NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

OLYMPIC GUIDE

Canada • Czech Republic • Finland • GermanyItaly • Kazakhstan • Latvia • Russia

Slovakia • Sweden • Switzerland • United States

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

OLYMPIC GUIDE

2006

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.

StaffFor 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

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KEY TO ABBREVIATIONSA list of league and tournament abbreviations is found on page 232.A key to phonetic pronunciation is found on page 232An 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 goalsagainst (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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE OLYMPIC GUIDE, 2006

3

NHL and Olympic Hockey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5The world’s top league and sport’s greatest event intertwined

2006 Men’s Olympic Hockey Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72006 Women’s Olympic Hockey Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Olympic Hockey History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Scores, standings, medal winners and leading scorers, 2002 to 1920

Olympic Pre-Qualifying and Qualifying Tournaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Previous Olympic Results and Rankings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Medal Winners, Major International Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

NHL-International Hockey Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Top Ten Games in Olympic Hockey, 2002–1920 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Olympic Hockey at Cortina d’Ampezzo, 1956 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Olympic Hockey Record Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Olympic Shootout Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

NHL and IIHF Rules Compared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Olympic Scoring, Active NHL Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32NHL Players at 2006 Olympics by NHL Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Seven Hockey Nations2006 Olympic Rosters, All-Time NHL Players, Hockey Today, Hockey History

Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Czech Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Russia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Slovakia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Sweden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56United States of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Additional 2006 Olympic Rosters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia and Switzerland

2006 Olympic Player and Goaltender Profiles . . . . . . 65Other Olympic Eligible NHL Players and Goaltenders . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Key to League and Event Abbreviations Used in Data Panels . . . . 232Management • NHL Coaches and Managers at the Olympics . . . . 233NHL Referees and Linesmen at the Olympics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

During the National Hockey League season, our players focus on a questfor sterling silver – the 35 pounds of it that form the most cherishedtrophy in sports, the Stanley Cup. During the 2006 Olympics, as Torino

becomes the center of the international hockey world, our athletes strive forprecious metal of a different sort: the gold medal that represents Olympichockey supremacy for their homeland. The hockey will be spectacular, the tension will be palpable and the global exposure for our great game will beexceptional, thanks to the coverage commanded by an event of this magnitude.

The hockey world gets smaller as each day passes. NHL players hail from nearlytwo dozen nations. Their exploits can be followed closely on the Internet, onsatellite 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 ourpleasure to welcome the members of the media who, through their words andpictures, 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 athleticexcellence and patriotic passion during the tournament.

Enjoy the Games!

Gary B. Bettman Ted SaskinCommissioner Executive DirectorNational Hockey League National Hockey League Players’ Association

4

ALTHOUGH IT WASN’T UNTIL THE 1998 OLYMPICS that all NHL play-ers were eligible to play in the Olympics – a total of 122National Hockey League players represented their coun-

tries in Nagano – the NHL and the international game have fol-lowed parallel paths that have crossed often.

Ice hockey made its debut during the 1920 SummerOlympics held in Antwerp, Belgium. Although it was officiallyclassified as a demonstration sport, there was no doubt it wouldbe a fully-endorsed Olympic competition when the first WinterOlympic Games were held in 1924 in Chamonix, France. From1924 until 1948, Olympic ice hockey games were played inthree 15-minute periods, as opposed to the three 20-minuteperiods 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 Hallof Fame.

Three members of the 1920 Canadian Olympic team – FrankFredrickson, Slim Halderson and Bobby Benson – went on toplay in the NHL. Fredrickson, the captain of the 1920 club, andHalderson were the first Olympians to play on a Stanley Cup-winning team (Victoria, 1925). Fredrickson was the only mem-ber of the team to be elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Clarence “Taffy” Abel, a member of the 1924 USA Olympicteam, was the next Olympian to play on a Stanley Cup winner,helping the New York Rangers capture the championship in1928. The goaltender on the 1924 U.S. squad, Alphonse“Frenchy” Lacroix, was one of the goaltenders recruited by theMontreal Canadiens to replace Georges Vezina when he con-tacted tuberculosis during the first game of the 1925-26 season.

The first great upset in Olympic hockey history occurred in1936 when Great Britain won the gold medal. Five of the 10members of the British team were Canadians, and three hadplayed for the Allan Cup (Canadian senior amateur)-championMoncton Hawks in 1933.

The only member of the 1952 USA Olympic team who wouldgo on to play in the NHL was Ken Yackel, who gained fame as athree-sport athlete. He played briefly with the Boston Bruins,won a scoring title in the International Hockey League, was ahighly-touted pitching prospect with the New York Yankees andwas drafted by the National Football League’s San Francisco49ers.

The Canadian goaltender at the 1956 Olympic Games wasDenis Brodeur, the father of New Jersey Devils netminderMartin Brodeur. The elder Brodeur served as the MontrealCanadiens’ practice goaltender before forging a successfulcareer as a photographer.

Canada’s Paul Knox, who collected 14 points during the 1956Games, was the first Canadian player to appear in the Olympicsafter already playing in the NHL. Knox, a Toronto Maple Leafsprospect, played the only NHL game of his career with the Leafsduring the 1954-55 season. He later attended the University ofToronto, regained his amateur status, and suited up for Canadain 1956.

The 1960 U.S. team included two future NHLers – JackMcCartan and Tommy Williams. McCartan, whose heroic goal-

tending was echoed 20 years later by Jim Craig, played with theNew York Rangers and the Minnesota Fighting Saints in theWorld Hockey Association. Williams played 14 seasons in theNHL, and through much of the 1960s was the only U.S.-bornplayer in the league.

The first two European-trained players to play in the NHLboth participated in the 1960 Olympics. Swedish superstar UlfSterner spent the 1964-65 season in North America and playedfor the New York Rangers, St. Paul Rangers (Central HockeyLeague) and Baltimore Clippers (American Hockey League)before returning to Sweden. Czechoslovakian forward JaroslavJirik was the first player from an Iron Curtain country to beallowed to play in North America. He spent the 1969-70 seasonwith the St. Louis Blues and Kansas City Blues (CHL). While Jirikwas given permission to play overseas, his wife and childrenwere not allowed to accompany him. So, although he had theoption of remaining in North America, he decided to return toCzechoslovakia following the season to be with his family.

Boston Bruins president Harry Sinden was the captain of the1960 Canadian Olympic team.

The last player cut from the 1960 USA Olympic team was thelate 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 achance to play for the USA at the 1964 Games.

The dynamics of the Canadian Olympic team had changedby the time the 1964 Olympic Games arrived. Previously, topamateur club teams had represented Canada at the WorldChampionships and the Olympics, but now a national team pro-gram had been formed. As a result, 23 members of the teamsthat represented Canada in 1964 and 1968 went on to appearin the NHL. Included in this group are Brian Conacher, FranHuck, Billy McMillan and goaltender Wayne Stephenson, whowon 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, whoappeared in one game with Detroit following the 1964 Gamesin Innsbruck, Austria.

The 1968 Olympics introduced the North American audienceto new European-trained players who would later play in theNHL. Vaclav Nedomansky, Lars-Erik Sjoberg and Veli-PekkaKetola all competed at the 1968 Games.The 1968 Olympics alsomarked Canada’s last Olympic participation until the 1980Games in Lake Placid.

The 1970s saw Swedish and Finnish players appear in NorthAmerican professional hockey. The decade also saw the “Seriesof the Century,” the 1972 eight-game exhibition series betweena team of Canadian NHL stars and the Soviet Nationals thatproved to be more than just a hockey tournament. It openedthe eyes of every hockey fan in Canada and the United Statesand proved, without any doubt, that the European game andthe athletes who played it were quickly closing the gap on theirNorth American counterparts.

The 1972 Series ushered in a new era of hockey diplomacy. Asimilar series between the Soviets and stars of the NHL’s rival,

the World Hockey Association, followed in 1974 as did the six-

NHL AND OLYMPIC HOCKEY

5

1980 Final Rankings1. USA2. Soviet Union3. Sweden4. Finland5. Czechoslovakia6. Canada7. Poland8. Holland9. Romania10. W. Germany11. Norway12. Japan

1980 Scoring LeadersPlayer Team GP G A PTS PIMMilan Novy Czech. 6 7 8 15 0Peter Stastny Czech. 6 7 7 14 6Jaroslav Pouzar Czech. 6 8 5 13 8Alexander Golikov Soviet Union 7 7 6 13 6Jukka Porvari Finland 7 7 4 11 4Boris Mikhailov Soviet Union 7 6 5 11 2Vladimir Krutov Soviet Union 7 6 5 11 4Sergei Makarov Soviet Union 7 5 6 11 2Marian Stastny Czech. 6 5 6 11 4Mark Johnson USA 7 5 6 11 6

Innsbruck, Austria • 1976Group ATeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Soviet Union 5 5 0 0 40 11 10Czech. 5 3 2 0 17 10 6W. Germany 5 2 3 0 21 24 4Finland 5 2 3 0 19 18 4USA 5 2 3 0 15 21 4Poland 5 0 5 0 9 37 0Group BTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Romania 5 4 1 0 23 15 8Austria 5 3 2 0 18 14 6Japan 5 3 2 0 20 18 6Yugoslavia 5 3 2 0 22 19 6Switzerland 5 2 3 0 24 22 4Bulgaria 5 0 5 0 19 38 0

1976 Final Rankings1. Soviet Union2. Czechoslovakia3. W. Germany4. Finland5. USA6. Poland7. Romania8. Austria9. Japan10. Yugoslavia11. Switzerland 12. Bulgaria

1976 Scoring LeadersPlayer Team GP G A PTS PIMVladimir Shadrin Soviet Union 5 6 4 10 0Alexander Maltsev Soviet Union 5 5 5 10 0Victor Shalimov Soviet Union 5 5 5 10 2Erich Kuhnhackl W. Germany 5 5 5 10 10Valeri Kharlamov Soviet Union 5 3 6 9 6Ernst Kopf W. Germany 5 3 5 8 2Vladimir Petrov Soviet Union 5 4 3 7 8A. Yakushev Soviet Union 5 3 4 7 2Bob Dobek USA 5 3 4 7 4Lorenz Funk W. Germany 5 2 5 7 4Victor Zhluktov Soviet Union 5 1 6 7 2

Sapporo, Japan • 1972Group ATeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Soviet Union 5 4 0 1 33 13 9USA 5 3 2 0 18 15 6Czech. 5 3 2 0 26 13 6Sweden 5 2 2 1 17 13 5Finland 5 2 3 0 14 24 4Poland 5 0 5 0 9 39 0Group BTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

W. Germany 4 3 1 0 22 10 6Norway 4 3 1 0 16 14 6Japan 4 2 1 1 17 16 5Switzerland 4 0 2 2 9 16 2Yugoslavia 4 0 3 1 9 17 1

1972 Final Rankings1. Soviet Union2. USA3. Czechoslovakia4. Sweden5. Finland6. Poland7. W. Germany8. Norway9. Japan10. Switzerland11. Yugoslavia

1972 Scoring LeadersPlayer Team GP G A PTS PIMValeri Kharlamov Soviet Union 5 9 6 15 2V. Nedomansky Czech. 5 6 3 9 0Vladimir Vikulov Soviet Union 5 5 4 9 0Craig Sarner USA 5 4 5 9 0Kevin Ahearn USA 5 4 3 7 0Alexander Maltsev Soviet Union 5 4 3 7 0Anatoli Firsov Soviet Union 5 2 5 7 0Yuri Blinov Soviet Union 5 3 3 6 0Jiri Kochta Czech. 5 3 3 6 0Richard Farda Czech. 5 1 5 6 0

Grenoble, France • 1968Group ATeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Soviet Union 7 6 1 0 48 10 12Czech. 7 5 1 1 33 17 11Canada 7 5 2 0 28 15 10Sweden 7 4 2 1 23 18 9Finland 7 3 3 1 17 23 7USA 7 2 4 1 23 28 5W. Germany 7 1 6 0 13 39 2E. Germany 7 0 7 0 13 48 0Group BTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Yugoslavia 5 5 0 0 33 9 10Japan 5 4 1 0 27 12 8Norway 5 3 2 0 15 15 6Romania 5 2 3 0 22 23 4Austria 5 1 4 0 12 27 2France 5 0 5 0 9 32 0

1968 Final Rankings1. Soviet Union2. Czechoslovakia3. Canada4. Sweden5. Finland6. USA7. W. Germany8. E. Germany9. Yugoslavia

10. Japan11. Norway12. Romania13. Austria14. France

1968 Scoring LeadersPlayer Team GP G A PTS PIMAnatoli Firsov Soviet Union 7 12 4 16 4Vladimir Vikulov Soviet Union 7 2 10 12 2Vyatch. Starshinov Soviet Union 7 6 6 12 2Victor Populanov Soviet Union 7 6 6 12 10Josef Golonka Czech. 7 4 6 10 8Jan Hrbaty Czech. 7 2 7 9 2Fran Huck Canada 7 4 5 9 10Marshall Johnston Canada 7 2 6 8 4Jack Morrison USA 7 2 6 8 10V. Nedomansky Czech. 7 5 2 7 4

Innsbruck, Austria • 1964Group ATeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Soviet Union 7 7 0 0 54 10 14Sweden 7 5 2 0 47 16 10Czech. 7 5 2 0 38 19 10Canada 7 5 2 0 32 17 10USA 7 2 5 0 29 33 4Finland 7 2 5 0 10 31 4W. Germany 7 2 5 0 13 49 4Switzerland 7 0 7 0 9 57 0Group BTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Poland 7 6 1 0 40 13 12Norway 7 5 2 0 40 19 10Japan 7 4 2 1 35 31 9Romania 7 3 3 1 31 28 7Austria 7 3 3 1 24 28 7Yugoslavia 7 3 3 1 29 37 7Italy 7 2 5 0 24 42 4Hungary 7 0 7 0 14 39 0

1964 Final Rankings1. Soviet Union2. Sweden3. Czechoslovakia 4. Canada5. USA6. Finland7. W. Germany8. Switzerland9. Poland

10. Norway11. Japan12. Romania13. Austria14. Yugoslavia15. Italy16. Hungary

1964 Scoring LeadersPlayer Team GP G A PTS PIMSven Tumba Sweden 7 8 3 11 0Ulf Sterner Sweden 7 6 5 11 0Victor Yakushev Soviet Union 7 7 3 10 0Boris Mayorov Soviet Union 7 7 3 10 0Jiri Dolana Czech. 7 7 3 10 0Vy. Starshinov Soviet Union 7 7 3 10 6Josef Cerny Czech. 7 5 5 10 2A. Andersson Sweden 7 7 2 9 8K. Loktev Soviet Union 7 4 5 9 8Gary Dineen Canada 7 3 6 9 10

Squaw Valley, CA, USA • 1960Group ATeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Canada 2 2 0 0 24 3 4Sweden 2 1 1 0 21 5 2Japan 2 0 2 0 1 38 0Group BTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Soviet Union 2 2 0 0 16 4 4W. Germany 2 1 1 0 4 9 2Finland 2 0 2 0 5 12 0Group CTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

USA 2 2 0 0 19 6 4Czech. 2 1 1 0 23 6 2Australia 2 0 2 0 2 30 0Final RoundTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

USA 5 5 0 0 29 11 10Canada 5 4 1 0 31 12 8Soviet Union 5 2 2 1 24 19 5Czech. 5 2 3 0 21 23 4Sweden 5 1 3 1 19 19 3W. Germany 5 0 5 0 5 45 0Consolation RoundTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Finland 4 3 0 1 50 11 7Japan 4 2 1 1 32 22 5Australia 4 0 4 0 8 57 0

1960 Final Rankings1. USA2. Canada3. Soviet Union4. Czechoslovakia5. Sweden6. W. Germany7. Finland8. Japan9. Australia

1960 Scoring LeadersPlayer Team GP G A PTS PIMFred Etcher Canada 7 9 12 21 0Bobby Attersley Canada 7 6 12 18 4Bill Cleary USA 7 7 7 14 2Bill Christian USA 7 2 11 13 2G. Samolenko Canada 7 8 4 12 0Lars E. Lundvall Sweden 7 8 4 12 2Vaclav Panucek Czech. 7 7 5 12 0John Mayasich USA 7 7 5 12 2Nisse Nilsson Sweden 7 7 5 12 4V. Alexandrov Soviet Union 7 7 5 12 8Butch Martin Canada 7 6 6 12 14Ronald Petersson Sweden 7 4 8 12 2

Previous Olympic Results, 1980–1960

11

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy • 1956Group ATeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Canada 3 3 0 0 30 1 6W. Germany 3 1 1 1 9 6 3Italy 3 0 1 2 5 7 2Austria 3 0 2 1 2 32 1Group BTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Czech. 2 2 0 0 12 6 4USA 2 1 1 0 7 4 2Poland 2 0 2 0 3 12 0Group CTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Soviet Union 2 2 0 0 15 4 4Sweden 2 1 1 0 7 10 2Switzerland 2 0 2 0 8 16 0Final RoundTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Soviet Union 5 5 0 0 25 5 10USA 5 4 1 0 26 12 8Canada 5 3 2 0 23 11 6Sweden 5 1 3 1 10 17 3Czech. 5 1 4 0 20 30 2W. Germany 5 0 4 1 6 35 1Consolation RoundTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Italy 3 3 0 0 21 7 6Poland 3 2 1 0 12 10 4Switzerland 3 1 2 0 12 8 2Austria 3 0 3 0 9 19 0

1956 Final Rankings1. Soviet Union2. USA3. Canada4. Sweden5. Czechoslovakia6. W. Germany7. Italy8. Poland9. Switzerland10. Austria

1956 Scoring LeadersPlayer Team GP G A PTS PIMJim Logan Canada 8 7 5 12 2Paul Knox Canada 8 7 5 12 2Vsevolod Bobrov Soviet Union 7 9 2 11 4Gerry Theberge Canada 8 9 2 11 8Jack McKenzie Canada 8 7 4 11 4John Mayasich USA 7 7 3 10 2Alexei Guryshev Soviet Union 7 7 2 9 0Vlastimil Bubnik Czech. 7 5 4 9 14George Scholes Canada 8 5 3 8 2

Oslo, Norway • 1952 Team GP W L T GF GA PTS

Canada 8 7 0 1 71 1 15USA 8 6 1 1 43 21 13Sweden 8 6 2 0 48 19 12Czech. 8 6 2 0 47 18 12Switzerland 8 4 4 0 40 40 8Poland 8 2 5 1 21 56 5Finland 8 2 6 0 21 60 4W. Germany 8 1 6 1 21 53 3Norway 8 0 8 0 15 46 0

1952 Final Rankings1. Canada2. USA3. Sweden4. Czechoslovakia5. Switzerland6. Poland7. Finland8. W. Germany9. Norway

St. Moritz, Switzerland • 1948Team GP W L T GF GA PTS

Canada 7 6 0 1 57 2 13Czech. 7 6 0 1 76 15 13Switzerland 7 5 2 0 62 17 10Sweden 7 4 3 0 53 23 8Great Britain 7 3 4 0 36 43 6Poland 7 2 5 0 25 74 4Austria 7 1 6 0 31 64 2Italy 7 0 7 0 23 125 0* USA also competed as an unofficial entry.

1948 Final Rankings1. Canada2. Czechoslovakia3. Switzerland4. Sweden5. Great Britain6. Poland7. Austria8. Italy

Garmisch-Partenkirchen,Germany • 1936Group ATeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Canada 3 3 0 0 24 3 6Austria 3 2 1 0 11 7 4Poland 3 1 2 0 11 12 2Latvia 3 0 0 3 3 27 0Group BTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Germany 3 2 1 0 5 1 4USA 3 2 1 0 5 2 4Italy 3 1 2 0 2 5 2Switzerland 3 1 2 0 1 5 2Group CTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Czech. 3 3 0 0 10 0 6Hungary 3 2 1 0 14 5 4France 3 1 2 0 4 7 2Belgium 3 0 3 0 4 20 6Group DTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Great Britain 2 2 0 0 4 0 4Sweden 2 1 1 0 2 1 2Japan 2 0 2 0 0 5 0Group A Semifinal RoundTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Great Britain 3 2 0 1 8 3 5Canada 3 2 1 0 22 4 4Germany 3 1 1 1 5 8 3Hungary 3 0 0 3 2 22 0

Group B Semifinal RoundTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

USA 3 3 0 0 5 1 6Czech. 3 2 1 0 6 4 4Sweden 3 1 2 0 3 6 2Austria 3 0 3 0 1 4 0Final RoundTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Great Britain 3 2 0 1 7 1 5Canada 3 2 1 0 9 2 4USA 3 1 1 1 2 1 3Czech. 3 0 3 0 0 14 0

1936 Final Rankings1. Great Britain2. Canada3. USA4. Czechoslovakia5. Germany5. Sweden7. Hungary7. Austria

Lake Placid, NY, USA • 1932Team GP W L T GF GA PTS

Canada 6 5 0 1 32 4 11USA 6 4 1 1 27 5 9Germany 6 2 4 0 7 26 4Poland 6 0 6 0 3 34 0

1932 Final Rankings1. Canada2. USA3. Germany4. Poland

St. Moritz, Switzerland • 1928Group ATeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Great Britain 3 2 1 0 10 6 4France 3 2 1 0 6 5 4Belgium 3 2 1 0 9 10 4Hungary 3 0 3 0 2 6 0Group BTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Sweden 2 1 0 1 5 2 3Czech. 2 1 1 0 3 5 2Poland 2 0 0 1 4 5 1Group CTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Switzerland 2 1 0 1 5 4 3Austria 2 0 0 2 4 4 2Germany 2 0 0 1 0 1 1Final RoundTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Canada 3 3 0 0 38 0 6Sweden 3 2 1 0 7 12 4Switzerland 3 1 2 0 4 17 2Great Britain 3 0 3 0 1 21 O

1928 Final Rankings1. Canada2. Sweden3. Switzerland4. Great Britain5. France5. Czechoslovakia5. Austria8. Belgium8. Poland8. Germany

11. Hungary

Chamonix, France • 1924Group ATeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Canada 3 3 0 0 85 0 6Sweden 3 2 1 0 18 25 4Czech. 3 1 2 0 14 41 2Switzerland 3 0 3 0 2 53 0Group BTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

USA 3 3 0 0 52 0 6Great Britain 3 2 1 0 34 16 4France 3 1 2 0 9 42 2Belgium 3 0 3 0 8 35 0Final RoundTeam GP W L T GF GA PTS

Canada 3 3 0 0 47 3 6USA 3 2 1 0 32 6 4Great Britain 3 1 2 0 6 33 2Sweden 3 0 3 0 3 46 0

1924 Final Rankings1. Canada2. USA3. Great Britain4. Sweden5. Czechoslovakia5. France7. Switzerland7. Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium • 1920 (unofficial)

Hockey was played at the 1920Summer Olympics in Antwerp,Belgium. This tournament is notcounted in cumulative Winter OlympicHockey statistics. The IIHF hasdeclared it the first WorldChampionship.

1920 Final Rankings1. Canada2. USA3. Czechoslovakia4. Sweden5. Switzerland

Previous Olympic Results, 1956–1920

12

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPSYEAR GOLD SILVER BRONZE

1930 Canada Germany Switzerland1931 Canada United States Austria1933 United States Canada Czechoslovakia1934 Canada United States Germany1935 Canada Switzerland Great Britain1937 Canada Great Britain Switzerland1938 Canada Great Britain Czechoslovakia1939 Canada United States Switzerland1940 to 1946 no event held 1947 Czechoslovakia Sweden Austria1949 Czechoslovakia Canada United States1950 Canada United States Switzerland1951 Canada Sweden Switzerland1953 Sweden West Germany Switzerland1954 Soviet Union Canada Sweden1955 Canada Soviet Union Czechoslovakia1957 Sweden Soviet Union Czechoslovakia1958 Canada Soviet Union Sweden1959 Canada Soviet Union Czechoslovakia1961 Canada Czechoslovakia Soviet Union1962 Sweden Canada United States1963 Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1965 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1966 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Canada1967 Soviet Union Sweden Canada1969 Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1970 Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1971 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1972 Czechoslovakia Soviet Union Sweden1973 Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1974 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1975 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1976 Czechoslovakia Soviet Union Sweden1977 Czechoslovakia Sweden Soviet Union

YEAR GOLD SILVER BRONZE

1978 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Canada1979 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1981 Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1982 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Canada1983 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Canada1985 Czechoslovakia Canada Soviet Union1986 Soviet Union Sweden Canada1987 Sweden Soviet Union Czechoslovakia1989 Soviet Union Canada Czechoslovakia1990 Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1991 Sweden Canada Soviet Union1992 Sweden Finland Czechoslovakia1993 Russia Sweden Czech Republic1994 Canada Finland Sweden1995 Finland Sweden Canada1996 Czech Republic Canada United States1997 Canada Sweden Czech Republic1998 Sweden Finland Czech Republic1999 Czech Republic Finland Sweden2000 Czech Republic Slovakia Finland2001 Czech Republic Finland Sweden2002 Slovakia Russia Sweden2003 Canada Sweden Slovakia2004 Canada Sweden United States2005 Czech Republic Canada Russia

Note: In Winter Olympic years, a separate World Championship did not take placewith the exception of 1972, 1976, 1992, 1994 and 1998. The 1920 hockey competi-tion held at the Summer Olympics in Antwerp is considered to be the first officialIIHF World Championship.

MEDAL WINNERSMAJOR INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

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WINTER OLYMPIC GAMESYEAR VENUE GOLD SILVER BRONZE

1920 Antwerp, Belgium* Canada United States Czechoslovakia1924 Chamonix, France Canada United States Great Britain1928 St. Moritz, Switzerland Canada Sweden Switzerland1932 Lake Placid, USA Canada United States Germany1936 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany Great Britain Canada United States1948 St. Moritz, Switzerland Canada Czechoslovakia Switzerland1952 Oslo, Norway Canada United States Sweden1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Soviet Union United States Canada1960 Squaw Valley, USA United States Canada Soviet Union1964 Innsbruck, Austria Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1968 Grenoble, France Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Canada1972 Sapporo, Japan Soviet Union United States Czechoslovakia1976 Innsbruck, Austria Soviet Union Czechoslovakia West Germany1980 Lake Placid, USA United States Soviet Union Sweden1984 Sarajevo, Yugoslavia Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1988 Calgary, Canada Soviet Union Finland Sweden1992 Albertville, France Russia (Unified Team) Canada Czechoslovakia1994 Lillehammer, Norway Sweden Canada Finland1998 Nagano, Japan MEN Czech Republic Russia Finland

WOMEN United States Canada Finland2002 Salt Lake City, USA MEN Canada United States Russia

WOMEN Canada United States Sweden

* Hockey played at Summer Olympics in 1920.

WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPSYEAR GOLD SILVER BRONZE

1990 Canada USA Finland1992 Canada USA Finland1994 Canada USA Finland1997 Canada USA Finland1999 Canada USA Finland2000 Canada USA Finland2001 Canada USA Russia2004 Canada USA Finland2005 USA Canada Sweden

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS(Under 20)YEAR GOLD SILVER BRONZE

1977 Soviet Union Canada Czechoslovakia1978 Soviet Union Sweden Canada1979 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1980 Soviet Union Finland Sweden1981 Sweden Finland Soviet Union1982 Canada Czechoslovakia Soviet Union1983 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Canada1984 Soviet Union Finland Czechoslovakia1985 Canada Czechoslovakia Soviet Union1986 Soviet Union Canada USA1987 Finland Czechoslovakia Sweden1988 Canada Soviet Union Finland1989 Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1990 Canada Soviet Union Czechoslovakia1991 Canada Soviet Union Czechoslovakia1992 Russia Sweden USA1993 Canada Sweden Czechoslovakia1994 Canada Sweden Russia1995 Canada Russia Sweden1996 Canada Sweden Russia1997 Canada USA Russia1998 Finland Russia Switzerland1999 Russia Canada Slovakia2000 Czech Republic Russia Canada2001 Czech Republic Finland Canada2002 Russia Canada Finland2003 Russia Canada Finland2004 United States Canada Finland2005 Canada Russia Czech Republic2006 Canada Russia Finland

EUROPEAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS(Under 18)YEAR GOLD SILVER BRONZE

1968 Czechoslovakia Soviet Union Sweden1969 Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1970 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1971 Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1972 Sweden Soviet Union Czechoslovakia1973 Soviet Union Sweden Czechoslovakia1974 Sweden Soviet Union Finland1975 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1976 Soviet Union Sweden Finland1977 Sweden Czechoslovakia Soviet Union1978 Finland Soviet Union Sweden1979 Czechoslovakia Finland Soviet Union1980 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1981 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1982 Sweden Czechoslovakia Soviet Union1983 Soviet Union Finland Czechoslovakia1984 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Sweden1985 Sweden Soviet Union Czechoslovakia1986 Finland Sweden Czechoslovakia1987 Sweden Czechoslovakia Soviet Union1988 Czechoslovakia Finland Soviet Union1989 Soviet Union Czechoslovakia Finland1990 Sweden Soviet Union Czechoslovakia1991 Czechoslovakia Soviet Union Finland1992 Czechoslovakia Sweden Russia1993 Sweden Russia Czech Republic1994 Sweden Russia Czech Republic1995 Finland Germany Sweden1996 Russia Finland Sweden1997 Finland Sweden Switzerland1998 Sweden Finland Russia

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS (Under 18)1999 Finland Sweden Slovakia2000 Finland Russia Sweden2001 Russia Switzerland Finland2002 United States Russia Czech Republic2003 Canada Slovakia Russia2004 Russia United States Czech Republic2005 United States Canada Sweden

Medal Winners, International Tournaments

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CANADA CUP • WORLD CUPYEAR WINNER RUNNER-UP

1976 Canada Czechoslovakia1981 Soviet Union Canada1984 Canada Sweden1987 Canada Soviet Union1991 Canada United States1996 United States Canada2004 Canada Finland

1875–1880 – The first organized hockey games areplayed in Montreal.

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. Bandywould remain the game of choice until hockey was takenup again in 1927.

1905 – The game of hockey is introduced to Bohemia(Czechoslovakia). Bandy had been played there since1890 and provided a basis for the growth of hockey.

1920 – The International Olympic Committee agrees torecognize ice hockey as a demonstration sport at the1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp.

1924 – Ice Hockey is officially introduced as an Olympicsport at the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix,France.

1932 – The 1932 Winter Olympics, staged for the first timein the United States (Lake Placid), feature the first interna-tional hockey tournament ever held in North America.

1938 – The Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wingsplay a series of postseason exhibition games in Europe.This is the first overseas tour by NHL players. New YorkHerald Tribune sportswriter Sparrow Robertson on thegames played in Paris: "The professional ice hockey play-ers of the two teams in Paris are a fine lot of players. Nextweek the two teams are scheduled to play in London andthe hockey enthusiasts of the big city will see the fastestcompetition game played by humans as it should beplayed. It is really thrilling to witness ice hockey such aswe have seen played in Paris by the Montreal Canadiensand Detroit Red Wings."

1946 – After sporadic attempts to start up the game inthe 1930s, hockey is first officially played in the SovietUnion. Legendary Soviet coach Anatoly Tarasov recalledthe 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 nineyears old. But it was different hockey, Russian hockey witha ball, and when Canadian hockey started in the SovietUnion, [we quickly] switched to it. The first game ofCanadian hockey played in the Soviet Union was onDecember 22, 1946.

1947 – Czechoslovakia’s Jaroslav Drobny becomes thefirst European player to be placed on an NHL team’sreserve list when selected by the Boston Bruins, thoughhe never plays in North America. Tennis was his primarysport. He won the French Open in 1951 and 1952 andWimbledon in 1954.

1956 – At the 1956 Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy,the Soviet Union defeated Canada's entry, the Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen, 2-0, to win their first Olympic goldmedal. Immediately after the February 4th game, JimHendy, General Manager of the American HockeyLeague's Cleveland Barons sent a telegram to Sovietgoaltender Nikolai Puchkov, offering him a two-year con-tract at $10,000 per year. Puchkov allowed just five goalsin five games, including back-to-back shutouts over theU.S. and Canada.

1956 – Despite finishing second in four previous OlympicWinter Games, the silver medal-winning effort in Italy in1956 sparked a dramatic upsurge in the game's populari-ty across the United States. Under Coach JohnnyMariucci's direction, the U.S. team's performance wasfront-page news in many newspapers and their gameagainst the Soviet Union was broadcast coast-to-coast onradio. Boston Bruins' General Manager Lynn Patrickobserved: "Amateur hockey in this country has beengrowing by leaps and bounds since World War II. TheOlympic team's success in Italy will accelerate the spreadof the game. The impact will be felt all the way down theline, from our National League teams to the pond level."

1957 – Sweden’s Sven “Tumba” Johansson becomes thefirst European-trained player to attend an NHL team’straining camp (Boston Bruins). He never plays in the NHL.

1957 – The Moscow Selects become the first Soviet teamto tour North America, playing an eight-game seriesagainst Senior and Junior teams in Canada.

1959 – The Soviets make their debut in the United Stateswith a 5-1 win over the U.S. national team on January 1 atMadison Square Garden in New York.

1959 – The Boston Bruins and New York Rangers makethe second tour of Europe by NHL clubs.

1960 – The United States wins its first Olympic goldmedal at Squaw Valley, California.

1962 – While the Soviets made their debut in NorthAmerica in 1957 in Canada and 1959 in the U.S. againstvarious amateur teams, Ekaterine Furtceva, Minister ofCultural Affairs in the Soviet Union was very anxious toarrange a cultural hockey exchange between her countryand the NHL, whereby Toronto Maple Leafs and MontrealCanadiens would travel to play Soviet teams in Moscow,Leningrad and Kiev. Her formal invitation of November,1962 was rejected by NHL President Campbell. It wouldbe 10 years later - the 1972 Summit Series - when NHL'erswould compete for the first time against the Soviets.

Legendary coach Anatoly Tarasov said of the proposedNHL-Soviet showdown: "Never matter the score. We are

NHL–INTERNATIONAL TIMELINE

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just interested to see how our hockey compares with theprofessionals."

1964 – While NHL players would not compete against theSoviets until 1972, a handful of NHL'ers bolstered theMontreal Junior Canadiens club that hosted a Soviettouring team on December 11, 1964. Doug Harvey, GumpWorsley, Red Berenson, Leon Rochefort and Jim Morrison,who had a combined 2,336 games of NHL experiencesuited up for the Junior Canadiens team that lost 3-2 tothe Soviets. The game was seen as a breakthrough inopening the doors to more games involving professionalplayers from the NHL and "amateurs" from the SovietUnion by NHL President Campbell.

"We should be proud that a major nation like Russiawants to adopt our game," said Campbell. "I'm not a com-munist nor pro-Communist but I do want to see hockeyflourish. The Russians represent the most advanced hock-ey culture outside of Canada. If this type of game is notmisused, it holds the promise of much more extensive par-ticipation between the countries."

1965 – On January 27, 1965, Swede Ulf Sterner becomesthe first European-trained player to appear in the NHL ashis New York Rangers defeat Boston 5-2.

1968 – The first formal rules governing the transfer ofEuropean players to the NHL are adopted on September24.

1969 – At the IIHF Congress, NHL President Campbelloffered to hire two European referees to work in the NHLfor the 1969-70 season. The reason for the offer: Campbellsaid that he felt games between NHL teams andEuropean clubs would be played "very soon and thebiggest problem will be officiating." Czech refereeZdenek Korinek was in fact hired by the NHL inSeptember '69 for the 1969-70 season and after havingreceived permission from the Czech Federation for hisrelease, the Czechs reversed their decision a month later.

1969 – The NHL conducts its first universal Amateur Draft.For the first time in NHL history, a European-trained play-er is selected. The St. Louis Blues choose Finland’s TommiSalmelainen 66th overall.

1970 – Czechoslovakian Jaroslav Jirik becomes the sec-ond European to play in the NHL, five years after UlfSterner’s debut with the Rangers. Jirik plays three NHLgames with St. Louis in 1969-70.

1970 – In May, Canada withdraws from international com-petition over a dispute as to whether professional playersshould be permitted to compete in international events.Canada would not compete in official IIHF events untilthe 1977 World Championships.

1971 – After three years of discussion by NHL owners ofthe possibility of the NHL expanding to Europe, MontrealCanadiens GM Sam Pollock put forth the idea of a fourdivision League, including a European loop comprised oftwo teams in the Soviet Union, two teams inCzechoslovakia and one each in Finland and Sweden.

1971 – In July, 1971, NHL President Campbell proposed toIIHF President Bunny Ahearne that the Stanley Cup win-ner meet the European champion: "At this time I wouldlike to explore with you the feasibility and the desirabilityof a genuine World's Championship series between theEuropean winner and the NHL Stanley Cup winner of the1971-72 season. I am confident that the public on bothsides of the Atlantic would not only welcome, but wouldrelish the prospect of such a series."

1972 – Sweden’s Thommie Bergman becomes the firstEuropean player to play as a regular in the NHL (DetroitRed Wings).

1972 – On April 18, 1972, an historic agreement wassigned in Prague for a first-ever series between CanadianNHL players and the Soviets. The agreement betweenJoseph Kryczka, President of the Canadian AmateurHockey Association and Andrei Starvoitov of the SovietFederation, called for an eight game series that came tobe known as the "Summit Series". Canada won the series4-3-1. While the NHL was not directly involved in theseries, President Campbell made it clear that future inter-national series involving NHL players would be run joint-ly by the League and NHLPA. "Any future internationalcompetition involving NHL players will be determinedand controlled by the NHL and the NHL Players'Association," Campbell said. "The NHL team owners andour players alone will determine the terms and condi-tions of such competition with other teams and leaguesfrom countries throughout the world." The full NHL play-er share for competing in the series was $4,487.

1972 – The Buffalo Sabres issue a formal invitation to theCzechoslovakian Ice Hockey Federation for forward VaclavNedomansky to attend their 1972-73 season trainingcamp. The Czech Federation declines the request. Twoyears later, in 1974, Nedomansky becomes the first player from an Eastern bloc country to defect to NorthAmerica, joining the Toronto Toros of the World HockeyAssociation.

1973 – The Czechs become the first European league toinstitute the three official system utilized in the NHL.Czech referee Rudy Bata attends the NHL's pre-seasonofficials training camp to become familiar with the sys-tem. Bata wrote of the experience: "It was the best schoolat the right time that I could ever get. I have learned and

NHL – International Timeline, 1964–1973

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seen a lot of new things concerning officiating and I tryto put these new facts, signals and tricks in life in ourgame."

1975 – Viktor Khatulev becomes the first player from theSoviet Union to be drafted by an NHL club when thePhiladelphia Flyers make him the 160th selection. Hewould never play an NHL game.

1975 – On June 11, 1975, the NHL and the Soviet SportsCommittee signed an agreement calling for an eight-game series between Soviet club teams (1975 championRed Army and finalist Soviet Wings) and NHL clubs. Thefirst such series would take place during the 1975-76 sea-son and would become almost an annual fixture until1990. The agreement also called for: a series of gamesbetween the Stanley Cup winner and Soviet nationalchampion in 1976 (a series that would never happen)and an exchange of visits of coaches to each country aswell as the exchange of ideas with respect to trainingmethods, records and statistics.

1975 – At the 1975 IIHF Congress, a motion was passedwhich allowed professional players to again compete ininternational events.

1976 – In April, 1976, the Washington Capitals and KansasCity Scouts played a four-game series in Japan, markingthe NHL's first-ever tour of Asia. Washington won three ofthe four games played in Tokyo and Sapporo.

1976 – The NHL’s California Seals become the first club toselect a European player in the first round of the Draft.Sweden’s Bjorn Johansson is selected fifth overall butnever plays an NHL game.

1976 – The NHL and NHL Players' Association jointlystaged their first international tournament – the CanadaCup. Canada Cups would also be staged in 1981, 1984,1987 and 1991 before being replaced by the World Cupof Hockey in 1996 and 2004.

1980 – Twenty-six players drafted by NHL clubs partici-pate in the Olympics at Lake Placid, including 15 mem-bers of the gold medal-winning U.S. team. Ken Morrowbecomes the first player to win a gold medal and theStanley Cup in the same year (NY Islanders).

1980 – Anders Kallur and Stefan Persson of Swedenbecome the first European-trained players to have theirnames engraved on the Stanley Cup (NY Islanders).

1980 – Czechoslovakia’s Peter Stastny becomes the firstplayer to defect to the NHL, joining the QuebecNordiques. He also becomes the first European to finishin the top 10 in NHL scoring (1980-81 season).

1986 – In the 1985-86 season, Finland’s Jari Kurri(Edmonton Oilers) becomes the first European to leadthe NHL in goal scoring with 68.

1988 – In January, the International Olympic Committeeagrees to allow limited participation in the Olympics byprofessional hockey players. Seven NHL players join TeamCanada for the Olympics: Brian Bradley, Andy Moog,Randy Gregg, Jim Peplinski, 2002 Canadian Olympicdirector of player personnel Steve Tambellini, Tim Wattersand Ken Yaremchuk.

1989 – On June 17, Sweden’s Mats Sundin becomes thefirst European player to be chosen first overall in the NHLEntry Draft (Quebec Nordiques).

1989 – On March 29, Sergei Priakin, a right winger withthe Soviet national team, becomes the first player to bepermitted by the USSR Ice Hockey Federation to play inthe NHL. Priakin signs a contract with the Calgary Flamesand makes his NHL debut on March 31.

1989 – In September, the Calgary Flames and WashingtonCapitals make NHL history when they conduct a portionof training camp in the Soviet Union where they playedfour games against Soviet club teams.

1989 – Three days after helping his Soviet team capturethe World Championship, on May 4, Alexander Mogilnybecomes the first player to defect to the NHL from theSoviet Union. He joins the Buffalo Sabres.

1989 – On November 9, the Berlin Wall falls, furtherpaving the way for players from the former Eastern bloccountries to join the NHL.

