2
2
4
0
Binghamton
AHL
9
3 14 17
2
4
1
4
5
6
1992-93 NY Rangers
NHL
65 15 25 40 55 .... .... .... .... ....
Edmonton
NHL
13
2
6
8 10 .... .... .... .... ....
1993-94 Edmonton
NHL
84 24 50 74 47 .... .... .... .... ....
1994-95
Rosenheim
Germany
8
2
3
5 18 ....
.... .... .... ....
Edmonton
NHL
48
7 33 40 69 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96 Edmonton
NHL
82 25 79 104 95 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 Edmonton
NHL
80 21 61 82 80 12
3
8 11
8
1997-98 Edmonton
NHL
79 26 44 70 69 12
2
7
9 14
1998-99 Edmonton
NHL
43
6 31 37 12
4
1
1
2 15
99-2000 Edmonton
NHL
77 21 51 72 54
5
3
2
5
4
2000-01 Edmonton
NHL
82 25 65 90 91
6
1
5
6 17
2001-02 St. Louis
NHL
61 15 34 49 40 10
1
1
2
4
2002-03 St. Louis
NHL
70 15 52 67 52
7
5
8 13
2
2003-04 St. Louis
NHL
75 14 51 65 37
5
2
1
3
6
2004-05
Frankfurt
Germany
7
6
9 15 26 11
2 10 12
8
NHL Totals
912 224 604 828 734 69 20 35 55 70
CCHA First All-Star Team (1991) • NCAA West Second All-American Team (1991)
Traded to Edmonton by NY Rangers for Esa Tikkanen, March 17, 1993.Traded to St.Louis by Edmonton with Michel Riesen for
Marty Reasoner, Jochen Hecht and Jan Horacek, July 1, 2001.Signed as a free agent by Frankfurt (Germany), February 11, 2005.
Event
1991
1993
1994
1996 1st
1998
2002 S
2004
2005
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
Olympics
W-Cup
WC-A
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
219
GP
7
6
8
7
4
6
5
7
G
A Pts PIM
5 *14 19
0 6 6
0 4 4
3 4 7
0 2 2
0 3 3
1 0 1
1 5 6
4
12
16
12
2
4
4
0
Russia
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
YASHIN, ALEXEI
BORN, SVERDLOVSK, USSR, NOVEMBER 5, 1973.
(YAH-shin, al-EHX-ay)
• Wears #79 “because it looks like 19.”
• Hobby is tennis.
• Most memorable game watched was Canada vs. USSR
at the 1987 Canada Cup.
• Favorite NHL arena is the old Montreal Forum “because
of the history.”
• Favorite TV show is “Monk.”
• Played for Russia at both the 1993 World Junior
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Was the only rookie to play in the 1994 NHL All-Star
Game. Led NHL rookies in assists (49) and finished second in points (79) in 1993–94. Led Ottawa in scoring
and was named team MVP.
Team scoring leader (21-23-44 in 47 games) in
1994–95.
Led team in goals (35) and points (75) as Ottawa
reached playoffs for first time in 1996–97.
Led team in scoring (33-39-72) again in 1997–98.
Set personal highs in goals (44), assists (50) and points
(94) in 1998–99. Ranked sixth in NHL in scoring. Was
runner-up behind 2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir Jagr
in Hart Trophy voting (NHL MVP). Won team MVP
award for fourth time.
Led team in scoring (40-48-88) in 2000–01 as Ottawa
set what were then club records with 48 wins and 109
points. His 40 goals were tied for tenth in NHL, 88
points were tied for 11th. Tied for second in NHL with
10 game-winning goals. Also ranked among NHL leaders with 13 power-play goals and 263 shots.
Traded to NY Islanders after 2000–01 season and
signed a then-record contract ($87.5 million over 10
years). Led Islanders in goals (32), assists (43), points
(75) power-play goals (15) and shots (239) in 2001–02.
Was 14th in NHL in scoring, tied for third in power-play
goals.
Led Islanders with 65 points, 39 assists and 14 powerplay goals in 2002–03. Scored 4 goals in a game at
Chicago on Mar. 25, 2003.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of his mother trying to teach
him to stake at the age of five.
• First hockey team was Automobilist (Ekaterinburg,
Russia).
• Favorite hockey team growing up was the Central Red
Army.
• Favorite player was Soviet legend and 2005 Hockey
Hall of Fame inductee Valeri Kharlamov.
Olympian Nikolai Khabibulin.
on his career.
• Will call his parents first if Russia wins gold in Torino.
• Won a silver medal with the Soviet team at the 1991
European Junior Championships.
• Won gold medal with CIS (Commonwealth of
•
Championship and the World Championship, winning gold at the World Championship.
Was a teammate of fellow 2006 Russian Olympian
Nikolai Khabibulin at both World Junior
Championship tournaments, as well as Darius
Kasparaitis and Alex Kovalev in 1992, and Sergei
Gonchar and Viktor Kozlov in 1993.
Was third on Russian team in scoring (2-3-5) at
Tied for team lead in scoring (1-2-3) at the 2004
• Is playing at his third consecutive Winter Games
(1998, 2002).
• He and Darius Kasparaitis, Alexei Zhamnov, Alexei Zhitnik and Sergei Gonchar
remain from the 1998 silver medal team at Nagano.
• Lists the 1998 Nagano Olympics as his greatest international experience, and the
•
gold medal game against the Czech Republic as the most memorable game he
has played. He tied for fourth in scoring (3-3-6) at the tournament as Russia won
a silver medal. He won a bronze medal at Salt Lake City in 2002.
Other Olympic sport of interest is basketball at the Summer Games.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Sverdlovsk
USSR
26
2
1
3 10 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow CIS
35
7
5 12 19 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow CIS
27 10 12 22 18 10
7
3 10 18
Ottawa
NHL
83 30 49 79 22 .... .... .... .... ....
Las Vegas
IHL
24 15 20 35 32 ....
.... .... .... ....
Ottawa
NHL
47 21 23 44 20 .... .... .... .... ....
1995-96
CSKA
CIS
4
2
2
4
4 ....
.... .... .... ....
Ottawa
NHL
46 15 24 39 28 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 Ottawa
NHL
82 35 40 75 44
7
1
5
6
2
1997-98 Ottawa
NHL
82 33 39 72 24 11
5
3
8
8
1998-99 Ottawa
NHL
82 44 50 94 54
4
0
0
0 10
99-2000 Ottawa
NHL
DID NOT PLAY – SUSPENDED
2000-01 Ottawa
NHL
82 40 48 88 30
4
0
1
1
0
NHL
78 32 43 75 25
7
3
4
7
2
NHL
81 26 39 65 32
5
2
2
4
2
NHL
47 15 19 34 10
5
0
1
1
0
2004-05
Yaroslavl
Russia
10
3
3
6 14
9
3
7 10 10
NHL Totals
710 291 374 665 289 43 11 16 27 24
Ottawa's 1st choice, 2nd overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.
CIS First All-Star Team (1993) • NHL Second All-Star Team (1999)
• Suspended for entire 1999-2000 season by Ottawa for refusing to report to team, November 9, 1999.• Independent arbitrator
ruled that Yashin was eligible to play for Team Russia at 2000 World Hockey Championships.• Traded to NY Islanders by Ottawa for
Bill Muckalt, Zdeno Chara and NY Islanders' 1st round choice (Jason Spezza) in 2001 Entry Draft, June 23, 2001.Signed as a free
agent by Yaroslavl (Russia), February 14, 2005.
1991 S USSR
1992 G Russia
1993
G
1994
1996
1996
1997
1998 S
1999
2000
2001
2002 B
2004
2004
2005 B
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Independent States) at the 1992 World Junior
Championship.
220
Event
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
G
5
7
3
8
5
8
5
5
6
6
5
7
6
6
4
9
1
4
1
2
1
4
0
3
3
*8
1
2
1
1
1
2
A Pts PIM
3
2
0
1
2
5
2
0
3
1
1
3
1
2
2
1
4
6
1
3
3
9
2
3
6
9
2
5
2
3
3
3
2
2
4
5
8
4
6
12
0
6
8
6
0
2
4
8
Slovakia
MONTREAL CANADIENS
ZEDNIK, RICHARD
BORN, BYSTRICA, CZECH., JANUARY 6, 1976.