1989 – The percentage of European players in the NHL tops10 for first time in the 1989-90 season (12 percent).

1990 – The NHL embarks on expanding internationalbroadcast reach, distributing a weekly highlights package to 20 countries.

1992 – The NHL distributes approximately 20 taped-delayregular-season games to approximately 25 countriesoverseas through various syndicated distributors.

1994 – Five years after the arrival of the first Soviet play-ers in the NHL, the New York Rangers win the Stanley Cupwith four Soviet regulars in their lineup: AlexanderKarpovtsev, Alexei Kovalev, Sergei Nemchinov and SergeiZubov.

1994 – On September 16, the NHL and IIHF reach agree-ment on NHL players participating at the 1998 OlympicWinter Games.

NHL – International Timeline, 1975–1994

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1994 – The NHL signs an agreement with ESPNInternational to create an overseas programming arm.Approximately 50 games (two-three per week) are dis-tributed on a live or taped-delay basis to 77 countriesworldwide, plus weekly highlights.

1995 – The percentage of European players tops 20 forthe first time in the 1995-96 season (20.8 percent).

1995 – On May 3, Czech native Jaromir Jagr of thePittsburgh Penguins becomes the first European playerto lead the NHL in scoring.

1997 – The NHL opens the regular season with gamesoutside North America for the first time. Two games inTokyo between Vancouver and Anaheim are broadcastback to North America (CBC-ESPN2).

1997 – The NHL World Feed is created, with the coopera-tion of ESPN, and the NHL All-Star Game (San Jose) andStanley Cup Finals are distributed live or on taped-delayto 150 countries. During the regular season, approximate-ly 100 games (three-four per week) are transmittedworldwide.

1998 – The NHL changes its All-Star Game format fromConference-based to North America vs. The World All-Stars.

1998 – 122 players from the NHL represent their coun-tries at the Winter Olympics in Nagano. The CzechRepublic captures the gold medal.

1999 – Pittsburgh’s Jaromir Jagr becomes the firstEuropean to win the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP.

2000 – A record 123 European players are selected at the2000 NHL Entry Draft (42 percent of total drafted play-ers).

2000 – On May 22, Finland’s Alpo Suhonen becomes thefirst European to be named a head coach in the NHL(Chicago Blackhawks). One month later, on June 21, IvanHlinka of the Czech Republic is named head coach of thePittsburgh Penguins.

2000 – The percentage of European players in the NHLtops 30 for first time during the 2000-01 season (31.8 per-cent).

2001 – For the 2001-02 season, 300 NHL telecasts are dis-tributed to 180 countries worldwide. NHL programmingincludes five-to-seven regular-season games per week,the NHL All-Star Game, the Stanley Cup playoffs andPower Week, the League’s international weekly highlightshow. NHL overseas distribution now has the potential toreach 260 million households worldwide on a weeklybasis.

2002 – The NHL suspends the 2001-02 regular season for12 days to allow more than 125 NHL players to representtheir countries in the XIX Olympic Winter Games in SaltLake City, Utah. Canada earns its first gold medal in 50years, while the USA claims silver and Russia earnsbronze.

NHL – International Timeline, 1994–2002

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February 24, 2002. Salt Lake City, USACANADA 5, USA 2

This gold medal final game was played onFebruary 24, exactly 50 years since Canadaplayed the United States in 1952 to win its lastOlympic title. The 50-year drought was over asthe Canadian team celebrated a well-deservedvictory in a game that saw Jarome Iginla scoretwice. The Olympic gold medal also began thenew era of Canadian hockey domination as thenational team proceeded to win other majorinternational tournaments.

February 20, 1998. Nagano, JapanCZECH REPUBLIC 2, CANADA 1 (OT AND SHOOTOUT)

A semifinal game and an absolute thriller endedin a dramatic shootout. Czech goalie DominikHasek stoned all five Canadians shooters whilejust one Czech penalty shot – the first, taken byRobert Reichel – was successful. The fact thatWayne Gretzky was not selected as one ofCanada’s shooters was the subject of much dis-cussion at the time. The Czechs’ semifinal winpropelled them to another victory – 1-0 over theRussians in the final. This excellent performancebrought the Czech Republic its first Olympichockey gold. Making the victory sweeter was thefact that this was the first tournament in whichthe best NHL players took part.

February 27, 1994.Lillehammer, NorwaySWEDEN 3, CANADA 2 (OT AND SHOOTOUT)

Sweden won its first Olympic hockey gold in adramatic game that was the first major tourna-ment final to be decided by a shootout. Thescore was still tied 2-2 after the first five penal-ty shots were taken by each team. With the for-mat reverting to sudden death, Sweden’s PeterForsberg scored on a nifty one-hand move on histeam’s seventh shot. Swedish goaltender TommySalo then stopped Canada’s Paul Kariya to clinchvictory for the Tre Kronor. The Swedish postoffice would soon issue a postage stamp thatdepicted Forsberg’s winning goal.

February 22, 1980. Lake Placid, USAUSA 4, USSR 3

The USA’s Olympic team was made up of collegehockey players who undertook a punishingtraining regimen devised by their brilliant coachHerb Brooks. By the time they played the SovietUnion’s mighty Big Red Machine in the second-last game of the tournament, the American play-ers were beginning to believe both in them-selves and in miracles. Despite trailing three

times, and being outshot by a wide margin, theAmericans stormed back to win. Mark Johnsonscored a surprising goal just as time expired inthe second period to tie the game before cap-tain Mike Eruzione potted the winner with tenminutes to play. Goaltender Jim Craig made thelead stand up. In their final game, Team USAbeat the Finns and won the Olympic title. Thisvictory over the Soviets would later be selectedthe number one American sporting moment ofthe 20th century.

February 14, 1976. Innsbruck, AustriaUSSR 4, CZECHOSLOVAKIA 3

This memorable game saw the Czechoslovakianteam come close to winning its first Olympictitle. Leading after the first period, 2-0, theCzechoslovaks opened the second period with atwo-man advantage for a full two minutes.Soviets Yuri Lyapkin, Gennady Tsygankov andVladimir Shadrin defended brilliantly, staying onthe ice for the full two minutes successfullykilling the penalties. Gradually, the Soviets tookover the play, finally scoring two late goals in aspan of 24 seconds to clinch the gold medal.With the win, the Soviet Union won its fourthstraight Olympic hockey tournament, matching aCanadian record set in the earliest era of WinterOlympic play.

February 17, 1968. Grenoble, FranceUSSR 5, CANADA 0

The Olympic hockey tournament was played inGrenoble at the Stade de Glace, an arena thatfeatured transparent boards around the ice. Thelast game of the tournament saw the SovietUnion’s ultra-powerful national team record its39th consecutive game in World and Olympicplay without a loss, defeating an amateurCanadian squad led by Father David Bauer by a5–0 score. This result made it abundantly clearthat for elite international hockey to progress, itmust include the world's best players, particular-ly those who played in the National HockeyLeague. This "best-on-best" philosophy led tothe Canada–Soviet Summit Series in 1972 and,eventually, to NHLers at the Olympics beginningwith Nagano in 1998.

February 28, 1960. Squaw Valley, USAUSA 9, CZECHOSLOVAKIA 4

The USA won its first Olympic title in a gamethat was determined as much by what hap-pened on the bench as on the ice. Trailing afterthe second period, 4-3, the Americans got unex-pected help from the Soviet national team.Already eliminated from a chance at the goldmedal, some Soviet players were not pleasedthat the top prize could end up in the hands oftheir sporting rivals from Czechoslovakia. To aid the American cause, they offered the weary

American team use of their oxygen tanks for theremainder of the game. The result of this exper-iment was astonishing. The Americans scored sixunanswered goals and won the Olympic title onhome ice, a feat they would duplicate twentyyears later.

February 4, 1956.Cortina d’Ampezzo, ItalyUSSR 2, CANADA 0

A new era of Olympic hockey began when theSoviet Union defeated Canada, represented bythe Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen, in the finalgame of the tournament. It became clear thatthe Soviets, newcomers to Olympic competition,were ready to challenge Canada’s long-timedomination of the sport. "There is one area,"wrote the New York Times, "where the Russianshave shown results bordering on the impossibleand that area is hockey."

February 10, 1936.Garmisch-Partenkirchen, GermanyGREAT BRITAIN 2, CANADA 1

The preliminary group game between Canadaand Great Britain would later determine theOlympic champion as the result was carried overto the final round. Canada (represented by thePort Arthur (Ontario) Bear Cats) sufferedCanada’s first loss in Olympic hockey history asthe winning goal was scored by Edgar Brenchleywho slotted home a rebound after defensemanGordon Dailley had been stopped on a break-away with just 72 seconds to go in the game.The only consolation for Canadian fans was thefact that almost all the players on the Britishteam had grown up in Canada and learned theirhockey there. Britain became the first team inthe history of the sport to win the European,World and Olympic titles.

April 26, 1920. Antwerp, BelgiumCANADA 12, SWEDEN 1

Canada, represented by the Winnipeg Falcons,the Allan Cup champions, won the final game ofthe so-called "exhibition tournament" duringthe Summer Olympic Games, allowing their onlygoal during the tournament. The status of thetournament was debated many years later, andfinally the IIHF decided to recognize it as the firsthockey Olympic tournament. Two Canadianplayers, Frank Fredrickson and HaroldHalderson, later won the Stanley Cup andbecame the first players to win both the Olympicgold medals and the most prestigious NorthAmerican trophy.

TOP TEN GAMES IN OLYMPIC HOCKEY, 2002–1920

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The 2006 Winter Games mark the second time the Olympics havecome to Italy. The first occurred exactly fifty years ago when thesmall resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo lit the Olympic cauldron onJanuary 26, 1956. To mark this anniversary, international hockeyexpert Igor Kuperman reflects on the first appearance byRussian/Soviet athletes at the Winter Olympics.

IT WAS IN 1949 that the International OlympicCommittee awarded the 1956 Winter Olympics toCortina d’Ampezzo. The Italian organizers outbid

Montreal, Colorado Springs and Lake Placid for the rightto stage the Games, but at the time Cortina was selected,they had no idea that these would be the first WinterOlympics to play host to athletes from the Soviet Union.Soviet athletes would make their summer Olympic debutat the 1952 Games in Helsinki where they enjoyed con-siderable success, leading many to speculate that theywould emerge as a winter sports powerhouse on the iceand snow of Cortina.

The 1956 Olympic ice hockey tournament held intrigu-ing possibilities. Although Canada was still consideredthe game’s traditional power, much had changed sincethe surprising and decisive Soviet victory at the 1954World Championship in Stockholm.

Preparations for the Olympic hockey tournamentbegan long before the puck was dropped in Cortinad’Ampezzo. In this era, Canada was represented in inter-national play by its top senior amateur club, usually thedefending Allan Cup champion. The Canadian AmateurHockey Association made an obvious choice, picking theKitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen, a team which won twostraight Allan Cup titles, to represent Canada. Despitetheir upcoming role as Canada’s Olympians, theDutchmen didn’t get any breaks in the regular-seasonschedule of the Ontario Hockey Association’s toughSenior “A” league.This was surprising as, in the past, senioramateur teams representing Canada at the Olympicswere 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’sexpectations of another gold medal. On this same day,the national hockey team of the Soviet Union arrived inCortina d’Ampezzo to begin training at the same highaltitude (1000+ meters above sea level) where theirgames would be played.

The Soviets had a much different approach to

prepararing for the tournament. Despite the opening ofthe country’s first artificial ice rink in Moscow, the 1955-56regular-season schedule started very late and ran fromDecember 4 to May 25, 1956. In addition, the top threeMoscow clubs that supplied all the players to the nation-al team – CSK MO (Central Red Army), Dynamo and KryljaSovetov – didn’t have any games scheduled until after theOlympics.

And that was just part of the Soviet preparation plan.Remembering how their team was outchecked, outhitand outscored 5-0 by the Penticton Vees at the 1955World Championship in West Germany, team managerssought out exhibition games against tough opponentswho would play a physical style of hockey. They played aseries of games against British professional teams largelymade up of Canadian-trained players. Despite winning allthese games, the Soviets were unhappy about losingplayers to injuries, including Vsevolod Bobrov, their inter-national superstar. The British league players cautionedthat they hadn’t punished their Soviet opponents theway a motivated Canadian team surely would. One playersaid, “We played very carefully. The Kitchener-Waterlooplayers would consider these game as a chess match, nothockey!”

The paths of the Canadians and Russians crossed longbefore the decisive game. In a true Olympic spirit ofsportsmanship, Canadian head coach Bobby Bauer visit-ed the Soviet team in their hotel and talked to his coun-terpart, Arkadi Chernyshev. Canadian management alsoinvited the Soviet journalists to their headquarters and lit-erally bombarded them with all kinds of questions rang-ing from the state of hockey in the Soviet Union to themarital status of the Soviet players!

Once competition began, the Soviets were quick toscout the Canadians. After beating West Germany onJanuary 31, the entire Soviet team and their coachesremained in the triple-decked, 12,000-seat StadioOlimpico del Ghiaccio to watch Canada play the UnitedStates. This game had an unexpected outcome as theAmericans beat their rivals, 4-1, with Denis Brodeur (fatherof Martin, the current Team Canada goaltender) in the netfor Canada.

This era of Olympic hockey consisted only of round-robin play without playoffs, so the Americans‘ upset winmade them a gold-medal contender heading into theirgame with the Soviets, adding additional drama to any

OLYMPIC HOCKEY AT CORTINA D’AMPEZZO • 1956

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sporting confrontation between the Cold War rivals. Thegame itself, however, proved anticlimactic as, despite agreat performance by American goaltender Willard Ikola,the Soviets prevailed, 4-0. Ikola was so frustrated that hethrew down his stick after the game and left it on the icewhen the teams returned to their dressing rooms. “Thisstick didn’t bring me luck,” he explained later. “I wouldn’tplay with it again anyway…”

Less than 24 hours after this game, on a cold Saturdayevening of February 4th, the long anticipated gamebetween Canada and the Soviets finally took place. As thegame was played outdoors, the Soviet players wrappedthemselves in warm blankets while sitting on the bench.The Canadians felt comfortable in their heavy woolsweaters. (This was the last outdoor Olympic final. Heavywool sweaters would soon be out of fashion.) The gamebegan with the Canadians furiously storming the net ofSoviet goaltender Nikolai Puchkov, outshooting theiropponents 9-3. The Soviet defense held, however, stickingwith coach Chernyshev’s game plan.“There are three peri-ods in hockey,” he said before the game,“but the first onewill be decisive.”

The rest of the game followed the same scenario as theSoviets successfully stopped Jim Logan, Paul Knox, JackMacKenzie and others. At the other end of the ice, theCanadians shut down the first Russian line led by Bobrov,but surrendered a goal at the beginning of the secondand third periods. This 2-0 victory gave the Soviet Unionits first Olympic hockey gold medal. Seven more wouldfollow, with the most recent coming in 1992.

The 1956 tournament was a real celebration of hockey.“In my humble opinion, the hockey tournament at theSeventh Olympic Winter Games of Cortina d’Ampezzowas the finest in history,” said Walter A. Brown, the IIHFPresident, “Not only was the competition beyond com-pare but all the arrangements left nothing to be desired.”J. F. “Bunny” Ahearne, the IIHF’s technical delegate, gener-ally agreed with his boss, but said, ”It was a great pity thatfor so many games, including the final, all the very bestseats were so empty. For the final game they should havebeen filled with all the sports competitors thus bringingthem together for the first and only occasion.”(The WinterGames did not end with a grand closing ceremony as iscustomary today.) Apparently, all the best seats werereserved for the members of the IOC and nationalOlympic committee and federation authorities, many ofwhom did not attend.

Most importantly, the tournament established a newrivalry between Canada and the Soviet Union forsupremacy of the hockey world. Canadian teams were nolonger “sure” winners in international play. The Russiansand, later, other national teams from Europe and the USA,were now entirely capable of winning.

Dennis Waddleton, the Canadian radio commentator inCortina, had prepared two thousand postcards that fea-tured a signed team photo and a line on the bottom ofthe card that read,“Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen – 1956World and Olympic Champions.” Symbolically, he startedto shred them after the last game. §

Hockey at Cortina d’Ampezzo, 1956

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TEAM RECORDSTeam Tournaments Played

Most Tournaments Played, All-Time19 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, 1920-2002, excluding 1932 19 – USA, 1920-2002, excluding 192818 – Canada, 1920-2002, excluding 1972 & 197618 – Sweden, 1920-2002, excluding 1932 and 1976

Team Games PlayedMost Games Played, All-Time

122 – USA, 1920-2002, excluding 1928119 – Canada, 1920-2002, excluding 1972 & 1976118 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, 1920-2002, excluding 1932117 – Sweden, 1920-2002, excluding 1932 and 1976

Team WinsMost Wins, All-Time

90 – Canada74 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic72 – USSR/Russia70 – USA

Team LossesMost Losses, All-Time

61 – FRG/Germany51 – Poland41 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic40 – USA39 – Sweden

Team TiesMost Ties, All-Time

14 – Sweden12 – USA

9 – Finland

Wins and LossesLongest Winning Streak, All-Time

16 – Canada, Apr. 24, 1920 – Feb. 9, 193215 – USSR, Feb. 24, 1980 – Feb. 26, 198813 – USSR, Feb. 9, 1972 – Feb. 20, 1980

Best Winning Record, One Tournament7 – USSR, in 7 games, 19567 – USA, in 7 games, 19607 – USSR, in 7 games, 19647 – USSR, in 7 games, 19845 – Canada, in 5 games, 19245 – USSR, in 5 games, 19763 – Canada, in 3 games, 19203 – Canada, in 3 games, 1928

Most Losses, One tournament8 – Italy, in 8 games, 19488 – Norway, in 8 games, 19527 – Switzerland, in 7 games, 19647 – GDR, in 7 games, 19686 – Poland, in 6 games, 19326 – Australia, in 6 games, 19605 – Poland, in 5 games, 1972

Team GoalsMost Goals, All-Time

760 – Canada, in 119 games636 – USA, in 122 games

564 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, in 118 games528 – USSR/Russia, in 88 games499 – Sweden, in 117 games

Most Goals, One Tournament (Pre-War Era)110 – Canada, in 5 games, 192473 – USA, in 5 games, 192454 – Canada, in 8 games, 1936

Most Goals, One Tournament (Modern Era)86 – USA, in 8 games, 194880 – Czechoslovakia, in 8 games, 194871 – Canada, in 8 games, 1952

Most Goals, One Team, One Game (Pre-War Era)33 – Canada, vs Switzerland, 33-0, 192430 – Canada, vs Czechoslovakia, 30-0, 192429 – USA, vs Switzerland, 29-0, 1920

Most Goals, One Team, One Game (Modern Era)31 – USA, vs Italy, 31-1, 194823 – USA, vs Poland, 23-4, 194823 – Sweden, vs Italy, 23-0, 194823 – Canada, vs Austria, 23-0, 1956

Most Goals, Both Teams, One Game (Pre-War Era)33 – Canada vs Switzerland, 33-0, 192430 – Canada vs Czechoslovakia, 30-0, 192429 – USA vs Switzerland, 29-0, 1920

Most Goals, Both Teams, One Game (Modern Era)32 – USA vs Italy, 31-1, 194827 – USA vs Poland, 23-4, 194825 – Czechoslovakia vs Italy, 22-3, 1948

Team Goals AgainstFewest Goals Against, One Tournament (Pre-War Era)

0 – Canada, in 3 games, 19281 – Canada, in 3 games, 19201 – Germany, in 2 games, 19282 – USA, in 4 games, 1920

Fewest Goals Against, One Tournament (Modern Era)5 – Canada, in 8 games, 19485 – USSR, in 7 games, 19846 – Czech Republic, in 6 games, 1998

Most Goals Against, All-Time465 – FRG/Germany, in 102 games423 – Poland, in 66 games367 – Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, in 118 games349 – Sweden, in 117 games343 – USA, in 122 games

Most Goals Against, One Tournament (Pre-War Era)53 – Switzerland, in 3 games, 192449 – Sweden, in 5 games, 192445 – Belgium, in 3 games, 1924

Most Goals Against, One Tournament (Modern Era)156 – Italy, in 8 games, 194897 – Poland, in 8 games, 194887 – Australia, in 6 games, 1960

Team PenaltiesMost Penalty Minutes, One Tournament

141 – Kazakhstan, in 7 games, 1998134 – Italy, in 7 games, 1992133 – Slovakia, in 8 games, 1994120 – USA, in 8 games, 1994120 – Czechoslovakia, in 8 games, 1988

OLYMPIC HOCKEY RECORD BOOK

22

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS (ALL-TIME)Tournaments Played

Most Tournaments Played, All-Time6 – Raimo Helminen, Finland, 1984-20025 – Udo Kiessling, FRG/Germany, 1976-19925 – Petter Thoresen, Norway, 1980-19945 – Dieter Hegen, FRG/Germany, 1984-1998

Games PlayedMost Games Played, All-Time

39 – Raimo Helminen, Finland, 1984-200233 – Dieter Hegen, FRG/Germany, 1984-199832 – Udo Kiessling, FRG/Germany, 1976-199229 – Sven "Tumba" Johansson, Sweden, 1952-196429 – Vlastimil Bubnik, Czechoslovakia, 1952-196429 – Petter Thoresen, Norway, 1980-199429 – Andreas Niederberger, FRG/Germany, 1984-1994

GoalsMost Goals, All-Time

36 – Harry Watson, Canada, in 5 games, 192428 – Herbert Drury, USA, in 8 games, 1920-192425 – Sven "Tumba" Johansson, Sweden, in 29 games, 1952-196424 – Vladimir Zabrodsky, Czechoslovakia, in 15 games. 1948-195622 – Vlastimil Bubnik, Czechoslovakia, in 29 games, 1952-1964

Most Goals, One Tournament (Pre-War Era)36 – Harry Watson, Canada, in 5 games, 192422 – Herbert Drury, USA, in 5 games, 192420 – Bert McCaffery, Canada, in 5 games, 1924

Most Goals, One Tournament (Modern Era)22 – Vladimir Zabrodsky, in 8 games, 194821 – Wally Halder, Canada, in 8 games, 194817 – George Mara, Canada, in 8 games, 194817 – Bruce Cunliffe, USA, in 8 games, 194817 – Jack Riley, USA, in 8 games, 1948

GoaltendingMost Games Appeared in by a Goaltender, All-Time

19 – Vladislav Tretiak, USSR, 1972-198419 – Jim Marthinsen, Norway, 1980-199415 – Jarmo Myllys, Finland, 1988-199815 – Dominik Hasek, Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic, 1988-2002

Most Shutouts, All-Time5 – Murray Dowey, Canada, in 8 games, 19484 – Jimmy Foster, Great Britain, in 7 games, 1936

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS (1960-2002)Assists

Most Assists21 – Valeri Kharlamov, USSR, in 17 games, 1972-198021 – Viacheslav Fetisov, USSR, in 22 games, 1980-198819 – Mats Naslund, Sweden, in 23 games, 1980-1994

Most Assists, One Tournament12 – Bob Attersley, Canada, in 7 games, 196012 – Fred Etcher, Canada, in 7 games, 196011 – Bill Christian, USA, in 7 games, 1960

PointsMost Points

36 – Valeri Kharlamov, USSR, in 17 games (15G, 21A), 1972-198033 – Viacheslav Fetisov, USSR, in 22 games (12G, 21A), 1980-198831 – Vladimir Krutov, USSR, in 22 games (16G, 15A), 1980-1988

Most Points, One Tournament21 – Fred Etcher, Canada, in 7 games (9G, 12A), 196018 – Bob Attersley, Canada, in 7 games (6G, 12A), 196016 – Anatoli Firsov, USSR, in 7 games (12G, 4A), 196816 – Valeri Kharlamov, USSR, in 7 games (9G, 7A), 1972

Scoring by a CenterMost Goals by a Center

25 – Sven "Tumba" Johansson, Sweden, in 29 games,1952-1964

13 – Erich Kuhnhackl, FRG, in 11 games, 1976-198413 – Vyacheslav Starshinov, USSR, in 14 games, 1964-196813 – Jozef Golonka, Czechoslovakia, in 21 games

Most Assists by a Center18 – Raimo Helminen, Finland, in 39 games, 1984-200216 – Igor Larionov, USSR/Russia, in 20 games, 1984-200216 – Gerd Truntschka, FRG/Germany, in 26 games, 1980-1992

Most Points by a Center32 – Sven "Tumba" Johansson, Sweden, in 29 games (25G, 7A),

1952-196425 – Jozef Golonka, Czechoslovakia, in 21 games (13G, 12A), 1960-196825 – Gerd Truntschka, FRG/Germany, in 26 games (9G, 16A), 1980-1992

Scoring by a Left WingMost Goals by a Left Wing

18 – Anatoli Firsov, USSR, in 19 games, 1964-197216 – Vladimir Krutov, USSR, in 22 games, 1980-198816 – Dieter Hegen, FRG/Germany, in 33 games, 1984-1998

Most Assists by a Left Wing21 – Valeri Kharlamov, USSR, in 17 games, 1972-198019 – Mats Naslund, Sweden, in 23 games, 1980-199415 – Vladimir Krutov, USSR, in 22 games, 1980-198815 – Josef Cerny, Czechoslovakia, in 26 games, 1960-1972

Most Points by a Left Wing36 – Valeri Kharlamov, USSR, in 17 games (15G, 21A), 1972-198031 – Vladimir Krutov, USSR, in 22 games (16G, 15A), 1980-198830 – Anatoli Firsov, USSR, in 19 games (18G, 12A), 1964-1972

Olympic Hockey Record Book

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Scoring by a Right WingMost Goals by a Right Wing

22 – Vlastimil Bubnik, Czechoslovakia, in 29 games, 1952-196415 – Alexander Maltsev, USSR, in 17 games, 1972-198014 – Teemu Selanne, Finland, in 17 games, 1992-2002

Most Assists by a Right Wing17 – Sergei Makarov, USSR, in 22 games, 1980-198815 – Vlastimil Bubnik, Czechoslovakia, in 29 games, 1952-196413 – Vladimir Vikulov, USSR, in 12 games, 1968-1972

Most Points by a Right Wing37 – Vlastimil Bubnik, Czechoslovakia, in 29 games (22G, 15A),

1952-196428 – Sergei Makarov, USSR, in 22 games (11G, 17A), 1980-198826 – Alexander Maltsev, USSR, in 17 games (15G, 11A), 1972-1980

Scoring by a DefensemanMost Goals by a Defenseman

12 – Viacheslav Fetisov, USSR, in 22 games, 1980-19887 – Alexei Kasatonov, USSR, in 21 games, 1980-19886 – Udo Kiessling, FRG/Germany, in 32 games, 1976-1992

Most Assists by a Defenseman21 – Viacheslav Fetisov, USSR, in 22 games, 1980-198814 – Alexei Kasatonov, USSR, in 21 games, 1980-198811- Vasili Pervukhin, USSR, in 14 games, 1980-198411- Brian Leetch, USA, in 16 games, 1988-2002

Most Points by a Defenseman33 – Viacheslav Fetisov, USSR, in 22 games (12G, 21A), 1980-198821 – Alexei Kasatonov, USSR, in 21 games (7G, 14A), 1980-198815 – Udo Kiessling, FRG/Germany, in 32 games (6G, 9A), 1976-1992

Fastest GoalsFastest Goal from Start of a Game

0:08 – Miroslav Vlach, Czechoslovakia, vs USA, 19600:10 – Stefan Chowaniec, Poland, vs FRG, 19760:11 – Jozef Stumpel, Slovakia, vs Latvia, 20020:12 – Stephen Foyn, Norway, vs Austria, 1984

PenaltiesMost Penalty Minutes, One Tournament

43 – Daniel Kunce, Germany, in 7 games, 200239 – Petr Svoboda, Czech Republic, in 6 games, 199835 – David Brooks, USA, in 6 games, 1964

Olympic Hockey Record Book

24

The first World and unofficial first Olympic champions, the WinnpegFalcons of 1920. Before the first Winter Games were staged in 1924,an ice hockey competition was part of the program at the 1920Summer Games in Antwerp, Belgium. The Falcons, who were a clubteam largely drawn from the Icelandic immigrant community in andaround Winnipeg, were Canada’s senior amateur champions and winners of the Allan Cup. Beginning with the World Cup of Hockey in2004, Canadian teams in international competition have occasionallyworn a jersey modeled after the Falcons’ dark yellow, black and redsweaters shown here.From left to right: Gordon Sigurjonsson, trainer; Hebbie Axford, presi-dent; Wally Byron, goal; Slim Halderson, right wing; Frank Fredrickson(captain), center; William Hewitt, Canadian Amateur HockeyAssocation; Konnie Johannesson, defense; Mike Goodman, left wing;Huck Woodman, substitute; Bobby Benson, defense; Chris Fridfinnson,rover; Bill Fridfinnson, secretary.

Photo digitally enhanced by Glen and Brian Johannesson.

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 3In goal for Germany – Helmet De Raaf In goal for Canada – Sean Burke

CANADIAN SHOOTERS GERMAN SHOOTERS

1 Eric Lindros no goal 1 Peter Draisaitl no goal2 Dave Archibald no goal 2 Dieter Hegen no goal3 Jason Woolley goal 3 Gerd Truntschka no goal4 Wally Schreiber goal 4 Michael Rumrich goal5 Joe Juneau no goal 5 Andreas Brockmann goal6 Eric Lindros goal 6 Peter Draisaitl no goal

1994 Gold Medal Game • Sweden 3 Canada 2In goal for Canada – Corey Hirsch In goal for Sweden – Tommy Salo

SWEDISH SHOOTERS CANADIAN SHOOTERS

1 Hakan Loob no goal 1 Petr Nedved goal2 Magnus Svensson goal 2 Paul Kariya goal3 Mats Naslund no goal 3 Dwayne Norris no goal4 Peter Forsberg goal 4 Greg Parks no goal5 Roger Hansson no goal 5 Greg Johnson no goal6 Magnus Svensson no goal 6 Petr Nedved no goal7 Peter Forsberg goal 7 Paul Kariya no goal

1998 Game for 13th/14th Place • Japan 4 Austria 3In goal for Japan – Dusty Imoo In goal for Austria – Reinhard Divis

AUSTRIAN SHOOTERS JAPANESE SHOOTERS

1 Wolfgang Kromp no goal 1 Akihito Sugisawa goal2 Dieter Kalt goal 2 Shin Yahata no goal3 Richard Nasheim no goal 3 Steven Tsujiura no goal4 Dominik Lavoie no goal 4 Kiyoshi Fujita no goal5 Simon Wheeldon no goal 5 Toshivuki Sakai no goal6 Dieter Kalt no goal 6 Akihito Sugisawa no goal7 Richard Nasheim goal 7 Matthew Kabayama goal8 Simon Wheeldon no goal 8 Shin Yahata goal

1998 Semifinal Game • Czech Republic 2 Canada 1In goal for Czech Republic – Dominik Hasek In goal for Canada – Patrick Roy

CANADIAN SHOOTERS CZECH REPUBLIC SHOOTERS

1 Theoren Fleury no goal 1 Robert Reichel goal2 Raymond Bourque no goal 2 Martin Rucinsky no goal3 Joe Nieuwendyk no goal 3 Pavel Patera no goal4 Eric Lindros no goal 4 Jaromir Jagr no goal5 Brendan Shanahan no goal 5 Vladimir Ruzicka did not shoot

OLYMPIC SHOOTOUT RESULTS

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NHL RULESDimensions of Rink – NHL Rule 2(a)

Rink dimension is 200 ft. by 85 ft.

Goal Lines – NHL Rule 3(a)Goal lines situated 11 ft. from end boards.

Zones – NHL Rule 5(a)End zones 75 ft., Neutral zone 50 ft.

Goal Crease – NHL Rule 4(b)Truncated 6 ft. radius semi-circle.

Goalkeeper Restricted Area – NHL Rule 4(e)Restricted trapezoid shaped area behind the goal limiting the areabehind the goal line in which the goalkeeper is permitted to play thepuck.

Players’ Benches – NHL Rule 9(b)Maximum number of team officials is not specified, plus max. 1 non-uni-formed player.

Signal and Timing Devices – NHL Rule 11(b)Time recording for game time and penalty time shows time remaining tobe played/served.

Players in Uniform – NHL Rule 13(a)18 skaters plus 2 goalkeepers.

Captain of Team – NHL Rule 14(c)Minor plus misconduct to any player coming off the bench to protest acall or intervene with the officials, including the Captain.

Starting Line-up – NHL Rule 16(c)No change in the starting line-up is permitted by either team once it hasbeen submitted to the Official Scorer. A bench minor penalty is assessedif the starting line-up is challenged by the opposing team at the firststoppage of play.

Change of Players – NHL Rule 17(a)Player and goalkeeper substitution – retiring participant must be within5 feet of the bench and out of play.

Change of Players – NHL Rule 17(a)A team that is in violation of Rule 65 – Icing the Puck shall not be permit-ted to make any player substitutions prior to the ensuring face-off.

Change of Players – NHL Rule 17(e)During a stoppage of play, the visiting team shall be permitted 5 secondsto change players, and the home team shall be allowed eight seconds tochange players.

Players’ Stick – NHL Rule 19(b)Maximum length from heel to end of shaft must not exceed 63".

Goalkeeper Stick – NHL Rule 19(c)No curvature limit.

Equipment – NHL Rule 19(d) Note 3No stick measurement allowed after an overtime goal. No stick measure-ments prior to or during the shootout are permitted.

IIHF RULESDimensions of Rink – IIHF Rule 101

Rink dimension is 200 ft. by 100 ft.

Goal Lines – IIHF Rule 111Goal lines are marked 13 ft. from end boards.

Zones – IIHF Rule 112End zones 71 ft., Neutral zone 58 ft.

Goal Crease – IIHF Rule 119Full 6 ft. radius semi-circle.

Goalkeeper Restricted AreaNo such restricted area in the IIHF rules.

Players’ Benches – IIHF Rule 140Maximum of six team officials.

Signal and Timing Devices – IIHF Rule 152Game time is counted up from 0 to 20 minutes. Penalty time shows timeremaining to be served.

Players in Uniform – IIHF Rule 20020 skaters plus 2 goalkeepers.

Captain of Team – IIHF Rule 572Bench minor for Captain coming off the bench when not invited by thereferee. Minor plus misconduct to any other player coming off the benchto dispute a ruling.

Starting Line-upNo such rule exists in the IIHF.

Change of Players – IIHF Rule 411Player and goalkeeper substitution – retiring participant must be within10 feet of the bench and out of play.

Change of Players No such provision in the IIHF rules.

Change of Players – IIHF Rule 412For every face-off the Referee allows each team 5 seconds to changeplayers, visiting team first.

Players’ Stick – IIHF Rule 222Maximum length from heel to end of shaft must not exceed 64".

Goalkeeper Stick – IIHF Rule 2320.6 inches (1.5 cm).

Equipment – IIHF Rule 260No equipment measurement shall be allowed during the stoppage ofplay immediately following a goal.

NHL & IIHF RULES COMPARED

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NHL RULESPlayers Helmet – NHL Rule 22(b)

Helmets must be of a design approved by the Rules Committee. Should aplayer lose his helmet during play, he may continue to participate in theplay.

Players Visor No such provision in the NHL rules.

Goalkeeper’s Equipment – NHL Rule 21(b)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)Shall not exceed 11" in extreme width.

Goalkeeper’s Blocking Glove – NHL Rule 21(g)Protective padding attached to the back or forming part of the goalkeep-er’s blocking glove shall not exceed 8" in width nor more than 15" inlength at any point.

Goalkeeper’s Catching Glove – NHL Rule 21(f)Maximum perimeter of 45" is permitted. Wrist cuff is to be a maximum of8" in width and 4" in height.

Goalkeepers Protective Mask – NHL Rule 21(h) and NHL Rule 22(b)Must be of design approved by the Rules Committee. Must not bedesigned to increase stopping area. If goalkeeper loses his mask playstopped immediately if his team is in possession of the puck and when opposing team has possession of the puck, stopped immediatelyprovided there is no immediate and impending scoring opportunity.

Blood rule No specific rules. However 1995/1996 rules bulletin specifies that bloodstained jersey must be replaced. Bleeding player must leave ice and notreturn until bleeding has stopped.

Major Penalty Substitution – NHL Rule 18(e) and 28(a)The substitute (for injury) or additional player (for major plus miscon-duct) may enter the penalty bench at any stoppage prior to expiration ofthe major penalty.

Minor Penalties – NHL Rule 26(c)The first minor or bench minor penalty shall terminate upon the scoringof a goal. This rule does not apply when a goal is scored on a penaltyshot.

Major Penalties – NHL Rule 27(b)Game misconduct for third major penalty in a game or any major penaltyfor cross-checking, slashing, spearing, butt-ending, clipping, hooking, andchecking from behind.

Major Penalties – NHL Rule 27(d)In the last 5 minutes of regulation or overtime, a 3 minute differential (or1 minute differential if double minor is assessed) is served if one playerreceives a major and the opposing player receives a minor penalty at thesame stoppage.

IIHF RULESPlayers Helmet – IIHF Rule 223

Helmet must be worn both during the game and during the pre-gamewarm-up. Must be worn so that lower portion of helmet is not more thanone finger-width above eyebrows. Chinstrap must be properly fastenedso that only enough room for one finger can be inserted between thestrap and the chin. After warning, player is penalized for not wearing hishelmet correctly.

Players Visor – IIHF Rule 224Players born after Dec. 31, 1974 shall wear a visor.

Goalkeeper’s Equipment – IIHF Rule 260A 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 235Shall not exceed 12" in extreme width.

Goalkeeper’s Blocking Glove – IIHF Rule 233a)Protective padding attached to the back or forming part of the goalkeep-er’s blocking glove shall not exceed 81/2" in width nor more than 16" inlength at any point.

Goalkeeper’s Catching Glove – IIHF Rule 233b)Maximum perimeter of 48" is permitted. Wrist cuff is to be a maximum of9" in width and 41/2" in height.

Goalkeepers Helmet and Face Mask – IIHF Rule 234Must wear full facial protection. Should goalkeeper lose helmet and/orface mask, play to be stopped immediately. Should a hard shot hit thegoalkeeper’s face mask while play is in progress, play shall be stoppedimmediately (an immediate and impending scoring opportunity shall bepermitted before stopping play).

Blood rule – IIHF Rule 418 & 571Bleeding player must leave the ice or play must be stopped. A blood-stained uniform must be cleaned or changed.

Major Penalty Substitution – IIHF Rule 416 & 504The substitute player (for injury) entering the penalty bench in these sit-uations must do so immediately when the penalties are assessed. Theinjured penalized player and the substitute shall not be eligible to playuntil penalty has expired.

Minor Penalties – IIHF Rule 501The first minor penalty shall terminate upon the scoring of a goal. Thisrule also applies when a goal is scored on a penalty shot.

Major Penalties – IIHF Rule 503Game misconduct is automatically assessed to any player assessed amajor penalty.

Major Penalties – IIHF Rule 503Penalties are served as normal.

NHL & IIHF Rules Compared

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NHL RULESMisconduct Penalties – NHL Rule 28(a)

Any number of 10-minute misconducts may be assessed to a single player.

Misconduct Penalties – NHL Rule 28(d) Note & Rule 2910 minutes in the records for a game misconduct, gross misconduct ormatch penalty.

Penalty Shot – NHL Rule 30(a)A team that has been awarded a penalty shot has no other option exceptto take the penalty shot.

Penalty Shot – NHL Rule 30(c)The Referee designates the player to take a penalty shot in most situa-tions. Where the team has a choice, the Captain designates a player whowas on the ice at the time of the infraction.

Calling of Penalties – NHL Rule 33(b) Note 2During a delayed penalty, if the non-offending team shoots the puck intoits own goal, the goal is allowed.

Calling of Penalties – NHL Rule 33(b)When a team is short-handed by a minor penalty and a delayed minorpenalty 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)Should a goalkeeper play the puck behind the goal line outside the des-ignated area behind the net, he shall be assessed a minor penalty fordelay of game.

Officiating System – NHL Rule 34(a)Two Referees and two Linesmen.

Officials’ VisorsNot required.

Game Timekeeper – NHL Rule 40(d)The last minute to play in each period is announced over the publicaddress system.

Board Checking and Elbowing – NHL Rule 44 & 53Minor or major penalty. Game misconduct is assessed if an injury to theface or head results.

Checking from Behind – NHL Rule 48(a)A major plus game misconduct is assessed to any player who cross-checks, 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 No specific rule in the NHL.

Charging – NHL Rule 47A major penalty plus game misconduct if injury to the face or head ofopponent results.

IIHF RULESMisconduct Penalties – IIHF Rule 504

Second 10-minute misconduct to the same player becomes a game mis-conduct.

Misconduct Penalties – IIHF Rule 50020 minutes in the records for a game misconduct or gross misconduct;25 minutes for a match penalty.

Penalty Shot – IIHF Rule 508If the penalty shot would otherwise be a minor penalty, the non-offend-ing team has the choice of penalty shot or minor penalty.

Penalty Shot – IIHF Rule 509The Captain of the non-offending team may designate any non-penal-ized player in all cases where a penalty shot has been assessed.

Calling of Penalties – IIHF Rule 514During a delayed penalty, if the non-offending team shoots the puck intoits own goal, the goal is disallowed and a penalty shall be imposed on anormal manner.

Calling of Penalties – IIHF Rule 514Under that same scenario, the delayed penalty being signaled terminatesand all penalties being served are unchanged.

Goalkeeper Penalty – IIHF Rule 511No such restricted area in the IIHF.

Officiating System – IIHF Rule 300One Referee and two Linesmen.

Officials’ Visors – IIHF Rule 311Required.

Game Announcements – IIHF Annex 2The last minute to play in the first and second periods and the last twominutes to play in the third period is announced over the public addresssystem.

Board Checking and Elbowing – IIHF Rule 520 & 526Major penalty carries an automatic game misconduct.

Checking from Behind – IIHF Rule 523The penalty options for checking an opponent from behind are a minorplus misconduct or major plus an automatic game misconduct or matchpenalty.

Checking to the Head and Neck Area – IIHF Rule 540A player who directs a check or blow, with any part of his body, to thehead and neck area of an opposing player or "drives" or "forces" the headof an opposing player into the protective glass or boards, shall beassessed at the discretion of the Referee, a minor and a misconductpenalty; a major and game misconduct penalty; or a match penalty.When injury occurs, a match penalty must be assessed.

Charging – IIHF Rule 522Minor or major penalty.

NHL & IIHF Rules Compared

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NHL RULESClipping – NHL Rule 49

A minor penalty (major penalty plus game misconduct if injury results)shall be assessed to any player who delivers a check across or below theknees of an opponent.

Delaying the Game – NHL Rule 51No reference to penalties being assessed for players leaving the bench tocelebrate a goal.

Delaying the Game – NHL Rule 51(a)When any player, while in his defending zone, shoots the puck directlyout of the playing surface (except where there is no glass) shall beassessed a minor penalty for delaying the game.

Delaying the Game – NHL Rule 51(c)When the goal has been deliberately displaced, the attacking player wasin the act of shooting, and the puck would have entered the area normal-ly occupied by the net, a goal may be awarded by the referee.

Diving – NHL Rule 52Assessed as a minor penalty for Diving.

Face-offs – NHL Rule 54(a)The visiting team center will place his stick on the ice first for all face-offs.

Face-offs – NHL Rule 54(f-m)The puck may be faced off anywhere on the ice except within 15 feet ofthe goal or side boards.

Fisticuffs – NHL Rule 56(a)A major penalty is assessed for fighting. A player deemed to be the insti-gator of fisticuffs shall be assessed a minor penalty, a major penalty forfighting, and a 10-minute misconduct.

Goals and Assists – NHL Rule 57(a)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 comecompletely off the peg(s), prior to or as the puck enters the goal.

Gross Misconduct – NHL Rule 58Assessed 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 60A double minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who attempts tohead-butt an opponent. A major plus a game misconduct (match penal-ty if injury results) will be assessed to any player who head-butts anopponent.

High Sticking (the Puck) – NHL Rule 61(d) & (e)When a high sticking the puck infraction is called, the ensuing face-offshall take place at an end-zone face-off spot of the offending team onlywhen having a man advantage. Otherwise the face-off will occur at thepoint 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, theensuing face-off shall be at the nearest face-off spot in the neutral zone.

IIHF RULESClipping – IIHF Rule 524

Minor or major penalty.

Delaying the Game – IIHF Rule 554(f)A bench minor penalty is assessed to a team that has more than onechange of players on the ice after scoring a goal.

Delaying the Game – IIHF Rule 554(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 by a defending player, aminor penalty shall be assessed. If this occurs in the last two-minutes ofthe game or anytime in overtime, a penalty shot shall be awarded. If thisoccurs when the attacking player is on a breakaway, a penalty shot shallbe awarded. If this occurs when the offending team's goalkeeper hasbeen removed from the ice, a goal shall be awarded.

Diving – IIHF Rule 550Assessed as a minor penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

Face-offs – IIHF Rule 442The 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 441All face-offs (except those at the center spot) must take place along an imagi-nary line connecting the end zone face-off spots on the same side of the ice.

Fisticuffs – IIHF Rule 528A match penalty shall be assessed to any player who starts or engages infisticuffs.

Displacing the Goal – IIHF Rule 554b)The net must be flat on the ice and in its normal position in order for agoal to be allowed.

Gross Misconduct Gross misconduct does not exist in the IIHF Rules. Spitting at an oppo-nent or official shall result in a match penalty being assessed.

Head-Butting – IIHF Rule 529A match penalty will be assessed to any player who deliberately head-butts or attempts to head-butt an opponent.

High Sticking (the Puck) – IIHF Rule 492The face-off will occur at the point of the high stick infraction occurred orwhere possession is gained, whichever gives the offending team the leastterritorial advantage, except when this occurs by an attacking player inthe attacking zone, the ensuing face-off shall be at the nearest face-offspot in the neutral zone.

NHL & IIHF Rules Compared

29

NHL RULESHigh Sticking an Opponent – NHL Rule 61(a) & (b)

Minor, double minor, or match penalty.

Icing – NHL Rule 65(a) Note 3Icing is completed when the puck crosses the goal line and is firsttouched by a defending player other than the goalkeeper.

Icing – NHL Rule 65Icing is still called even if the puck passes through the goal crease.

Icing – NHL Rule 65(e)Icing is nullified if the goalkeeper leaves his crease and feigns playing thepuck.

Icing – NHL Rule 65(e)Linesmen have the discretion to waive off apparent icing infractions onattempted passes if those passes are deemed receivable.

Icing – NHL Rule 65(h)A team in violation of this rule shall not be permitted to make any playersubstitutions prior to the ensuing face-off.

Leaving Players’ or Penalty Bench – NHL Rule 72The first and second player from either or both teams to leave the play-ers’ bench during an altercation is assessed a game misconduct. All otherplayers may be subject to fines.

Protection of Goalkeeper – NHL Rule 78(a)No goal can be scored with an attacking player in the goal crease who isinterfering with the goalkeeper.

Off-side – NHL Rule 74 & 77When 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)When a defending player throws or shoots any part of a stick or anyother object at the puck or puck carrier in his defending zone, a penaltyshot shall be awarded if prevents a reasonable shot or pass. A minorpenalty shall be assessed if the thrown stick or object does not actuallyinterfere with the puck or puck carrier. No penalty if the stick or object isthrown or shot from the area of play (moved out of the traffic area) andin no way interferes with the play.A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who throws his stick orany part thereof or any other object in the direction of the puck in anyzone, except when such action has been penalized by the assessment ofa penalty shot or an awarded goal.

Start of Game and Periods – NHL Rule 87(c)Pre-game warm-up shall not exceed 16 minutes in duration.

IIHF RULESHigh Sticking an Opponent – IIHF Rule 530

Minor, double minor, or major plus game misconduct.

Icing – IIHF Rule 460AUTOMATIC ICING – Icing is completed when the puck has crossed thegoal line.

Icing – IIHF Rule 460Icing is always nullified if the puck passes through the goal crease.

Icing – IIHF Rule 460Icing remains in effect in this situation.

Icing No such rule in the IIHF.

Icing No such rule in the IIHF.

Leaving Players’ or Penalty Bench – IIHF Rule 564First player to leave the bench during an altercation receives a doubleminor plus game misconduct. All other players receive a misconduct, upto a maximum of 5 per team.

Protection of Goalkeeper – IIHF Rule 534 & 471Play shall be stopped and a neutral zone face-off shall result whenever anattacking player deliberately stands in the goal crease. Any goal that isscored, whether or not the goalkeeper is in the crease, shall be nullified.

Off-sides – IIHF Rule 451If the puck is shot on goal causing the goalkeeper to play the puck, theplay shall be stopped for the off-side infraction.

Throwing Stick – IIHF Rule 569A major penalty shall be assessed to any player who throws his stick orany part thereof or any other object in the direction of the puck in anyzone, except when such action has been penalized by the assessment ofa penalty shot or an awarded goal.

Warm-up Procedures – IIHF Annex 2Pre-game warm-up shall be 20 minutes in duration.

NHL & IIHF Rules Compared

30

NHL RULESTied Game – NHL Rule 89 – Overtime and Shootouts

In regular-season games, a five-minute overtime played four skatersagainst four and then a shootout is used to decide tied games. In ashootout, each team takes three shots. If still tied, teams take additionalalternating shots until a winner is determined. No player can take a sec-ond shot in the shootout until all skaters on his team have shot.In Stanley Cup playoffs, 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods areplayed until a goal is scored. Playoff overtime is played five skatersagainst five.

Time-outs – NHL Rule 92Each team is allowed one 30-second time-out per game. Only one teamis allowed to use its time-out during a single stoppage of play. There are3 100-120 second commercial time-outs per period during NHL games.When a penalty shot has been awarded, no time-outs shall be grantedonce instructions have been given to the player taking the shot and thegoalkeeper defending the shot. No time-out shall be granted during theshootout.

Tripping – NHL Rule 91(a)Only a minor penalty may be assessed for tripping. Slew-footing is amatch penalty.

Tripping – Fouled from Behind – NHL Rule 91(b)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, inthe judgment of the referee, would have gained possession and controlof the puck.

IIHF RULESOvertime Period – IIHF Rule 421 – Tied Games and Shootouts

Round robin or regular-season games can end in a tie.In a play-off gamewhere a winner must be declared, the game will be prolonged by a ten-minute sudden-victory overtime period played four skaters against four.This overtime period will commence following a three-minute break and theteams will not change ends. For the gold medal final game, this shall be a20-minute period following a 15-minute intermission, with teams changingends. If no goal is scored, game-winning penalty shots (a shootout) will beused to determine a winner. In this situation, each team takes five shots. Ifstill tied, teams take additional alternating shots until a winner is deter-mined. After the initial five shots have been taken by each team, playerswho have taken a shot can be selected by their coach to shoot again.

Time-outs – IIHF Rule 422One 30-second time-out per team per game. Each team may use theirtime-out during the same stoppage of play. No commercial time-outs inIIHF competition.

Tripping – IIHF Rule 539A minor or major penalty may be assessed for tripping.

Tripping - Fouled from Behind – IIHF Rule 539Penalty shot if occurring in the neutral zone or the fouled player’s attack-ing zone. Must have control of the puck.

NHL & IIHF Rules Compared

31

THIS SUMMARY highlights most of the differences in rules between the NationalHockey League and the International Ice Hockey Federation. However, it doesnot 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 knowledgeof the rules for the game that is being played.

Prepared by: Dave Baker, Officiating Manager, National Hockey League, withassistance from Bob Nadin, Referee Supervisor and Konstantin Komissarov,Sport Development Manager, Officiating, both of the International Ice HockeyFederation.

B Afinogenov,Maxim 2002 RUS 6 2 2 4 4 BuffaloAlfredsson, Daniel 1998 SWE 4 2 3 5 2 OttawaAlfredsson, Daniel 2002 SWE 4 1 4 5 2 OttawaAmonte, Tony 1998 USA 4 0 1 1 4 Calgary

S Amonte, Tony 2002 USA 6 2 2 4 0 CalgaryS Aucoin, Adrian 1994 CAN 4 0 0 0 2 Chicago

Axelsson, P.J. 2002 SWE 4 0 0 0 2 BostonBerard, Bryan 1998 USA 2 0 0 0 0 Columbus

B Berg, Aki 1998 FIN 6 0 0 0 6 TorontoBerg, Aki 2002 FIN 4 1 0 1 2 TorontoBlake, Rob 1998 CAN 6 1 1 2 2 Colorado

G Blake, Rob 2002 CAN 6 1 2 3 2 ColoradoBondra, Peter 1998 SVK 2 1 0 1 25 Atlanta

G Brewer, Eric 2002 CAN 6 2 0 2 0 St. LouisBrind'Amour, Rod 1998 CAN 6 1 2 3 0 Carolina

S Bure, Valeri 1998 RUS 6 1 0 1 0 Los AngelesB Bure, Valeri 2002 RUS 6 1 0 1 2 Los Angeles

Cajanek, Petr 2002 CZE 4 0 0 0 0 St. LouisCampbell, Jim 1994 USA 8 0 0 0 6 Tampa BayCarney, Keith 1998 USA 4 0 0 0 2 AnaheimChelios, Chris 1984 USA 6 0 4 4 8 DetroitChelios, Chris 1998 USA 4 2 0 2 2 Detroit

S Chelios, Chris 2002 USA 6 1 0 1 4 DetroitCzerkawski, Mariusz 1992 POL 5 0 1 1 4 Toronto

B Datsyuk, Pavel 2002 RUS 6 1 2 3 0 DetroitDemitra, Pavol 2002 SVK 2 1 2 3 2 Los AngelesDesjardins, Eric 1998 CAN 6 0 0 0 2 Philadelphia

S Drury, Chris 2002 USA 6 0 0 0 0 BuffaloDvorak, Radek 2002 CZE 4 0 0 0 0 EdmontonEhrhoff, Christian 2002 GER 7 0 0 0 8 San JoseElias, Patrik 2002 CZE 4 1 1 2 0 New Jersey

S Fedorov, Sergei 1998 RUS 6 1 5 6 8 ColumbusB Fedorov, Sergei 2002 RUS 6 2 2 4 4 Columbus

Fedotenko, Ruslan 2002 UKR 1 1 0 1 4 Tampa BayFoote, Adam 1998 CAN 6 0 1 1 4 Columbus

G Foote, Adam 2002 CAN 6 1 0 1 2 ColumbusG Forsberg, Peter 1994 SWE 8 2 6 8 6 Philadelphia

Forsberg, Peter 1998 SWE 4 1 4 5 6 PhiladelphiaG Gagne, Simon 2002 CAN 6 1 3 4 0 PhiladelphiaS Gonchar, Sergei 1998 RUS 6 0 2 2 0 PittsburghB Gonchar, Sergei 2002 RUS 6 0 0 0 2 Pittsburgh

Guerin, Bill 1998 USA 4 0 3 3 2 DallasS Guerin, Bill 2002 USA 6 4 0 4 4 Dallas

Hagman, Niklas 2002 FIN 4 1 2 3 0 DallasG Hamrlik, Roman 1998 CZE 6 1 0 1 2 Calgary

Hamrlik, Roman 2002 CZE 4 0 1 1 2 CalgaryHandzus, Michal 2002 SVK 2 1 0 1 6 PhiladelphiaHatcher, Derian 1998 USA 4 0 0 0 0 PhiladelphiaHavlat, Martin 2002 CZE 4 3 1 4 27 OttawaHecht, Jochen 1998 GER 4 1 0 1 6 BuffaloHecht, Jochen 2002 GER 4 1 1 2 2 BuffaloHedican, Bret 1992 USA 8 0 0 0 4 Carolina

G Hejduk, Milan 1998 CZE 4 0 0 0 2 ColoradoHejduk, Milan 2002 CZE 4 1 0 1 0 ColoradoHill, Sean 1992 USA 8 2 0 2 6 FloridaHohener, Martin 2002 SUI 4 0 0 0 0 NashvilleHossa, Marian 2002 SVK 2 4 2 6 0 AtlantaHrdina, Jan 2002 CZE 4 0 0 0 0 Columbus

G Iginla, Jarome 2002 CAN 6 3 1 4 0 CalgaryG Jagr, Jaromir 1998 CZE 6 1 4 5 2 NY Rangers

Jagr, Jaromir 2002 CZE 4 2 3 5 4 NY RangersS Johnson, Greg 1994 CAN 8 0 3 3 0 Nashville

Johnsson, Kim 2002 SWE 4 1 1 2 0 PhiladelphiaJokinen, Olli 2002 FIN 4 2 1 3 0 Florida

G Jovanovski, Ed 2002 CAN 6 0 3 3 4 VancouverKaberle, Tomas 2002 CZE 4 0 1 1 2 Toronto

B Kapanen, Sami 1994 FIN 8 1 0 1 2 PhiladelphiaB Kapanen, Sami 1998 FIN 6 0 1 1 0 Philadelphia

Kapanen, Sami 2002 FIN 4 1 2 3 4 PhiladelphiaS Kariya, Paul 1994 CAN 8 3 4 7 2 Nashville

G Kariya, Paul 2002 CAN 6 3 1 4 0 NashvilleG Kasparaitis, Darius 1992 RUS 8 0 2 2 2 NY RangersS Kasparaitis, Darius 1998 RUS 6 0 2 2 6 NY RangersB Kasparaitis, Darius 2002 RUS 6 1 0 1 4 NY RangersB Koivu, Saku 1994 FIN 8 4 3 7 12 MontrealB Koivu, Saku 1998 FIN 6 2 8 10 4 Montreal

Koltsov, Konstantin 2002 BLR 2 0 0 0 0 PittsburghB Kovalchuk, Ilya 2002 RUS 6 1 2 3 14 AtlantaG Kovalev, Alex 1992 RUS 8 1 2 3 14 MontrealB Kovalev, Alex 2002 RUS 6 3 1 4 4 Montreal

Kubina, Pavel 2002 CZE 4 0 1 1 0 Tampa BayB Kvasha, Oleg 2002 RUS 5 0 0 0 0 NY IslandersB Lang, Robert 1992 TCH 8 5 8 13 8 DetroitG Lang, Robert 1998 CZE 6 0 3 3 0 Detroit

Lang, Robert 2002 CZE 4 1 2 3 2 DetroitLangenbrunner, Jamie 1998 USA 3 0 0 0 4 New JerseyLeClair, John 1998 USA 4 0 1 1 0 Pittsburgh

S LeClair, John 2002 USA 6 6 1 7 2 PittsburghLeetch, Brian 1988 USA 6 1 5 6 4 BostonLeetch, Brian 1998 USA 4 1 1 2 0 Boston

S Leetch, Brian 2002 USA 6 0 5 5 0 BostonB Lehtinen, Jere 1994 FIN 8 3 0 3 0 DallasB Lehtinen, Jere 1998 FIN 6 4 2 6 2 Dallas

Lehtinen, Jere 2002 FIN 4 1 2 3 2 DallasG Lemieux, Mario 2002 CAN 5 2 4 6 0 Pittsburgh

Lidstrom, Nicklas 1998 SWE 4 1 1 2 2 DetroitLidstrom, Nicklas 2002 SWE 4 1 5 6 0 DetroitLinden, Trevor 1998 CAN 6 1 0 1 10 VAN.

S Lindros, Eric 1992 CAN 8 5 6 11 5 TorontoLindros, Eric 1998 CAN 6 2 3 5 2 Toronto

G Lindros, Eric 2002 CAN 6 1 0 1 8 TorontoMajesky, Ivan 2002 SVK 4 0 1 1 4 Washington

G Malakhov, Vladimir 1992 RUS 8 3 0 3 4 New JerseyB Malakhov, Vladimir 2002 RUS 6 1 3 4 4 New Jersey

Marchant, Todd 1994 USA 8 1 1 2 6 AnaheimB Markov, Danny 2002 RUS 5 0 1 1 0 Nashville

McEachern, Shawn 1992 USA 8 1 0 1 10 BostonS Miller, Aaron 2002 USA 6 0 0 0 4 Los Angeles

Modano, Mike 1998 USA 4 2 0 2 0 DallasS Modano, Mike 2002 USA 6 0 6 6 4 DallasG Mogilny, Alexander 1988 USSR 6 3 2 5 2 New JerseyS Morozov, Aleksey 1998 RUS 6 2 2 4 0 Pittsburgh

Naslund, Markus 2002 SWE 4 2 1 3 0 VancouverS Nedved, Petr 1994 CAN 8 5 1 6 6 PhoenixG Niedermayer, Scott 2002 CAN 6 1 1 2 4 Anaheim

Nieminen, Ville 2002 FIN 4 0 1 1 2 NY RangersNieuwendyk, Joe 1998 CAN 6 2 3 5 2 Florida

G Nieuwendyk, Joe 2002 CAN 6 1 1 2 0 FloridaB Niinimaa, Janne 1998 FIN 6 0 3 3 8 Dallas

Niinimaa, Janne 2002 FIN 4 0 3 3 2 DallasNorstrom, Mattias 1998 SWE 4 0 1 1 2 Los AngelesNorstrom, Mattias 2002 SWE 4 0 0 0 0 Los Angeles

S Numminen, Teppo 1988 FIN 6 1 4 5 0 BuffaloB Numminen, Teppo 1998 FIN 6 1 1 2 2 Buffalo

Numminen, Teppo 2002 FIN 4 0 1 1 0 BuffaloNylander, Michael 1998 SWE 4 0 0 0 6 NY RangersNylander, Michael 2002 SWE 4 1 2 3 0 NY RangersOhlund, Mattias 1998 SWE 4 0 1 1 4 VancouverOhlund, Mattias 2002 SWE 4 0 2 2 2 VancouverOzolinsh, Sandis 2002 LAT 1 0 4 4 0 Anaheim

G Peca, Michael 2002 CAN 6 0 2 2 2 EdmontonPonikarovsky, Alexei 2002 UKR 4 1 1 2 6 Toronto

S Poti, Tom 2002 USA 6 0 1 1 4 NY RangersPrimeau, Keith 1998 CAN 6 2 1 3 4 PhiladelphiaPronger, Chris 1998 CAN 6 0 0 0 4 Edmonton

G Pronger, Chris 2002 CAN 6 0 1 1 2 EdmontonS Rafalski, Brian 2002 USA 6 1 2 3 2 New Jersey

Recchi, Mark 1998 CAN 5 0 2 2 0 PittsburghRoenick, Jeremy 1998 USA 4 0 1 1 6 Los Angeles

S Roenick, Jeremy 2002 USA 6 1 4 5 2 Los Angeles

OLYMPIC SCORING, ACTIVE NHL PLAYERS

32

Medal Name Year Team GP G A Pts PIM 2005-06 Club Medal Name Year Team GP G A Pts PIM 2005-06 Club

Rolston, Brian 1994 USA 8 7 0 7 8 MinnesotaS Rolston, Brian 2002 USA 6 0 3 3 0 MinnesotaG Rucinsky, Martin 1998 CZE 6 3 1 4 4 NY Rangers

Rucinsky, Martin 2002 CZE 4 0 3 3 2 NY RangersRuutu, Jarkko 2002 FIN 4 0 0 0 4 VancouverSakic, Joe 1998 CAN 4 1 2 3 4 Colorado

G Sakic, Joe 2002 CAN 6 4 3 7 0 ColoradoSalei, Ruslan 1998 BLR 7 1 0 1 4 AnaheimSalei, Ruslan 2002 BLR 6 2 1 3 4 AnaheimSalo, Sami 2002 FIN 4 0 0 0 0 Vancouver

B Samsonov, Sergei 2002 RUS 6 1 2 3 4 BostonSatan, Miroslav 1994 SVK 8 9 0 9 0 NY IslandersSatan, Miroslav 2002 SVK 2 0 1 1 0 NY Islanders

S Savage, Brian 1994 CAN 8 2 2 4 6 PhiladelphiaSchneider, Mathieu 1998 USA 4 0 0 0 6 DetroitSchubert, Christoph 2002 GER 7 0 1 1 6 OttawaSeidenberg, Dennis 2002 GER 7 1 1 2 8 PhiladelphiaSelanne, Teemu 1992 FIN 8 7 4 11 6 Anaheim

B Selanne, Teemu 1998 FIN 5 4 6 10 8 AnaheimSelanne, Teemu 2002 FIN 4 3 0 3 2 AnaheimShanahan, Brendan 1998 CAN 6 2 0 2 0 Detroit

G Shanahan, Brendan 2002 CAN 6 0 1 1 0 DetroitSkoula, Martin 2002 CZE 4 0 0 0 0 DallasSkrastins, Karlis 2002 LAT 1 0 0 0 0 Colorado

B Slegr, Jiri 1992 TCH 8 1 1 2 14 BostonG Slegr, Jiri 1998 CZE 6 1 0 1 8 BostonG Smyth, Ryan 2002 CAN 6 0 1 1 0 EdmontonG Spacek, Jaroslav 1998 CZE 6 0 0 0 4 Chicago

Spacek, Jaroslav 2002 CZE 4 0 0 0 0 ChicagoG Straka, Martin 1998 CZE 6 1 2 3 0 NY Rangers

Stumpel, Jozef 2002 SVK 2 2 1 3 0 FloridaSturm, Marco 1998 GER 2 0 0 0 0 BostonSturm, Marco 2002 GER 5 0 1 1 0 BostonSundin, Mats 1998 SWE 4 3 0 3 4 TorontoSundin, Mats 2002 SWE 4 5 4 9 10 TorontoSundstrom, Niklas 1998 SWE 4 1 1 2 2 MontrealSundstrom, Niklas 2002 SWE 4 1 3 4 0 MontrealSykora, Petr 2002 CZE 4 1 0 1 0 NY Rangers

S Therien, Chris 1994 CAN 4 0 0 0 4 PhiladelphiaB Timonen, Kimmo 1998 FIN 6 0 1 1 2 Nashville

Timonen, Kimmo 2002 FIN 4 0 1 1 2 NashvilleTkachuk, Keith 1992 USA 8 1 1 2 12 St. LouisTkachuk, Keith 1998 USA 4 0 2 2 6 St. Louis

S Tkachuk, Keith 2002 USA 5 2 0 2 2 St. LouisB Tverdovsky, Oleg 2002 RUS 6 1 1 2 0 Carolina

Vaananen, Ossi 2002 FIN 2 0 1 1 0 ColoradoVisnovsky, Lubomir 2002 SVK 3 1 2 3 0 Los AngelesWeight, Doug 1998 USA 4 0 2 2 2 St. Louis

S Weight, Doug 2002 USA 6 0 3 3 4 St. LouisWeinrich, Eric 1988 USA 3 0 0 0 0 St. Louis

S Woolley, Jason 1992 CAN 8 0 5 5 4 DetroitS Yashin, Alexei 1998 RUS 6 3 3 6 0 NY IslandersB Yashin, Alexei 2002 RUS 6 1 1 2 0 NY IslandersS York, Mike 2002 USA 6 0 1 1 0 NY Islanders

Young, Scott 1988 USA 6 2 6 8 4 St. LouisYoung, Scott 1992 USA 8 2 1 3 2 St. Louis

S Young, Scott 2002 USA 6 4 0 4 2 St. LouisYzerman, Steve 1998 CAN 6 1 1 2 10 Detroit

G Yzerman, Steve 2002 CAN 6 2 4 6 2 DetroitZetterberg, Henrik 2002 SWE 4 0 1 1 0 Detroit

G Zhamnov, Alex 1992 RUS 8 0 3 3 8 BostonS Zhamnov, Alex 1998 RUS 6 2 1 3 2 BostonB Zhamnov, Alex 2002 RUS 6 1 0 1 4 BostonG Zhitnik, Alexei 1992 RUS 8 1 0 1 0 NY IslandersS Zhitnik, Alexei 1998 RUS 6 0 2 2 2 NY IslandersG Zubov, Sergei 1992 RUS 8 0 1 1 0 Dallas

Olympic Results, Active NHL GoaltendersMedal Name Year Team GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg 2005-06 Club

Aebischer, David 2002 SUI 2 1 0 0 81 6 0 4.43 ColoradoG Belfour, Ed 2002 CAN Did not play – Spare Goaltender Toronto

Brodeur, Martin 1998 CAN Did not play – Spare Goaltender New JerseyG Brodeur, Martin 2002 CAN 5 4 0 1 300 9 0 1.80 New JerseyB Bryzgalov, Ilya 2002 RUS Did not play – Spare Goaltender Anaheim

Burke, Sean 1988 CAN 4 1 2 1 238 12 0 3.02 Tampa BayS Burke, Sean 1992 CAN 7 5 2 0 429 17 0 2.37 Tampa Bay

Divis, Reinhard 2002 AUT 4 1 1 2 238 12 0 3.02 St. LouisDunham, Mike 1992 USA Did not play – Spare Goaltender AtlantaDunham, Mike 1994 USA 3 0 1 2 180 15 0 5.00 Atlanta

S Dunham, Mike 2002 USA 1 1 0 0 60 0 1 0.00 AtlantaGerber, Martin 2002 SUI 3 1 1 1 158 4 0 1.52 CarolinaHasek, Dominik 1988 TCH 5 3 2 0 217 18 1 4.98 Ottawa

G Hasek, Dominik 1998 CZE 6 5 1 0 369 6 2 0.97 OttawaHasek, Dominik 2002 CZE 4 1 2 1 239 8 0 2.01 OttawaHedberg, Johan 1998 SWE Did not play – Spare Goaltender DallasHedberg, Johan 2002 SWE 1 1 0 0 60 1 0 1.00 DallasHuet, Cristobal 1998 FRA 2 1 1 0 120 5 0 2.50 MontrealHuet, Cristobal 2002 FRA 3 0 2 1 179 10 0 3.36 MontrealJoseph, Curtis 1998 CAN Did not play – Spare Goaltender Phoenix

G Joseph, Curtis 2002 CAN 1 0 1 0 60 5 0 5.00 PhoenixG Khabibulin, Nikolai 1992 RUS Did not play – Spare Goaltender ChicagoB Khabibulin, Nikolai 2002 RUS 6 3 2 1 359 14 1 2.34 Chicago

Kolzig, Olaf 1998 GER 2 2 0 0 120 2 1 1.00 WashingtonS Legace, Manny 1994 CAN Did not play – Spare Goaltender Detroit

Markkanen, Jussi 2002 FIN Did not play – Spare Goaltender EdmontonSnow, Garth 1994 USA 5 1 3 1 299 17 0 3.41 NY IslandersStana, Rastislav 2002 SVK 1 1 0 0 60 1 0 1.00 WashingtonTellqvist, Mikael 2002 SWE Did not play – Spare Goaltender Toronto

Olympic Scoring and Goaltending, Active NHL Players

33

Medal Name Year Team GP G A Pts PIM 2005-06 Club

PLAYERS ON CURRENT NHL ROSTERS

PARTICIPATING AT 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS(as of January 20, 2006 • Does not include designated reserves)

Olympic Team NHL CLUB CAN USA CZE FIN RUS SWE SVK GER SUI KAZ LAT ITA TOTAL

Anaheim 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 5Atlanta 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 4Boston 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 4Buffalo 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5Calgary 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3Carolina 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3Chicago 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2Colorado 2 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 11Columbus 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4Dallas 1 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7Detroit 1 2 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 9Edmonton 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3Florida 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4Los Angeles 0 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 6Minnesota 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4Montreal 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 6Nashville 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5New Jersey 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5NY Islanders 0 3 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 6NY Rangers 0 0 5 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 9Ottawa 2 0 1 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 8Philadelphia 1 3 0 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 10Phoenix 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3Pittsburgh 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1St. Louis 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4San Jose 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 4Tampa Bay 3 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7Toronto 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 5Vancouver 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 8Washington 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3

Total 23 23 22 20 19 19 18 7 3 2 2 0 158

NHL PLAYERS AT THE 2006 OLYMPICS

34

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (5): Scott Niedermayer (CAN);Teemu Selanne (FIN); Sandis Ozolinsh (LAT); Ilya Bryzgalov(RUS); Samuel Pahlsson (SWE).

Atlanta Thrashers (4): Kari Lehtonen (FIN); Ilya Kovalchuk(RUS); Peter Bondra and Marian Hossa (SVK).

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); MartinGerber (SUI); Erik Cole (USA).

Chicago Blackhawks (2): Jaroslav Spacek (CZE); NikolaiKhabibulin (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), DavidAebischer (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, NikoKapanen, Jere Lehtinen and Antti Miettinen (FIN); BillGuerin and Mike Modano (USA).

Detroit Red Wings (9): Kris Draper (CAN); Robert Lang (CZE);Pavel Datsyuk (RUS); Niklas Kronwall; Nicklas Lidstrom;Mikael Samuelsson and Henrik Zetterberg (SWE); ChrisChelios and Mathieu Schneider (USA).

Edmonton Oilers (3): Chris Pronger and Ryan Smyth (CAN);Ales Hemsky (CZE).

Florida Panthers (4): Roberto Luongo (CAN); Rostislav Olesz(CZE), Olli Jokinen (FIN); Jozef Stumpel (SVK).

Los Angeles Kings (6): Alexander Frolov (RUS); Pavol Demitraand 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).

Montreal Canadiens (6): Jan Bulis (CZE); Saku Koivu (FIN);Alexei Kovalev and Andrei Markov (RUS); Mark Streit (SUI);Richard Zednik (SVK).

Nashville Predators (5): Martin Erat, Tomas Vokoun and Marek Zidlicky (CZE); Kimmo Timonen (FIN);Danny Markov (RUS).

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 MarkParrish (USA).

NY Rangers (9): Jaromir Jagr, Marek Malik, Petr Prucha, MartinRucinsky and Martin Straka (CZE); Darius Kasparaitis andFedor Tyutin (RUS); Marcel Hossa (SVK); Henrik Lundqvist(SWE).

Ottawa Senators (8): Dany Heatley and Wade Redden (CAN);Dominik Hasek (CZE); Christoph Schubert (GER); AntonVolchenkov (RUS); Zdeno Chara and Andrej Meszaros (SVK);Daniel Alfredsson (SWE).

Philadelphia Flyers (10): Simon Gagne (CAN); Sami KapanenAntero Niittymaki and Joni Pitkanen (FIN); Michal Handzus(SVK); Peter Forsberg and Kim Johnsson (SWE); RobertEsche, Derian Hatcher and Mike Knuble (USA).

Phoenix Coyotes (2): Shane Doan (CAN); Dennis Seidenberg(GER); Ladislav Nagy (SVK).

Pittsburgh Penguins (1): Sergei Gonchar (RUS).

St. Louis Blues (4): Petr Cajanek (CZE); Christian Backman(SWE); Keith Tkachuk and Doug Weight (USA).

San Jose Sharks (4): Joe Thornton (CAN); Christian Ehrhoffand Marcel Goc (GER); Evgeni Nabokov (RUS).

Tampa Bay Lightning (7): Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richardsand Martin St. Louis (CAN); Pavel Kubina and Vaclav Prospal(CZE); Fredrik Modin (SWE); John Grahame (USA).

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); AlexanderOvechkin (RUS); Ivan Majesky (SVK).

35

PLAYERS AT 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS

BY NHL CLUB(as of January 20, 2006)

36

CANADA • NHL SKATERS & GOALTENDERS

NHL SKATERS BORN IN CANADA SEASON-BY-SEASON, BY PROVINCE, 1974-75 TO 2003-04ALTA. B.C. MAN. N.B. NFLD. N.S. ONT. PEI QUE. SASK. Y/NWT TOTAL

1974-75 32 22 28 4 2 4 193 5 72 45 1 4081975-76 28 25 28 4 1 2 196 5 68 40 …. 3971976-77 28 28 26 5 1 3 199 5 62 44 1 4021977-78 31 24 26 6 1 6 196 4 68 41 …. 4031978-79 30 29 25 4 …. 7 183 4 60 38 …. 3801979-80 47 32 33 4 3 7 218 7 84 53 2 4901980-81 52 35 32 3 2 6 211 4 70 43 1 4591981-82 54 37 28 5 2 8 233 3 77 47 …. 4941982-83 60 37 23 5 3 8 233 3 69 45 …. 4861983-84 57 44 27 3 3 10 233 5 61 47 …. 4901984-85 52 45 22 3 2 7 215 4 61 44 …. 4551985-86 61 50 23 3 2 6 213 2 60 48 …. 4681986-87 59 50 23 6 1 5 215 2 62 49 …. 4721987-88 69 52 19 6 2 5 233 4 71 54 …. 5151988-89 66 54 20 5 1 5 214 3 74 52 …. 4941989-90 62 50 18 4 1 5 206 4 78 51 …. 4791990-91 63 44 19 5 1 4 208 3 85 45 1 4781991-92 67 46 23 5 1 5 207 2 86 49 1 4921992-93 63 43 18 6 2 5 189 2 86 49 1 4641993-94 79 55 18 6 4 4 200 2 90 45 1 5041994-95 61 53 15 4 4 6 180 1 89 43 2 4581995-96 67 57 18 4 3 4 196 …. 83 41 2 4751996-97 67 53 20 3 5 5 201 …. 84 36 1 4751997-98 78 51 19 4 5 6 186 …. 82 33 1 4651998-99 83 57 16 4 5 6 188 …. 90 40 1 4901999-00 87 55 14 4 5 5 174 …. 86 40 1 4712000-01 79 48 21 3 4 8 181 1 92 45 1 4832001-02 84 55 21 4 5 13 201 1 92 50 1 5272002-03 95 49 20 5 9 13 215 2 91 51 1 5512003-04 97 58 22 5 10 14 202 3 80 56 2 549

NHL GOALTENDERS BORN IN CANADA SEASON-BY-SEASON, BY PROVINCE, 1974-75 TO 2003-04ALTA. B.C. MAN. N.B. NFLD. N.S. ONT. PEI QUE. SASK. Y/NWT TOTAL

1974-75 2 2 2 …. 1 …. 24 1 17 1 …. 501975-76 4 2 2 …. 1 …. 21 1 18 3 …. 521976-77 1 2 2 …. 1 …. 25 1 18 2 …. 521977-78 2 2 3 …. 1 …. 24 1 15 2 …. 501978-79 5 2 1 …. 1 …. 21 …. 17 3 …. 501979-80 6 1 3 …. 1 …. 27 …. 21 2 …. 611980-81 4 3 4 1 …. …. 28 …. 20 4 …. 641981-82 4 1 3 1 …. …. 29 …. 19 3 …. 601982-83 5 1 2 1 …. 1 33 …. 17 3 …. 631983-84 7 2 3 1 …. …. 28 …. 16 3 …. 601984-85 5 4 4 1 …. …. 26 …. 15 2 …. 571985-86 7 2 4 1 …. 1 28 …. 15 2 …. 601986-87 6 1 6 1 …. 3 26 …. 12 1 …. 561987-88 6 2 5 1 …. 2 27 …. 13 …. …. 561988-89 6 1 5 1 …. 3 31 …. 11 1 …. 591989-90 5 1 5 …. …. 2 27 …. 14 2 …. 561990-91 7 4 6 1 …. 3 27 …. 12 2 …. 621991-92 5 4 5 1 …. 2 24 …. 16 1 …. 581992-93 5 3 4 1 …. 1 22 …. 17 2 …. 551993-94 6 1 5 1 …. 2 24 …. 20 1 …. 601994-95 7 3 5 …. …. 1 20 …. 10 2 …. 481995-96 11 3 6 …. …. …. 22 …. 13 3 …. 581996-97 9 2 6 …. …. …. 19 …. 15 3 …. 541997-98 8 2 6 …. …. …. 23 …. 12 1 …. 521998-99 9 1 6 …. …. …. 27 …. 18 1 …. 621999-00 6 1 6 …. …. …. 26 …. 18 2 …. 592000-01 6 3 2 …. …. …. 23 …. 18 1 …. 532001-02 4 1 2 …. …. …. 20 …. 23 2 …. 522002-03 6 1 3 …. …. …. 24 …. 18 2 …. 542003-04 6 3 2 …. …. …. 22 …. 22 2 …. 57

37

CANADA • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAMSkaters

HEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006POS. PLAYER SHOOTS FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP G A PTS PIM +/–

ForwardsRW 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

LW NASH, Rick 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

LW SMYTH, Ryan 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. 6/18/1975 Tampa Bay 41 15 17 32 26 2

C STAAL, Eric § L 6’3” 191 200 91 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

Defensemen

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 § 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 91 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 93 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

GoaltendersHEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006

GOALTENDER CATCHES FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP W L T MINS. GA SO AVG.

G BRODEUR, Martin L 6’2” 188 210 95 Montreal, Que. 5/6/1972 New Jersey 35 18 14 3 2094 97 2 2.78

G LUONGO, Roberto L 6’3” 191 205 93 Montreal, Que. 4/3/1975 Florida 36 21 11 2 2041 86 3 2.53

G TURCO, Marty L 5’11” 180 183 83 Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. 8/13/1975 Dallas 43 18 18 6 2411 120 2 2.99

CANADA2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER

§ – reserve player

Managers and CoachesExecutive Director.......................Wayne GRETZKYAssistant Executive Director........Kevin LOWEDirector of Player Personnel .......Steve TAMBELLINIHead Coach.................................Pat QUINNAssociate Coach ..........................Wayne FLEMINGAssociate Coach ..........................Marc HABSCHEIDAssociate Coach ..........................Ken HITCHCOCKAssociate Coach ..........................Jacques MARTIN

38

THE GAME OF HOCKEY WAS BORN IN CANADA. Conflicting claims sur-round the origins of the game, but it is generally acceptedthat antecedents of hockey were first placed in Nova Scotia

and later in various garrison towns such as Kingston, Ontario.Therules of the sport were first codified in Montreal, and a hockeygame first was advertised in the Montreal Gazette in 1875. By theearly 1890s, the game had taken root throughout the youngcountry.

In 1893, Canada’s Governor-General, Lord Stanley of Preston,donated a silver bowl to be awarded to the top senior amateurteam in the country. The Stanley Cup helped to encourage thegrowth of the game in every part of Canada.

Openly professional players began competing for the StanleyCup in the first decade of the 20th century. Accounts of theexploits of storied teams such as the Ottawa Silver Seven,Montreal Wanderers and Kenora Thistles filled newspapers of theday. The National Hockey Association was formed in 1910, and in1917 it was reorganized as the NHL. At first, the NHL faced com-petition for the Stanley Cup from the rival Pacific Coast HockeyAssociation and Western Hockey League, but by the end of its first decade, it stood alone as the game’s number one professional circuit.

As hockey in Canada became increasingly professionalized, theAllan Cup was donated in 1908 to honor Canada’s senior amateurchampions. In 1914, the Canadian Amateur Hockey Associationwas created and in 1920 the CAHA was accepted by theInternational Ice Hockey Federation as Canada’s representative ininternational hockey. Canada competed at the 1920 Olympics inAntwerp, Belgium, and was represented by the Allan Cup-cham-pion 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 Olympicsin 1924.

By using top amateur club teams, Canada was able to remainthe dominant nation in international hockey until 1954.That year,the Senior B East York Lyndhursts were defeated by the Sovietnational team when the USSR made its debut at the WorldChampionships. Senior clubs continued to carry Canada’s colorsinto the early 1960s, with teams like the Penticton Vees andWhitby Dunlops still able to defeat the Soviets. However, the TrailSmoke Eaters would prove to be the last Canadian amateur clubto win the World Championship when they captured the title in1961. From 1964 to 1969, Canada was represented international-ly 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 theSoviet Union. From that point on, professional players began toparticipate more and more in international events.