(ZEHD-nihk, RIH-chuhrd)
• His hobbies are tennis and soccer.
• Lists hometown coach Tibor Dahis as his favorite
coach.
• Most memorable game played was the first game of
the 1998 Stanley Cup Final for Washington vs. Detroit.
• Favorite TV show is “Seinfeld.” Favorite movie is
“Training Day.” Favorite actors are Al Pacino and
Angelina Jolie. Favorite band is U2.
• Made his debut in North America with the Portland
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Winter Hawks of the WHL in 1994–95. Led team in
goals (35) and points (86), ranked second in assists
(51).
Moved from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine when
he was promoted to Pirates (AHL) after the 1995–96
WHL season. Had one goal and one assist in first AHL
game. Called up to Washington on Apr. 12, 1996 and
made his NHL debut in the final game of season.
Returned to Portland and reached the 1996 Calder
Cup Final.
First full NHL season was 1997-98. Finished among
NHL rookie scoring leaders with 17 goals and 26
points.
Reached career-high in plus/minus (+6) in 1999–2000.
Scored first career hat trick for Washington vs. Detroit
on Oct. 31, 2000.
In first full season for Montreal in 2001–02, played in
career-high 82 games.
Established career high with 31 goals in 2002–03. Was
Canadiens first 30-goal scorer since Mark Recchi in
1997–98. Led Canadiens in goals, ranked second to
2006 Finnish Olympian Saku Koivu with 50 points.
Led Canadiens in 2003–04 with 26 goals, 9 game-winning goals and 218 shots on goal. His 24 assists were
new career high and his 50 points tied career best of
previous season.
Helped Zvolen to a first-place tie with Slovan Bratislava
in the 2004–05 Slovak league. Was team’s top playoff
scorer (9-10-19) as Zvolen reached playoff final but lost
to Bratislava.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Banksa Bystrica.
• Favorite player was longtime Czechoslovak national
•
team player and Slovan Bratislava star Dusan Pasek
(who played in the NHL in 1988–89). Pasek is the player
he patterns his game after.
Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Slovak
Olympians Ivan Majesky of Washington and Michal
Handzus of Philadelphia, as well as Vladimir Orszagh of
St. Louis.
• Helped Slovakia to a silver medal at the 1993
European Junior Championship (Pool-C).
• Won gold and was the second leading scorer (8•
•
•
12-20) at the 1994 European Junior Championship
(Pool-C) as Slovakia earned promotion to Pool-B.
Played at World Junior Championship in 1996 and
at 1996 World Cup of Hockey. Lists the inaugural
World Cup tourney as his greatest international
experience.
Was fifth on the team in scoring (5-3-8) behind
Ziggy Palffy and 2006 Slovak Olympians Jozef
Stumpel, Lubomir Visnovsky and Miroslav Satan
when Slovakia won bronze at the 2003 World
Championship. Ranked 13th overall in tournament
scoring.
• Other Olympic sport of interest is cross country skiing.
• “Just have fun.”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
B.Bystrica
Slovak-2
25
3
6
9
.... ....
.... .... .... ....
Portland
WHL
65 35 51 86 89
9
5
5 10 20
Portland
WHL
61 44 37 81 154
7
8
4 12 23
Washington
NHL
1
0
0
0
0 .... .... .... .... ....
Portland
AHL
1
1
1
2
0 21
4
5
9 26
1996-97 Washington
NHL
11
2
1
3
4 .... .... .... .... ....
Portland
AHL
56 15 20 35 70
5
1
0
1
6
1997-98 Washington
NHL
65 17
9 26 28 17
7
3 10 16
1998-99 Washington
NHL
49
9
8 17 50 .... .... .... .... ....
99-2000 Washington
NHL
69 19 16 35 54
5
0
0
0
5
2000-01 Washington
NHL
62 16 19 35 61 .... .... .... .... ....
Montreal
NHL
12
3
6
9 10 .... .... .... .... ....
2001-02 Montreal
NHL
82 22 22 44 59
4
4
4
8
6
2002-03 Montreal
NHL
80 31 19 50 79 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Montreal
NHL
81 26 24 50 63 11
3
3
6
2
2004-05
Zvolen
Slovakia
36 15 19 34 56 17
9 10 19 12
NHL Totals
512 145 124 269 408 37 14 10 24 29
Washington's 10th choice, 249th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.
Traded to Montreal by Washington with Jan Bulis and Washington's 1st round choice (Alexander Perezhogin) in 2001 Entry Draft
for Trevor Linden, Dainius Zubrus and New Jersey's 2nd round choice (previously acquired, later traded to Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay
selected Andreas Holmqvist) in 2001 Entry Draft, March 13, 2001.Signed as a free agent by Zvolen (Slovakia), October 7, 2004.
1993 S Slovakia
1994 G Slovakia
1996
1996
2001
2003 B
2004
2005
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
221
Event
GP
EJC-C
EJC-C
WJC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
4
6
6
3
7
9
3
7
G
A Pts PIM
8 2 10
8 12 20
5 2 7
0 0 0
2 2 4
5 3 8
0 0 0
1 1 2
6
10
10
0
14
6
0
10
Sweden
ZETTERBERG, HENRIK
(ZEH-tuhr-buhrg, HEHN-rihk)
• Nickname is Hank.
• His #20 was retired by his Swedish team Timra in April
of 2002. It’s only the second number Timra has retired.
• He wears #40 in Detroit because 20 was taken.
• Names Thord Johansson from Timra as his favorite
coach.
• Favorite hobbies and summer activities include wakeboarding and boating.
• Other favorites include:“Seinfeld” (TV show),
•
“Braveheart” (movie), Al Pacino (actor) and The Hives
(music).
Would enjoy dinner with with George Bush and Mick
Jagger.
• Was named rookie of the year with Timra in his first
season in the Swedish elite league in 2000–01.
• Recorded his first point in his NHL debut on Oct. 10,
•
•
2002 at San Jose with an assist on Sergei Fedorov’s
game-winning goal. Led all NHL rookies in 2002–03 in
goals (22) and points (44). Tied for third among rookies
in assists (22). Tied for second among rookies with 5
power-play goals. Was runner-up to Barret Jackman of
St. Louis for Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.
Missed 19 games with a broken bone in his leg in
2003–04. Scored 15 goals in just 61 games and was
seventh on Red Wings with 43 points.
Led the Swedish elite league in scoring (19-31-50) in
2004–05.
When I was young…
• First hockey memory is of watching his father play.
• First hockey team played for was Njurunda when he
was four years old.
• Favorite team growing up was the Swedish national
team.
• Favorite player growing up was current Red Wings
teammate and 2006 U.S. Olympian Chris Chelios.
DETROIT RED WINGS
BORN, NJURUNDA, SWEDEN, OCTOBER 9, 1980.
• He lists the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics as his
•
•
•
greatest international experience. He was one of
only two Swedes (Mathias Johansson) with no NHL
experience at the Games.
Lists the 1994 Olympic gold medal game at
Lillehammer, where Sweden beat Canada in a
shootout, as the most memorable game he has
watched
Will call Red Wings teammate and 2006 Canadian
Olympian Kris Draper first if Sweden wins gold at
Torino.
Other Olympic sports of interest are the skiing
events.
• “Have fun!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1997-98
Timra Jr.
Swe-Jr.
18
9
5 14
Timra
Sweden-2
16
1
2
3
1998-99
Timra
Sweden-2
37 15 13 28
99-2000
Timra
Sweden-2
32 20 14 34
2000-01
Timra
Sweden
47 15 31 46
2001-02
Timra
Sweden
48 10 22 32
2002-03 Detroit
NHL
79 22 22 44
2003-04 Detroit
NHL
61 15 28 43
2004-05
Timra
Sweden
50 19 31 *50
NHL Totals
140 37 50 87
Detroit's 4th choice, 210th overall, in 1999 Entry Draft.