Hockey Canada (created in 1969) has operated successfulnational junior and national/Olympic team programs. Canada haswon 12 World Junior Championships since 1982, and took gold at

the 2003 World Junior Under-18 Championships. Canadian teamsalso earned silver medals at the Olympics in 1992 and 1994, plusgold in 2002, and won World Championship titles in 1994, 1997,2003 and 2004. These recent back-to-back titles mark the firsttime Canada has won consecutive World Championships since1958 and 1959.At the World Juniors, Canada won five consecutivegold medals from 1993 to 1997, and is the only country to earn amedal (two golds, four silvers, two bronze) at each of the lasteight tournaments, including back-to-back gold medals in 2005and 2006.

Hockey Canada has also supported the development ofwomen’s hockey and has operated a national women’s team thathas won eight gold medals at the IIHF Women’s WorldChampionships. The Canadian team finished second behind theUnited States when women’s hockey made its Olympic debut atNagano in 1998, but avenged that loss with a 3–2 win over theAmericans in the gold medal game at the 2002 Salt Lake CityWinter Olympics. Canadian men finally ended a lengthy golddrought with a 5–2 win over the USA in Salt Lake City, 50 years tothe day after the Edmonton Mercurys won Canada’s last Olympicgold medal in hockey in Oslo, Norway in 1952.

HOCKEY IN CANADA

Hockey Today in Canada

THERE ARE SIX CANADIAN TEAMS in the NationalHockey League: Calgary Flames, Edmonton

Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators,Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks.Three Canadian cities are also represented in the27-team American Hockey League, the NHL’s topdevelopmental league. In the three major juniorleagues that make up the Canadian HockeyLeague—the Ontario Hockey League, theQuebec Major Junior Hockey League and theWestern Hockey League—49 of the current 58teams are based in Canada. Many Canadianhockey players are members of teams all acrossEurope, and players from these European teamsare selected annually to compete in the SpenglerCup. Canadian Hockey, formerly the CanadianAmateur Hockey Association, oversees Canadianminor hockey. More than 4.5 million Canadiansare involved in minor hockey in some capacity,with more than 1.5 million games and 2 millionpractices held each year in Canada in more than2,500 arenas across the country.

0 500 1000 KM

0 500 1000 Mi

OTTAWA ON

ROBYN REGEHR

RECIFE BRAZIL

DANY HEATLEY

FREIBURG W. GERMANY

MARTIN ST. LOUISLAVAL QCMARTY TURCO

SAULT STE. MARIE ON

TODD BERTUZZISUDBURY ON

RICK NASHBRAMPTON ON

MARTIN BRODEURROBERTO LUONGO

MONTREAL QC

SIMON GAGNESTE-FOY QC

BRAD RICHARDSMURRAY HARBOUR PEI

JOE SAKICBURNABY BC

RYAN SMYTHBANFF AB

JAROME IGINLASCOTT NIEDERMAYER

EDMONTON ABWADE REDDEN

LLOYDMINSTER SK

SHANE DOANHALKIRK AB

CHRIS PRONGERDRYDEN ON

ERIC STAALTHUNDER BAY ON

VINCENT LECAVALIERILE BIZARD QC

KRIS DRAPERADAM FOOTETORONTO ON

BRYAN MCCABEST. CATHARINES ON

ROB BLAKESIMCOE ON

JASON SPEZZAMISSISSAUGA ON

ED JOVANOVSKIWINDSOR ON

JOE THORNTONLONDON ON

CANADA

CANADA

NorthPacificOcean

NorthAtlanticOcean

United States

UnitedStates

(Alaska)

Russia GreenlandArctic Ocean

CANADA

CANADA

Population32,805,041

Registered Players543,390 male

62,640 female

Canadians on NHL teams at start of 2005-06371

CANADIAN PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON650

600

550

500

450

400

350

300

73-7

44

02

74-7

54

58

75-7

64

49

76-7

74

54

77-7

84

53

78-7

94

30

79-8

05

51

80-8

15

23

81-8

25

54

82-8

35

49

83-8

45

50

84-8

55

12

85-8

65

28

86-8

75

28

87-8

85

71

88-8

95

53

89-9

05

35

90-9

15

40

91-9

25

50

92-9

35

19

93-9

45

64

94-9

55

06

95-9

65

33

96-9

75

29

97-9

85

17

98-9

95

52

99-0

05

30

00-0

15

36

01-0

25

79

02-0

36

05

03-0

46

06

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

Toronto ON area 436

Montreal QC area 317

Winnipeg MB area 185

Edmonton AB area 171

Ottawa ON-Hull QC 163

Calgary AB 90

Thunder Bay ON* 88

Regina SK 75

Sudbury ON 73

Vancouver BC 72

ALL-TIME TOP TEN

BIRTHPLACES CANADIAN

NHL PLAYERS

39

40

CZECH REPUBLIC • NHL SKATERS & GOALTENDERS

NHL SKATERSBORN IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA

SEASON-BY-SEASON1974-75 TO 2003-04

Includes players now eligible to competefor Czech Republic or Slovakia.

1974-75 11975-76 11976-77 11977-78 21978-79 2

1979-80 21980-81 51981-82 91982-83 141983-84 10

1984-85 131985-86 111986-87 121987-88 121988-89 17

1989-90 131990-91 211991-92 241992-93 281993-94 37

1994-95 351995-96 431996-97 421997-98 491998-99 61

1999-00 702000-01 952001-02 1112002-03 1142003-04 119

NHL GOALTENDERSBORN IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA

SEASON-BY-SEASON1974-75 TO 2003-04

Includes players now eligible to competefor Czech Republic or Slovakia.

1974-75 ….1975-76 ….1976-77 ….1977-78 ….1978-79 ….

1979-80 11980-81 11981-82 ….1982-83 ….1983-84 ….

1984-85 ….1985-86 ….1986-87 ….1987-88 ….1988-89 ….

1989-90 ….1990-91 11991-92 11992-93 11993-94 1

1994-95 11995-96 11996-97 31997-98 21998-99 3

1999-00 42000-01 52001-02 72002-03 62003-04 7

41

CZECH REPUBLIC • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAMSkaters

HEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006POS. PLAYER SHOOTS FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP G A PTS PIM +/–

ForwardsC BULIS, Jan L 6’1” 185 208 94 Pardubice 3/18/1978 Montreal 37 7 11 18 28 -2

RW CAJANEK, Petr 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

RW PRUCHA, Petr R 5’10” 178 161 73 Chrudim 9/14/1982 NY Rangers 38 21 6 27 14 4

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

GoaltendersHEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006

GOALTENDER CATCHES FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP W L T MINS. GA SO AVG.

G HASEK, Dominik 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 9 3 1948 83 1 2.56

CZECH REPUBLIC2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER

Managers and CoachesGeneral Manager ...................Zbynek KUSYTeam Leader ..........................Martin URBANHead Coach ............................Alois HADAMCZIKAssistant Coach ......................Mojmir TRLICIKAssistant Coach ......................Ondrej WEISSMANN

✔

✔ - See Other Players section beginning on page 226.

42

THE GAME OF BANDY (field hockey on ice) was introduced toCzechoslovakia by Josef Rossler-Orovsky in 1890 when thecountry was known as Bohemia. Orovsky brought sticks

and a ball to Bohemia from Paris and translated rules that hadbeen brought into the country from England.When the game ofice hockey first was demonstrated in Prague in 1905 byCanadian Ruck Anderson, the country’s bandy background pro-vided players with a solid basis for the new game. As a result,hockey’s growth here occurred much sooner than in countrieslike Sweden and Finland, whose climates were better suited tothe game.

The spread of hockey in the future Czechoslovakia was large-ly due to the efforts of Josef Gruss, a professor at KarlovUniversity, who made the first translation of Canadian rules intoCzech. In the summer of 1908, Gruss began establishing the firsthockey clubs in Prague (I. CLTK, Slavia, AC Sparta, ASK and oth-ers) which led to the formation in principle of a Czech HockeyUnion on November 6, 1908. Because Gruss was well-connectedwith the founder of the organization that would become theInternational Ice Hockey Federation, Bohemia joined France asthe organization’s second member on November 15, 1908.(After Bohemia became Czechoslovakia following World War I, itwas readmitted to the IIHF under its new name on April 26,1920.)

The constituent meeting of the Czech Hockey Union actuallywas not held until December 11, 1908. Speed skating championJaroslav Potucek was elected as the first chairman of the icehockey union, which included 12 member clubs. An invitationwas extended to the Czech players to attend the upcominginaugural international hockey tournament in Chamonix andseven Prague players went to France with their bandy equip-ment. Although they lost all four games they played, the experi-ence proved invaluable. In 1911, the Bohemian national teamwon the European Championship. Their victory in 1912 wasannulled later due to a technicality, but Bohemia won again in1914.After World War I, the Czechoslovakian national team con-tinued to rank as one of the top squads in Europe, winning theEuropean 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 inau-gural game en route to representing Canada at the WorldChampionships in Poland. National championships, first held in1910, have been held regularly since 1936–37.

Czechoslovakian hockey continued to flourish after World WarII despite two tragic events. The Czechs had won the WorldChampionships with Canada absent in 1947, and tied theCanadian team at the 1948 Olympics before settling for the sil-ver medal, but five national team members were killed in aplane crash in November, 1948. Still, Czechoslovakia was able tobeat Canada to win the World Championships in 1949. The

Czechs would be denied a chance to repeat in 1950 when theentire team was arrested prior to the tournament amid accusa-tions the players planned to defect. The Soviet Union wouldemerge as a world power in 1954, but Czechoslovakia wouldcontinue to rank among the best teams in Europe.

After the fall of Communism, the Czech Republic succeededCzechoslovakia in the IIHF in 1993 and won the WorldChampionships in 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2005 as well asan Olympic gold medal in 1998.The Czech Republic also won theWorld Junior Championships in 2000 and 2001.

The most glorious moment in the Czech Republic’s hockeyhistory occurred at the Nagano Olympics in 1998 when a star-studded squad backstopped by goaltender Dominik Hasek wongold with a 2–1 shootout semifinal win against Canada and a1–0 gold-medal clinching victory against Russia. After themedal presentation a government aircraft carried the playersand coaches from Japan to Prague where Wenceslas Square wasjammed with chanting supporters eager to salute their champions.

HOCKEY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Hockey Today in the Czech RepublicTHE CZECH REPUBLIC EXTRALEAGUE is the country’s

top hockey circuit. It currently comprises 14teams playing a 52-game schedule.The top eightteams advance to the playoffs, where series arebest-of-seven. In a promotion/relegation round,the bottom team from the Extraleague plays aset of best-of-seven series against the top teamfrom the First League. Czech Hockey also featuresa Second League.The top older juniors (under 20)in the Czech Republic play in the JuniorExtraleague and Junior Liga.The top younger jun-iors (under 17) in the Czech Republic play in theJunior Extraleague (under 17) and Junior Liga(under 17).

0 50 100 KM

0 50 100 Mi

PRAGUE

JAN BULISDOMINIK HASEKALES HEMSKY

PARDUBICE

PAVEL KUBINACELADNA

FILIP KUBAMAREK MALIK

OSTRAVA

MARTIN ERATTREBIC

MARTIN STRAKAPLZEN

TOMAS KABERLERAKOVNIK

JAROSLAV SPACEKROKYCANY

MARTIN RUCINSKYMAREK ZIDLICKY

MOST

ROBERT LANGTEPLICE

MILAN HEJDUKUSTI-NAD-LABEM

JAROMIR JAGRFRANTISEK KABERLE

KLADNO

TOMAS VOKOUNKARLOVY VARY

ROSTISLAV OLESZBILOVEC

VACLAV PROSPALCESKE BUDEJOVICE

PETR PRUCHACHRUDIM

DAVID VYBORNYJIHLAVA

MILAN HNILICKALITOMERICE

PETR CAJANEKGOTTWALDOV

CZECH REPUBLIC

CZECH REPUBLIC

Germany Poland

Slovakia

AustriaHungary

Danube

CZECH REPUBLIC

CZECH REPUBLIC

Population10,241,138

Registered Players83,589 male

600 female

Czech RepublicPlayers on NHL teams at start of 2005-0652

CZECH PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON*

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

73-7

474

-75

75-7

676

-77

77-7

878

-79

79-8

080

-81

681

-82

982

-83

14

83-8

41

084

-85

13

85-8

61

186

-87

12

87-8

81

288

-89

17

89-9

01

390

-91

22

91-9

22

592

-93

29

93-9

43

894

-95

36

95-9

64

496

-97

45

97-9

85

198

-99

64

99-0

07

400

-01

10

001

-02

11

802

-03

12

003

-04

12

6

* Includes players elegible to compete for Czech Republic and Slovakia * Does not include cities/towns now located in Slovakia0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Most 11

Prague 11

Kladno 10

Pardubice 10

Gottwaldov/Zlin 7

Jihlava 7

Ostrava 7

Plzen 7

Ceske Budejovice 6

Brno 5

ALL-TIME TOP TEN

BIRTHPLACES*CZECH

NHL PLAYERS

43

44

FINLAND • NHL SKATERS & GOALTENDERS

NHL SKATERSBORN IN FINLAND

SEASON-BY-SEASON1974-75 TO 2003-04

1974-75 11975-76 11976-77 21977-78 11978-79 ….

1979-80 41980-81 41981-82 141982-83 121983-84 11

1984-85 161985-86 151986-87 171987-88 121988-89 17

1989-90 151990-91 101991-92 101992-93 101993-94 12

1994-95 131995-96 161996-97 181997-98 181998-99 18

1999-00 252000-01 312001-02 422002-03 382003-04 34

NHL GOALTENDERSBORN IN FINLAND

SEASON-BY-SEASON1974-75 TO 2003-04

1974-75 ….1975-76 ….1976-77 ….1977-78 ….1978-79 ….

1979-80 11980-81 21981-82 ….1982-83 11983-84 1

1984-85 11985-86 11986-87 11987-88 11988-89 2

1989-90 21990-91 21991-92 11992-93 ….1993-94 ….

1994-95 ….1995-96 ….1996-97 ….1997-98 ….1998-99 ….

1999-00 12000-01 32001-02 62002-03 62003-04 8

45

FINLAND • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAMSkaters

HEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006POS. PLAYER SHOOTS FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP G A PTS PIM +/–

ForwardsRW 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

C MIETTINEN, Antti R 5’11” 180 180 82 Hameenlinna 7/3/1980 Dallas 42 6 11 17 22 5

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

GoaltendersHEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006

GOALTENDER CATCHES FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP W L T MINS. GA SO AVG.

G LEHTONEN, Kari 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 L 6’0” 183 189 86 Pietarsaari 11/29/1973 Linköpings 30 .... .... .... 1834 63 4 2.06

FINLAND2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER

Managers and CoachesGeneral Manager ...................Jari KURRITeam Leader ..........................Timo JUTILAHead Coach ............................Erkka WESTERLUNDAssistant Coach ......................Hannu VIRTAAssistant Coach ......................Risto DUFVA

✔

✔

✔ - See Other Players section beginning on page 226.

46

THE FIRST ATTEMPT TO INTRODUCE HOCKEY to Finland was made byprofessor Leonard Borgstrom at the end of the 19th centu-ry.Training sessions were held in the early mornings in the

North Harbour area (Pohjoisranta) in Helsinki and were reportedby the press. Interest in the new sport waned, however, and thesecond coming of hockey to Finland did not occur until 1927under the instigation of the Finnish Skating Union.

Skaters long had been unhappy with bandy (field hockey onice) because the huge surface that this game required resultedin competition for ice time with speed skaters.The Finnish speedskating organization believed “Canadian” hockey could beplayed without interfering with their skating competitions. As aresult, hockey was added to the program of the Finnish SkatingUnion.The first club game was played in Tampere on January 15,1928. On February 10, 1928, Finland was admitted to the IIHFthrough the efforts of the skating union.

A year after the Finnish Skating Union had become involvedwith hockey, the country’s soccer union added hockey to its pro-gram in 1928, though the soccer union initially restricted its par-ticipation to organizing tournaments.The first national champi-onship was held in 1928 and won by Viipurin Reipas.The soccerunion also entered the international scene by inviting theSwedish champions (IK Gota of Stockholm) to play in Helsinki onJanuary 29, 1928. The game received widespread publicity andresulted in an 8–1 win for the Swedish team.

Recognizing the need for cooperation, representatives fromboth the Finnish Skating Union and the Finnish Soccer Unionformed the Finnish Ice Hockey Association on January 20, 1929.The new group organized an expanded national championshipand found resources to pay visiting Swedish coaches.

The lack of coaches in Finland limited the work of the newhockey association to the Helsinki-Tampere-Turku area duringthe 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 thenational team’s 0–5 record at its World Championship debut in1939 was accepted as a useful step in gaining experience andknowledge of the game. However, Finland soon was seen to belosing ground to the other European countries due to its inade-quate training facilities. Finland’s first artificial ice rink did notopen until November 22, 1955, in Tampere, but the country hadby that time experienced a great hockey boom because of thedevelopment of a top-notch hockey equipment manufacturingindustry.

By the 1960s, the Finnish national team arrived as a real forceat the international level. The Finns won their first medal (a sil-ver) at the European Championships in 1962, but their greatestsuccesses came at the junior level, winning a silver medal at theWorld Junior Championships in 1974 and gold at the EuropeanJunior Championships in 1978. In 1988, the Finnish national

team earned a silver medal at the Olympics and in 1992 they fin-ished in second place behind Sweden at the WorldChampionships. In 1995, Finland beat Sweden to win its firstWorld title.

The Finns have added bronze medals at the Olympics in 1994and 1998, as well as at four of the last six World JuniorChampionships (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006).Finland has earned sil-ver medals at the World Championships in 1999 and 2001.Therehave been gold medal victories at the World JuniorChampionships in 1998 and at the World Junior Under-18Championships in 1999 and 2000. Finland also reached the finalof the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

HOCKEY IN FINLAND

Hockey Today in Finland

THE TOP LEAGUE IN FINLAND, the SM-Liiga, wasfounded in 1975.There are 14 teams play-

ing a 56-game schedule in this league.The topten teams advance to the playoffs, which areplayed in a best-of-three format in the firstround, best-of-seven in the quarterfinals andbest-of- five in the semifinals and final.(Thereis also a one-game series to decide third placeamong the two losers in the semifinals).Thereis no promotion/relegation between SM-Liigaand Mestis, which is Finland’s Division 1.Division 2 is called Suomi-sarja.The top teamsin Division 2 have a chance to advance toDivision 1 for the next season. Lower divisionsare made up of regional leagues. Junior hock-ey is very well organized in Finland, with thecountry’s top junior players (under 21) playingin three divisions: SM-Liiga, Division 1 andDivision 2.Top players under 18 are referred toas Junior B and compete in four divisions;players under 16 are referred to as Junior Cand compete in two divisions.

0 75 150 KM

0 75 150 Mi

OLLI JOKINENKIMMO TIMONEN

KUOPIO

JONI PITKANENOULU

NIKO KAPANENANTTI MIETTINEN

HAMEENLINNA

TONI LYDMANLAHTI

SAMI KAPANENVILLE PELTONENJARKKO RUUTUOSSI VAANANEN

VANTAA

KARI LEHTONENTEEMU SELANNE

HELSINKI

JERE LEHTINENESPOO

AKI BERGMIKKO KOIVUSAKU KOIVU

ANTERO NIITTYMAKISAMI SALO

TURKU

ANTTI LAAKSONENTAMMELA

TEPPO NUMMINENTAMPERE

FREDRIK NORRENAPIETARSAARI

JUKKA HENTUNENJOROINEN

JUSSI JOKINENKALAJOKI

FINLAND

FINLAND

BalticSea

Norway

Sweden

Russia

Estonia

NorwegianBarents

SeaSea

FINLAND

FINLAND

Population5,223,442

Registered Players60,531 male

2,355 female

Finns on NHL teams at start of 2005-0632

FINNISH PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON

50

40

30

20

10

0

73-7

474

-75

75-7

676

-77

77-7

878

-79

79-8

05

80-8

16

81-8

21

482

-83

13

83-8

41

284

-85

17

85-8

61

686

-87

18

87-8

81

388

-89

19

89-9

01

790

-91

12

91-9

21

192

-93

10

93-9

41

294

-95

13

95-9

61

696

-97

18

97-9

81

898

-99

18

99-0

02

600

-01

34

01-0

24

802

-03

44

03-0

44

2

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Tampere 21

Helsinki 17

Turku 15

Oulu 9

Espoo 6

Vantaa 6

Lahti 5

Lappeenranta 5

Pori 5

Hameenlinna 4

ALL-TIME TOP TEN

BIRTHPLACES FINNISH NHL

PLAYERS

47

48

RUSSIA • NHL SKATERS & GOALTENDERS

NHL SKATERSBORN IN SOVIET UNION

SEASON-BY-SEASON1974-75 TO 2003-04

Includes players now eligible to competefor Russia, Belarus, Latvia, Ukraine and

other former Soviet republics.

1974-75 ….1975-76 ….1976-77 ….1977-78 ….1978-79 ….

1979-80 ….1980-81 ….1981-82 ….1982-83 11983-84 ….

1984-85 ….1985-86 ….1986-87 ….1987-88 ….1988-89 1

1989-90 91990-91 151991-92 251992-93 471993-94 61

1994-95 621995-96 601996-97 611997-98 551998-99 62

1999-00 782000-01 792001-02 862002-03 812003-04 85

NHL GOALTENDERSBORN IN SOVIET UNION

SEASON-BY-SEASON1974-75 TO 2003-04

Includes players now eligible to competefor Russia, Belarus, Latvia, Ukraine and

other former Soviet republics.

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 11990-91 ….1991-92 ….1992-93 11993-94 2

1994-95 31995-96 31996-97 31997-98 41998-99 4

1999-00 32000-01 42001-02 52002-03 52003-04 4

49

RUSSIA • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAMSkaters

HEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006POS. PLAYER SHOOTS FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP G A PTS PIM +/–

ForwardsRW AFINOGENOV, Maxim L 6’0” 183 190 86 Moscow 9/4/1979 Buffalo 38 10 19 29 46 0

C DATSYUK, Pavel 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

LW KHARITONOV, Alex. R 5’8” 173 176 80 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

C MALKIN, Evgeni 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

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

D GONCHAR, Sergei 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 L 5’11” 180 215 98 Kiev 10/10/1972 NY Islanders 43 3 20 23 74 1

GoaltendersHEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006

GOALTENDER CATCHES FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP W L T MINS. GA SO AVG.

G BRYZGALOV, Ilya 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 L 6’0” 183 200 91 Ust-Kamenogorsk 7/25/1975 San Jose 29 11 11 5 1670 80 1 2.87

RUSSIA2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER

Managers and CoachesGeneral Manager ...................Pavel BUREHead Coach............................Vladimir KRIKUNOVAssistant Coach......................Boris MIKHAILOVAssistant Coach......................Sergei NEMCHINOVAssistant Coach......................Vladimir YURZINOV

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔ - See Other Players section beginning on page 226.

50

“CANADIAN” HOCKEY was first demonstrated in the former Soviet Union in Moscow in March, 1932. AGerman trade union team called Fichte played a series of

exhibition games against the Central Red Army Sports Club and theMoscow Selects.The games attracted a small number of spectatorsto an outdoor rink and resulted in a 3–0 win by the Red Army and6–0 and 8–0 victories by the Selects.The Soviet teams were madeup of bandy players (field hockey on ice) and neither the playersnor the spectators were impressed with the new game.

Though the sport was not popular, “Canadian” hockey’s advan-tage over bandy was that the size of its ice surface made it possibleto play on regulation skating rinks. In 1933, an attempt was madeto start hockey in Moscow. The regulations of the Moscow bandychampionship stipulated that five clubs were each to be represent-ed by a hockey team as well, with the results of those games tocount towards the championship. However, a shortage of propersticks meant the hockey plans never materialized.

The next serious attempt to introduce hockey to the Soviet Unionwas undertaken in 1935, but plans for the game were not imple-mented until the winter of 1938. Efforts to manufacture equip-ment proved unsuccessful and so this attempt to start hockey alsofailed.

Nevertheless, the development of Soviet hockey did not stop. In1939, the game was introduced into the curriculum of the PhysicalCulture Institute in Moscow. Arrangements were made to stagedemonstrations of games, seminars were planned for players toshare their experiences and experts in the manufacturing of hock-ey equipment were invited to Moscow from the Soviet Balticrepublics of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

World War II interrupted the development of hockey in theSoviet Union, but training resumed as soon as the war was over.The opening games of the first official Soviet championship wereplayed on December 22, 1946, and the first goal was scored byArkady Chernyshev—future coach of the Soviet national team. Amajor 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 theCzech national squad which had received a silver medal at therecently concluded Winter Olympics.The results of the three-gameseries (the Moscow Selects won 6–3, lost 5–3 and tied 2–2) sur-prised everyone, but even more surprising was the success of theSoviet national team when it entered the World Championships forthe first time in 1954. The USSR defeated Canada 7–2 in the goldmedal game and would remain a power in international hockeyuntil the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1992.

Since the breakup, Russia has become the successor to the for-mer USSR, though the Russians have struggled on the internation-al hockey scene. By far the biggest disappointment came on homeice in St. Petersburg at the 2000 World Championships, whereRussia finished 11th, by far the poorest showing by a Russian orSoviet team at the tournament.

There have been successes though, such as the silver medal atthe 1998 Olympics in Nagano, bronze at the 2002 Salt Lake CityWinter Games, silver at the World Championships in 2002 andbronze in 2005. Russia’s gold medals in recent years have all comefrom national junior teams. Victories have been won at the WorldJunior Championships in 1999, 2002 and 2003 with silver earned in2005 and 2006. Russia has also earned medals at five of the last sixWorld Junior Under-18 Championships, with gold medal victoriesin 2001 and 2004, plus silver medals in 2000 and 2002 and abronze medal in 2003.

HOCKEY IN RUSSIA

Hockey Today in Russia

RUSSIAN HOCKEY CONSISTS OF THREE LEAGUES: theSuperleague, the Top League and the First

League.The Superleague comprises 18 teams.The top 16 advance to the playoffs. All fourrounds of the playoffs are best-of-five series.Beneath the Superleague is the Top League.The top eight teams from both the East andWest divisions of the Top League playcrossover series. At the end of the season,there is no promotion/relegation between theSuperleague and Top League.

The Russian third division is known as theFirst League and is made up of four divisions.Regional competitions also are held everyyear for youth teams aged 13 to 18 with thewinners taking part in the All-Russian finals.These national finals help to determine thetop youth and junior teams in the country andidentify prospects for the upper leagues. Allaspects of hockey development in Russia aremanaged by the Russian Hockey Federation.

0 500 1000 KM

0 500 1000 Mi

DARIUS KASPARAITISELEKTRENAI (LIT)

ILYA KOVALCHUKTVER

ANDREI MARKOVVOSKRESENSK

ILYA BRYZGALOVALEX KOVALEVVIKTOR KOZLOV

TOGLIATTI

PAVEL DATSYUKNIKOLAI KHABIBULIN

ALEXEI YASHINSVERDLOVSK

SERGEI GONCHARCHELYABINSK

DMITRI BYKOVFEDOR TYUTIN

IZHEVSK

ALEXEI ZHITNIKKIEV (UKR)

MAXIM AFINOGENOVALEXANDER FROLOV

ALEXANDER KHARITONOVDANNY MARKOV

ALEXANDER OVECHKINANTON VOLCHENKOV

ALEX ZHAMNOVMOSCOW

MAXIM SUSHINSKYLENINGRAD

EVGENI MALKINMAGNITOGORSK

EVGENI NABOKOVUST-KAMENOGORSK (KAZ)

RUSSIA

RUSSIA

RUSSIA

Population143,420,309

Registered Players76,965 male

237 female

Russians on NHL teams at start of 2005-0636** Does not include players born

in former Soviet republics Japa

Arctic Ocean

China

MongoliaKazakhstan

Ukraine

FinlandSweden

Norway

U.K.

Belarus

Latvia

RUSSIA

RUSSIAN PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

73-7

474

-75

75-7

676

-77

77-7

878

-79

79-8

080

-81

81-8

282

-83

83-8

484

-85

85-8

686

-87

87-8

888

-89

89-9

01

090

-91

15

91-9

22

592

-93

48

93-9

46

394

-95

65

95-9

66

396

-97

64

97-9

85

998

-99

66

99-0

08

100

-01

83

01-0

29

102

-03

86

03-0

48

9

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36

Moscow 36

Chelyabinsk 14

Voskresensk 9

Leningrad 7

Togliatti 7

Murmansk 5

Sverdlovsk 5

Ufa 5

Kharkov 4

Novosibirsk4

ALL-TIME TOP TEN

BIRTHPLACES* RUSSIAN

NHL PLAYERS

* Does not include Riga (Latvia, 10) and Kiev (Ukraine, 10)51

52

SLOVAKIA • NHL SKATERS & GOALTENDERS

NHL SKATERSBORN IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA

SEASON-BY-SEASON1974-75 TO 2003-04

Includes players now eligible to competefor Czech Republic or Slovakia.

1974-75 11975-76 11976-77 11977-78 21978-79 2

1979-80 21980-81 51981-82 91982-83 141983-84 10

1984-85 131985-86 111986-87 121987-88 121988-89 17

1989-90 131990-91 211991-92 241992-93 281993-94 37

1994-95 351995-96 431996-97 421997-98 491998-99 61

1999-00 702000-01 952001-02 1112002-03 1142003-04 119

NHL GOALTENDERSBORN IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA

SEASON-BY-SEASON1974-75 TO 2003-04

Includes players now eligible to competefor Czech Republic or Slovakia.

1974-75 ….1975-76 ….1976-77 ….1977-78 ….1978-79 ….

1979-80 11980-81 11981-82 ….1982-83 ….1983-84 ….

1984-85 ….1985-86 ….1986-87 ….1987-88 ….1988-89 ….

1989-90 ….1990-91 11991-92 11992-93 11993-94 1

1994-95 11995-96 11996-97 31997-98 21998-99 3

1999-00 42000-01 52001-02 72002-03 62003-04 7

53

SLOVAKIA • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAMSkaters

HEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006POS. PLAYER SHOOTS FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP G A PTS PIM +/–

ForwardsLW 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

C KAPUS, Richard L 6’0” 183 200 91 Bratislava 2/9/1973 Novokuznetsk 37 6 8 14 42 -4

LW NAGY, Ladislav 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

Defensemen

D CHARA, Zdeno L 6’9” 206 260 118 Trencin 3/18/1977 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 9/2/1976 Washington 21 0 1 1 28 -8

D MESZAROS, Andrej L 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

GoaltendersHEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006

GOALTENDER CATCHES FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP W L T MINS. GA SO AVG.

G BUDAJ, Peter L 6’1” 185 200 91 Bystrica 9/18/1982 Colorado 16 6 5 3 835 39 0 2.80

G KRIZAN, Karol L 5’10” 178 183 83 Liptovsky Mikulas 6/6/1980 MODO 33 .... .... .... 1964 68 5 2.08

G LASAK, Jan L 6’1” 185 204 93 Zvolen 4/10/1979 Pardubice 21 .... .... .... 1246 42 3 2.02

SLOVAKIA2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER

Managers and CoachesGeneral Manager ...................Peter STASTNYTeam Manager .......................Igor NEMECEKHead Coach ............................Frantisek HOSSAAssistant Coach ......................Jergus BACAAssistant Coach ......................Jan JASKO

✔

✔

✔

✔ - See Other Players section beginning on page 226.

54

THE ROOTS OF HOCKEY IN SLOVAKIA date back to the end of the 19thcentury when skating associations first began to appear inBratislava (1871), Presov (1872), Poprad (1881) and Banska

Bystrica (1889).Bandy was being played in Slovakia by 1902, butthe first organized game of hockey did not take place untilJanuary, 1921, in the Petrzalka area of Bratislava. CSSK Bratislavadefeated SK Velke Mezirici 9–2. Three years later, in 1924, CSSKBratislava played Slovakia’s first international game, losing toWiener EV of Austria, 6–1.

Hockey in Slovakia received a major boost in popularity afterthe European Championships of 1925 were held in StarySmokovec and won by the host Czechoslovakians. In 1929, theTatra Cup was held in Czechoslovakia for the first time. (Today, itis the second-oldest hockey tournament in Europe after theSpengler Cup in Switzerland.) Just one year later, the SlovakiaHockey Union organized its first official competition—theSlovak national championship. In 1931, however, the SlovakUnion joined with the Czech Union to form the CzechoslovakianHockey Union. The Slovakian Union would remain in charge ofteams in Slovakia, and by 1932 the union was organized intothree divisions: West, Central and East. In 1940, the union wasrenamed the Championship of the Slovak Republic and a newleague—the Slovakian Hockey League—was formed. Also in1940, the first artificial ice rink was opened in the city ofBratislava. Prior to this, all hockey games had been played out-doors.

After World War II, the clubs from Slovakia started to play per-manently in the Czechoslovakian League. Three Slovak teamsbecame national champions: Slovan Bratislava (1979), VSZKosice (1986 and 1988) and Dukla Trencin (1992). These clubsproduced international stars like Vladimir Dzurilla, JozefGolonka, Vaclav Nedomansky, Peter, Marian and Anton Stastny,Vincent Lukac, Darius Rusnak, Igor Liba, Dusan Pasek, RobertSvehla, Peter Bondra, Zigmund Palffy and others.

Shortly after the separation of Czechoslovakia into two inde-pendent countries in 1993, Slovakia qualified for its firstOlympics by winning a qualification tournament held inSheffield, England. Peter Stastny (who had representedCzechoslovakia at the Lake Placid Olympics in 1980) carried hisnew nation’s flag in Lillehammer, Norway, in 1994. Slovakia fin-ished 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 apromotion to Pool-A in 1996.

Slovakia has won its share of honors at international tourna-ments since 1999, winning bronze medals that year at both theWorld Junior Championships and the World Junior Under-18Championships. In 2000, Slovakia won silver at the WorldChampionships. Unable to use many of their best players at the2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, the Slovaks rebounded to win goldat the 2002 World Championships with a team that glitteredwith NHL stars. More medals came in 2003, with a silver at theUnder-18 Championships and bronze at the WorldChampionships.

HOCKEY IN SLOVAKIA

Hockey Today in Slovakia

FOR 2005–06, THE SLOVAK EXTRALEAGUE is madeup of ten teams playing a 54-game sched-

ule. Every team plays each of the other nineteams six times apiece, three at home andthree on the road. At the completion of theregular schedule, the top eight teams qualifyfor the playoffs, with the all rounds played in abest-of-seven format. Slovakia’s First Leaguehas existed since 1963 as a part of theCzechoslovakian League under the name ofthe Slovak National Hockey League. It com-prises 12 clubs playing a quadruple round-robin schedule. The Second League is dividedinto eight-team A and B divisions. Top Slovakjuniors under the age of 20 play in the JuniorExtraleague and Junior First Liga. Top juniorsunder the age of 18 play in under-18 divisionsof the Junior Extraleague and Junior First Liga.

0 50 100 KM

0 50 100 Mi

PETER BONDRA

LUCK (USSR)

LUBOS BARTECKORADOSLAV SUCHY

KEZMAROK

MILAN JURCINAKAROL KRIZAN

LIPTOVSKY MIKULAS

PETER BUDAJMICHAL HANDZUS

IVAN MAJESKYRICHARD ZEDNIKBANSKA BYSTRICA

ANDREJ MESZAROSPOVAZSKA BYSTRICA

MARCEL HOSSAILAVA

PAVOL DEMITRADUBNICA

ZDENO CHARAMARIAN GABORIK

TRENCIN

MIROSLAV SATANLUBOMIR VISNOVSKY

TOPOLCANY

JOZEF STUMPELNITRA

LADISLAV NAGYSACA

MAREK SVATOSKOSICE

MARIAN HOSSASTARA LUBOVNA

RICHARD KAPUSBRATISLAVA

JAN LASAKZVOLEN

MARTIN STRBAKPRESOV

SLOVAKIA

SLOVAKIA

SLOVAKIA

Population5,431,363

Registered Players9,162 male

282 female

Slovaks on NHL teams at start of 2005-0622

SLOVAKIAN PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON*

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

73-7

474

-75

75-7

676

-77

77-7

878

-79

79-8

080

-81

681

-82

982

-83

14

83-8

41

084

-85

13

85-8

61

186

-87

12

87-8

81

288

-89

17

89-9

01

390

-91

22

91-9

22

592

-93

29

93-9

43

894

-95

36

95-9

64

496

-97

45

97-9

85

198

-99

64

99-0

07

400

-01

10

001

-02

11

802

-03

12

003

-04

12

6

* Includes players elegible to compete for Czech Republic and Slovakia0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Trencin 7

Bratislava 6

Kosice 5

Martin 5

Banska Bystrica 4

Skalica 4

Nitra 3

Poprad 2

11 Towns 1

ALL-TIME TOP TEN

BIRTHPLACES SLOVAKIAN

NHL PLAYERS

SLOVAKIA

Hungary

Poland

Ukraine

Romania

Austria

CzechRepublic

55

56

SWEDEN • NHL SKATERS & GOALTENDERS

NHL SKATERSBORN IN SWEDEN

SEASON-BY-SEASON1974-75 TO 2003-04

1974-75 41975-76 31976-77 51977-78 91978-79 16

1979-80 181980-81 211981-82 261982-83 241983-84 26

1984-85 281985-86 281986-87 201987-88 231988-89 22

1989-90 211990-91 161991-92 171992-93 221993-94 21

1994-95 241995-96 311996-97 331997-98 371998-99 39

1999-00 452000-01 442001-02 522002-03 602003-04 53

NHL GOALTENDERSBORN IN SWEDEN

SEASON-BY-SEASON1974-75 TO 2003-04

1974-75 ….1975-76 ….1976-77 ….1977-78 21978-79 ….

1979-80 21980-81 11981-82 11982-83 11983-84 1

1984-85 11985-86 11986-87 ….1987-88 ….1988-89 ….

1989-90 ….1990-91 ….1991-92 ….1992-93 11993-94 1

1994-95 21995-96 21996-97 21997-98 11998-99 1

1999-00 12000-01 32001-02 32002-03 42003-04 4

57

SWEDEN • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAMSkaters

HEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006POS. PLAYER SHOOTS FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP G A PTS PIM +/–

ForwardsRW ALFREDSSON, Daniel R 5’11” 180 199 90 Goteborg 12/11/1972 Ottawa 38 27 32 59 20 25

LW AXELSSON, P.J. L 6’1” 185 184 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 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 88 Ornskoldsvik 7/30/1973 Vancouver 43 22 25 47 36 -8

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

Defensemen

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 Did not play – Injured

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 L 6’2” 188 220 100 Pitea 9/9/1976 Vancouver 43 5 11 16 58 11

GoaltendersHEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006

GOALTENDER CATCHES FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP W L T MINS. GA SO AVG.

G LIV, Stefan 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 L 5’11” 180 194 88 Sundbyberg 9/19/1979 Toronto 11 6 3 1 641 26 1 2.43

SWEDEN2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER

Managers and CoachesTeam Manager.................Mats NASLUNDHead Coach......................Bengt-Ake GUSTAFSSONAssistant Coach................Jan KARLSSONAssistant Coach................Anders ELDEBRINK

✔

✔

✔ - See Other Players section beginning on page 226.

58

AMERICAN ROUL LA MAT is credited with introducing the game ofhockey to Sweden. La Mat was a movie distributor whoarrived in Stockholm in 1919. Already familiar with

“Canadian” hockey, La Mat became fascinated by the game ofbandy, which had been played in Sweden since 1895. He wasimpressed with the talent of the local players and believed theirexcellent skating skills would make them successful in hockey. Itwas La Mat’s idea to enter Sweden in the Olympic hockey tourna-ment at Antwerp in 1920 (this tournament was recognized later asthe first World Championships).

Picking Sweden’s first national hockey team was not easy. Thecountry had only one experienced player at that time. He was NilsMolander, who had been living in Germany since 1908 and playedhockey for the team operated by Berliner SC. Eventually, the deci-sion was made to send Molander to the Olympics along with the 10best bandy players from the cities of Stockholm, Uppsala andGavle. They received jerseys from the Swedish national soccerteam. The rest of their equipment was bandy-style, but, once theyarrived in Antwerp, the Swedes received proper hockey sticks fromthe American team as a gesture of generosity towards their com-patriot La Mat, who served as coach of the Swedish team. Despitetheir newcomer status, Sweden made an impressive showing atthe Olympics, finishing fourth behind Canada, the U.S. andCzechoslovakia.

Hockey found many supporters in Sweden after the Olympictournament. As a reward for its team’s strong showing, Swedenwas named the host city of the European Championships in 1921and won the event after only one other nation (Czechoslovakia)showed up. This success, however modest, gave a real boost to thedevelopment of hockey in Sweden and on November 17, 1922,seven teams from Stockholm founded the Swedish Ice HockeyUnion. In 1923, the Swedish hockey union was admitted to theRoyal 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 sev-eral players from the 1920 national team. By 1925, the game hadbegun to spread across the country from its roots in Stockholm,andby 1927, interest in Swedish hockey brought the first visit of aCanadian team to the country with the arrival of the VictoriaHockey Club of Montreal. The first artificial ice rink in Sweden wasbuilt into an airplane hangar in 1931 and it remained the country’sonly indoor arena until 1938, hosting 1,032 games over that time.

The Swedish Ice Hockey Union was instrumental in establishinghockey as one of the most popular sports in the country. It also hasbeen responsible for maintaining a unique list of the greatest play-ers in the country’s history.The “Stor Grabb” (Great Men) are deter-mined according to a special system of points. Fittingly, the list isheaded by Swedish hockey pioneer Nils Molander of the 1920national team, who is accorded the title of Stor Grabb #1. Over theyears, Sweden’s national team has come to be known as Tre Kronor(Three Crowns) for the emblem on its uniform.

To date, Sweden has won the World Championships in 1953,1957, 1962, 1987, 1991, 1992 and 1998.They also won an Olympicgold medal in 1994, as well as bronze medals in 1984 and 1988. Astunning loss to Belarus in the quarterfinals of the 2002 Salt LakeCity Winter Olympics ended what appeared to be a promisingmedal run for the Swedes, but the Swedish women’s team wonbronze for its first major international medal. Another women’sbronze was won at the Worlds in 2005.

Sweden followed up their Olympic disappointment with abronze medal on home ice at the 2002 World Championships, thecountry’s second straight bronze medal at the tournament. TheSwedes reached the gold medal game in both 2003 and 2004, butwere forced to settle for the silver after a pair of tough losses toTeam Canada. Sweden’s overtime loss in 2003 required five min-utes of video review to determine that Canada had scored the win-ning goal. In 2004, Canada rallied from a 3–1 deficit to score a 5–3victory.

In 2005, Sweden won a bronze medal at the World Under-18Championships.

HOCKEY IN SWEDEN

Hockey Today in Sweden

SWEDEN’S ELITE LEAGUE (Elitserien) was createdin 1975. The Elitserien features 12 teams

playing a 50-game schedule. The eight bestteams qualify for the playoffs, with all roundsplayed in a best-of-seven format. The nextlevel in Swedish hockey is theHockeyAllsvenskan with 15 teams. The topteams earn promotion to the Elitserien.Sweden’s lower Division 1 is organized geo-graphically into six groups.

Top juniors under the age of 20 in Swedenplay in north and south divisions of theSuperElit Junior League. Below this are fourelite junior leagues (under 20): north, south,east and west. Juniors under 18 have a similarstructure.Top teams during the season form aJunior Allsvenskan (under 18) to play for anational title. Juniors under 16 are also divid-ed into regional leagues.

0 50 100 KM

0 50 100 Mi

MATTIAS OHLUNDPITEA

PETER FORSBERGMARKUS NASLUNDSAMUEL PAHLSSON

DANIEL SEDINHENRIK SEDINORNSKOLDSVIK

FREDRIK MODINSUNDSVALL

HENRIK ZETTERBERGNJURUNDA

NICKLAS LIDSTROMVASTERAS

MIKAEL TELLQVISTSUNDBYBERG

NIKLAS KRONWALLMATTIAS NORSTROM

STOCKHOLMMATS SUNDIN

BROMMA

MIKAEL SAMUELSSONMARIEFRED

KIM JOHNSSONMALMO

DANIEL ALFREDSSONGOTEBORG

P. J. AXELSSONKUNGALV

CHRISTIAN BACKMANALINGSAS

HENRIK LUNDQVISTARE

MIKA HANNULAHUDDINGE

STEFAN LIVJONKOPING

JORGEN JONSSONKENNY JONSSON

ANGELHOLM

SWEDEN

SWEDEN

Norway

Finland

Poland

Latvia

Estonia

NorwegianSea

BalticSea

Denmark

Lith

Russi

SWEDEN

SWEDEN

Population9,001,774

Registered Players64,837 male

2,910 female

Swedes on NHL teams at start of 2005-0639

SWEDISH PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

73-7

45

74-7

54

75-7

63

76-7

75

77-7

81

178

-79

16

79-8

02

080

-81

22

81-8

22

782

-83

25

83-8

42

784

-85

29

85-8

62

986

-87

20

87-8

82

388

-89

22

89-9

02

190

-91

16

91-9

21

792

-93

23

93-9

42

294

-95

26

95-9

63

396

-97

35

97-9

83

898

-99

40

99-0

04

600

-01

47

01-0

25

502

-03

64

03-0

45

7

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32

Stockholm area 32

Ornskoldsvik 10

Goteborg area 8

Skelleftea 6

Umea 5

Falun 4

Gavle 4

Orebro 4

7 Towns

ALL-TIME TOP TEN

BIRTHPLACES SWEDISH

NHL PLAYERS

59

60

UNITED STATES • NHL SKATERS & GOALTENDERS

NHL SKATERS BORN IN U.S.A. SEASON-BY-SEASON, BY STATE, 1974-75 TO 2003-04CA IL MA MI MN NJ NY OH RI WI Other TOTAL

1974-75 1 1 4 4 12 …. 2 1 2 …. 3 291975-76 2 1 6 2 13 …. 2 1 1 …. 3 291976-77 2 1 7 1 15 …. 5 1 1 …. 4 351977-78 1 2 7 1 16 …. 3 …. 1 …. 5 351978-79 …. 2 8 3 17 …. 4 2 2 1 5 441979-80 …. 2 13 7 24 …. 5 2 1 2 6 621980-81 2 2 16 10 26 …. 4 3 …. 1 5 671981-82 2 3 14 7 25 …. 6 3 …. 1 6 651982-83 2 3 11 8 22 …. 7 3 …. 2 4 601983-84 1 5 17 6 26 1 6 3 1 2 8 751984-85 2 7 20 12 22 1 8 4 1 2 6 831985-86 4 8 22 14 19 1 8 4 1 4 6 871986-87 2 8 20 17 23 2 8 4 2 4 4 921987-88 3 8 26 20 23 2 10 4 1 4 9 1071988-89 3 10 29 19 17 2 6 3 2 4 11 1031989-90 2 9 27 21 25 2 5 3 3 5 9 1091990-91 3 8 28 23 23 1 5 3 3 4 14 1121991-92 4 10 38 23 28 4 5 3 3 4 13 1311992-93 3 10 32 24 23 4 8 3 5 3 17 1291993-94 3 9 36 29 24 3 7 4 5 4 18 1391994-95 2 9 30 26 29 3 8 5 3 3 19 1351995-96 3 7 29 24 29 2 14 6 3 5 19 1381996-97 3 6 27 19 27 2 14 6 3 5 17 1261997-98 2 6 28 22 23 1 13 4 2 4 20 1231998-99 1 7 33 18 25 3 14 4 2 4 18 1281999-00 3 7 30 21 25 2 15 5 2 3 26 1362000-01 3 6 30 17 24 3 16 4 2 3 25 1302001-02 3 8 35 17 28 3 20 6 3 1 29 1532002-03 3 6 30 16 25 3 18 8 3 …. 26 1382003-04 5 9 26 21 32 3 16 10 4 …. 38 164

NHL GOALTENDERS BORN IN U.S.A. SEASON-BY-SEASON, BY STATE, 1974-75 TO 2003-04CA IL MA MI MN NJ NY OH RI WI Other TOTAL

1974-75 …. …. …. 1 1 …. …. …. …. …. …. 21975-76 …. …. …. …. 1 …. 1 …. …. …. …. 21976-77 …. …. …. …. 1 …. …. …. …. …. …. 11977-78 …. …. …. …. 1 …. …. …. …. …. …. 11978-79 …. …. …. …. 1 …. …. …. …. …. …. 11979-80 …. …. 3 …. 1 …. …. …. …. …. …. 41980-81 …. …. 2 …. 1 …. …. …. …. …. …. 31981-82 …. …. 2 1 1 …. 1 …. …. …. …. 51982-83 …. …. 2 …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. 21983-84 …. 1 3 1 2 …. …. …. …. 1 …. 81984-85 …. 1 3 1 1 …. …. …. …. 1 …. 71985-86 …. 1 2 1 2 …. …. …. …. 1 …. 71986-87 …. 1 2 1 1 …. …. …. 1 …. …. 61987-88 …. 1 1 1 2 …. …. …. …. …. …. 51988-89 …. 1 1 1 2 …. …. …. 1 …. 1 71989-90 …. …. 2 1 3 …. …. 1 1 …. 1 91990-91 …. …. 2 1 3 …. …. 1 2 …. 2 111991-92 …. …. 2 1 2 …. 1 1 2 …. 2 111992-93 1 …. 1 1 2 …. 1 1 2 …. 2 101993-94 1 …. 2 1 3 …. 2 1 1 …. 2 121994-95 …. …. 3 1 3 …. 1 …. 1 …. 1 101995-96 1 …. 3 1 2 …. 1 1 1 …. 2 111996-97 …. …. 3 1 2 …. 2 1 1 …. 2 121997-98 …. …. 3 1 1 …. 3 1 1 …. 1 111998-99 …. …. 3 2 1 …. 4 …. 1 …. 2 131999-00 …. …. 2 1 1 …. 3 …. 2 …. 3 122000-01 …. 1 2 2 1 …. 3 …. 2 …. 4 152001-02 …. 3 2 1 …. 2 …. 1 …. 5 142002-03 …. 1 3 3 …. …. 3 …. 1 …. 4 152003-04 …. 1 2 3 …. …. 3 …. 1 …. 4 14

61

UNITED STATES • 2006 OLYMPIC TEAMSkaters

HEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006POS. PLAYER SHOOTS FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP G A PTS PIM +/–

ForwardsC BLAKE, Jason L 5’10” 178 180 82 Moorhead, MN 9/2/1973 NY Islanders 38 17 14 31 23 3

LW COLE, Erik L 6’2” 188 200 91 Oswego, NY 11/6/1978 Carolina 42 15 21 36 46 6

C CONROY, Craig R 6’2” 188 197 89 Potsdam, NY 9/4/1971 Los Angeles 45 17 32 49 48 22

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

C/RW ROLSTON, Brian L 6’2” 188 210 95 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

Defensemen

D CHELIOS, Chris R 6’1” 185 190 86 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

GoaltendersHEIGHT WEIGHT 2005-06 STATS THRU JANUARY 13, 2006

GOALTENDER CATCHES FT.&IN. CM LBS. KG BIRTHPLACE DATE OF BIRTH 2006 CLUB GP W L T MINS. GA SO AVG.

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

UNITED STATES2006 OLYMPIC ROSTER

Managers and CoachesGeneral Manager........................Don WADDELLAssistant General Manager.........Paul HOLMGRENDirector of Hockey Operations ....Jim JOHANNSONHead Coach.................................Peter LAVIOLETTEAssistant Coach...........................Keith ALLAINAssistant Coach...........................Mike SULLIVAN

62

HOCKEY’S ORIGINS IN THE UNITED STATES are almost as old as they arein Canada, though a similar game called ice polo was at firstpopular. It was not until Canadian hockey teams began to

tour the northeastern United States in the late 19th century thatAmericans abandoned ice polo for hockey and the game reallybegan to catch on.

The world’s first professional hockey leagues started up in theUnited States in the early part of the 20th century, however mostplayers were paid imports from Canada. By 1910 the Americangame was strictly amateur again, though in 1924-25, the BostonBruins became the first team based in the United States to play inthe National Hockey League. By 1926-27, there were moreAmerican-based NHL teams than Canadian teams. Minor profes-sional hockey leagues were also beginning to flourish in theUnited 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 InternationalSkating Union until the creation of the United States AmateurHockey Association in 1920. That same year, the Americans madetheir international hockey debut at the Antwerp Olympics. Led byHall of Fame member Moose Goheen, the U.S. took the silvermedal, losing only to Canada. In 1924, the Americans repeated assilver medalists at the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix,France.

At the end of the 1925-26 season,the USAHA disbanded and leftamateur hockey in the United States without a governing bodyuntil 1930, when the Amateur Athletic Union took over. In themeantime, the U.S. missed the 1928 Olympics and 1930 WorldChampionships.American teams returned to international compe-tition with silver medals at the 1931 World Championships and the1932 Olympics.The USA finally upset Canada in 1933 to win its firstand only World Championship in a non-Olympic year.

The growth of the game in the 1930s was sporadic. Canadianimports were taking most college hockey scholarships and therewas no clear policy to develop young American players. Moreemphasis was placed on developing home-grown players after theAmateur Hockey Association of the United States was formed in1937. Still, squabbles between AHAUS and the Amateur AthleticUnion hampered American hockey and were not resolved untilafter the 1948 Olympics.With AHAUS fully in control, Olympic sil-ver medals were won in 1952 and 1956.The 1960 Winter Olympics,staged in Squaw Valley, California, were a spectacular success forAmerican hockey as the U.S.defeated Canada and the Soviet Unionen route to the gold medal.This triumph spurred interest in hock-ey and U.S. college programs began to see more American talent.High school hockey programs in Minnesota, Massachusetts andother states began to feed increasingly skilled players into the col-lege hockey system.American hockey received a similar boost withthe “Miracle on Ice” victory at Lake Placid in 1980. More recently,the United States won the World Cup of Hockey in 1996.

While the Americans finshed out of the medals in men’s hockeyat the 1998 Nagano Olympics, the women’s team finally beat itsarch-rival Canada to win gold. Both the U.S. men’s and women’steams earned silver medals on home ice at the 2002 Salt Lake CityOlympics, losing the gold medal to Team Canada in each case. Forboth teams, their loss in the gold medal game was their only lossin the tournament.

The Americans have continued to enjoy success at other majorinternational tournaments, with 2004 marking a particularly goodyear. The USA earned bronze at the World Championships with apair of shootout victories in the medal round, marking just theirsecond medal (bronze in 1996) at the tournament since 1962.Theyearned a silver at the World Junior Under-18 Championships (atournament they won in 2002), and won gold for the first time atthe World Junior Championships with a thrilling, come-from-behind 4–3 victory over Canada that featured three Americangoals in the final period.

The Americans won gold at the 2005 World Under-18 JuniorChampionships, finishing ahead of Canada and Sweden. Earliergold (2001) and silver (2004) medals at this event demonstratedthe effectiveness of the U.S.National Team Development Program.

HOCKEY IN THE UNITED STATES

Hockey Today in the USA

TWENTY-FOUR OF 30 NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE FRAN-CHISES are based in the United States, while 24

of 27 American Hockey League franchises play outof U.S. cities. (The AHL is the NHL’s top develop-mental league.) More American players are find-ing their way onto the rosters of the top majorjunior teams in the Canadian Hockey League, andAmerican cities are currently represented in eachof the Ontario Hockey League, the Quebec MajorJunior Hockey League and the Western HockeyLeague. Junior hockey programs, such as theUnited States Hockey League and North AmericanHockey League, are growing in the United States,though most American prospects continue to findtheir way to the NHL from college and universityteams in the National Collegiate AthleticAssociation. USA Hockey, formerly the AmateurHockey Association of the United States, overseesminor hockey in the United States and is responsi-ble for selecting and training U.S. national teams.Since 1996, USA Hockey has run an elite U.S.National Team Development Program for 16- and17-year olds in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

0 100 200 KM

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WASHINGTON DC

JOHN-MICHAEL LILESZIONSVILLE IN

MIKE MODANOLIVONIA MI

BRIAN ROLSTONFLINT MI

DERIAN HATCHERSTERLING HTS. MI

ROBERT ESCHEWHITESBORO NY

CRAIG CONROYPOTSDAM NY

MATHIEU SCHNEIDERNEW YORK NY

MIKE KNUBLETORONTO ON (CAN)

ERIK COLEOSWEGO NY

BRIAN GIONTAROCHESTER NY

KEITH TKACHUKMELROSE MA

CHRIS CHELIOSCHICAGO IL

MARK PARRISHBLOOMINGTON MN

JORDAN LEOPOLD GOLDEN VALLEY MN

JASON BLAKEMOORHEAD MN

SCOTT GOMEZANCHORAGE AK

JOHN GRAHAMEDENVER CO

DOUG WEIGHTWARREN MI

BRIAN RAFALSKIDEARBORN MI

AARON MILLERBUFFALO NY

RICK DIPIETROWINTHROP MA

BILL GUERINWORCESTER MA

CHRIS DRURYTRUMBULL CT

UNITED STATES

UNITED STATES

PacificOcean

AtlanticOcean

Mexico

sia Greenland

Canada

UNITED STATES

UNITED STATES

Population 295,734,134

Registered Players447,737 male

50,489 female

Americans onNHL teams at start of 2005-06 121

AMERICAN PLAYERS IN NHL BY SEASON

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

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73-7

42

274

-75

31

75-7

63

176

-77

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83

678

-79

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06

680

-81

70

81-8

27

082

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62

83-8

48

384

-85

90

85-8

69

486

-87

98

87-8

81

12

88-8

91

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89-9

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18

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23

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42

92-9

31

39

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51

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51

45

95-9

61

49

96-9

71

38

97-9

81

34

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91

41

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48

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11

45

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21

67

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31

53

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41

78

0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84

Minneapolis - St. Paul MN area 83

Boston MA area 60

Detroit MI area 59

Chicago IL area 31Buffalo NY area 13New YorkNY area 12ClevelandOH area 11Duluth MN 10DuluthMN 10HibbingMN 10L. A.CA area 10

ALL-TIME TOP TEN

BIRTHPLACES AMERICAN

NHL PLAYERS

63

64

GERMANYGoaltenders 2005-06 CLUB

Thomas Greiss ....................Kolner Haie◆ Olaf Kolzig .....................Washington

Robert Muller .....................KrefeldDefensemen◆ Christian Ehrhoff............San Jose✔ Sascha Goc.........................Adler Mannheim

Lasse Kopitz........................Kolner HaieAndreas Renz .....................Kolner HaieStefan Schauer....................Nurnberg

◆ Christoph Schubert ........Ottawa◆ Dennis Seidenberg.........PHI./Phoenix

Alexander Sulzer .................DEGForwards

Alexander Barta..................Hamburg✔ Jan Benda...........................Litvinov

Petr Fical ............................Nurnberg◆ Marcel Goc.....................San Jose

Michael Hackert ..................Frankfurt◆ Jochen Hecht..................Buffalo

Klaus Kathan ......................DEGDaniel Kreutzer ...................DEGEduard Lewandowski ..........Kolner HaieThomas Martinec ................Nurnberg

◆ Marco Sturm ..................Boston✔ Stefan Ustorf ......................Eisbaren Berlin

ITALYGoaltenders 2005-06 CLUB

Rene Baur...........................ValpusteriaGunther Hell .......................Bolzano

✔ Jason Muzzatti....................BolzanoDefensemen

Christian Borgatello ............MilanArmin Helfer .......................MilanRobert Nardella ..................RockfordFlorian Ramoser..................BolzanoAndre Signoretti..................CortinaMichele Strazzabosco..........MilanCarter Trevisani ...................Asiago

ForwardsLuca Ansoldi .......................RittenJoe Busillo ..........................MilanMario Chitarroni .................Milan

✔ Jason Cirone.......................AsiagoGeorgio De Bettin ...............CortinaManuel De Toni ..................AllegheAnthony Iob........................KlagenfurtJohn Parco..........................AsiagoStefano Margoni .................BolzanoGiulio Scandella ..................AsiagoLucio Topatigh ....................Asiago

✔ Tony Tuzzolino ....................CortinaStefan Zisser .......................Bolzano

KAZAKHSTANGoaltenders 2005-06 CLUB

◆ Vitaly Kolesnik ...............ColoradoSergey Ogureshnikov...........Ust-KamenogorskVitaliy Yeremeyev ................Dynamo Moscow

DefensemenArtyom Argokov..................Sibir NovosibirskAlexey Koledayev ................Sibir NovosibirskOleg Kovalenko...................Ust-KamenogorskYevgeniy Pupkov .................SKA St. PetersburgDenis Shemelin ...................NeftekhimikVitali Tregubov ....................Barys AstanaAlexey Troshchinskiy............Avangard OmskAlexey Vassilchenko ............Neftekhimik

Forwards◆ Nik Antropov..................Toronto

Sergey Alexandrov ..............Ust-KamenogorskDmitriy Dudarev..................AK Bars KazanAlexander Koreshkov...........Ust-KamenogorskYevgeniy Koreshkov.............Ust-KamenogorskAndrey Ogorodnikov ...........Ust-KamenogorskAndrey Pchelyakov ..............Krylia SovetovFedor Polishchuk.................SKA St. PetersburgAndrey Samokhvalov...........Nizhny NovgorodKonstantin Shafranov ..........Krylia SovetovAndrey Troshchinskiy ...........Ust-KamenogorskDmitriy Upper .....................CSKA Moscow

LATVIAGoaltenders 2005-06 CLUB

✔ Arturs Irbe ..........................SalzburgEdgars Masalskis ................Neftyanik AlmetyevskSergejs Naumovs ................Khimik Voskresensk

Defensemen✔ Victor Ignatjev ....................Linz

Rodrigo Lavins ....................Brynas IF◆ Sandis Ozolinsh..............Anaheim

Georgijs Pujacs ...................Riga 2000Arvids Rekis ........................AugsburgAgris Saviels .......................Nizhnynovgorod

◆ Karlis Skrastins ..............ColoradoAtvars Tribuncovs ................Mora IK

ForwardsGirts Ankipans ....................Riga 2000Armands Berzins.................Riga 2000Aigars Cipruss.....................Riga 2000Vladimirs Mamonovs...........Liepajas MetalurgsAleksanders Nizijvs .............Nizhnynovgorod

✔ Grigori Panteleev ................DmitrovMikelis Redlihs....................IF Bjrokloven UmeaAleksanders Semjonovs.......MalmoJanis Sprukts.......................HPK HameenlinnaLeonids Tambijevs ...............Basel

✔ Herbert Vasiljevs .................KrefeldMaris Ziedins ......................Stockton

SWITZERLANDGoaltenders 2005-06 CLUB

◆ David Aebischer .............ColoradoMarco Buhrer......................SC Bern

◆ Martin Gerber ................CarolinaDefensemen

Goran Bezina......................Geneve-ServetteSeverin Blindenbacher.........ZSCOlivier Keller .......................EHC BaselMathias Seger.....................ZSCMartin Steinegger ...............SC Bern

◆ Mark Streit.....................MontrealJulien Vauclair.....................Lugano

ForwardsFlavien Conne.....................LuganoPatric Della Rossa ...............Zug

✔ Paul DiPietro.......................ZugPatrick Fischer.....................ZugSandy Jeannin.....................LuganoMarcel Jenni .......................KlotenRomano Lemm ...................KlotenThierry Paterlini ...................ZSCMartin Pluss .......................FrolundaIvo Ruthemann ...................SC BernAdrian Wichser ...................ZSC

✔ Thomas Ziegler ...................SC BernKevin Romy.........................Lugano

Managers and CoachesGERMANYGeneral Manager..............Franz REINDLHead Coach......................Uwe KRUPPAssistant Coach................Ernst HOFNERAssistant Coach................Klaus MERKITALYTeam Leader .....................Giovanni TALAMINIHead Coach......................Michel Bernard GOULETAssistant Coach................Jim CORSIAssistant Coach................Ron IVANYAssistant Coach................Fabio POLLONIKAZAKHSTANGeneral Manager..............Sergei DROZDOVHead Coach......................Nikolai MYSHAGINAssistant Coach................Gennady TSYGUROVLATVIAGeneral Manager..............Maris BALDONIEKSHead Coach......................Leonids BERESNEVSAssistant Coach................Olegs ZNAROKSAssistant Coach................Harijs VITOLINSAssistant Coach................Vitalijs SAMOILOVSSWITZERLANDGeneral Manager..............Peter ZAHNERHead Coach......................Ralph KRUEGERAssistant Coach................Jakob KOLLIKERAssistant Coach................Peter John LEE

ADDITIONAL 2006 OLYMPIC ROSTERS

NOTE: ◆ - Active NHL player. See Players section beginning on page 65.

✔ - Former NHL player. See Other Players section beginning on page 226.

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Switzerland…• First represented his country at the 1997 World

Junior Championship. It was “a great honor to beselected.”

• Greatest international experience was winning abronze medal at the 1998 World JuniorChampionship, the only medal Switzerland haswon at the event and the first medal won by aSwiss team at a major world tournament since win-ning bronze at the 1953 World Championship. Healso made his debut at the World Championship in1998.

• Served as backup to fellow 2006 Swiss OlympianMartin 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!”

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 Finalwhen Colorado beat New Jersey.

• On October 20, 2002, he and fellow 2006 SwissOlympian Martin Gerber (then of Anaheim) squaredoff in the first National Hockey League game betweenteams featuring Swiss goaltenders. The Mighty Duckswon 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 andSwitzerland. Gilligan coached the 1998 Swiss nationaljunior 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 headmires most is Nelson Mandela.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Nelson Mandela, Tiger Woods andRichard 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-againstaverage. 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 seasonninth in the NHL (fourth among rookies) with a 2.24average.

• Played in the 2003 NHL YoungStars Game during theAll-Star weekend.

• Took over as Colorado’s top goalie in 2003–04 after theretirement of Patrick Roy. Joined Roy as the onlygoalies in franchise history to reach 30 wins in a sea-son (32). Average of 2.09 was second in franchise histo-ry to Roy’s 1.94 mark in 2001–02. Was ninth in the NHLin 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 benchbecause 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

Torino.

AEBISCHER, DAVID(A-bih-shuhr, DAY-vihd)

COLORADO AVALANCHEGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, FRIBOURG, SWITZ., FEBRUARY 7, 1978.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1996-97 Fribourg Swiss 10 .... .... .... 577 34 0 3.54 3 1 2 184 13 0 4.241997-98 Chesapeake ECHL 17 5 7 2 930 52 0 3.35 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Wheeling ECHL 10 5 3 1 564 30 1 3.19 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Hershey AHL 2 0 0 1 79 5 0 3.76 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Fribourg Swiss 1 1 0 0 60 1 0 1.00 4 .... .... 240 17 .... 4.25

1998-99 Hershey AHL 38 17 10 5 1932 79 2 2.45 3 1 2 152 6 0 2.3799-2000 Hershey AHL 58 29 23 2 3259 180 1 3.31 14 7 6 788 40 2 3.052000-01◆ Colorado NHL 26 12 7 3 1393 52 3 2.24 1 0 0 1 0 0 0.002001-02 Colorado NHL 21 13 6 0 1184 37 2 1.88 1 0 0 34 1 0 1.762002-03 Colorado NHL 22 7 12 0 1235 50 1 2.43 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Colorado NHL 62 32 19 9 3703 129 4 2.09 11 6 5 662 23 1 2.082004-05 Lugano Swiss 18 12 2 3 1019 41 0 2.41 4 1 3 240 10 0 2.50

Chur Swiss-2 .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 2 .... .... 130 4 0 1.84NHL Totals 131 64 44 12 7515 268 10 2.14 13 6 5 697 24 1 2.07

(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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1997 Switzerland WJC-A 5 .... .... .... 300 10 .... 2.001998 B Switzerland WJC-A 6 .... .... .... 379 10 .... 1.58

Switzerland WC-A 7 .... .... .... 376 18 .... 2.871999 Switzerland WC-A 4 .... .... .... 174 13 1 4.492002 Switzerland Olympics 2 1 0 0 81 6 0 4.432004 Switzerland WC-A 1 0 0 1 60 3 0 3.00

Switzerland

65

Detailed player biographies and data panels follow for active NHL players who have beennamed to 2006 Olympic team rosters.

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• 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 tohis stride … His skating is with the elite, and hisstickhandling is with the elite. You combine thatwith the grit we’ve seen already, we’re talkingabout a complete package.” Sabres coach LindyRuff (from the Buffalo News, Dec 26, 1999)

Did you know that…• He lists the 1972 Summit Series as the most memo-

rable hockey he has ever seen. The series was playedseven 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 debuton Nov. 10, 1999.

• Enjoys playing tennis. He admires tennis players fortheir skill and technique.

• Favorite movie is “The Godfather.” Favorite actress isNicole Kidman. Favorite musical group is Prodigy.

Career Accomplishments…• Spent his first full season in the Russian Hockey

League as a 17-year-old in 1996–97. Won a silver medalwith Dynamo Moscow in European Hockey Leagueplay.

• Was leading the AHL in rookie scoring (6-12-18 in 15games) at time of his recall to Buffalo in November of1999. Finished season tied for eighth among NHL rook-ies 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.

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 child-hood.

Family Connections… • 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 com-pete in the 1980 Olympics but became pregnant withMaxim.

• Lists his parents and his first coach as the biggestinfluences 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

1996 Viking Cup in Camrose, Alberta. Later won gold at1996 European Junior Championship.

• Was named Best Forward at the 1999 Word JuniorChampionship. Was the team’s top scorer (3-5-8) asRussia won the gold medal with an overtime victoryover Canada. Calls this tournament his greatest inter-national hockey experience.

• Has played at the World Championship five times, win-ning silver in 2002 and bronze in 2005. Was fifth on theRussian team in scoring (3-2-5) at the 2005 tournament.

AFINOGENOV, MAXIM(ah-fihn-ah-GEHN-ahf, mahx-EEM)

BUFFALO SABRESRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, SEPTEMBER 4, 1979

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1996-97 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 41997-98 Dynamo Moscow Russia 35 10 5 15 53 .... .... .... .... ....

Dynamo Moscow EuroHL 6 3 1 4 27 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Dynamo Moscow Russia 38 8 13 21 24 16 *10 6 *16 14

Dynamo Moscow EuroHL 5 3 5 8 29 4 2 1 3 2799-2000 Buffalo NHL 65 16 18 34 41 5 0 1 1 2

Rochester AHL 15 6 12 18 8 8 3 1 4 42000-01 Buffalo NHL 78 14 22 36 40 11 2 3 5 42001-02 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 Dynamo Moscow Russia 36 13 14 27 91 10 4 4 8 8

NHL Totals 332 73 79 152 228 16 2 4 6 6Buffalo'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 freeagent by Dynamo Moscow (Russia), June 19, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 G Russia EJC-A 5 1 1 2 01997 Russia EJC-A 6 4 3 7 181998 S Russia WJC-A 7 3 2 5 41999 G Russia WJC-A 7 3 5 8 0

Russia WC-A 6 2 1 3 22000 Russia WC-A 6 1 0 1 42002 B Russia Olympics 6 2 2 4 4

S Russia WC-A 9 3 0 3 62004 Russia WC-A 5 1 1 2 42004 Russia W-Cup 4 0 1 1 22005 B Russia WC-A 9 3 2 5 6

Russia

66

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Tied fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Daniel Sedinfor Swedish scoring lead (3-6-9) at 2005 WorldChampionship.

• Tied Mike Modano for tournament lead with 6assists at 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Olympic Connections…• Is playing at his third consecutive Winter Games

(1998, 2002).• Calls playing at the Olympics his greatest interna-

tional experience.• Lists the 1994 final in Lillehammer, when Sweden

won its first Olympic gold medal in a shootoutover Canada, as the most memorable hockeygame he has ever watched.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field atthe Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun!”

Did you know that…• 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 inscoring (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.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 recordsfor wins (52) and points (113) and won Presidents’Trophy. Was second on Senators (behind 2006 SlovakOlympian Marian Hossa), 18th in NHL, in scoring.

• Set new career high with 80 points in 2003–04. Wassecond on Senators (behind Marian Hossa), seventh inNHL, in scoring. Was 12th in NHL with 32 goals, 13thwith 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..

Family Connections… • 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. Hedescribes the experience as “a dream come true.”

• Won silver medal at 1995 World Championships. LedSweden into championship final against Finland byscoring overtime goal vs. Canada in semifinal.

• Tied for second in scoring (3-5-8) on Swedish team atthe 2001 World Championship.

• Tied Dick Tarnstrom and Jonas Hoglund for team scor-ing lead (4-2-6) at the 2004 World Championship.

ALFREDSSON, DANIEL(AHL-frehd-suhn, DAN-yehl)

OTTAWA SENATORSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’11”/180 CM 199 LBS./90 KG

BORN, GOTEBORG, SWEDEN, DECEMBER 11, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 Molndal Sweden-2 3 0 0 0 2 8 4 4 8 41991-92 Molndal Sweden-2 32 12 8 20 43 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 V.Frolunda Sweden 20 1 5 6 8 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 V.Frolunda Sweden 39 20 10 30 18 4 1 1 2 ....1994-95 V.Frolunda Sweden 22 7 11 18 22 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Ottawa NHL 82 26 35 61 28 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Ottawa NHL 76 24 47 71 30 7 5 2 7 61997-98 Ottawa NHL 55 17 28 45 18 11 7 2 9 201998-99 Ottawa NHL 58 11 22 33 14 4 1 2 3 499-2000 Ottawa NHL 57 21 38 59 28 6 1 3 4 22000-01 Ottawa NHL 68 24 46 70 30 4 1 0 1 22001-02 Ottawa NHL 78 37 34 71 45 12 7 6 13 42002-03 Ottawa NHL 78 27 51 78 42 18 4 4 8 122003-04 Ottawa NHL 77 32 48 80 24 7 1 2 3 22004-05 Frolunda Sweden 15 8 9 17 10 14 *12 6 *18 8

NHL Totals 629 219 349 568 259 69 27 21 48 52Ottawa'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 S Sweden WC-A 8 3 1 4 41996 Sweden WC-A 6 1 2 3 41996 Sweden W-Cup 4 0 0 0 21998 Sweden Olympics 4 2 3 5 21999 Sweden WC-A 10 4 5 9 82001 Sweden WC-A 9 3 5 8 62002 Sweden Olympics 4 1 4 5 22004 S Sweden WC-A 8 4 2 6 82004 Sweden W-Cup 4 0 *6 6 22005 Sweden WC-A 9 3 6 9 6

Sweden

67

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Tied for team lead in goals (3), led team in points(8) at 1999 World Junior Championship. Was ateammate of fellow 2006 Kazakhstan OlympianVitaly Kolesnik at the tournament.

• Lists the 1999 WJC gold medal game, where Russiabeat Canada in overtime, as the most memorablegame he has watched.

• Could have made his fourth tournament appear-ance (counting Pool-B) at 2000 WJC, but he hadbecome a fixture in the Maple Leafs lineup andwas not released to play.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer at the

Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Keep working hard and never give up.”

Did you know that…• He was not heavily scouted as a native of the former

Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, and it was considerd asurprise when Toronto selected him 10th overall in the1998 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 withJim Carrey and Michael Jordan.

Career Accomplishments…• 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. Rankedamong 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) andplus/minus (+11) in 2002–03. Was 15th in the NHL ingame-winning goals, third on the Leafs in plus/minus.

When I was young…• First team he played for was Torpedo Ust-

Kamenogorsk.• 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.

Family Connections… • 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…• 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

as Kazakhstan’s victory over Canada at the 1998 WorldJunior Championship. Led his team in assists (6), tiedfor scoring lead (6) at the tournament.

• Also played for Kazakhstan at the 1998 EuropeanJunior Championship (Pool-D), collecting 23 goals and31 assists in just five games as Kazakhstan won thetournament while outscoring its opponents 155–4.

ANTROPOV, NIK(an-TROH-pahv, NIHK)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’6”/199 CM 230 LBS./104 KG

BORN, UST-KAMENOGORSK, USSR, FEBRUARY 18, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1996-97 Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-2 8 2 1 3 6 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-2 42 15 24 39 62 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Dynamo Moscow Russia 30 5 9 14 30 11 0 1 1 499-2000 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 122001-02 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 02003-04 Toronto NHL 62 13 18 31 62 13 0 2 2 182004-05 Kazan Russia 10 2 3 5 6 .... .... .... .... ....

Yaroslavl Russia 26 4 15 19 44 9 3 4 7 18NHL 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1997 G Kazakhstan WJC-B 6 1 0 1 41998 G Kazakhstan EJC-D 5 23 31 54 6

Kazakhstan WJC-A 7 0 6 6 81999 Kazakhstan WJC-A 6 3 5 8 14

Kazakhstan

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second Olympic Games (2002).• Lists the 1994 gold medal game at the

Lillehammer Olympics, where Sweden beatCanada in a shootout, as he most memorablegame he has watched.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Make sure you have fun while playing if you are

hoping to turn hockey into a full time career.”

Did you know that…• 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 onhockey.

• Lists his first NHL game (Oct. 2, 1997 vs. Los Angeles) asthe 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.

Career Accomplishments…• Played four seasons in Swedish elite league with Vastra

Frolunda from 1993 to 1996.• Finished eighth among NHL rookies in scoring (8-19-

27) 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.

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.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

on his career.

Playing for Sweden…• His greatest international hockey memory is of playing

in his first international game. He first competed forSweden at the 1995 World Junior Championship, win-ning bronze.

• Has played at World Championship every year from2000 to 2005.

• Led Swedish team with 6 assists and 9 points at the2001 World Championship. Was fifth overall in tourna-ment scoring. Was among several players tied for sec-ond on the team in plus/minus (+7) behind fellow2006 Swedish Olympian Mats Sundin.Tied for teamlead with 3 assists at 2004 tournament.

• Favorite element of international hockey is the biggerice surface.

AXELSSON, P.J.(AHX-ehl-suhn, PEE-JAY)

BOSTON BRUINSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 184 LBS./83 KG

BORN, KUNGALV, SWEDEN, FEBRUARY 26, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1992-93 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 4 0 0 0 01994-95 V.Frolunda Jr. Swe-Jr. 19 16 9 25 22 .... .... .... .... ....

V.Frolunda Sweden 11 2 1 3 6 5 0 0 0 01995-96 V.Frolunda Sweden 36 15 5 20 10 13 3 0 3 101996-97 V.Frolunda Sweden 50 19 15 34 34 3 0 2 2 0

V.Frolunda EuroHL 3 1 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 21997-98 Boston NHL 82 8 19 27 38 6 1 0 1 01998-99 Boston NHL 77 7 10 17 18 12 1 1 2 499-2000 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 6 2 1 3 62002-03 Boston NHL 66 17 19 36 24 5 0 0 0 62003-04 Boston NHL 68 6 14 20 42 7 0 0 0 42004-05 Frolunda Sweden 45 8 9 17 95 14 1 *10 11 18

NHL Totals 533 63 110 173 189 36 4 2 6 20Boston's 7th choice, 177th overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.Signed as a free agent by Frolunda (Sweden), September 15, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 B Sweden WJC-A 7 2 3 5 22000 Sweden WC-A 6 1 3 4 22001 B Sweden WC-A 9 3 6 9 122002 Sweden Olympics 4 0 0 0 2

B Sweden WC-A 5 3 3 6 42003 S Sweden WC-A 9 4 3 7 162004 S Sweden WC-A 7 2 3 5 82004 Sweden W-Cup 4 0 0 0 22005 Sweden WC-A 7 1 0 1 2

Sweden

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Was part of Sweden’s 26-man roster for 2004 WorldCup of Hockey but did not play.

• Played at the World Championship in 2004 (silver)and 2005.

• Favorite international hockey rule is no-touchicing.

Olympic Connections…• Lists Sweden’s gold medal victory over Canada in a

shootout at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics as themost memorable hockey game he ever watched.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are track and soc-cer.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard, try to skate as much as you can, and

have fun.”

Did you know that…• He lists his most memorable hockey games played in

as his first game in the NHL and the game that gaveFrolunda the Swedish elite league championship in2005. (He had spent almost his entire Swedish careerin the Vastra Frolunda system en route to the NHL.)

• Lists Swedish national junior team coach MattEmanuelsson 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 couldhave dinner with anyone it would be with all of theSeinfeld characters. Like Jerry Seinfeld, his favorite car-toon character is Superman. He likes him “because ofall his skills.”

• Nickname is Backs.

Career Accomplishments…• Became the fifth Swedish-born player to play for St.

Louis in 2002–03, making NHL debut on Feb. 11, 2003at Buffalo. Appeared in four games with Blues overthree different stints. With Worcester (AHL), was tied forfirst among defensemen with 8 goals, ranked secondamong defensemen in assists (19) and points (27).

• Notched first NHL point (assist) Oct. 18, 2003 vs.Washington. Recorded first NHL goal Oct. 22 atVancouver.

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 themas players to pattern his game after.“Great defensiveabilities.”

• First hockey team was Sorhaga / Alingsas Hockey.

Family Connections… • 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 beinggone a lot.”

• Will call his wife and parents first if Sweden wins goldat Torino.

Playing For Sweden…• First experience with the Swedish national team was at

the European Junior Championship as a 16-year-old in1997.“It was a great experience. My career soared afterthat.”Won silver medal at that tournament, gold in1998. Lists the silver medal victory in 1997 as hisfavorite international hockey moment.

• Played at the World Junior Championship in 1999 and 2000.

BACKMAN, CHRISTIAN(BAK-man, KRIH-stan)

ST. LOUIS BLUESDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 208 LBS./94 KG

BORN, ALINGSAS, SWEDEN, APRIL 28, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1996-97 V.Frolunda Jr. Swe-Jr. 26 2 5 7 16 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 V.Frolunda U18 Swe-U18 4 4 1 5 2 5 2 2 4 2

V.Frolunda Jr. Swe-Jr. 28 5 14 19 12 2 0 1 1 41998-99 V.Frolunda Jr. Swe-Jr. 4 0 2 2 4 .... .... .... .... ....

V.Frolunda Sweden 49 0 4 4 4 4 0 0 0 099-2000 V.Frolunda Jr. Swe-Jr. 5 1 1 2 0 3 1 1 2 0

Gislaved Sweden-2 21 5 2 7 8 .... .... .... .... ....V.Frolunda Sweden 27 1 0 1 14 5 0 0 0 0

2000-01 V.Frolunda Sweden 50 1 10 11 32 3 0 2 2 22001-02 V.Frolunda Sweden 44 7 4 11 38 10 0 0 0 82002-03 St. Louis NHL 4 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Worcester AHL 72 8 19 27 66 3 0 1 1 52003-04 St. Louis NHL 66 5 13 18 16 5 0 2 2 4

Worcester AHL 4 1 2 3 2 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Frolunda Sweden 50 4 15 19 40 14 2 7 9 10

NHL Totals 70 5 13 18 16 5 0 2 2 4St. Louis' 1st choice, 24th overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.Signed as a free agent by Frolunda (Sweden), September 15, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1997 S Sweden EJC-A 4 0 0 0 21998 G Sweden EJC-A 6 2 6 8 21999 Sweden WJC-A 6 0 3 3 02000 Sweden WJC-A 7 1 1 2 62004 S Sweden WC-A 9 1 1 2 62004 Sweden W-Cup DID NOT PLAY2005 Sweden WC-A 9 1 1 2 6

Sweden

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• First played for his country at the European Junior

Championship at age 16. Won gold medal at 1995European Junior Championship. Was named totournament All-Star Team.