Swedish elite league Rookie of the Year (2001) • NHL All-Rookie Team (2003)
Signed as a free agent by Timra (Sweden), September 20, 2004.
• Lists his father as both the person with the biggest
influence on his career and the person he admires
most.
• First played for Team Sweden at the Four Nations tournament in the Czech Republic in 1996.
• Won gold medal at 1998 European Junior
Championship.
• Played at World Junior Championship in 2000 and
2001.
• Tied for second in tournament with 7 assists at the
1998 G Sweden
2000
2001
2002
B
2003 S
2004
2005
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
222
Event
EJC-A
WJC-A
WJC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
WC-A
GP
G
A Pts PIM
6
7
9
4
9
9
4
9
2
3
1
0
0
3
1
2
1
2
3
1
7
4
1
4
3
5
4
1
7
7
2
6
4
8
2
0
4
2
4
4
4
4
2
20
24
20
8
14
24
22
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
....
4
4
10
....
....
4
12
7
16
....
0
2
10
....
....
1
2
6
3
A Pts PIM
....
1
1
4
....
....
0
2
2
2
....
1
3
14
....
....
1
4
8
5
....
0
2
4
....
....
0
4
2
4
Russia
BOSTON BRUINS
ZHAMNOV, ALEX
BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, OCTOBER 1, 1970.
(ZHAHM-nahf, al-EHX)
• He scored five goals in a game for the Winnipeg Jets
vs. Los Angeles on April 1, 1995. It was the NHL’s only
five-goal game in 1994–95. To date, only Mario
Lemieux (Mar. 26, 1996) and Sergei Fedorov (Dec. 26,
1996) have achieved the feat since.
ª Became the first Russian player to be nominated for
the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) in 1994–95.
Was nicknamed Archie, after the cartoon/comic strip
character, while playing in Winnipeg.
Wears #10 because “it was given to me.”
Favorite hobby is fishing. Favorite TV show is “Friends.”
Favorite movie is “Blackhawk Down.”
•
•
•
• First played for his country at the age of 15.
• Played with the Soviet Union at the 1990 World
• Missed 1994 World Championship due to
injuries.
• Was named to the original Russian roster for the
2004 World Cup of Hockey but withdrew prior to
tournament.
• Is playing at his fourth Olympic Games (1992,
• Had an assist in his first NHL game on Oct. 6, 1992. Had
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
47 assists and 72 points in 1992–93, totals that remain
career highs.
Finished third in the NHL in scoring (30-35-65 in 48
games) behind 2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir Jagr and
Eric Lindros in 1994–95. His 30 goals remain a career
high. Selected as Jets’ MVP that season.
Finished second on the Blackhawks in scoring behind
Tony Amonte in 1997–98 (21-28-49) and 1998–99 (2041-61).
Led team with 7 game-winning goals in 1999–2000.
Ranked second in the NHL with 4 shorthanded assists.
Was tied for 15th in NHL with 45 assists in 2001–02.
Was second on team to Eric Daze with 67 points.
Played a career-high 77 games and ranked sixth
among NHL forward in average time on ice (22:19).
Named Blackhawks captain prior to the 2002–03 season. Was second on the team to Steve Sullivan with 58
points, first with with 43 assists. Led Blackhawks forwards in ice time (21:06). Ranked among NHL leaders
with 3 shorthanded goals and 5 shorthand points. Led
Blackhawks in power-play points (19) and power-play
assists (17).
Missed 35 games from Oct. 16 through Dec. 29, 2003
recovering from back surgery. Played his first game as
a Flyer vs. Atlanta on Feb. 21. Recorded 27 points (7G,
20A) in his final 28 games.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was the Moscow Dynamo,
whom he would later play for.
• Favorite player growing up was Igor Larionov, whom
•
he played with at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. He
patterns his game after Larionov.
Has been friends with several Russian hockey players
since childhood.
on his career.