• Was released by Los Angeles to represent Finlandat the 1997 World Junior Championship.

• Won silver at 1999 World Championship, bronze in2000. Played two games for silver medal-winningFinnish team at 2001 World Championship.

• Played at 2004 World Cup of Hockey, where Finnswon European pool and reached finals againstTeam Canada. Calls this the most memorable gamehe has played.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Did you know that…• He became the first Finnish player ever drafted in top

five when Los Angeles selected him third overall in the1995 Entry Draft.

• Was youngest player in Kings history (18 years, 2months, 9 days) when he made his debut vs. Coloradoon 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 1995gold medal contest at the World Championship. whenFinland defeated Sweden 4–1 in Stockholm to win thecountry’s first gold medal.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 withKings. Helped his team win regular-season and playoffchampionship.

• Established NHL career highs in assists (13) and points(16) in 1999–2000.

• Dealt to Toronto at 2000–01 trade deadline. Tied hiscareer high for goals (3) in just 12 games with MapleLeafs.

• 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).

Family Connections… • 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.

BERG, AKI(BUHRG, AH-kee)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 212 LBS./97 KG

BORN, TURKU, FINLAND, JULY 28, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1992-93 TPS Jr. Finland-Jr. 39 18 24 42 24 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 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 10TPS 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 01998-99 TPS Finland 48 8 7 15 137 9 1 1 2 4599-2000 Los Angeles NHL 70 3 13 16 45 2 0 0 0 22000-01 Los Angeles NHL 47 0 4 4 43 .... .... .... .... ....

Toronto NHL 12 3 0 3 2 11 0 2 2 42001-02 Toronto NHL 81 1 10 11 46 20 0 1 1 372002-03 Toronto NHL 78 4 7 11 28 7 1 1 2 22003-04 Toronto NHL 79 2 7 9 40 10 0 0 0 22004-05 Timra Sweden 47 6 14 20 46 7 0 0 0 6

NHL Totals 531 15 62 77 318 54 1 7 8 47Los 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 Finland EJC-A 5 1 5 6 121995 G Finland EJC-A 5 0 1 1 101997 Finland WJC-A 6 0 2 2 81998 B Finland Olympics 6 0 0 0 61999 S Finland WC-A 12 0 0 0 292000 B Finland WC-A 9 1 0 1 62001 S Finland WC-A 2 0 0 0 02002 Finland Olympics 4 1 0 1 22003 Finland WC-A 6 1 3 4 102004 2nd Finland W-Cup 5 0 1 1 2

Finland

71

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • 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 elimina-

tion of the red line for two-line passes. (The NHLadopted the “no red line” rule this season.)

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun!”

Did you know that…• 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 beingunder 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 musicof Canadian rockers The Tragically Hip.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with golfers Tiger Woods, John Daly andDarren Clarke.

Career Accomplishments…• 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), sev-

enth 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 orexceeded in each of the next three seasons. Scoredtwo 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 2001–02behind fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Jarome Iginlaof Calgary and Canucks teammate and 2006 SwedishOlympian Markus Naslund. Had a 15-game pointstreak from Jan. 3 to Feb. 4, 2002, tying a franchiserecord 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 inpower-play goals (25). Played in NHL All-Star game forthe first time.

When I was young…• First hockey team was the McFarlen Lakers.• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• Favorite player was former Canucks and Bruins great

Cam Neely (who was inducted into the Hockey Hall ofFame in 2005). Neely is the player he patterned hisgame after.

BERTUZZI, TODD(buhr-TOO-zee, TAWD)

VANCOUVER CANUCKSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 245 LBS./111 KG

BORN, SUDBURY, ONT., FEBRUARY 2, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 Sudbury Legion NOHA 48 25 46 71 247 .... .... .... .... ....

Sudbury Cubs NOJHA 3 3 2 5 10 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Guelph OHL 47 7 14 21 145 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Guelph OHL 59 27 32 59 164 5 2 2 4 61993-94 Guelph OHL 61 28 54 82 165 9 2 6 8 301994-95 Guelph OHL 62 54 65 119 58 14 *15 18 33 411995-96 NY Islanders NHL 76 18 21 39 83 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 NY Islanders NHL 64 10 13 23 68 .... .... .... .... ....

Utah IHL 13 5 5 10 16 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 NY Islanders NHL 52 7 11 18 58 .... .... .... .... ....

Vancouver NHL 22 6 9 15 63 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Vancouver NHL 32 8 8 16 44 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Vancouver NHL 80 25 25 50 126 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Vancouver NHL 79 25 30 55 93 4 2 2 4 82001-02 Vancouver NHL 72 36 49 85 110 6 2 2 4 142002-03 Vancouver NHL 82 46 51 97 144 14 2 4 6 *602003-04 Vancouver NHL 69 17 43 60 122 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 628 198 260 458 911 24 6 8 14 82NY 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1998 Canada WC-A 6 1 2 3 162000 Canada WC-A 9 5 4 9 *47

Canada

72

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

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 fortwo-line passes. (The NHL adopted the “no redline” rule this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are the skiing

competitions.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work as hard as you can and have fun.”

Did you know that…• 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 BostonUniversity. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Awardas the top NCAA player with North Dakota in 1997 and1999.

• He lists former North Dakota head coach and currentColumbus Blue Jackets associate coach Dean Blais ashis favorite coach.“He gave me the opportunity to playon a full-ride scholarship. He pushed me every day tobecome a better player and to get to the NHL level.”

• Takes part in the Ronald McDonald Foundation andthe Garth Brooks/Teammates For Kids Foundation.

• Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite movie is “JerryMaguire.” Favorite band is Nickleback. Favorite summeractivity is golfing.

• If he could have dinner with anyone, it would be withTiger Woods.

Career Accomplishments…• 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) andplus/minus (+16). Was second best on the Islandersbehind Roman Hamrlik in plus/minus. Notched his firsthat trick Jan. 11, 2003 vs. Atlanta.

• Was co-recipient of 2003 Bob Nystrom Award (Islanderwho best exemplifies leadership, hustle and dedica-tion) with Garth Snow.

• Led the Islanders, was tied for third in the NHL, with acareer-high 4 shorthanded goals in 2003–04. His 7shorthanded points tied for second in the NHL.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky.

Family Connections… • Says his parents have had the most influence on his

career because “they just pushed me to reach mygoals.”

• Will call his son and daughter first if the U.S. wins goldin Torino.

BLAKE, JASON(BLAYK, JAY-suhn)

NEW YORK ISLANDERSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’10”/178 CM 180 LBS./82 KG

BORN, MOORHEAD, MN, SEPTEMBER 2, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Moorhead High-MN 25 30 30 60 .... .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Waterloo USHL 45 24 27 51 107 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Waterloo USHL 47 50 50 100 76 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Ferris State CCHA 36 16 16 32 46 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 North Dakota WCHA DID NOT PLAY – TRANSFERRED COLLEGES1996-97 North Dakota WCHA 43 19 32 51 44 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 North Dakota WCHA 38 24 27 51 62 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 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 0Long 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 132002-03 NY Islanders NHL 81 25 30 55 58 5 0 1 1 22003-04 NY Islanders NHL 75 22 25 47 56 4 2 0 2 22004-05 Lugano Swiss 7 2 2 4 4 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 350 66 94 160 210 19 2 2 4 17WCHA 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 United States WC-Q 2 0 1 1 22000 United States WC-A 7 1 1 2 22004 United States W-Cup 4 1 0 1 2

U.S.A.

73

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• First competed for Canada at the 1991 World

Championship.• Gold medal winner with Canada at 1994 and 1997

World Championship. Was named BestDefenseman at 1997 tourney. Tied for second inTeam Canada scoring (2-5-7 in 10 games) at 1999event.

• Was named to Team Canada for 2004 World Cup ofHockey but was removed from roster prior to tour-nament due to injury.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Did you know that…• 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 summerthat he co-hosts with former Kings teammate LucRobitaille.

• Wears #4 because “it was in my stall.”• Most memorable hockey games played were playing

for the gold medal at the 2002 Olympic Games, andgame seven of the Stanley Cup Final when Coloradobeat New Jersey in 2001.

• Favorite pro athlete is Michael Jordan.• Favorite musician is Jack Johnson.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 rookiedefensemen in scoring (12-34-46).

• Honored again as Kings’ outstanding defenseman ineach of the next three seasons until injuries began toplague him.

• In 10 full seasons with Los Angeles through1999–2000, he led all Kings’ blueliners in scoring sixtimes and was named the club’s best defenseman sixtimes.

• Won Norris Trophy as NHL’s best defenseman in 1998and was a finalist for the award in 2000.

• Is Kings’ all-time scoring leader (138-291-429) amongdefensemen.

• Helped Colorado set club records for wins (52) andpoints (118) and win Presidents’ Trophy in 2000-01.Led all defensemen in playoff scoring (6-13-19 in 23games) as Avalanche went on to win Stanley Cup.

• Finished third among NHL defensemen in scoring, tiedfor fourth in goals (16-40-56) in 2001–02. Led Coloradoin time on ice in 53 of his 75 games.

• Finished ninth in scoring among defensemen (13-33-46)in 2003–04. Led all defensemen with 242 shots ongoals. Voted a starter to his seventh NHL All-Star Gameand sixth consecutive. Finished eighth in voting forNorris 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 LosAngeles, as the player he patterns his game after.

• Was childhood friends with former NHLer NelsonEmerson.

Family Connections… • Will call his parents first if Canada wins gold in Torino.

BLAKE, ROB(BLAYK, RAWB)

COLORADO AVALANCHEDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’4”/193 CM 225 LBS./102 KG

BORN, SIMCOE, ONT., DECEMBER 10, 1969.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1985-86 Brantford OHA-B 39 3 13 16 43 .... .... .... .... ....1986-87 Stratford OHA-B 31 11 20 31 115 .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 Bowling Green CCHA 43 5 8 13 88 .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Bowling Green CCHA 46 11 21 32 140 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Bowling Green CCHA 42 23 36 59 140 .... .... .... .... ....

Los Angeles NHL 4 0 0 0 4 8 1 3 4 41990-91 Los Angeles NHL 75 12 34 46 125 12 1 4 5 261991-92 Los Angeles NHL 57 7 13 20 102 6 2 1 3 121992-93 Los Angeles NHL 76 16 43 59 152 23 4 6 10 461993-94 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 61998-99 Los Angeles NHL 62 12 23 35 128 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Los Angeles NHL 77 18 39 57 112 4 0 2 2 42000-01 Los Angeles NHL 54 17 32 49 69 .... .... .... .... ....

◆ Colorado NHL 13 2 8 10 8 23 6 13 19 162001-02 Colorado NHL 75 16 40 56 58 20 6 6 12 162002-03 Colorado NHL 79 17 28 45 57 7 1 2 3 82003-04 Colorado NHL 74 13 33 46 61 9 0 5 5 62004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 903 186 400 586 1235 116 21 42 63 144Los 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 All-Rookie Team (1991) • WC-A All-Star Team (1997) • Named Best Defenseman at WC-A (1997) • Named Best Defenseman atOlympic 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 toColorado by Los Angeles with Steve Reinprecht for Adam Deadmarsh, Aaron Miller, a player to be named later (Jared Aulin, March22, 2001) and Colorado's 1st round choices in 2001 (Dave Steckel) and 2003 (Brian Boyle) Entry Drafts, February 21, 2001.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 S Canada WEC-A 2 0 2 2 01994 G Canada WC-A 8 0 2 2 61996 2nd Canada W-Cup 4 0 1 1 01997 G Canada WC-A 11 2 2 4 221998 Canada Olympics 6 1 1 2 2

Canada WC-A 5 1 0 1 61999 Canada WC-A 10 2 5 7 122002 G Canada Olympics 6 1 2 3 22004 1st Canada W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJURED

Canada

74

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• First hockey team played for was Poprad at 8years old.

• Favorite team growing up was Poprad.• Favorite player was his brother Juraj.

Family Connections… • Learned to skate with his brother Juraj wherever

they could find ice, on frozen streams and also atthe 6,000-seat winter stadium in Poprad. Bothlater played professionally in Poprad and Kosice.He lists Juraj as having had the biggest influenceon his career.

• His oldest son played hockey for the ChesapeakeBay Chiefs Travel Team.

• Will call his wife and children first if Slovakia winsgold 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 inpoints (9).

• Was named to the original Slovak roster for the 2004 World Cup but withdrewdue to an injury suffered in a tournament exhibition game.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Did you know that…• 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

NHL players behind Jari Kurri, Stan Mikita, Jaromir Jagrand 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 hasplayed 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.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 wasjust the tenth player in NHL history to score 4 goals inone period .

• Scored twice in the final game of 1994–95 season toclaim league goal-scoring crown (34), becoming firstWashington player to lead the NHL in goals.

• Ranked fourth in the NHL in goals (52) despite playingonly 67 games in 1995–96.

• Tied 2006 Finnish Olympian Teemu Selanne for leaguelead with 52 goals in 1997–98. Led NHL with club-record 13 game-winning goals. Helped Capitals reachStanley 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 fourthin game-winning goals (8) in 2001-02. Passed MikeGartner as Capitals all-time goal leader with 398th goalon Nov. 30, 2001.

• Broke Mike Gartner’s team record with 11th consecu-tive 20-goal season in 2001–02.

• Became Capitals all-time scoring leader with his 790thpoint 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-win-ning goals (73), shorthanded goals (32) and hat tricks(19). His 961 games rank second all-time in Capitalshistory behind only Calle Johansson (983). Also holdsor shares several Capitals single-season records includ-ing: 22 power-play goals (2000–01), 13 game-winninggoals (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

his team lost 19-1.

BONDRA, PETER(BAWN-druh, PEE-tuhr)

ATLANTA THRASHERSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, LUCK, USSR, FEBRUARY 7, 1968.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1986-87 Kosice Czech 32 4 5 9 24 .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 Kosice Czech 45 27 11 38 20 .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Kosice Czech 40 30 10 40 20 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Kosice Czech 44 29 17 46 .... 5 7 2 9 ....1990-91 Washington NHL 54 12 16 28 47 4 0 1 1 21991-92 Washington NHL 71 28 28 56 42 7 6 2 8 41992-93 Washington NHL 83 37 48 85 70 6 0 6 6 01993-94 Washington NHL 69 24 19 43 40 9 2 4 6 41994-95 Kosice Slovakia 2 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Washington NHL 47 *34 9 43 24 7 5 3 8 101995-96 Detroit IHL 7 8 1 9 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Washington NHL 67 52 28 80 40 6 3 2 5 81996-97 Washington NHL 77 46 31 77 72 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Washington NHL 76 *52 26 78 44 17 7 5 12 121998-99 Washington NHL 66 31 24 55 56 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Washington NHL 62 21 17 38 30 5 1 1 2 42000-01 Washington NHL 82 45 36 81 60 6 2 0 2 22001-02 Washington NHL 77 39 31 70 80 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Washington NHL 76 30 26 56 52 6 4 2 6 82003-04 Washington NHL 54 21 14 35 22 .... .... .... .... ....

Ottawa NHL 23 5 9 14 16 7 0 0 0 62004-05 Poprad Slovakia 6 4 2 6 4 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 984 477 362 839 695 80 30 26 56 60Washington'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 selectedChris Durand) in 2005 Entry Draft, February 18, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Poprad (Slovakia), January 17, 2005. Signed as afree agent by Atlanta, September 18, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 Slovakia Olympic Q 4 0 1 1 61996 Slovakia W-Cup 3 3 0 3 21998 Slovakia Olympics 2 1 0 1 252002 G Slovakia WC-A 9 *7 2 9 202003 B Slovakia WC-A 8 3 2 5 62004 Slovakia W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJURED

Slovakia

75

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Father Denis was long time photographer for theExpos and the Canadiens and played goal onCanada’s 1956 Olympic hockey team that won abronze medal the last time the Winter Gameswere held in Italy. He lists his father as his biggestinfluence in hockey.

• Brother Claude was a pitcher in the MontrealExpos minor league system for five years until anarm injury ended his career.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• First appearance for Team Canada was at 1996

World Championships. (Did not play at WorldChampionships again until 2005.)

• Most memorable international experience is win-ning gold at Salt Lake City in 2002. He led all goaltenders with 1.80 goals-againstaverage.

• 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 theNHL this season).

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Don’t cheat yourself. Give everything you’ve got, on and off the ice.”

Did you know that…• He lists the President of the United States as the per-

son he admires most. If he could have dinner with anythree people, they would be the last three U.S. presi-dents,“to ask them questions.”

• Lists Larry Robinson as the person he patterns himselfafter.

• The Wachovia Center in Philadelphia is his favoritearena.“Great place to play.”

• Most memorable games he’s watched are the streethockey games he’s held with the Stanley Cup in 1995,2000 and 2003.

• Most memorable game played was quadruple over-time loss to Buffalo in the 1994 playoffs.

• First great hockey moment is his NHL debut on March26, 1992. Led Devils to a playoff-clinching 4–2 win overBoston.

• With his 400th career victory on March 23, 2004, hebecame the youngest goalie (31) to reach that mile-stone.

• Hobby is golf. Holds a charity golf tournament inMontreal during the offseason.

Career Accomplishments…• Became just the third goalie in 20 years (Tom Barrasso,

1984 and Ed Belfour, 1991) to win Calder Trophy asbest rookie in 1993–94.

• Led NHL with 10 shutouts and a 1.88 goals-againstaverage in 1996–97. Was first goalie to reach doubledigits in shutouts since Ken Dryden in 1976–77. Goals-against average was lowest since Tony Esposito’s 1.77mark in 1971–72.

• Led NHL with 43 wins in 1997-98. Finished second inshutouts (10) and in goals-against average (1.89). Wasrunner-up behind Dominik Hasek for Vezina Trophy forsecond 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 BernieParent in 1973–74.

• With 72 regular-season games and 25 playoff games in2000–01, his 97 appearances broke his own previousNHL record of 95.

• With 41 wins in 2002–03, he surpassed Terry Sawchukand Jacques Plante and became the only goalie to top40 wins four times. Led the NHL with nine shutouts,then set a record with seven playoff shutouts as Devilswon the Stanley Cup for third time in nine years. WonVezina Trophy and was named to First All-Star Team forthe first time in his career.

• Led NHL in shutouts for third time with career-high 11in 2003–04. Goals-against average of 2.03 was 4th inNHL. Finished third in voting for Hart Trophy (behindfellow 2006 Canadian Olympians Martin St. Louis ofTampa Bay and Jarome Iginla of Calgary) for secondstraight season.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Montreal

Canadiens. Was a big fan of Patrick Roy.

Family Connections… • Wears the initials of his four children on the back of his

goalie mask.

BRODEUR, MARTIN(broh-DUHR, MAHR-tihn)

NEW JERSEY DEVILSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 210 LBS./95 KG

BORN, MONTREAL, QUE., MAY 6, 1972.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1988-89 Mtl-Bourassa QAAA 27 13 12 1 1580 98 0 3.72 3 0 3 210 14 0 3.991989-90 St-Hyacinthe QMJHL 42 23 13 2 2333 156 0 4.01 12 5 7 678 46 0 4.071990-91 St-Hyacinthe QMJHL 52 22 24 4 2946 162 2 3.30 4 0 4 232 16 0 4.141991-92 St-Hyacinthe QMJHL 48 27 16 4 2846 161 2 3.39 5 2 3 317 14 0 2.65

New Jersey NHL 4 2 1 0 179 10 0 3.35 1 0 1 32 3 0 5.631992-93 Utica AHL 32 14 13 5 1952 131 0 4.03 4 1 3 258 18 0 4.191993-94 New Jersey NHL 47 27 11 8 2625 105 3 2.40 17 8 9 1171 38 1 1.951994-95◆ New Jersey NHL 40 19 11 6 2184 89 3 2.45 *20 *16 4*1222 34 *3 *1.671995-96 New Jersey NHL 77 34 30 12 *4433 173 6 2.34 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 New Jersey NHL 67 37 14 13 3838 120 *10*1.88 10 5 5 659 19 2 *1.731997-98 New Jersey NHL 70 *43 17 8 4128 130 10 1.89 6 2 4 366 12 0 1.971998-99 New Jersey NHL *70 *39 21 10 *4239 162 4 2.29 7 3 4 425 20 0 2.8299-2000◆ New Jersey NHL 72 *43 20 8 4312 161 6 2.24 *23 *16 7*1450 39 2 *1.612000-01 New Jersey NHL 72 *42 17 11 4297 166 9 2.32 *25 15 10*1505 52 *4 2.072001-02 New Jersey NHL *73 38 26 9 *4347 156 4 2.15 6 2 4 381 9 1 1.422002-03◆ New Jersey NHL 73 *41 23 9 4374 147 *9 2.02 *24 *16 8*1491 41 *7 1.652003-04 New Jersey NHL *75 *38 26 11 *4555 154 *11 2.03 5 1 4 298 13 0 2.622004-05 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 RomanCechmanek/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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1996 S Canada WC-A 3 0 1 1 180 9 0 3.0019962nd Canada W-Cup 2 0 1 0 60 4 0 4.001998 Canada Olympics DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER2002 G Canada Olympics 5 *4 0 1 300 9 0 *1.8020041st Canada W-Cup 5 *5 0 0 300 5 1 *1.002005 S Canada WC-A 7 5 2 0 419 20 0 2.87

Canada

76

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Russia…• 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 JuniorChampionship with tournament-leading 0.77goals-against average and .971 save percentage…Also played at 2000 World Championships.

• Was Russia’s starting goaltender at 2004 World Cupof Hockey. He calls this tournament his greatestinternational hockey experience.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Be passionate and work hard.”

Did you know that…• 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 inrelief of Steve Shields on Oct. 8, 2001 and stopped 11of 12 shots.

• Focused on developing his own game while growingup, rather than trying to pattern himself after othergoalkeepers.

• Favorite summer hobbies are playing soccer, readingbooks and studying philosophy.

• Describes his musical interests as “eclectic.”

Career Accomplishments…• Spent majority of his Russian career playing in home-

town of Togliatti. Led Russian elite league with 8shutouts and was fourth in average (1.84) in 2000–01.

• Spent most of 2001–02 season with Cincinnati MightyDucks (AHL) and set franchise record for wins by arookie (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 victoryas Anaheim posted 3–2 overtime victory at Phoenix.Spent majority of season with Cincinnati and tied forAHL 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) andAlexander Ovechkin (Washington) as well as OlegSaprykin (Phoenix).

Family Connections… • Will call his parents first if Russia wins gold at Torino.

BRYZGALOV, ILYA(breez-GAH-lahf, ihl-YUH)

MIGHTY DUCKS OF ANAHEIMGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 198 LBS./90 KG

BORN, TOGLIATTI, USSR, JUNE 22, 1980.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1997-98 Togliatti 2 Russia-3 8 .... .... .... 480 28 .... 3.50 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Togliatti 2 Russia-4 20 .... .... .... 1200 43 .... 2.15 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Spartak Russia-2 9 .... .... .... 500 21 .... 2.52 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Togliatti Russia 14 .... .... .... 796 18 3 1.36 7 .... .... 407 10 1 1.472000-01 Togliatti Russia 34 .... .... .... 1992 61 *8 1.84 5 .... .... 249 8 0 1.932001-02 Anaheim NHL 1 0 0 0 32 1 0 1.88 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Cincinnati AHL 45 20 16 4 2399 99 4 2.48 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Cincinnati AHL 54 12 26 9 3020 142 1 2.82 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Anaheim NHL 1 1 0 0 60 2 0 2.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Cincinnati AHL *64 27 25 10 *3748 145 6 2.32 9 5 4 536 27 1 3.022004-05 Cincinnati AHL 36 17 13 1 2007 87 4 2.60 7 3 3 314 13 0 2.48

NHL Totals 2 1 0 0 92 3 0 1.96 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....(Anaheim's 2nd choice, 44th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft).

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg2000 S Russia WJC-A 4 .... .... .... 234 3 1 0.77

Russia WC-A 4 .... .... .... 218 10 0 2.752002 B Russia Olympics DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER2004 Russia W-Cup 3 2 1 0 180 7 0 2.34

Russia

77

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Slovakia…• 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.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer at the

Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and have fun!”

Did you know that…• 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 goal-tenders, including 2004 Calder Trophy winner AndrewRaycroft, as his favorite coach.

• Most memorable game played was getting the win inhis NHL debut on Oct. 8, 2005. He stopped 16 of 18shots for a win over Dallas.

• Most memorable game watched was Colorado’s victo-ry over New Jersey in game seven of the 2001 StanleyCup Final.

• His favorites include “Everybody Loves Raymond” (TVshow).“Braveheart” (movie) and Tom Hanks (actor). Ifhe could be a superhero, it would be The Hulk.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 2002Hershey Cup CHL All-Star Series Game. Was nominatedfor 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 (4-1) vs. Chicago Wolves on Nov. 9. Posted first shutout vs.Philadelphia on Nov. 29.

• Established career highs in games (59), wins (29) andshutouts (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 goal-

tender Patrick Roy.• Has been friends with Penguins forward Tomas Surovy

since childhood.

Family Connections… • Says that his parents have had the most influence on

his career.• Will call his brother and his parents first if Slovakia

wins gold at Torino.

BUDAJ, PETER(BOO-digh, PEE-tuhr)

COLORADO AVALANCHEGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, BANSKABYSTRICA, CZECH., SEPTEMBER 18, 1982.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg99-2000 St. Michael's OHL 34 6 18 1 1676 112 1 4.01 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 St. Michael's OHL 37 17 12 3 1996 95 3 2.86 11 6 4 621 26 1 2.512001-02 St. Michael's OHL 42 26 9 5 2329 89 2 *2.29 12 5 6 620 34 *1 3.292002-03 Hershey AHL 28 10 10 2 1467 65 2 2.66 1 0 0 6 2 0 20.812003-04 Hershey AHL 46 17 20 6 2574 120 3 2.80 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Hershey AHL 59 29 25 2 3356 148 5 2.65 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

(Colorado's 1st choice, 63rd overall, in 2001 Entry Draft).OHL Second All-Star Team (2002)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg2000 Slovakia WJ18-A 5 .... .... .... 249 13 0 3.132001 Slovakia WJC-A 4 .... .... .... 239 16 0 4.012002 Slovakia WJC-A 4 .... .... .... 212 11 1 3.112004 Slovakia W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER

Slovakia

78

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• 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 rolemodel.

• Likes the bigger ice surface used in internationalhockey.

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’dmake it. I had the experience after last seasonwhere 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.”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Don’t ever quit trying”

Did you know that…• 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 beforespending the 1994–95 season playing Tier II juniorhockey in Kelowna, British Columbia.

• Was the second player selected in the OHL Draft priorto 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

Career Accomplishments…• Was the first player in Barrie Colts (OHL) history to top

100 points (42-61-103) in 1996–97. Finished eighth inthe league in scoring that season. (2006 CanadianOlympian Joe Thornton finished second at 41-81-122behind league leader Marc Savard at 43-87-130).

• Made his NHL debut with Washington at Toronto onOct. 1, 1997 at age 19.

• Established career highs with the Montreal Canadiensin 2002–03 in games (82), goals (16), assists (24), points(40) and plus/minus (+9). He won the JacquesBeauchamp-Molson Trophy, which is awarded annuallyto the member of the Canadiens who played a domi-nant role during the regular season, without obtainingany particular honor. (The selection is made by themembers of the media covering the team.)

• Was third in the Czech elite league in scoring (24-25-49) in 2004–05 behind two Pardubice teammatesMichal Mikeska and fellow 2006 Czech Olympian MilanHejduk.

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 theCzech junior team (U16) at a Four Nation Tournamentin February of 1994.

• Made his debut with the Czech national team inFebruary of 2005 during the Sweden Hockey Games.He did not play in any other major international tour-naments. Cites his first goal in the Sweden HockeyGames as his top international hockey memory.

BULIS, JAN(BOO-lihs, YAHN)

MONTREAL CANADIENSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 208 LBS./94 KG

BORN, PARDUBICE, CZECH., MARCH 18, 1978.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 Pardubice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 25 16 11 27 .... .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Kelowna BCJHL 51 23 25 48 36 17 7 9 16 01995-96 Barrie OHL 59 29 30 59 22 7 2 3 5 21996-97 Barrie OHL 64 42 61 103 42 9 3 7 10 101997-98 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 62002-03 Montreal NHL 82 16 24 40 30 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Montreal NHL 72 13 17 30 30 11 1 1 2 42004-05 Pardubice CzRep 45 24 25 49 113 16 7 4 11 43

NHL Totals 400 64 118 182 148 17 1 1 2 10Washington'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 EntryDraft 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIMNone

Czech Republic

79

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• His first international hockey experience was at the

1995 World Junior Championship.“It was huge forme. I thought it would never happen.”

• Member of gold medal-winning Czech Republicteams at 2000 and 2001 World Championship. Wassecond on Czech team with 6 assists at 2001 tour-nament. tied for second on team, tied for sixth intournament, in scoring with 8 points.

• Also played at 2002 World Championship and wasMVP of Baltic Tournament in Moscow that year.

• Had an assist on Martin Rucinsky’s goal in CzechRepublic’s 3–0 win over Canada in the gold medalgame at the 2005 World Championships. Lists thatexperience and the 2004 World Cup of Hockeysemifinal game against Canada as his favoriteinternational hockey moments.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are soccer, track, volleyball and team handball.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and never give up.”

Did you know that…• 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 clinchinggame of the 1991 Stanley Cup Final when Pittsburghbeat Minnesota.

• Wears #26 because that’s the number that was givento 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 musi-

cians are Bon Jovi and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Career Accomplishments…• Spent nine seasons with Zlin in Czech elite league.

Shared Zlin club lead in goals with 19 in 1997-98. Ledteam in points (46), ranked 16th in league.

• Led Zlin in scoring (23-34-57) in 1999–2000. Tied forfourth in league in scoring.

• Tied for Zlin team lead in goals (18) in 2000-01. Ledteam in assists (31) and points (49). Tied for seventh inleague 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 andrecorded first NHL point (assist). Scored first NHL goalon 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents and coaches as his biggest influences

in hockey.• Will call his parents first if the Czech Republic wins

gold in Torino.

CAJANEK, PETR(chuh-YA-nihk, PEE-tuhr)

ST. LOUIS BLUESRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 191 LBS./87 KG

BORN, GOTTWALDOV, CZECH., AUGUST 18, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 Zlin CzRep 34 5 4 9 .... 3 0 0 0 ....1994-95 Zlin CzRep 35 7 9 16 8 12 2 6 8 41995-96 Zlin CzRep 36 8 11 19 32 8 2 6 8 81996-97 Zlin CzRep 50 9 30 39 46 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Zlin CzRep 46 19 27 46 117 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Zlin CzRep 49 15 33 48 123 11 5 7 12 1299-2000 Zlin CzRep 50 23 34 57 66 4 1 0 1 02000-01 Zlin CzRep 52 18 31 49 105 6 0 4 4 222001-02 Zlin CzRep 49 20 44 64 64 11 5 7 12 102002-03 St. Louis NHL 51 9 29 38 20 2 0 0 0 22003-04 St. Louis NHL 70 12 14 26 16 5 0 2 2 22004-05 Zlin CzRep 49 10 15 25 91 17 5 4 9 24

NHL Totals 121 21 43 64 36 7 0 2 2 4St. Louis' 6th choice, 253rd overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.Signed as a free agent by Zlin (CzRep), September 5, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 3 5 8 682000 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 1 3 4 22001 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 2 6 8 42002 Czech Republic Olympics 4 0 0 0 0

Czech Republic WC-A 7 3 2 5 22004 Czech Republic W-Cup 4 1 2 3 02005 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 2 2 4 8

Czech Republic

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Thanks his parents for having the most influenceon his career because they gave him the inspira-tion to play and succeed.

Playing for Slovakia…• 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 hockeyexperience.

• Captained Slovak team at the 2001 WorldChampionship.

• Tied fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Pavol Demitrafor team lead in scoring (0-2-2) at the 2004 WorldCup of Hockey.

Olympic Connections…• 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 SlovakOlympian Marian Hossa by charter to Salt Lake City after the competition wasalready under way. Hossa was added to the roster for two games, but Chara wasnot.

• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Watch what you eat and drink, stay away from drugs and always have a goal or

a dream.”

Did you know that…• 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 (Triathleteand Ironman Champion) for their dedication and suc-cess in their sports.

• Hobbies and summer activities include cycling,wrestling and working out.

• Favorite TV show is “The Apprentice.” Favorite moviesare “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Dances withWolves.” Favorite actors are Morgan Freeman and TimRobbins. Nirvana is his favorite band.

Career Accomplishments…• Spent first season in North America with Prince

George (WHL) in 1996-97 but missed 23 games withwrist injury.

• Led all NHL rookies, finished fifth among NHL defense-men and 10th in league in hits with 214 in 1998–99.

• Finished second in NHL with 309 hits in 1999–2000 tohelp Islanders finish first in hits among NHL teams.

• Finished first in NHL with 373 hits in 2000–01 to helpIslanders finish first in hits for second consecutive sea-son.

• In first season with Ottawa in 2001–02, led Senatorsand was fourth in NHL with 299 hits. Reached double-digits in goals for first time (10) and was fifth in NHL inplus-minus (+30). Set career highs in assists (30). Madehis first appearance in the NHL All-Star Game.Registered the East’s fastest shot (2nd overall) at 97.8mph at All-Star skills competition.

• Established career highs in goals (16), points (41),power-play goals (7), game-winning goals (3) andplus/minus (+33) in 2003–04. Ranked second in NHLbehind leaders Marek Malik (2006 Czech Olympian)and Martin St. Louis (2006 Canadian Olympian) inplus/minus. Tied for second with Bryan McCabe (2006Canadian Olympian) and Dick Tarnstrom among allNHL defensemen with 16 goals behind 2006 CanadianOlympian Wade Redden and 2006 Czech OlympianPavel Kubina (17). Finished second in voting behind2006 Canadian Olympian Scott Niedermayer for NorrisTrophy 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.

Family Connections… • Father was a Greco-Roman wrestler for Czechoslovakia

at the 1976 Olympics and has remained involved inthe sport by coaching the Slovak national Greco-Roman team.

CHARA, ZDENO(CHAH-rah, ZDEH-noh)

OTTAWA SENATORSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’9”/206 CM 260 LBS./118 KG

BORN, TRENCIN, CZECH., MARCH 18, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1994-95 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 451997-98 NY Islanders NHL 25 0 1 1 50 .... .... .... .... ....

Kentucky AHL 48 4 9 13 125 1 0 0 0 41998-99 NY Islanders NHL 59 2 6 8 83 .... .... .... .... ....

Lowell AHL 23 2 2 4 47 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 NY Islanders NHL 65 2 9 11 57 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 NY Islanders 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 122002-03 Ottawa NHL 74 9 30 39 116 18 1 6 7 142003-04 Ottawa NHL 79 16 25 41 147 7 1 1 2 82004-05 Farjestad Sweden 33 10 15 25 132 13 3 5 8 82

NHL Totals 459 41 91 132 766 35 2 8 10 34NY 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 forAlexei Yashin, June 23, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Farjestad (Sweden), September 24, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 Slovakia WC-A 6 1 0 1 62000 S Slovakia WC-A 9 0 0 0 122001 Slovakia WC-A 7 0 1 1 102004 Slovakia WC-A 9 2 0 2 22004 Slovakia W-Cup 4 0 2 2 82005 Slovakia WC-A 7 0 2 2 2

Slovakia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Lists 1996 World Cup win and 2002 Olympic silveras his two greatest international experiences.

• Favorite international hockey rule is no red linefor two-line passes. (The NHL adopted the “no redline” rule this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his fourth Olympic Games (1984,

1998, 2002). He and Keith Tkachuk are the firstfour-time Olympians in the history of U.S. hockey.

• Won a silver medal as captain of the U.S. team atthe 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Was named BestDefenseman 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard, and use an education as a path to make the pros. Nothing is more

important than education.”

Did you know that…• He will become the first hockey player to have partici-

pated in an Olympic tournament 22 years after mak-ing his Olympic debut. Previously, Bibi Torriani held therecord of 20 years between his first Olympic appear-ance in 1928 and his last in 1948.

• Became the first U.S.-born player to win the NorrisTrophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 1989. Won itagain in 1993 and 1996.

• Became first American-born captain of the MontrealCanadiens in 1989–90. Was also captain of the ChicagoBlackhawks 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 memorablegame watched is the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”

• Favorite coaches are Mike Keenan and ScottyBowman.“Never a dull moment.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with George W. Bush, Clint Eastwood andCindy Crawford.

Career Accomplishments…• Named to the NCAA’s 50th anniversary all-time cham-

pionship 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 alldefensemen 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 line-

backer Dick Butkus. He patterns his style of play inhockey after Butkus.“He was mean.”

Family Connections… • Lists his father as being the biggest influence on his

career.“He took me anywhere to get ice time.” Also listshim as the person he admires most.“He worked hardhis whole life for his wife and kids.”

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First represented the USA at a junior national tourna-

ment 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).

CHELIOS, CHRIS(CHELL-EE-ohs, KRIHS)

DETROIT RED WINGSDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’1”/185 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, CHICAGO, IL, JANUARY 25, 1962.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1979-80 Moose Jaw SJHL 53 12 31 43 118 .... .... .... .... ....1980-81 Moose Jaw SJHL 54 23 64 87 175 .... .... .... .... ....1981-82 U. of Wisconsin WCHA 43 6 43 49 50 .... .... .... .... ....1982-83 U. of Wisconsin WCHA 26 9 17 26 50 .... .... .... .... ....1983-84 United States Nat-Tm 60 14 35 49 58 .... .... .... .... ....

Montreal NHL 12 0 2 2 12 15 1 9 10 171984-85 Montreal NHL 74 9 55 64 87 9 2 8 10 171985-86◆ Montreal NHL 41 8 26 34 67 20 2 9 11 491986-87 Montreal NHL 71 11 33 44 124 17 4 9 13 381987-88 Montreal NHL 71 20 41 61 172 11 3 1 4 291988-89 Montreal NHL 80 15 58 73 185 21 4 15 19 281989-90 Montreal NHL 53 9 22 31 136 5 0 1 1 81990-91 Chicago NHL 77 12 52 64 192 6 1 7 8 461991-92 Chicago NHL 80 9 47 56 245 18 6 15 21 371992-93 Chicago NHL 84 15 58 73 282 4 0 2 2 141993-94 Chicago NHL 76 16 44 60 212 6 1 1 2 81994-95 Biel Swiss 3 0 3 3 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Chicago NHL 48 5 33 38 72 16 4 7 11 121995-96 Chicago NHL 81 14 58 72 140 9 0 3 3 81996-97 Chicago NHL 72 10 38 48 112 6 0 1 1 81997-98 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 1499-2000 Detroit NHL 81 3 31 34 103 9 0 1 1 82000-01 Detroit NHL 24 0 3 3 45 5 1 0 1 22001-02◆ Detroit NHL 79 6 33 39 126 23 1 13 14 442002-03 Detroit NHL 66 2 17 19 78 4 0 0 0 22003-04 Detroit NHL 69 2 19 21 61 8 0 1 1 42004-05 Motor City UHL 23 5 19 24 25 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 1395 178 736 914 2695 222 30 107 137 393Montreal'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) • NHLFirst 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, June29, 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 gamevs. Dallas, November 17, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Motor City (UHL), February 1, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1982 United States WJC-A 7 1 2 3 101984 United States Olympics 6 0 4 4 81984 United States Can-Cup 6 0 2 2 21987 NHL All-Stars RV-87 2 0 0 0 01987 United States Can-Cup 5 0 2 2 21991 2nd United States Can-Cup 8 1 3 4 41994 United States WC-A DID NOT PLAY1996 1st United States W-Cup 7 0 4 4 101998 United States Olympics 4 2 0 2 22002 S United States Olympics 6 1 0 1 42004 United States W-Cup 5 0 1 1 6

U.S.A.

82

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• 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. TiedWeight, Brett Hauer and fellow 2006 U.S. OlympianMike Knuble for the team lead in points (6).

• Favorite element of international hockey is the bigice surface.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is speed skating.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Practice, practice and believe.”

Did you know that…• He was named the most valuable player in the

German league playoffs in 2005 after leading EisbarenBerlin to the championship.

• Nickname is Colesy. Hobbies include boating, bikingand 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.

Career Accomplishments…• Led Clarkson (ECAC) in goals and points in his sopho-

more and junior seasons. Left school after his junioryear to join Carolina’s IHL affiliate in Cincinnati.

• Recorded an assist (on a goal by Sandis Ozolinsh) just28 seconds into his first NHL game on Oct. 5, 2001.Scored the winning goal in his first playoff game onApril 17, 2002 vs. New Jersey. Helped the Hurricanesreach the Stanley Cup Final for first time in franchisehistory and led all rookies in playoff scoring with nine points.

• Was fifth among NHL rookies with 16 goals, fourth inpoints (40) in 2001–02. Was first among all rookies andfifth overall in the NHL with 240 hits.

• Was selected to play in the NHL YoungStars Game atthe 2003 All-Star Weekend but could not play due toinjury (broken bone in his lower left leg) that cut shorthis season.

• Established career highs with 18 goals and 42 points in2003–04.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Pittsburgh

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.”

Family Connections… • Lists his parents, as well as his favorite coaches, Dan

Ford and Pete Sears, as his biggest influences in hock-ey and for helping him make the decision to leavehome.

• Will call his parents first if Team USA wins gold atTorino.

COLE, ERIK(KOHL, AIR-ihk)

CAROLINA HURRICANESLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, OSWEGO, NY, NOVEMBER 6, 1978.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Oswego High-NY 40 49 41 90 .... .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Des Moines USHL 48 30 34 64 140 5 2 0 2 61997-98 Clarkson ECAC 34 11 20 31 55 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Clarkson ECAC 36 *22 20 42 50 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Clarkson ECAC 33 19 11 30 46 .... .... .... .... ....

Cincinnati IHL 9 4 3 7 2 7 1 1 2 22000-01 Cincinnati IHL 69 23 20 43 28 5 1 0 1 22001-02 Carolina NHL 81 16 24 40 35 23 6 3 9 302002-03 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 30Carolina'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-AmericanTeam (1999) • ECAC Second All-Star Team (2000)Signed as a free agent by Eisbaren Berlin (Germany), October 24, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2005 United States WC-A 7 1 5 6 6

U.S.A.

83

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• Had never represented the United States at major

tournament until 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Ofthe experience he says,“I can’t put it into words.”

• Favorite international element is the big ice.

Olympic Connections…• The “Miracle on Ice”Team USA victory at the 1980

Lake Placid Olympics is the most memorable hock-ey game he has watched.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are… “I enjoythem all.”

What He Says…• “You never pictured in your wildest dreams.

Everything about this season has just been toogood to be true.” – Conroy on the Flames’ 2003-04 playoff success, AssociatedPress, 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 manyprepared 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

Did you know that…• 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 forevery goal he scores.

• Favorite TV show is “24.” Favorite movie is “Braveheart,”Favorite actor is Mel Gibson. Roadrunner is his favoritecartoon character. Likes listening to his IPod.

• Wears #22 because “it was the best out of the threechoices.”

• Most memorable game he has played was withCalgary in game seven of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final.

Career Accomplishments…• Played four seasons (1990 to 1994) in ECAC with

Clarkson Knights posting 164 points (63g, 101a) in 140games. Named to ECAC First All-Star Team after post-ing league high 40 assists, 66 points and 46 penaltyminutes in 1993-94

• Scored his first NHL goal/point on Feb. 16, 1995 at NYRangers

• Was a finalist for Selke Trophy as league’s top defen-sive forward in 1997–98. Finished sixth in voting forSelke 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 pointsand tied for ninth in assists. Had greatest pointimprovement of all NHL players from previous season(+43). Was second on Flames to 2006 CanadianOlympian Jarome Iginla in points, first in assists, sec-ond in goals and second in plus/minus with a career-high +24

• Was first on team in assists (37) in 2002–03, second toIginla in points (59) and third in goals (22).

• Was second to Jarome Iginla in team scoring in bothregular season (8-39-47) and playoffs (6-11-17) in2003–04. Led Flames, tied for fourth in playoffs, with 11assists. 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.

Family Connections… • 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.

CONROY, CRAIG(KAWN-roi, KRAYG)

LOS ANGELES KINGSCENTER. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’2”/188 CM 197 LBS./89 KG

BORN, POTSDAM, NY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1971.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1989-90 Northwood High-NY 31 33 43 76 .... .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Clarkson ECAC 40 8 21 29 24 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Clarkson ECAC 31 19 17 36 36 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Clarkson ECAC 35 10 23 33 26 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Clarkson ECAC 34 26 *40 *66 46 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Fredericton AHL 55 26 18 44 29 11 7 3 10 6

Montreal NHL 6 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Montreal NHL 7 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Fredericton AHL 67 31 38 69 65 10 5 7 12 61996-97 Fredericton AHL 9 10 6 16 10 .... .... .... .... ....

St. Louis NHL 61 6 11 17 43 6 0 0 0 8Worcester AHL 5 5 6 11 2 .... .... .... .... ....

1997-98 St. Louis NHL 81 14 29 43 46 10 1 2 3 81998-99 St. Louis NHL 69 14 25 39 38 13 2 1 3 699-2000 St. Louis NHL 79 12 15 27 36 7 0 2 2 22000-01 St. Louis NHL 69 11 14 25 46 .... .... .... .... ....

Calgary NHL 14 3 4 7 14 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Calgary NHL 81 27 48 75 32 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Calgary NHL 79 22 37 59 36 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Calgary NHL 63 8 39 47 44 26 6 11 17 122004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 609 118 222 340 337 62 9 16 25 36Montreal'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 roundchoice (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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2004 United States W-Cup 2 0 0 0 0

U.S.A.

84

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Member of the Russian national team during2000–01 season, playing in all four tournaments inwhich team competed prior to the WorldChampionship.

• First major international event was the 2001 WorldChampionship. Began as a third- and fourth-linecenter, but played so well during the tournamentthat he was elevated to the first line with ValeriKarpov and fellow 2006 Russian Olympian AlexeiYashin.

• Led Russian team in assists, tied fellow 2006Russian Olympian Alexander Frolov for points lead(1-4-5), at the 2003 World Championship.

• Tied fellow 2006 Russian Olympian Alex Kovalevfor second on the team in scoring (3-4-7) behindfellow 2006 Russian Olympian Alexander Ovechkinat the 2005 World Championship.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second consecutive Olympic Games.• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Enjoy yourself.”

Did you know that…• His most memorable game played was the fifth and

final game of the 2002 Stanley Cup Final when Detroitbeat Carolina.

• Hobby is soccer.• Likes many different movies, but his favorite actor is

Jim Carrey.• If he could have dinner with any three people, they

would be with his wife, daughter and former U.S.President Ronald Reagan.

Career Accomplishments…• Had an impressive junior career in Russia, leading his

team to a second place finish in the Russian juniorchampionship in 1995.

• Had a breakout season in 1998-99, collecting 28 pointsin his first 10 games. His 27 points in 22 games duringthe second phase of the first division season (Russia-2),and his strong play in playoffs, helped Yekaterinburgadvance 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 stand-ings. Played on the top line with one-time NHLerDmitri Kvartalnov. Finished second on the team inscoring (9-18-27) and ranked among the top 20 in theRussian league.

• Made his NHL debut in the 2001–02 season opener onOct. 4, 2001. Scored first career goal vs. Tom Barrasso atCarolina on Oct. 30. Played in 21 of Detroit’s 23 post-season games and finished second in rookie scoring(3-3-6) behind 2006 U.S. Olympian Erik Cole of Carolinaas Detroit won the Stanley Cup.

• Was one of only 20 NHL players to score 30-or-moregoals in 2003–04. Finished 23rd in NHL scoring with 68points (30G, 38A). Among players who spent the entireseason in Detroit, he finished first in goals, second toBrett Hull in assists and tied with Hull as the team’s topscorer. 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 champi-onships with Dynamo Moscow in 2004–05. Led theleague in playoff goals (6), led the team in playoffpoints (9).

When I was young…• First hockey memory is of playing outdoors.• First hockey team played for was Avtomobilist

Sverdlovsk.

Family Connections… • 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.

Playing for Russia…• 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.

DATSYUK, PAVEL(daht-SOOK, PAH-vehl)

DETROIT RED WINGSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 180 LBS./82 KG

BORN, SVERDLOVSK, USSR, JULY 20, 1978.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1996-97 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 1099-2000 Yekaterinburg Russia 15 1 3 4 4 .... .... .... .... ...2000-01 Kazan Russia 42 9 18 27 10 4 0 1 1 22001-02◆ Detroit NHL 70 11 24 35 4 21 3 3 6 22002-03 Detroit NHL 64 12 39 51 16 4 0 0 0 02003-04 Detroit NHL 75 30 38 68 35 12 0 6 6 22004-05 Dynamo Moscow Russia 47 15 17 32 16 10 *6 3 9 4

NHL Totals 209 53 101 154 55 37 3 9 12 4Detroit's 8th choice, 171st overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.Played in NHL All-Star Game (2004)• Spent majority of 1999-2000 season on Kazan (Russia) reserve squad. Signed as a free agent by Dynamo Moscow (Russia), June19, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Omsk, September 5, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2001 Russia WC-A 7 0 4 4 02002 B Russia Olympics 6 1 2 3 02003 Russia WC-A 7 1 4 5 02004 Russia W-Cup 4 1 0 1 02005 B Russia WC-A 9 3 4 7 0

Russia

85

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Won bronze medal with Czech/Slovakia team at1993 World Junior Championships.

• Played at World Championships in 2003 and 2004.Won bronze in 2003. Tied fellow 2006 SlovakOlympian Miroslav Satan for team lead, and tied forfourth in tournament, in scoring (4-4-8) at 2004tournament where Slovaks reached bronze medalgame, losing to U.S.

• Tied fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Zdeno Chara forteam scoring lead (0-2-2) at 2004 World Cup ofHockey. Was among the top Slovak scorers (2-5-7)at the 2005 World Championship.

• The shootout is his favorite international hockeyrule. (The NHL adopted the shootout this season).

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Did you know that…• He scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game (with

Ottawa) on Oct. 9, 1993 vs. St. Louis. Played on theBlues’“Slovak Line” with Lubos Bartecko and fellow2006 Slovak Olympian Michal Handzus in 1999–2000.

• He won the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) in1999–2000. Also played in the All-Star Game for thefirst time that year.

• Returned to play in Slovakia in 2004–05 and led theleague in goals (28), assists (54) and points (82).

• His hobbies are tennis and golf. Andre Agassi is hisfavorite athlete. Mel Gibson is his favorite actor.“Everybody Loves Raymond” is his favorite TV show. Helikes “Maxim” magazine and his favorite band isMetallica.

• Nickname is Demo.

Career Accomplishments…• Played first full NHL season in 1997-98 (missed 11

games with broken jaw) and tied for sixth in NHL with4 shorthanded goals.

• Posted career high with 37 goals to rank 12th in NHLin 1998-99. Led the Blues and ranked tenth in NHLwith 89 points. Led club with 14 power-play goals andfinished 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. Rankedthird in NHL in plus/minus (+34).

• Returned from injuries to finished first on team andtied for seventh in NHL with 78 points (35G, 43A) in2001–02. Finished first in the NHL with 10 game-win-ning goals.

• Finished sixth in NHL with 93 points (36G, 57A) in2002-03. Established career highs in points (93) andassists (57) while ranking first on the Blues in all offen-sive categories. Was tied for fourth in NHL in assists,tied for 12th in goals.

• Limited to 68 games due to hip and neck injuries in2003–04, but averaged career-best 20:30 of ice time.

• Was the top scorer in Slovakia in 2004–05, finishing 26points 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 home-

town team).• Favorite player was Igor Larionov.

Family Connections… • 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…• 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 JuniorChampionships (4-8-12).

DEMITRA, PAVOL(deh-MEET-rah, PAH-vohl)

LOS ANGELES KINGSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 206 LBS./93 KG

BORN, DUBNICA, CZECH., NOVEMBER 29, 1974.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Dubnica Czech-2 28 13 10 23 12 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 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 6Grand Rapids IHL 42 20 30 50 24 .... .... .... .... ....

1997-98 St. Louis NHL 61 22 30 52 22 10 3 3 6 21998-99 St. Louis NHL 82 37 52 89 16 13 5 4 9 499-2000 St. Louis NHL 71 28 47 75 8 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 St. Louis NHL 44 20 25 45 16 15 2 4 6 22001-02 St. Louis NHL 82 35 43 78 46 10 4 7 11 62002-03 St. Louis NHL 78 36 57 93 32 7 2 4 6 22003-04 St. Louis NHL 68 23 35 58 18 5 1 0 1 42004-05 Trencin Slovakia 54 *28 *54 *82 39 12 4 13 17 14

NHL Totals 553 216 303 519 170 66 18 25 43 26Ottawa'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1992 G Czechoslovakia EJC-A 6 4 8 12 21993 B Czech Republic WJC-A 7 4 4 8 81996 Slovakia WC-A 5 1 2 3 21996 Slovakia W-Cup 3 0 0 0 42002 Slovakia Olympics 2 1 2 3 22003 B Slovakia WC-A 5 2 2 4 42004 Slovakia WC-A 9 4 4 8 42004 Slovakia W-Cup 4 0 2 2 22005 Slovakia WC-A 7 2 5 7 2

Slovakia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympians Jordan Leopold and John-MichaelLiles.

• Won silver medal with Team USA at the 1998Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.

• Represented U.S. at the 1999 World Under-18Junior Championship (first year U.S. appeared inwhat was formerly the European JuniorChampionship).

• Member of first-place Team USA at 2000 SummerChallenge following U.S. national junior teamevaluation camp.

• Was named Best Goalie and to the All-Star Teamat the 2000 World Junior Hockey Championship.Had the second best average (1.33) and fifth bestsave percentage (.927) at the 2001 WJC.

• Was the winning goaltender vs. Slovakia for onlyU.S. win in the round-robin section of 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Calls this tour-nament 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.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and soccer in the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “It’s all right to dream and never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve some-

thing.”

Did you know that…• He is the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic hock-

ey 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 num-

bers.• Most memorable hockey game played was his first

NHL game in Buffalo on Jan. 27, 2001, making 29 savesin 2–1 loss.

• Most memorable hockey game watched was the NewYork Rangers vs. Vancouver Canucks in the 1994Stanley Cup Final when 2006 Russian Olympic bossPavel 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 favoritesinclude:“Seinfeld” (TV show),“Wedding Crashers”(movie), Al Pacino (actor), Angelina Jolie (actress) andPearl Jam (music group). If he could be any superheroit would be Superman “because it would be nice to beable to fly.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Angelina Jolie, John F. Kennedy, andMuhammad Ali.

Career Accomplishments…• Spent one season at Boston University in 1999–2000.

Was named MVP and rookie of the year in NewEngland. Also Hockey East rookie of the year andBeanpot MVP (Beanpot Tournament features BostonUniversity vs. Boston College).

• Led AHL with 30 wins in 2001–02. Received BridgeportFan Favorite Award. Named starting goaltender forPlanetUSA at AHL All Star Classic. Was again namedstarter in 2003 AHL All-Star Game.

• Notched first NHL shutout, recording 13 saves atBuffalo on Oct. 11, 2003. Recorded consecutiveshutouts on Mar. 19 and Mar. 21, 2004. Made career-high 45 saves in 3-1 win at Anaheim on Mar. 12.

When I was young…• First hockey team was the Skakie Flyers.• Favorite team growing up was the Boston Bruins.• Favorite player growing up was New York Rangers

goaltender Mike Richter.• Was childhood friends with fellow U.S. Olympian John-

Michael Liles.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as being the biggest influence on his

career because “they did everything they could to helpme succeed and they are the reason I made it.”

• Will call his dad first if Team USA wins gold at Torino.

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First experience wearing the American jersey was with

the U.S. National Team Development Program. (Was aninaugural member of the program along with 2006

DIPIETRO, RICK(dee-pee-EHT-roh, RIHK)

NEW YORK ISLANDERSGOALTENDER. CATCHES RIGHT. 5’11”/180 CM 185 LBS./84 KG

BORN, WINTHROP, MA, SEPTEMBER 19, 1981.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1997-98 USA U-17 USDP 46 21 19 0 2526 131 2 3.11 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 USA U-18 USDP 46 31 11 2 2760 113 2 2.46 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Boston University H-East 29 18 5 5 1790 73 2 2.45 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 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 2.132002-03 NY Islanders 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 2.012003-04 NY Islanders 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 EastRookie of the Year (2000)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1999 United States WJ18-A 4 .... .... .... 240 13 1 3.252000 United States WJC-A 5 2 2 1 299 9 1 1.812001 United States WJC-A 6 5 1 0 360 8 1 1.33

United States WC-A 3 .... .... .... 179 8 0 2.682004 United States W-Cup 1 1 0 0 60 1 0 1.002005 United States WC-A 4 2 2 0 250 7 1 1.68

U.S.A.

87

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • 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 inEurope.

• Will call his three children first if Canada winsgold in Torino.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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 JuniorChampionship.

• 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 toforce overtime.

• Was named to Canada’s 2004 World Championship team, but did not take partdue to injury. He returned to the World Championship in 2005.

• Scored the winning goal 34 seconds into third period as Canada beat Finland3–2 in the final game of the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Lists the World Cup titleas his favorite international hockey moment.

Olympic Connections…• Is a self-proclaimed ‘“huge fan” of the Olympics and watches as many of the com-

petitions 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-meterdistance in Nagano in 1998 and Salt Lake City in 2002. She also carried theCanadian flag into the Salt Lake City Games (her fourth Olympic appearance).

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Enjoy it.”

Did you know that…• 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), CircleSquare Ranch, the United Blood Services and theSamaritans Purse.

• Most memorable game watched was the 1987 CanadaCup Final “because of the Gretzky/Lemieux goal.”

• Favorite TV show is “Everybody Loves Raymond.”Favorite movie is “Tombstone.” Favorite musician isGarth Brooks.

• If he could have dinner with anyone, it would be withJesus and Thomas Edison.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 sec-ond consecutive season. Won Stafford SmytheMemorial 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 in1995–96.

• Shattered previous career highs in goals (26), assists(25) and points (51) in 1999–2000. Was one of onlythree NHL players to have at least 200 hits and 200shots.

• Led team in both hits (206) and shots (220) for secondconsecutive season. In 2000–01. One of only four NHLplayers 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 200shots for third straight season. Was only NHL player toachieve the feat.

• Led the team and set new career highs in goals (27),assists (41), points (68) and power-play goals (9) in2003–04. Was 25th in NHL in scoring. Led team for-wards and set career high in average time on ice(21:45).

When I was young…• First hockey team was the Castor Beavers.• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• 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 Canadahas given so much to the players, not just to elite play-ers, but to all players in the game. To be involved inthis is something special.” (Globe and Mail, Apr. 16,2005.)

• He has been friends with Phoenix teammate TysonNash and Maple Leaf Darcy Tucker since their minorhockey days.

DOAN, SHANE(DOHN, SHAYN)

PHOENIX COYOTESRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’2”/188 CM 216 LBS./98 KG

BORN, HALKIRK, ALTA., OCTOBER 10, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Killam AAHA 56 80 84 164 74 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Kamloops WHL 51 7 12 19 65 13 0 1 1 81993-94 Kamloops WHL 52 24 24 48 88 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Kamloops WHL 71 37 57 94 106 21 6 10 16 161995-96 Winnipeg NHL 74 7 10 17 101 6 0 0 0 61996-97 Phoenix NHL 63 4 8 12 49 4 0 0 0 21997-98 Phoenix NHL 33 5 6 11 35 6 1 0 1 6

Springfield AHL 39 21 21 42 64 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Phoenix NHL 79 6 16 22 54 7 2 2 4 699-2000 Phoenix NHL 81 26 25 51 66 4 1 2 3 82000-01 Phoenix NHL 76 26 37 63 89 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Phoenix NHL 81 20 29 49 61 5 2 2 4 62002-03 Phoenix NHL 82 21 37 58 86 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Phoenix NHL 79 27 41 68 47 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 648 142 209 351 588 32 6 6 12 34Winnipeg'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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2004)Transferred to Phoenix after Winnipeg franchise relocated, July 1, 1996.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 Canada WC-A 4 0 0 0 02003 G Canada WC-A 9 4 2 6 122004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 1 1 2 22005 S Canada WC-A 9 1 3 4 2

Canada

88

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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 mostface-offs for Canada (191) at 2003 event, winning118 for a face-off winning percentage of 62.

• Had 4 points (2G, 2A) in five games while playingkey defensive role as Canada won 2004 WorldCup of Hockey. Calls winning this tournament hisgreatest international hockey memory becausehe had family and friends at the game in Toronto.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout“because of the excitement.” (The NHL adoptedthe shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are the 100-meter sprint and the 4x100-meter

relay at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “I think it’s important to be very encouraging and supportive to your son/daugh-

ter. Make it fun for everyone going to the rink. Work hard in every drill.”

Did you know that…• Nicknames are Drapes and Nailz.• Pregame superstition is that the left piece of equip-

ment 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 gamethree of the 2002 Stanley Sup finals that went in tripleovertime because “it was the longest game I everplayed in and we won.”

• Most memorable hockey game watched was when hewas at the Canada Cup 1987 game when MarioLemieux scored from Wayne Gretzky.

• Favorite coach is Scotty Bowman, because “he gave mea 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 MightyMouse because “he is small but fast.”

• If he could have dinner with anyone, it would be withLance Armstrong.

Career Accomplishments…• Won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with

Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. Shooting percentage of13.5 was best on team in 1997–98. Broke a 21-gamescoring drought by recording overtime winner vs.Washington in second game of Stanley Cup Final.

• Tied 2006 Swedish Olympian Nicklas Lidstrom andIgor 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 KirkMaltby) to appear in all 82 games during Stanley Cup-winning season of 2001–02. Set career high inplus/minus (+26) and was second on team to 2006 U.S.Olympian Chris Chelios. Appeared in all 82 games forsecond straight season in 2002–03. Set new careerhigh in assists (21) and penalty minutes (82).

• Established career highs in goals (24) and points (40) in2003–04. Tied for second in NHL behind fellow 2006Canadian Olympian Martin St. Louis in shorthandedgoals (5) and shorthanded points (7). Detroit had NHL’sbest 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 pat-

terned his style of play after Trottier.

Family Connections… • Greatest influence on his career has been from his

father because “he was always supportive and posi-tive.”

• Will call his wife or his father first if Canada wins goldin Torino.

DRAPER, KRIS(DRAY-puhr, KRIHS)

DETROIT RED WINGSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, TORONTO, ONT., MAY 24, 1971.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1987-88 Don Mills MTHL 40 35 32 67 46 .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Canada Nat-Tm 60 11 15 26 16 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Canada Nat-Tm 61 12 22 34 44 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Ottawa OHL 39 19 42 61 35 17 8 11 19 20

Winnipeg NHL 3 1 0 1 5 .... .... .... .... ....Moncton AHL 7 2 1 3 2 .... .... .... .... ....

1991-92 Winnipeg NHL 10 2 0 2 2 2 0 0 0 0Moncton AHL 61 11 18 29 113 4 0 1 1 6

1992-93 Winnipeg NHL 7 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....Moncton AHL 67 12 23 35 40 5 2 2 4 18

1993-94 Detroit NHL 39 5 8 13 31 7 2 2 4 4Adirondack AHL 46 20 23 43 49 .... .... .... .... ....

1994-95 Detroit NHL 36 2 6 8 22 18 4 1 5 121995-96 Detroit NHL 52 7 9 16 32 18 4 2 6 181996-97◆ Detroit NHL 76 8 5 13 73 20 2 4 6 121997-98◆ Detroit NHL 64 13 10 23 45 19 1 3 4 121998-99 Detroit NHL 80 4 14 18 79 10 0 1 1 699-2000 Detroit NHL 51 5 7 12 28 9 2 0 2 62000-01 Detroit NHL 75 8 17 25 38 6 0 1 1 22001-02◆ Detroit NHL 82 15 15 30 56 23 2 3 5 202002-03 Detroit NHL 82 14 21 35 82 4 0 0 0 42003-04 Detroit NHL 67 24 16 40 31 12 1 3 4 62004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 724 108 128 236 526 148 18 20 38 102Winnipeg'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1990 G Canada WJC-A 7 0 2 2 41991 G Canada WJC-A 7 1 3 4 02000 Canada WC-A 3 1 0 1 02001 Canada WC-A 7 1 2 3 02003 G Canada WC-A 9 0 3 3 102004 1st Canada W-Cup 5 2 2 4 22005 S Canada WC-A 9 0 2 2 6

Canada

89

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• 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 at2004 tourney. Calls this victory is greatest interna-tional hockey moment. Was second in scoring (3-3-6) behind Richard Park on the U.S. team.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout“because of the excitement it brings to the game.”(The NHL adopted the shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second straight Olympic

Games.• Other Olympic sports of interest are all of the skiing events and the skeleton

race.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun while striving to never be denied.”

Did you know that…• He was the first player to enter the NHL directly from

U.S. college hockey and win Calder Trophy as rookie ofthe year.

• He is the only person to win the Calder Trophy and theHobey Baker Award.

• Played in a record 59 playoff games during his firstthree seasons in the NHL. Dave Langevin (NYI) playedin 58, while Ken Morrow (NYI), Billy Carroll (NYI) and2006 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 isC.J. Manning. Favorite musical group is U2.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with George Bush, Jesus and Bono of U2.

Career Accomplishments…• Was a freshman on the Boston University team that

won the NCAA title in 1995, and won the Hobey Bakeraward as college hockey’s top player in 1998.

• He received the most personal honors in the history ofthe school. His 113 goals rate him as all-time leader inTerriers history. His 214 points rank third.

• His 20 goals in 1998–99 ranked second among NHLrookies, 44 points rated third. His 6 playoff goalsincluded 4 game-winners, which tied a rookie recordset by Claude Lemieux in 1986.

• His 20 goals and 47 assists in 1999–2000 helped pickup offensive slack in Colorado when injuries sidelinedPeter Forsberg and Joe Sakic.

• Scored a career-high 24 goals in 2000–01 as Coloradoset club records for wins (52) and points (118) and wonPresidents’ Trophy. His 11 playoff goals trailed onlyteammate and 2006 Canadian Olympian Joe Sakic (13)as Colorado won Stanley Cup .

• Tied for second on team in goals (21) and led in game-winning goals (6) in 2001–02. Ranked first on the teamin face-off percentage (53.2).

• In his first season with Buffalo in 2003–04, finishedthird on the team in assists (35) and tied for third inpoints (53).

When I was young…• His first minor hockey team was in the Great

Bridgeport Youth Hockey organization. Says his firsthockey 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 woneight games in the Little League World Series and hit.527 during the tournament playing for a team fromTrumbull, Connecticut. He got the chance to visit theWhite House and appear on “Good Morning America.”

Family Connections… • Thanks his brother for being the greatest influence on

his career, and for also being there to pattern his gameafter. (Ted Drury played in the NHL from 1993 to 2001and is still active in Germany.)

DRURY, CHRIS(DROO-ree, KRIHS)

BUFFALO SABRESCENTER. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’10”/178 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, TRUMBULL, CT, AUGUST 20, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Fairfield Prep High-CT 25 22 27 49 .... .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Fairfield Prep High-CT 24 25 32 57 15 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Fairfield Prep High-CT 24 37 18 55 .... .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Boston University H-East 39 12 15 27 38 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Boston University H-East 37 35 33 *68 46 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Boston University H-East 41 *38 24 62 64 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Boston University H-East 38 28 29 57 88 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Colorado NHL 79 20 24 44 62 19 6 2 8 499-2000 Colorado NHL 82 20 47 67 42 17 4 10 14 42000-01◆ Colorado NHL 71 24 41 65 47 23 11 5 16 42001-02 Colorado NHL 82 21 25 46 38 21 5 7 12 102002-03 Calgary NHL 80 23 30 53 33 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Buffalo NHL 76 18 35 53 68 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 470 126 202 328 290 80 26 24 50 22Quebec'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 EastPlayer 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 All-Rookie Team (1999) • Calder Memorial Trophy (1999)Rights transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchise relocated, June 21, 1995.Traded to Calgary by Colorado with Stephane Yellefor Derek Morris, Jeff Shantz and Dean McAmmond, October 1, 2002.Traded to Buffalo by Calgary with Steve Begin for SteveReinprecht and Rhett Warrener, July 3, 2003.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 United States WJC-A 6 2 2 4 21997 United States WC-A 8 0 1 1 21998 United States WC-A 6 1 2 3 122002 S United States Olympics 6 0 0 0 02004 B United States WC-A 9 3 3 6 272004 United States W-Cup 5 0 0 0 0

U.S.A.

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Tied fellow 2006 Olympian and former NHLerStephan Ustorf for third in team scoring (2-3-5) atthe 2002 World Championship.

• Germany reached quarterfinals at 2003 WorldChampionship, losing to Canada 3–2 in overtime.

• Favorite international hockey rule is no red line fortwo-line passes.“It opens up the game.” (The NHLadopted the “no red-line rule” this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second Olympic Games (2002)• Lists walking in at the opening ceremonies of the

Salt Lake City Olympics as his greatest internation-al hockey experience.

• Was the youngest player (19) to compete in SaltLake City. Germany had the best record in the preliminary round.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is women’s beach volleyball at the SummerGames.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and follow your dream.”

Did you know that…• He was the second consecutive German selected by

San Jose (behind Marcel Goc) in the 2001 NHL EntryDraft.

• 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 in2003.“We won it.”

• Hobbies are golf, tennis and “hanging out withfriends.”

• Favorite rink is the “Shark Tank” in San Jose because ofthe great atmosphere.

• Other favorites are “Las Vegas” (TV show),“Old School”(movie), Jessica Alba (actor), Robbie Williams (music).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Jesus, Hugh Hefner and Will Ferrell.

Career Accomplishments…• Was first among Krefeld defensemen in goals (10), sec-

ond in points (27) in 2002–03. Ranked 14th overall inleague scoring by defensemen, tied for fourth in goals.Was first on the team in plus/minus (+14). Appeared inDeutschland Cup and Swiss Cup in addition to helpingKrefeld win German playoff championship.

• Made NHL debut in Sharks first game of the 2003–04season, Oct. 9 at Edmonton. Played in the NHLYoungStars Game as part of the All-Star Weekend.

• Established career highs with Cleveland AHL in2004–05 with 12 goals, 23 assists, 35 points and 103PIM.

When I was young…• First hockey memory is getting a penalty shot in his

first game, and not knowing what it was.“The coachhad to explain.”

• He lists his peewee coach as his favorite coachbecause “he taught me how to skate.”

• Favorite team growing up was Krefeld. He began play-ing hockey in the Krefeld system.

• Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

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.

Playing for Germany…• First played for Germany on the Under-16 team at an

exhibition game in Finland.“It was an honor to repre-sent my country.”

• Played at World Junior Under-18 Championship in1999 and 2000. Led 1999 team in scoring (1-2-3).

• Played at World Junior Championship (Div. 1) in 2001and 2002. Tied for team lead in scoring (1-3-4) with fel-low 2006 Olympian Dennis Seidenberg in 2001 asGermans earned silver. Led all defensemen in scoring(3-7-10) at 2002 tournament as Germans won gold andearned promotion.

EHRHOFF, CHRISTIAN(AIR-hawf, KRIHS-tyehn)

SAN JOSE SHARKSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 195 LBS./88 KG

BORN, MOERS, WEST GERMANY, JULY 6, 1982.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1998-99 Krefeld Jr. Ger-Jr. 22 10 14 24 46 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Duisburg German-3 41 3 12 15 50 .... .... .... .... ....

Krefeld Germany 9 1 0 1 6 3 0 0 0 02000-01 Duisburg German-3 6 1 2 3 12 .... .... .... .... ....

Krefeld Germany 58 3 11 14 73 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Krefeld Germany 46 7 17 24 81 3 0 0 0 22002-03 Krefeld Germany 48 10 17 27 54 14 3 6 9 242003-04 San Jose NHL 41 1 11 12 14 .... .... .... .... ....

Cleveland AHL 27 4 10 14 43 9 2 6 8 112004-05 Cleveland AHL 79 12 23 35 103 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 41 1 11 12 14 .... .... .... .... ....San Jose's 2nd choice, 106th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 Germany WJ18-A 6 1 2 3 62000 Germany WJ18-A 6 0 1 1 202001 S Germany WJC-B 5 1 3 4 62002 G Germany WJC-B 5 3 7 10 10

Germany Olympics 7 0 0 0 8Germany WC-A 7 2 3 5 4

2003 Germany WC-A 7 0 0 0 82004 Germany W-Cup 4 0 0 0 22005 Germany WC-A 6 0 1 1 4

Germany

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Favorite international hockey rule is the bigger icesurface.

Olympic Connections…• The most memorable game he has watched was

the 1998 gold medal final in Nagano when theCzech Republic beat Russia 1–0.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Always play your game and have fun!”

Did you know that…• 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 bandNirvana.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with George W. Bush, Lance Armstrong andHelena Ruzickova.

Career Accomplishments…• Won the Memorial Cup (Canadian junior champi-

onship) with Red Deer (WHL) in 2001. Led the WHLplayoffs in goals (15) and points (36), tied for the leadin assists (21).

• Was Nashville’s 12th pick (191st overall) in the 1999Entry Draft, but was the first Predators player selectedthat year to play in the NHL when he made his debuton Oct. 5, 2001. Established team rookie records forgames (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 cate-gories.

• 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) in2003–04. Ranked second on the team in plus/minus.

• In 2004–05, he led Zlin and ranked eighth in the Czechelite league in scoring (20-23-43). Was 11th in theleague 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.• Favorite team growing up was the Pittsburgh

Penguins.• Favorite player growing up was 2006 Russian Olympic

general manager Pavel Bure.• Was childhood friends with Predators and 2006 Czech

Olympic teammate Tomas Vokoun and Patrik Elias ofNew Jersey.

Family Connections… • 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.

Playing for Czech Republic…• Played at the 1999 World Under-18 Championship.• Lists winning the gold medal at the 2001 World Junior

Championship as his greatest international hockeyexperience. The gold medal game is the most memo-rable game he has played.

• Represented the Czech Republic in the 2004–05Karjala Cup.

ERAT, MARTIN(EE-rat, mahr-TIHN)

NASHVILLE PREDATORSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 195 LBS./88 KG

BORN, TREBIC, CZECH., AUGUST 29, 1981.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1997-98 Zlin Jr. CzRep-Jr. 46 35 30 65 .... .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 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 162000-01 Saskatoon WHL 31 19 35 54 48 .... .... .... .... ....

Red Deer WHL 17 4 24 28 24 22 *15 *21 *36 322001-02 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 42003-04 Nashville NHL 76 16 33 49 38 6 0 1 1 62004-05 Zlin CzRep 48 20 23 43 129 16 *7 5 12 12

NHL Totals 183 26 64 90 84 6 0 1 1 6Nashville'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, MartinVymazzi and future considerations, January 11, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Zlin (CzRep), September 5, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 Czech Republic WJ18-A 6 0 2 2 122001 G Czech Republic WJC-A 7 2 1 3 16

Czech Republic

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Names his father as being the most influential

person in his career because “of his fierce compet-itiveness.”

• Will call his father first if U.S. wins gold in Torino.

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• 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 WorldChampionship. USA was fourth for its best finish at the time since winningbronze in 1996.

• Was top goaltender on U.S. team at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Lists this ashis greatest international hockey experience.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the bigger ice surface.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Anybody can make it with will.”

Did you know that…• His nickname Chico (after former Islanders goalie

Glenn “Chico” Resch) was given to him by fellow 2006U.S. Olympian Keith Tkachuk.

• Wears #42 “because [Phoenix Coyotes equipmentmanager] Stan Wilson gave it to me.”

• The most memorable game he has played was theseventh game of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finalbetween Philadelphia and Tampa Bay.

• Lists Flyers coach (and 2006 Team Canada assistant)Ken Hitchcock as his favorite coach because “he is aperfectionist.”

• Most admires his best friend Kevin Lojewski “becauseof 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 ofHazzard” (TV show),“Smokey and the Bandit” and“Wedding Crashers” (movies), Clint Eastwood (actor).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with his favorite musicians, Hank Williams Jr.,Kid Rock and Willie Nelson.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 see-ing action in the previous two seasons. Played in 25games as backup to Sean Burke in Phoenix. Tied forsecond among NHL goalies with 3 assists. Made 30saves for his first career shutout vs. Minnesota on Nov.30, 2000.

• As backup to Roman Cechmanek in Philadelphia in2002–03, the two shared the William Jennings Trophy(tied with 2006 Canadian Olympian Martin Brodeur) asthe Flyers and Devils allowed the fewest goals in NHL.

• Won the Pelle Lindbergh Trophy in 2003–04 as theFlyer who was most improved from previous season asvoted by teammates. Was fifth in the NHL in goals-against average (2.04). Was named NHL DefensivePlayer 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 Hextalland Burke.)

• Is a childhood friend of Jesse Boulerice of the CarolinaHurricanes.

ESCHE, ROBERT(EHSH, RAW-buhrt)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 210 LBS./95 KG

BORN, WHITESBORO, NY, JANUARY 22, 1978.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1994-95 Gloucester CJHL 20 10 6 0 1034 70 0 4.06 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Detroit OHL 23 13 6 0 1219 76 1 3.74 3 0 2 105 4 0 2.291996-97 Detroit OHL 58 24 28 2 3241 206 2 3.81 5 1 4 317 19 0 3.601997-98 Plymouth OHL 48 29 13 4 2810 135 3 2.88 15 8 7 869 45 0 3.111998-99 Phoenix NHL 3 0 1 0 130 7 0 3.23 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Springfield AHL 55 24 20 6 2957 138 1 2.80 1 0 1 60 4 0 4.0299-2000 Phoenix NHL 8 2 5 0 408 23 0 3.38 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Houston IHL 7 4 2 1 419 16 2 2.29 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Springfield AHL 21 9 9 2 1207 61 2 3.03 3 1 2 180 12 0 4.01

2000-01 Phoenix NHL 25 10 8 4 1350 68 2 3.02 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Phoenix NHL 22 6 10 2 1145 52 1 2.72 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Springfield AHL 1 1 0 0 60 0 1 0.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Philadelphia NHL 30 12 9 3 1638 60 2 2.20 1 0 0 30 1 0 2.002003-04 Philadelphia NHL 40 21 11 7 2322 79 3 2.04 18 11 7 1061 41 1 2.322004-05 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 RomanCechmanek) (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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1997 S United States WJC-A DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER1998 United States WJC-A 4 2 2 0 238 13 0 3.282000 United States WC-A 2 1 0 1 120 1 1 0.502001 United States WC-A 6 4 2 0 359 13 0 2.172004 United States W-Cup 4 1 3 0 237 10 0 2.53

U.S.A.

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• First international experience was playing three

games with Dave King’s national team in 1989–90• Most memorable international moment was win-

ning 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 2004World Cup of Hockey.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his third consecutive Winter

Games (1998, 2002).• Interested in all the other Olympic sports.“I enjoy them all.”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard but have fun!”

Did you know that…• 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 KateBeckinsdale, Jack Nicholson and Clint Eastwood.Favorite band is Motley Crue.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 theplayoffs.

• Led Avalanche defensemen, tied for second on theteam overall, in plus/minus (+16) in 1996–97. Finishedfirst among Avalanche defensemen in plus/minus(+20) in 1998–99.

• Played only 35 games in 2000–01 due to injuries, butranked fifth in NHL in shifts per game (31.57) andhelped Colorado set club records for wins (52) andpoints (118) and win Presidents’ Trophy. Missed 35games due to a separated right shoulder suffered onJan 4, 2001, but returned to play all 23 playoff gamesas Colorado won Stanley Cup.

• Missed first 16 games of 2001–02 season following off-season surgery on his right rotator cuff, but estab-lished a career high (matched in 2003–04) with 22assists in just 55 games. Finished eighth in NHL for icetime (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 in2003–04.

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 DarrylSittler.

• Was childhood friends with future NHLers KeithPrimeau, Joe Nieuwendyk and Gary Roberts.

Family Connections… • 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.

FOOTE, ADAM(FUT, A-duhm)

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETSDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’2”/188 CM 215 LBS./98 KG

BORN, TORONTO, ONT., JULY 10, 1971.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1987-88 Whitby OMHA 65 25 43 68 108 .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Sault Ste. Marie OHL 66 7 32 39 120 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Sault Ste. Marie OHL 61 12 43 55 199 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Sault Ste. Marie OHL 59 18 51 69 93 14 5 12 17 281991-92 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 21993-94 Quebec NHL 45 2 6 8 67 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Quebec NHL 35 0 7 7 52 6 0 1 1 141995-96◆ Colorado NHL 73 5 11 16 88 22 1 3 4 361996-97 Colorado NHL 78 2 19 21 135 17 0 4 4 621997-98 Colorado NHL 77 3 14 17 124 7 0 0 0 231998-99 Colorado NHL 64 5 16 21 92 19 2 3 5 2499-2000 Colorado NHL 59 5 13 18 98 16 0 7 7 282000-01◆ Colorado NHL 35 3 12 15 42 23 3 4 7 *472001-02 Colorado NHL 55 5 22 27 55 21 1 6 7 282002-03 Colorado NHL 78 11 20 31 88 6 0 1 1 82003-04 Colorado NHL 73 8 22 30 87 11 0 4 4 102004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 799 55 179 234 1140 154 7 34 41 282Quebec'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 fromshoulder injury suffered in game vs. Carolina, January 6, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Columbus, August 2, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 2nd Canada W-Cup 8 1 0 1 161998 Canada Olympics 6 0 1 1 42002 G Canada Olympics 6 1 0 1 22004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 0 3 3 0

Canada

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Championship and scored the only goal in thefinal in a 1–0 win over Finland.

• Named Best Forward at the 1993 World JuniorChampionship after setting tournament recordwith 31 points (7G, 24A) in seven games. Is the all-time assists (32) and points (42) leader in WorldJunior history.

• Tied fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Mats Sundinfor the tournament scoring lead (6-5-11) at the1998 World Championship. Was second on theSwedish team in scoring (4-5-9) behind Sundin atthe 2003 tournament.

Olympic Connections…• 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 sea-son to recover from surgery to remove his spleen following an injury in the 2001NHL playoffs.

Did you know that…• 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 firstSwedish 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 havebeen a financial planner.

• His favorite charities are Teammates for Kids (inColorado) and the Garth Brooks Foundation

• Outside of hockey his favorite sport is golf. His favoriteathlete is soccer player Gary Lineker.

• Homer Simpson is his favorite cartoon character. Hisfavorite actors are Jim Carrey and Elisha Cuthbert.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 fifthoverall in the NHL with 116 points (30G, 86A) in1995–96.

• 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) andassists 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 recoveringfrom 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 62assists were sixth. Trailed only Joe Sakic amongColorado scorers as Avalanche set club records for wins(52) and points (118) and won the Presidents’ Trophy.

• After missing entire 2001–02 season recovering fromthe removal of his spleen, he returned for playoffs andled 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 MilanHejduk for NHL lead in plus/minus (+52).

• Missed 43 games due to groin injury in 2003–04, butstill led NHL in points per game (1.41) and recorded 20multiple-point games.

• Ranked among the scoring leaders in Sweden in2004–05 ((13-26-39) despite playing just 33 games.