• Met his wife while playing junior hockey for her father,
Valeri Vasilijev, a former Moscow Dynamo and Soviet
national team defenseman.
•
•
1998, 2002). Has won gold, silver and bronze in
the past.
Winning gold at the 1992 Albertville Games is
his most memorable hockey moment, and the final game is the most memorable he has played.
He is one of five players on the 2006 Russian Olympic team that won gold with
the former Soviet “Unified Team” at Albertville in 1992. The others are Nikolai
Khabibulin, Darius Kasparaitis, Alex Kovalev and Alexei Zhitnik. He and
Kasparaitis, Zhitnik, Alexei Yashin and Sergei Gonchar remain from the 1998 silver
medal team at Nagano.
The first person he will call if Russia wins gold at Torino is Bruins teammate
Hal Gill.
Other Olympic sports of interest are curling and skeleton.
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
99-2000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Dynamo Moscow USSR
4
0
0
0
0 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow USSR
43 11
6 17 21 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow USSR
46 16 12 28 24 ....
.... .... .... ....
Dynamo Moscow CIS
39 15 21 36 28 ....
.... .... .... ....
Winnipeg
NHL
68 25 47 72 58
6
0
2
2
2
Winnipeg
NHL
61 26 45 71 62 .... .... .... .... ....
Winnipeg
NHL
48 30 35 65 20 .... .... .... .... ....
Winnipeg
NHL
58 22 37 59 65
6
2
1
3
8
Chicago
NHL
74 20 42 62 56 .... .... .... .... ....
Chicago
NHL
70 21 28 49 61 .... .... .... .... ....
Chicago
NHL
76 20 41 61 50 .... .... .... .... ....
Chicago
NHL
71 23 37 60 61 .... .... .... .... ....
Chicago
NHL
63 13 36 49 40 .... .... .... .... ....
Chicago
NHL
77 22 45 67 67
5
0
0
0
0
Chicago
NHL
74 15 43 58 70 .... .... .... .... ....
Chicago
NHL
23
6 12 18 14 .... .... .... .... ....
Philadelphia
NHL
20
5 13 18 14 18
4 10 14
8
2004-05
Chekhov
Russia-2
24
5 22 27 20 14
7
7 14 10
NHL Totals
783 248 461 709 638 35
6 13 19 18
Winnipeg's 5th choice, 77th overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.
Traded to Chicago by Phoenix with Craig Mills and Phoenix's 1st round choice (Ty Jones) in 1997 Entry Draft for Jeremy Roenick,
August 16, 1996.Traded to Philadelphia by Chicago with Washington's 4th round choice (previously acquired, Philadelphia selected R.J.Anderson) in 2004 Entry Draft for Jim Vandermeer, the rights to Colin Fraser and Los Angeles' 2nd round choice (previously
acquired, Chicago selected Bryan Bickell) in 2004 Entry Draft, February 19, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Vityaz Chekhov (Russia2), November 15, 2004.Signed as a free agent by Boston, August 4, 2005.
1990 S Soviet Union
1991
1992 G
1996
1998 S
2000
2002 B
Soviet Union
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
223
Event
WJC-A
Can-Cup
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
WC-A
Olympics
GP
G
A Pts PIM
7
5
8
6
4
6
5
6
6
3
0
0
0
2
0
1
1
0
3
0
2
1
1
0
7
3
3
0
2
3
1
1
6
2
8
29
6
2
0
4
Russia
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
ZHITNIK, ALEXEI
BORN, KIEV, USSR, OCTOBER 10, 1972.
(ZHIHT-nihk, al-EHX-ay)
• He scored the 8,000th goal in the history of the Buffalo
•
•
•
•
Sabres franchise while playing in his 500th career
game, Mar. 28, 1999.
The most memorable hockey games he has played
were the 1999 Stanley Cup Final between Buffalo and
Dallas. (He also helped Los Angeles reach the Stanley
Cup Final for the only time in franchise history in
1993). He lists all of the other Stanley Cup Final as the
most memorable games he has watched.
Favorite arena is the Air Canada Centre in Toronto
“because they have a full house all the time.”
Favorite summer activity is spending time on the
beach.
Other favorites are “The Tonight Show” (TV show),
“Gladiator” (movie), Bruce Willis (actor) and Bon Jovi
(musician).
• Posted second highest point total (12-36-48) among
NHL rookie defensemen in 1992–93.
• Trailed only 2006 Canadian Olympian Rob Blake
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
among Kings defensemen in goals (12), assists (40) and
points (52) in 1993–94. His 40 assists and 52 points
remain career highs.
Scored a goal on his first shot with Buffalo Sabres on
Feb. 15, 1995.
Improved his plus/minus rating from -25 in 1995–96 to
+10 in 1996–97.
Established career highs in goals (15) and plus/minus
(+19) in 1997–98. Led Sabres with 30 assists.
Led Sabres defensemen in goals (8), assists (29), points
(37) and shots (149) in 2000–01. Also led team with 17
power-play assists. Was 22nd in NHL in total ice time
(24:15 per game).
Played in all 82 games for the only time in his career in
2001–02 and led Sabres defensemen in assists (33),
points (34) and power-play assists (15). Was 12th in
NHL in average ice time (25:36).
Led Sabres and ranked sixth in NHL in average ice time
with career-high 26:33 in 2002–03.
Led Sabres and ranked 11th in NHL with average ice
time of 25:01 in 2003–04. Led Sabres defensemen in
penalty minutes (102) and tied for lead with 24 assists.
When I was young…
• Favorite team growing up was the Central Red Army,
whom he later played with.
• Favorite player was Hall of Famer Paul Coffey.
• Lists his father has having had the biggest influence
•
on his career. He also lists his father as his favorite
coach. (He was his first coach.)
Will call his parents and his wife first if Russia wins gold
in Torino.
• Was an assistant captain of the Russian team the
•
Was named Best Defenseman at 1996 World
Championship.
Was a late addition to the Russian roster for the
2004 World Cup of Hockey but withdrew prior to
the tournament.
• Is playing at his third Olympic Games (1992, 1998).
• He is one of five players on the 2006 Russian
•
Olympic team that won gold with the former
Soviet “Unified Team” at Albertville in 1992. The
others are Nikolai Khabibulin, Darius Kasparaitis,
Alex Kovalev and Alexei Zhamnov. He and
Kasparaitis, Zhamnov, Alexei Yashin and Sergei
Gonchar remain from the 1998 silver medal team at Nagano.
Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer at the Summer Games.
• “Have fun doing it!”
L EAGUE S TATISTICS
Season
Club
Regular Season
League
GP
G
A Pts PIM
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
P l ay o f f s
GP
G
A Pts PIM
Kiev
USSR
31
3
4
7 16 ....
.... .... .... ....
Kiev
USSR
46
1
4
5 46 ....
.... .... .... ....
CSKA
CIS
44
2
7
9 52 ....
.... .... .... ....
Los Angeles
NHL
78 12 36 48 80 24
3
9 12 26
Los Angeles
NHL
81 12 40 52 101 .... .... .... .... ....
Los Angeles
NHL
11
2
5
7 27 .... .... .... .... ....
Buffalo
NHL
21
2
5
7 34
5
0
1
1 14
1995-96 Buffalo
NHL
80
6 30 36 58 .... .... .... .... ....
1996-97 Buffalo
NHL
80
7 28 35 95 12
1
0
1 16
1997-98 Buffalo
NHL
78 15 30 45 102 15
0
3
3 36
1998-99 Buffalo
NHL
81
7 26 33 96 21
4 11 15 *52
99-2000 Buffalo
NHL
74
2 11 13 95
4
0
0
0
8
2000-01 Buffalo
NHL
78
8 29 37 75 13
1
6
7 12
2001-02 Buffalo
NHL
82
1 33 34 80 .... .... .... .... ....
2002-03 Buffalo
NHL
70
3 18 21 85 .... .... .... .... ....
2003-04 Buffalo
NHL
68
4 24 28 102 .... .... .... .... ....
2004-05
Kazan
Russia
23
1
8
9 30
4
0
0
0
2
NHL Totals
882 81 315 396 1030 94
9 30 39 164
Los Angeles' 3rd choice, 81st overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.
WC-A All-Star Team (1996) • Named Best Defenseman at WC-A (1996)
Traded to Buffalo by Los Angeles with Robb Stauber, Charlie Huddy and Los Angeles' 5th round choice (Marian Menhart) in 1995
Entry Draft for Philippe Boucher, Denis Tsygurov and Grant Fuhr, February 14, 1995.Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia),
December 6, 2004.Signed as a free agent by NY Islanders, August 2, 2005.
1990 S USSR
1991
1992 G
G
1994
1996
1996
1998 S
2000
2004
Soviet Union
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
• Won silver medal with Soviet team at 1990 European
• Won gold at 1992 World Junior Championship.
224
Event
EJC-A
Can-Cup
WJC-A
Olympics
WC-A
WC-A
WC-A
W-Cup
Olympics
WC-A
W-Cup
GP
6
5
7
8
6
6
8
3
6
6
G
A Pts PIM
2 2
0 0
1 1
1 0
0 2
1 0
1 1
0 1
0 2
0 1
DID NOT PLAY
4
0
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
4
2
0
6
8
6
2
2
2
Czech Republic
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
ZIDLICKY, MAREK
BORN, MOST, CZECH., FEBRUARY 3, 1977.
(zhihd-LIH-kee, MAIR-ehk)
• He was too old to qualify as a rookie when he made
his NHL debut with Nashville in 2003–04.
• Enjoys playing tennis, soccer, cycling and spending
time with his family.
• Likes TV reality shows. Enjoys watching old Czech
•
movies. His favorite actresses are Jirina Bohdalova and
actor is Bolek Polivka.
Favorite musical group is Linkin Park
• First played for his country at the World Junior
Championship in 1995. Also played at 1997 WJC.
• Spent time with the Czech national team in
November and December of 2002.
• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and led
Czech defensemen in goals (3) and points (4).
• Greatest international hockey experience was win-
• Led Kladno defensemen in scoring (10-12-22) in
1998–99.
• Led Finnish elite league in scoring by a defenseman
•
•
•
•
(12-25-37) in 2000–01. Led team and finished fourth in
the Finnish league with 146 penalty minutes.
Tied for second among defensemen in league with 40
points and third in league for defensemen with 11
goals in 2001–02. Was only member of HIFK to play in
all 56 games and led team in scoring.
Tied for fifth in Finnish league with 47 points and was
second in league with 37 assists in 2002–03. Led HIFK
in assists and tied for team lead in points.
Collected his first NHL point in his first NHL game with
an assist vs. Anaheim on Oct. 9, 2003. Scored first NHL
goal against 2006 Canadian Olympian Marty Turco of
Dallas on Oct. 11. Was the sixth player in Predators history to collect points in his first two games with
Nashville. Was one of four Predators to play in all 82
regular season games. Tied for fourth among NHL
defensemen in points (53) and assists (39), tied for
eighth in goals (14). Finished fourth in NHL in power
play points (9-26-35), tied for third among NHL
defensemen in power play goals. Set new Predators
records for scoring by a defenseman and power-play
points. Tallied 5 assists in 7–3 home win over San Jose
on Feb. 18, 2004, setting Predators franchise record
and tying arena record (2006 Swedish Olympian Peter
Forsberg, Wayne Gretzky).
Ranked first among HIFK defensemen, sixth among
defensemen in the Finnish elite league, in scoring (1120-31) in 2004–05.
When I was young…
• First hockey team played for was Most.
• Favorite player growing up was Brian Leetch.
•
ning gold with the Czech team at the 2005 World
Championship. He tied fellow 2006 Czech
Olympian Tomas Kaberle for club lead among
defenseman in assists (3), tied Kaberle and fellow
2006 Czech Olympian Pavel Kubina, and ranked
among the tournament leaders, in points (4). Tied
for the tournament lead in

olympic guide - Vancouver

Transcription

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