• To date, has ranked among NHL leaders in assists andpoints 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.

Family Connections… • Father Kent is a world famous coach. He led the

Swedish national team in the late 1990s, including atthe 1998 Olympics in Nagano.

Playing for Sweden…• Starred at the 1991 European Junior Championship.• Ranked second in scoring (3-8-11) behind Swedish

teammate Michael Nylander at the 1992 World JuniorChampionship. Also played at the 1992 World

FORSBERG, PETER(FOHRS-buhrg, PEE-tuhr)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 205 LBS./93 KG

BORN, ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN, JULY 20, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1989-90 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 01993-94 MoDo Sweden 39 18 26 44 82 11 9 7 16 141994-95 MoDo Sweden 11 5 9 14 20 .... .... .... .... ....

Quebec NHL 47 15 35 50 16 6 2 4 6 41995-96◆ Colorado NHL 82 30 86 116 47 22 10 11 21 181996-97 Colorado NHL 65 28 58 86 73 14 5 12 17 101997-98 Colorado NHL 72 25 66 91 94 7 6 5 11 121998-99 Colorado NHL 78 30 67 97 108 19 8 16 *24 3199-2000 Colorado NHL 49 14 37 51 52 16 7 8 15 122000-01◆ Colorado NHL 73 27 62 89 54 11 4 10 14 62001-02 Colorado NHL .... .... .... .... .... 20 9 *18 *27 202002-03 Colorado NHL 75 29 *77 *106 70 7 2 6 8 62003-04 Colorado NHL 39 18 37 55 30 11 4 7 11 122004-05 MODO Sweden 33 13 26 39 88 1 0 0 0 2

NHL Totals 580 216 525 741 544 133 57 97 154 131Philadelphia'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 WC-A (1998) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1995) • Calder Memorial Trophy (1995) • NHL First All-Star Team (1998, 1999, 2003) • Bud LightPlus/Minus Award (2003) (tied with Milan Hejduk) • Art Ross Trophy (2003) • Hart Trophy (2003)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 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 2001-02 regular season recovering from spleen injury suffered in game vs. Los Angeles, May 9, 2001 and ankle injury suffered in prac-tice, 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 agentby Philadelphia, August 3, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 Sweden EJC-A 6 5 12 17 161992 S Sweden WJC-A 7 3 8 11 30

G Sweden WC-A 8 4 2 6 61993 S Sweden WJC-A 7 7 24 *31 8

S Sweden WC-A 8 1 1 2 121994 G Sweden Olympics 8 2 6 8 61996 Sweden W-Cup 4 1 4 5 61998 Sweden Olympics 4 1 4 5 6

G Sweden WC-A 7 6 5 11 02003 S Sweden WC-A 8 4 5 9 62004 S Sweden WC-A 2 0 1 1 22004 Sweden W-Cup 4 1 2 3 0

Sweden

95

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Russia…• Won a silver medal at 2000 World Junior Under-18

Championship and was second on Russian teamwith 5 goals at tournament.

• Calls winning gold at the 2002 World JuniorChampionship his favorite international hockeymoment. (Another favorite moment was playing inthe Russian Elite Cup in 2005.)

• Led Russian team, and was third in tournament,with six goals at 2000 WJC. Tied Stanislav Chistovfor team lead with 8 points.

• Played at 2003 World Championship and tied fel-low 2006 Russian Olympian Pavel Datsyuk forRussian scoring lead with 5 points (3G, 2A)

• Was late addition to Russian roster for 2004 WorldCup of Hockey.

• The shootout is his favorite international hockey rule. (Was adopted by NHL thisseason.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer in the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Just relax.”

Did you know that…• After he put up big scoring numbers in two years with

teams in lower Russian leagues from 1999 to 2001. hebecame rookie of the year in Russian elite league in2001–02.

• Was awarded the Mark Bavis Memorial Award as “BestNewcomer/Rookie” in voting by Los Angeles media in2002–03.

• 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 andAngelina Jolie are his favorite actors. Robin Williams ishis favorite comedian. Aerosmith is his favorite band.Andre Agassi is his favorite athlete.

• Nickname is Fro or Frolly.

Career Accomplishments…• 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. AmongNHL rookies finished tied for sixth in goals (14), tied forninth in assists (17), tied for fourth in game-winninggoals (3), fourth in shots (141) and tied for third inplus/minus (+12). Was second to Ziggy Palffy (+22)among Kings players in plus/minus.

• Improved on almost all offensive totals during secondseason in NHL in 2003–04. Led Kings with 24 goals andwas second to Luc Robitaille with 48 points.

• Finished eight in scoring (22-18-40) in Russia in2004–05. Won regular season and playoff champi-onship with Dynamo Moscow.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Detroit Red Wings.• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Russian

Olympian Anton Volchenkov of Ottawa and Kingsprospect Denis Grebeshkov.

Family Connections… • Will call his parents first if Russia wins gold in Torino.

FROLOV, ALEXANDER(froh-LAHF, al-ehx-AN-duhr)

LOS ANGELES KINGSLEFT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’3”/191 CM 210 LBS./95 KG

BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, JUNE 19, 1982.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1998-99 Spartak Russia 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Yaroslavl 2 Russia-3 36 27 13 40 30 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 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 .... .... .... .... ....

Dynamo Moscow Russia 6 2 1 3 2 6 2 1 3 0NHL 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 S Russia WJ18-A 6 5 1 6 102002 G Russia WJC-A 7 *6 2 8 42003 Russia WC-A 7 3 2 5 62004 Russia W-Cup 4 0 2 2 2

Russia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• 2006 Slovak Olympian Marcel Hossa of the NewYork Rangers (younger brother of 2006 SlovakOlympian Marian Hossa of Atlanta) is one of hisbest friends in hockey.

Family Connections… • His brother Brano is a scout for the Wild.• Lists his mom, dad and brother as the most influ-

ential people in his hockey career. The people headmires most are his parents. He will call his par-ents and his brother first if Slovakia wins gold inTorino.

Playing for Slovakia…• First played for Slovakia at age 16 and “felt great

being part of the tradition.” Played at both the World Junior Championship andWorld 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 greatestinternational hockey experience.

• 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 SlovakOlympians Miroslav Satan and Pavol Demitra for team lead with 4 goals at 2004tournament, where Slovakia lost bronze medal game to USA. Tied fellow 2006Slovak Olympian Michal Handzus for second on the Slovak team in goals (3)behind Ziggy Palffy (5) in 2005.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill skiing and track & field at the

Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Go out there, have fun and work hard!”

Did you know that…• He was the first player ever selected by the Wild fran-

chise in the NHL draft (in 2000). Has become the fran-chise leader in goals, assists and points.

• Became youngest player (18 years, seven months and20 days) to score an NHL expansion team’s inauguralgoal. Scored at Anaheim on Oct. 6, 2000. Lists this goalas his first great hockey memory.

• Became first Wild player selected to participate in theAll-Star Game in 2003. Was youngest player in All-StarGame and won Fastest Skater Competition duringSkills Competition. Had goal and two assists and wasnamed second star of All-Star Game.

• Most memorable hockey game played was gameseven at Colorado in the 2003 playoffs when the Wildrallied to win after being down three games to one inthe series.

• Opened MG arena in Trencin in an effort to providemore ice time for kids. Also contributes charitableefforts towards the Ronald McDonald house and theMG Arena Foundation.

• Favorite movies are “Face/Off” and “The Matrix.”Favorite actors are Nicolas Cage and Charlize Theron.Enjoys the music of U2

• If he could have dinner with any three people it wouldbe with Pete Sampras, Michael Schumacher andNicolas Cage.

Career Accomplishments…• Made debut in Slovakian elite league as 16-year-old in

1997–98. Tied for team lead with 25 goals for DuklaTrencin in 1999–2000.

• Finished 2000–01 NHL rookie season first on the Wildin points (36), shots (179) and tied for first in goals (18).Finished among NHL rookie leaders in several offen-sive categories including first in shots, fifth in goalsand tied for fifth in points.

• Established franchise-record and career-high with 30goals in 2001–02. Also had career-best 37 assists and67 points. Scored first career-hat trick vs. Atlanta onNov. 13, 2001. Played in 2002 NHL YoungStars Gameduring All-Star Weekend.

• Tied own franchise record and personal best with 30goals in 2002–03. Led team in goals, assists (35), points(65), shots (280) and game-winning goals (8). Tied forleague lead (Marian Hossa) with three hat tricks onseason and became fourth player in NHL history torecord five hat tricks prior to 21st birthday. Had 17points (9G, 8A) in 18 playoff games to finish thirdamong all playoff scorers as Wild reached WesternConference Final in 2003.

• Finished fourth in scoring (25-27-52) in the Slovakleague 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.

GABORIK, MARIAN(GA-bohr-ihk, MAIR-ee-uhn)

MINNESOTA WILDRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, TRENCIN, CZECH., FEBRUARY 14, 1982.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1997-98 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 1 299-2000 Trencin Slovakia 50 25 21 46 34 5 1 2 3 22000-01 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 62003-04 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 26NHL 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) Played in NHL All-Star Game (2003) 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 B Slovakia WJC-A 6 3 0 3 2

B Slovakia WJ18-A 7 3 *8 *11 22000 Slovakia WJC-A 7 3 1 4 0

Slovakia WJ18-A 6 6 2 8 122001 Slovakia WC-A 7 2 1 3 02004 Slovakia WC-A 9 4 2 6 42004 Slovakia W-Cup 4 1 0 1 22005 Slovakia WC-A 7 3 1 4 6

Slovakia

97

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• “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 CzechRepublic.

• Won silver medal at 1999 World JuniorChampionship. Led tournament with 7 goals.Scored 4 goals in one game to tie a Team Canadarecord set by Mario Lemieux in 1983.

• Played for Canadian team that won 2004 WorldCup of Hockey.

• Played at the World Championship for the firsttime in 2005. Finished third in tournament scoring(3-7-10) behind fellow 2006 Canadian OlympiansJoe Thornton and Rick Nash.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice “because there’s more space andmore time to make the play.”

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second straight Olympic Games.• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Believe in your dreams. Hockey is a fun game, always have fun when you play.”

Did you know that…• 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 offi-

cer 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 SimonGagné Golf Tournament. Spent last season as a part ofa charity hockey tour that raised money for RonaldMcDonald house.

• Favorite arena is the Montreal Bell Centre “because it isclose to home.”

• Other favorites include:“The Simpsons” (TV show),“OldSchool” (movie), Adam Sandler (actor) and Metallica(music group).

• Pregame superstition is to always dress the same way.

Career Accomplishments…• Led Quebec of the QMJHL in assists (70), points (120)

and plus/minus (+53) in 1998–99. Had at least 1 pointin 21 straight games (16G, 24A) during Quebec’s 27-game unbeaten streak.

• Was second in goals (20), third in assists (28) andfourth in points (48) among NHL rookies in 1998–99.Led NHL rookies in playoff scoring (5-5-10 in 17games).

• Improved on virtually all offensive categories in2000–01 despite playing just 69 games due to injuries.Led team in plus/minus (+24). Played in his first NHLAll-Star Game and scored 2 goals, including game win-ner.

• Established career highs in goals (33), assists (33) andpoints (66) in 2001–02. Tied for third in NHL at +31.

• Led Flyers in shots with 211 in 2003–04. Was first onteam in game-winning goals (6) and even-strengthgoals (18). Was 2nd on team with 24 goals.

• Had topped the 20-goal plateau for the fifth time in sixseasons 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

Canadian Olympian Joe Sakic and Michel Goulet.

Family Connections… • 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

early days. He attended training camp with theQuebec Aces (then a Flyers affiliate) in 1967. His grand-father played seven seasons of top minor league hock-ey in the 1940s and ‘50s, winning the AHL Calder Cupwith the Cleveland Barons in 1947–48.

• He will call his parents first if Canada wins gold atTorino.

GAGNÉ, SIMON(GAH-nyay, see-MOHN)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, STE-FOY, QUE., FEBRUARY 29, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Ste-Foy QAAA 27 13 9 22 18 15 7 8 15 81996-97 Beauport QMJHL 51 9 22 31 49 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Quebec QMJHL 53 30 39 69 26 12 11 5 16 231998-99 Quebec QMJHL 61 50 *70 *120 42 13 9 8 17 499-2000 Philadelphia NHL 80 20 28 48 22 17 5 5 10 22000-01 Philadelphia NHL 69 27 32 59 18 6 3 0 3 02001-02 Philadelphia NHL 79 33 33 66 32 5 0 0 0 22002-03 Philadelphia NHL 46 9 18 27 16 13 4 1 5 62003-04 Philadelphia NHL 80 24 21 45 29 18 5 4 9 122004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 354 113 132 245 117 59 17 10 27 22Philadelphia'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)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 S Canada WJC-A 7 7 1 8 22002 G Canada Olympics 6 1 3 4 02004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 1 1 2 02005 S Canada WC-A 9 3 7 10 0

Canada

98

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Switzerland…• 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 WorldChampionship.

• Ranked fourth at the 2005 World Championship inboth average (1.67) and save percentage (.946).

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second consecutive Winter

Games.• Lists playing in Salt Lake City in 2002 as his great-

est international experience.• Helped Switzerland advance to Torino by posting

three wins and a tournament-leading 1.33 goals-against average in Group A of the 2005 Final Olympic Qualification tournament.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is downhill skiing.

Did you know that…• Lists playing for the Swiss national team and playing

in the playoffs during Anaheim’s 2003 run to theStanley Cup Final as his greatest hockey moments.

• On October 20, 2002, he and fellow 2006 SwissOlympian David Aebischer of Colorado squared off inthe first National Hockey League game betweenteams featuring Swiss goaltenders. Anaheim won 3-2in overtime for his first NHL victory.

• Was coached in Switzerland in 2000–01 by formerNHLer and 2006 Swedish Olympic coach Bengt-AkeGustafsson, who took him to Sweden in 2001–02where he led Farjestad to the championship.

• He became the first goalie to score a goal in Swisshockey on Feb. 27, 1997.

• Credits goaltending consultant Francois Allaire, whoworked with him in Anaheim, and Gustafsson as hav-ing had the biggest influence on his career. Lists thetwo 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.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 play-offs (2, 1.64) as Farjestad won the regular-season andplayoff titles.

• Played his first NHL game on Oct 11, 2002 at Dallas.Set an Anaheim club record with 10 straight startsallowing two goals or less from Jan. 3 to Mar. 13, 2003.

• During the calender year of 2003, he led all NHL net-minders average (1.77) and save percentage (.943).Numbers were the best for a calender year since 2006Czech Olympian Dominik Hasek was 1.76 and .943 forBuffalo in 1998.

• Got his first win for Carolina on Oct. 22, 2005. RelievedCam Ward at 3:48 of the first period and stopped all17 shots he faced to combine with Ward on the firstshared 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 infront of just a handful of spectators. Both goalies hadto pay for their own sticks and give an annual mem-bership fee to their club.

• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• Favorite player was Oilers goalie Grant Fuhr.

GERBER, MARTIN(GUHR-buhr, MAHR-tihn)

CAROLINA HURRICANESGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 185 LBS./84 KG

BORN, BURGDORF, SWITZ., SEPTEMBER 3, 1974.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1996-97 Langnau Swiss-2 38 .... .... .... 2286 121 0 3.18 8 .... .... 488 29 0 3.571997-98 Langnau Swiss-2 40 .... .... .... 2430 141 2 3.48 16 .... .... 961 42 0 2.621998-99 Langnau Swiss 42 .... .... .... 2521 203 1 4.83 11 .... .... 664 50 0 4.5299-2000 Langnau Swiss 44 .... .... .... 2652 161 3 3.64 6 .... .... 360 13 *2 *2.172000-01 Langnau Swiss *44 .... .... .... 2671 114 3 2.56 5 .... .... 319 7 1 1.322001-02 Farjestad Sweden 44 .... .... .... 2664 87 *4 *1.96 *10 .... .... *657 18 *2 *1.642002-03 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 2.40NHL 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 andCarolina'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg2000 Switzerland WC-A 2 1 1 0 120 7 0 3.502001 Switzerland WC-A 6 2 4 0 358 16 0 2.682002 Switzerland Olympics 3 1 1 1 158 4 0 1.52

Switzerland WC-A 4 .... .... .... 240 12 0 3.002004 Switzerland WC-A 6 2 2 2 358 11 2 1.842005 Switzerland Olympic Q 3 3 0 0 180 4 0 1.332005 Switzerland WC-A 6 3 3 0 359 10 1 1.67

Switzerland

99

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First competed for the United States on the Select-

16 team.“It was a dream come true.”• Lists the World Championship as his favorite inter-

national hockey experience. Has played at thetournament in 2000, 2001 and 2005.

• Was the top scorer (6-5-11) and a tournament All-Star at the 1999 World Junior Championship.

• Favorite element of international hockey is the bigice “because there is more space.”

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and

bobsled.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Make sure to work hard and always have fun.”

Did you know that…• He was a three-time finalist for the Hobey Baker Award

(top NCAA player) during his four years at BostonCollege.

• Stands just 5'7". Patterns his game after former NHLerTheo Fleury.

• His favorite arena to play in is the Air Canada Centre inToronto “because of the great atmosphere.”

• Most memorable hockey game played was gameseven of the 2003 Stanley Cup Final because the Devilswon 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.• If he could have dinner with any three people it would

be with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Tom Hanks.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 inAlbany, he ranked eighth on the team in scoring (9-16-25).

• Spent his first full season in the NHL in 2002–03. Wasnever a healthy scratch but missed 24 games due tothree separate injuries.

• Was voted Devils Unsung Hero by his teammates in2003–04. Scored a career-high 20 goals, including 8game winners. Finished third on the team inplus/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.

Family Connections… • Credits his parents as the biggest influence on his

hockey career “for providing lots of support whilegrowing up.” Lists his father as the person he admiresmost “because of his hard work and his love for thefamily.”

• He spends the summers working at his family’s hard-ware 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.

GIONTA, BRIAN(jee-OHN-tuh, BRIGH-uhn)

NEW JERSEY DEVILSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’ 7”/170 CM, 175 LBS./79 KG

BORN, ROCHESTER, NY, JANUARY 18, 1979.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1994-95 Rochester EmJHL 28 *52 37 *89 .... .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Niagara MTJHL 51 47 44 91 59 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Niagara MTJHL 50 57 70 127 101 6 6 11 17 211997-98 Boston College H-East 40 30 32 62 44 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Boston College H-East 39 27 33 60 46 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Boston College H-East 42 *33 23 56 66 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Boston College H-East 43 *33 21 *54 47 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 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 62003-04 New Jersey NHL 75 21 8 29 36 5 2 3 5 02004-05 Albany AHL 15 5 7 12 10 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 166 37 28 65 67 35 5 13 18 6New 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 EastSecond All-American Team (1998) WJC-A All-Star Team (1999) • Hockey East First All-Star Team (1999, 2000, 2001) • NCAA EastFirst All-American Team (1999, 2000, 2001) • Hockey East Player of the Year (2001) • Walter Brown Award (New England'sOutstanding American-born College player) (2001) (co-winner - Ty Conklin)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 United States WJC-A 6 6 5 *11 62000 United States WC-A 7 2 1 3 22001 United States WC-A 9 2 0 2 62005 United States WC-A 7 2 1 3 6

U.S.A.

100

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Germany…• First played for Germany as a 15-year-old at an

Under-16 tournament in Finland.“It was anhonor.”

• Played at World Junior Under-18 Championship in2000 and 2001. Led team in scoring (2-4-6) in2001.

• Also played at the World Junior Championship in2000 (Pool-B) and 2001 (Div. 1), as well as at the2001 World Championship, giving him threemajor tournaments that year.

• Played at World Junior Championship again in2002 (Div. 1). Tied fellow 2006 German OlympianChristoph Schubert for team lead with 4 goals.Germany won gold to advance to the WorldJunior Championship (Pool-A) in 2003.

• Finished second on German team in scoring (1-2-3) at the 2003 World JuniorChampionship. Also played at 2003 World Championship, where Germansreached quarterfinals and lost 3–2 to Canada in overtime.

• Tied several players for second on the German team with 2 goals behind fellow2006 Olympian Jochen Hecht (3) at the 2005 World Championship.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun when you play.”

Did you know that…• 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 theNHL, game six of the 2004 Western Conference semifi-nal 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 beforegames.

• 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 andHalle Barry (actors).

Career Accomplishments…• 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. Teamfinished second in regular-season standings andreached playoff finals. Played with brother Sascha onAdler Mannheim in 2002–03.

• Made North American debut spending regular seasonwith Cleveland Barons (AHL). His 16 goals were themost since his final season of junior hockey in1998–99. Made his NHL debut on Apr. 15 vs. St. Louis infifth game of Western Conference Quarterfinal. Playedthree games vs. Calgary in Western Conference Final,seeing 12:58 of ice time in sixth and final game of theseries.

• Established career highs with Cleveland (AHL) in2004–05 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, 2005in a 5-4 overtime win. Attempted and was unsuccess-ful on first career penalty shot against Turco in thesame 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.• Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky.

Family Connections… • 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 every-thing they did.”

• Will call his wife and parents first if Germany wins goldat Turin.

GOC, MARCEL(GAWCH, mahr-SEHL)

SAN JOSE SHARKSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/186 CM 190 LBS./ 86 KG

BORN, CALW, WEST GERMANY AUGUST 24, 1983.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1998-99 Schwenningen Jr. German-Jr. 12 23 10 33 12 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Schwenningen Germany 51 0 3 3 4 11 1 1 2 22000-01 Schwenningen Germany 58 13 28 41 12 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Schwenningen Germany 45 8 9 17 24 .... .... .... .... ....

Mannheim Germany 8 0 2 2 0 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Mannheim Germany 36 6 14 20 16 8 1 2 3 02003-04 Cleveland AHL 78 16 21 37 24 .... .... .... .... ....

San Jose NHL .... .... .... .... .... 5 1 1 2 02004-05 Cleveland AHL 76 16 34 50 28 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 2 0Brother of Sascha.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 Germany WJC-B 5 1 1 2 2

Germany WJC-18 6 2 1 3 102001 Germany WJC-B 5 0 1 1 2

Germany WJC-18 6 2 4 6 0Germany WC-A 7 0 0 0 2

2002 Germany WJC-B 5 4 2 6 22003 Germany WC-A 7 1 2 3 02004 Germany W-Cup 5 1 3 4 02005 Germany WC-A 6 2 0 2 0

Germany

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • 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 hockeyinfluence.

• Lists his parents as the people he admires most.

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First dressed for Team USA as a member of the

Select-16 team and calls the opportunity “awe-some.”

• Played for Team USA at the 1995 Under-17Challenge.

• Beating Canada on New Year’s Eve in Winnipeg atthe 1999 World Junior Championship is his favorite international hockeymoment.

• Finished tied for second in scoring (3-7-10) with Daniel Tkaczuk of Canada and2006 Swedish Olympian Daniel Sedin behind fellow 2006 U.S. Olympian BrianGionta at the 1999 WJC. Tied for tournament lead in assists with Canada’sBrenden Morrow and Tomas Divisek of Czech Republic.

• Was named to U.S. team for 2004 World Championships, but did not attend tour-nament.

• Was named to roster for 2004 World Cup of Hockey as replacement for injuredJeremy Roenick and finished tied for second on team in scoring (1-3-4).

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun and play other sports too.”

Did you know that…• He is both the first Hispanic player to play in the NHL,

and the first Alaskan-born player in the league. Grewup in Alaska and was named state’s high school playerof the year in 1995 and 1996.

• When he took the Stanley Cup home after the Devilswon in 2003, the mayor of Anchorage honored him onJuly 15, 2003 with ‘Scott Gomez Day.’

• Nickname is Gomer. Was called Silver Spoon by histeammates in New Jersey for making the jump rightfrom junior hockey to the NHL.

• Spent the summer of 2005 backpacking aroundEurope 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 hisfirst Stanley Cup.

• Most memorable hockey games watched were gameseven of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final between theRangers and Vancouver and game seven of the L.A. vs.Toronto 1993 Conference Final “because they werewhat hockey is all about.”

• Lists Scott Meleal and Rob Larkey as his favorite coach-es 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), JackNicholson (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 AmericanHero” as his favorite book.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Babe Ruth, Joe Namath, and KeithRichards.

Career Accomplishments…• Led WHL in assists (78), ranked fifth in points (108),

with Tri-City in 1998-99. Jumped to NHL directly out ofjunior hockey as 19-year-old in 1999-2000.

• Won Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in1999–2000. Led Devils in assists (51) and led all rookiescorers in assists and points (70). Became the eighthplayer in NHL history (but first since 1963) to winCalder Trophy and Stanley Cup in same season. Tiedfor lead in rookie playoff scoring (4-6-10) making himjust third player in expansion era (with 2006 CzechOlympian Milan Hejduk and Brian Propp) to be toprookie scorer in regular season and playoffs.

• Established NHL high with 56 assists in 2003–04. TiedNHL scoring leader Martin St. Louis for NHL lead inassists. Was 20th in the NHL in scoring (14-56-70). Had33 of his 56 assists in final 31 games of season.

• Played for Anchorage in the ECHL in 2004–05 and ledthe league in assists (73) and points (86).

When I was young…• 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 ofplay after Doug Gilmour.)

GOMEZ, SCOTT(GOH-mehz, SKAWT)

NEW JERSEY DEVILSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, ANCHORAGE, AK, DECEMBER 23, 1979.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1994-95 East High-AK 28 30 48 78 .... .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 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 571997-98 Tri-City WHL 45 12 37 49 57 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Tri-City WHL 58 30 *78 108 55 10 6 13 19 3199-2000◆ New Jersey NHL 82 19 51 70 78 23 4 6 10 42000-01 New Jersey NHL 76 14 49 63 46 25 5 9 14 242001-02 New Jersey NHL 76 10 38 48 36 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03◆ New Jersey NHL 80 13 42 55 48 24 3 9 12 22003-04 New Jersey NHL 80 14 *56 70 70 5 0 6 6 02004-05 Alaska ECHL 61 13 *73 *86 69 4 1 3 4 4

NHL Totals 394 70 236 306 278 77 12 30 42 30New 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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2000)Signed as a free agent by Alaska (ECHL), October 25, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1998 United States WJC-A 7 1 0 1 21999 United States WJC-A 6 3 7 10 42004 United States W-Cup 5 1 3 4 0

U.S.A.

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Russia…• 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 the1992 European Junior Championships.

• Played at the World Junior Championship in 1993along with fellow 2006 Russian Olympians ViktorKozlov, Alexei Yashin and Nikolai Khabibulin.

• Member of the Russian team at the World Cup ofHockey in 1996 and 2004. Led Russian defense-men in scoring (1-2-3) at the 2004 tournament.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout.(The NHL adopted the shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• 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 sil-ver medalists.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are biathlon and tennis and soccer at theSummer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have some fun!”

Did you know that…• 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 retiredin honor of Rod Langway.

• Lists his first junior coach in Russia as having had themost influence on his career and as being his favoritecoach.

• The most memorable game he has played was his firstplayoff game. He scored two goals vs. Pittsburgh (hiscurrent team).

• Most memorable hockey game watched was the 1987Canada 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).

Career Accomplishments…• Plus/minus rating of +25 was second best on

Washington in 1995–96. Led all Caps defensemen with41 points (15G, 26A).

• Tied for team lead with 7 playoff goals whenWashington reached Stanley Cup Final in 1998.

• Ranked second among NHL defensemen with 21 goalsin 1998–99. Also second in power-play goals (13).

• Tied for second among NHL defensemen with 18goals in 1999–2000. Ranked sixth in points (54). Rankedsecond among all NHL defensemen in plus/minus(+26). Became the second defenseman in Capitals his-tory to record a hat trick on Jan. 4, 2000.

• Tied for second among NHL defensemen with 19goals in 2000-–01. Ranked fifth in points with 57.Established new career high in shots on goals (241).Shots ranked third among NHL defensemen, 25thoverall.

• Led NHL defensemen with career-high 26 goals in2001-02. Tied for first with 2006 Swedish OlympianNicklas Lidstrom with 59 points. Finished fourth inNorris Trophy voting for best defenseman.

• Appeared in all 82 games in 2002–03 and set careerhighs in assists (49) and points (67). Tied for first withLidstrom among NHL defensemen in goals (18) andranked second to Al MacInnis in assists and points.third in shots (224).

• Split the 2003–04 season between Washington andBoston, and led all defensemen in assists and scoring(11-47-58). Led Capitals in scoring at the time of hisMar. 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

Family Connections… • Will call his wife or his parents first if Russia wins gold

in Torino.

GONCHAR, SERGEI(gohn-CHAR, SAIR-gay)

PITTSBURGH PENGUINSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 215 LBS./98 KG

BORN, CHELYABINSK, USSR, APRIL 13, 1974.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Chelyabinsk CIS 31 1 0 1 6 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Dynamo Moscow CIS 31 1 3 4 70 10 0 0 0 121993-94 Dynamo Moscow CIS 44 4 5 9 36 10 0 3 3 14

Portland AHL .... .... .... .... .... 2 0 0 0 01994-95 Portland AHL 61 10 32 42 67 .... .... .... .... ....

Washington NHL 31 2 5 7 22 7 2 2 4 21995-96 Washington NHL 78 15 26 41 60 6 2 4 6 41996-97 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 62000-01 Washington NHL 76 19 38 57 70 6 1 3 4 22001-02 Washington NHL 76 26 33 59 58 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Washington NHL 82 18 49 67 52 6 0 5 5 42003-04 Washington NHL 56 7 42 49 44 .... .... .... .... ....

Boston NHL 15 4 5 9 12 7 1 4 5 42004-05 Magnitogorsk Russia 40 2 17 19 54 4 1 1 2 6

NHL Totals 669 148 277 425 529 58 14 22 36 52Washington's 1st choice, 14th overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.NHL Second All-Star Team (2002, 2003) Played in NHL All-Star Game (2001, 2002, 2003) Traded to Boston by Washington for Shaonne Morrisonn and Boston's 1st (Jeff Schultz) and 2nd (Michail Yunkov) round choicesin 2004 Entry Draft, March 3, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Magnitogorsk (Russia), September 21, 2004. Signed as a free agentby Pittsburgh, August 3, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1992 B Russia EJC-A 6 1 4 5 81993 Russia WJC-A 7 0 2 2 101996 Russia W-Cup 4 2 2 4 21998 S Russia Olympics 6 0 2 2 02000 Russia WC-A 6 1 0 1 22002 B Russia Olympics 6 0 0 0 22004 Russia W-Cup 4 1 2 3 6

Russia

103

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• 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.”

Olympic Connections…• Most memorable game watched was the 1980

“Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid.• Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill ski-

ing and bobsled.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and never give up! Commit yourself to

making it.”

Did you know that…• His most memorable game played was his first in the

NHL for Boston at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto onOct. 4, 1999.“My dream of playing in the NHL cametrue.” His most memorable moment is when Bruinscoach Pat Burns told him he’d be playing that night.

• His favorite coach is Jeff Jackson, who coached him inUniversity hockey at Lake Superior State.

• He donates $1,000 per shutout to the Garth BrooksFoundation.

• 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 andhe’s traveled everywhere. He has a lot of good stories!”

• Favorite NHL arena is the old Chicago Stadium.“Anelectric building.”

• Other Favorites include “Married with Children” (TVshow),“Good Fellas” (movie) and Robert DeNiro (actor).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Michael Jordan, Chevy Chase andRobert DeNiro.

Career Accomplishments…• Led the AHL in wins (37) with Providence in 1998–99

and set a league record with a 19-game winningstreak. Tied an AHL record with 15 playoff wins asProvidence won the Calder Cup.

• Got his first NHL win vs. San Jose on Oct. 23, 1999. Hisfirst 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 eliminatedTampa Bay at 11:12 of triple overtime in the longestgame in Lightning history.

• Established career bests in games (29), wins (18) andgoals-against average (2.06) in 2003–04. Combinedwith 2006 Russian Olympian Nikolai Khabibulin to leadTampa 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.”

Family Connections… • His father Ron played goal for the Boston Bruins in

1977–78.• Lists his parents as the people who had the most influ-

ence on his career.“Good advice, and good people.”• Will call his parents first if the U.S. wins gold in Torino.

GRAHAME, JOHN(GRAY-uhm, JAWN)

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNINGGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 220 LBS./100 KG

BORN, DENVER, CO, AUGUST 31, 1975.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1993-94 Sioux City USHL 20 .... .... .... 1200 73 0 3.70 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Lake Superior CCHA 28 16 7 3 1616 75 2 2.79 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Lake Superior CCHA 29 21 4 2 1558 66 2 2.54 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Lake Superior CCHA 37 19 13 4 2197 134 3 3.66 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Providence AHL 55 15 31 4 3053 164 3 3.22 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Providence AHL 48 *37 9 1 2771 134 3 2.90 19 *15 4*1209 48 1 2.3899-2000 Boston NHL 24 7 10 5 1344 55 2 2.46 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Providence AHL 27 11 13 2 1528 86 1 3.38 13 10 3 839 35 0 2.502000-01 Boston NHL 10 3 4 0 471 28 0 3.57 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Providence AHL 16 4 7 3 893 47 0 3.16 17 8 9 1043 46 2 2.652001-02 Boston NHL 19 8 7 2 1079 52 1 2.89 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Boston NHL 23 11 9 2 1352 61 1 2.71 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Tampa Bay NHL 17 6 5 4 914 34 2 2.23 1 0 1 111 2 0 1.082003-04◆ Tampa Bay NHL 29 18 9 1 1688 58 1 2.06 1 0 0 34 2 0 3.532004-05 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 RonTraded to Tampa Bay by Boston for Tampa Bay's 4th round choice (later traded to San Jose – San Jose selected Jason Churchill) in2004 Entry Draft, January 13, 2003.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1995 United States WJC-A 5 2 2 0 280 19 0 4.071996 B United States WC-A 1 0 1 0 30 4 0 7.90

U.S.A.

104

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First time he played for his country was for U.S.

Select team that played Russian Selects in 1988friendship series at Lake Placid.

• Played at 1989 and 1990 World JuniorChampionship.

• 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).

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second consecutive Winter

Games.• Lists being a part of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics as his greatest internation-

al 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun playing the game!”

Did you know that…• Charitable efforts include a $200 donation for every

goal scored as part of the Top Shelf TeammatesProgram through the Garth Brooks Teammates for KidsFoundation. Also created Guerin’s Stars of the Game.He was the Stars’ 2002–03 Community Service AwardWinner.

• Hobbies and summer activities include golf andmotorcycles.

• The person he admires most is any President of theUnited States because “they have to make tough deci-sions and know that not everyone will be happy.”

• Most memorable hockey game played was game fourof the 1995 Stanley Cup Final because it clinched theCup for the Devils in New Jersey.

• Most memorable hockey game watched was the 1990 Stanley Cup Final between Boston andEdmonton because it was the first time he saw theStanley 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).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Bruce Springsteen, Will Ferrell and ChrisFarley.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 Cup-winning goal.

• Led Oilers in scoring (30-34-64) in 1998–99. Career-high13 power-play goals also led team. Named Oilers MVP.

• Played 85 games in 2000–01. Established career highsin assists (45) and points (85). Finished 13th in NHLscoring. Was seventh in shots (289). Played in first All-Star Game and was just third American to win MVPhonors (Brett Hull, 1992; Mike Richter, 1994).

• Set career high with 41 goals in 2001–02. Led NHL inshots (355) and power-play goals (10), tied for secondin goals.

• Led Stars in goals (34), points (69), shots (263) and withcareer-high 10 game-winning goals in 2003–04. Tiedwith 2006 Swedish Olympian Mats Sundin of Torontoand 2006 Canadian Olympian Jarome Iginla of Calgaryfor league lead in game-winning goals. Was ninth inNHL 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 onhis career because “he helps young players developnot only as hockey players, but as people.” (He was thefirst person from Dineen’s junior program to graduateto 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 playafter because “I loved Neely’s toughness and skill.”

GUERIN, BILL(GAIR-ihn, BIHL)

DALLAS STARSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’2”/188 CM 210 LBS./95 KG

BORN, WORCESTER, MA, NOVEMBER 9, 1970.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1985-86 Spring. Olympics NEJHL 48 26 19 45 71 .... .... .... .... ....1986-87 Spring. Olympics NEJHL 32 34 20 54 40 .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 Spring. Olympics NEJHL 38 31 44 75 146 .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Spring. Olympics NEJHL 31 32 35 67 90 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Boston College H-East 39 14 11 25 54 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Boston College H-East 38 26 19 45 102 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 United States Nat-Tm 46 12 15 27 67 .... .... .... .... ....

New Jersey NHL 5 0 1 1 9 6 3 0 3 4Utica 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 4Utica AHL 18 10 7 17 47 .... .... .... .... ....

1993-94 New Jersey NHL 81 25 19 44 101 17 2 1 3 351994-95◆ New Jersey NHL 48 12 13 25 72 20 3 8 11 301995-96 New Jersey NHL 80 23 30 53 116 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 New Jersey NHL 82 29 18 47 95 8 2 1 3 181997-98 New Jersey NHL 19 5 5 10 13 .... .... .... .... ....

Edmonton NHL 40 13 16 29 80 12 7 1 8 171998-99 Edmonton NHL 80 30 34 64 133 3 0 2 2 299-2000 Edmonton NHL 70 24 22 46 123 5 3 2 5 92000-01 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 62002-03 Dallas NHL 64 25 25 50 113 4 0 0 0 42003-04 Dallas NHL 82 34 35 69 109 5 0 1 1 42004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 879 315 308 623 1258 91 25 19 44 133New Jersey's 1st choice, 5th overall, in 1989 Entry Draft.NHL Second All-Star Team (2002)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2001, 2003, 2004)Traded to Edmonton by New Jersey with Valeri Zelepukin for Jason Arnott and Bryan Muir, January 4, 1998.Traded to Boston byEdmonton for Anson Carter, Boston's 1st (Ales Hemsky) and 2nd (Doug Lynch) round choices in 2001 Entry Draft and future con-siderations, November 15, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Dallas, July 3, 2002.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1989 United States WJC-A 7 0 3 3 161990 United States WJC-A 7 0 0 0 181996 1st United States W-Cup 7 0 2 2 171998 United States Olympics 4 0 3 3 22002 S United States Olympics 6 4 0 4 42004 United States W-Cup 5 2 2 4 8

U.S.A.

105

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Slovakia…• 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 aninjury suffered at team training camp.

• Tied fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Marian Gaborikfor second on the Slovak team in goals (3) behindZiggy Palffy (5) at the 2005 World Championship.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second consecutive Winter

Games.

Did you know that…• He played on the St. Louis Blues’“Slovak Line” with fel-

low 2006 Slovak Olympian Pavol Demitra and LuboosBartecko 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 favoriteathlete outside of hockey is tennis star Roger Federer.

• His greatest fear is flying.

Career Accomplishments…• Led Worcester (AHL) in goals (27), assists (36) and

points (63) in his first North American professional sea-son of 1997–98.

• Played his first NHL game with St. Louis at Boston onOct. 10, 1998. Scored his first NHL goal Nov. 28 vs.Washington. Tied for club lead in points among rook-ies (4-12-16) in 1998–99.

• Set career highs in goals (25) and plus/minus (+19) in1999–2000. Tied for third in the NHL in shorthandedgoals (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 wasone of two players (2006 Swedish Olympian KimJohnsson) to play in all 82 games. Was second on teamto Jeremy Roenick with 23 goals. Led team, and wastied for ninth in the NHL, with 9 game-winning goals.

• Along with Mark Recchi, was one of two Flyers to playin all 82 games in 2003–04. Was second on the teamand established new career highs in assists (38) andpoints (58). Tied for second on team in plus/minus at+18. Reached 20-goal plateau for second consecutiveseason and third time in his NHL career.

• Helped Zvolen finish first in the Slovak regular-seasonstandings in 2004–05. Was second on the team in scor-ing (14--24-38) and ranked among the league leadersdespite playing just 33 games.

When I was young…• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Slovak

Olympian Ivan Majesky.

HANDZUS, MICHAL(HAHND-zuhs, MIGH-kuhl)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’5”/196 CM 217 LBS./98 KG

BORN, BANSKA BYSTRICA, CZECH., MARCH 11, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 B. Bystrica Jr. Slovak-Jr. 40 23 36 59 .... .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 B. Bystrica Slovak-2 22 15 14 29 10 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 B. Bystrica Slovakia 19 3 1 4 8 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Poprad Slovakia 44 15 18 33 .... .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Worcester AHL 69 27 36 63 54 11 2 6 8 101998-99 St. Louis NHL 66 4 12 16 30 11 0 2 2 899-2000 St. Louis NHL 81 25 28 53 44 7 0 3 3 62000-01 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 22002-03 Philadelphia NHL 82 23 21 44 46 13 2 6 8 62003-04 Philadelphia NHL 82 20 38 58 82 18 5 5 10 102004-05 Zvolen Slovakia 33 14 24 38 34 17 5 10 15 6

NHL Totals 436 101 147 248 269 54 7 16 23 32St. 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 EntryDraft for Keith Tkachuk, March 13, 2001.Traded to Philadelphia by Phoenix with Robert Esche for Brian Boucher and Nashville's3rd round choice (previously acquired, Phoenix selected Joe Callahan) in 2002 Entry Draft, June 12, 2002. Signed as a free agent byZvolen (Slovakia), October 27, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 G Slovakia EJC-B 5 5 3 8 41996 Slovakia WJC-A 6 0 3 3 21997 Slovakia WJC-A 6 2 4 6 22000 S Slovakia WC-A 6 1 4 5 42002 Slovakia Olympics 2 1 0 1 6

G Slovakia WC-A 6 1 4 5 42004 Slovakia W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJURED2005 Slovakia WC-A 7 3 0 3 2

Slovakia

106

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• 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 victo-ry over Canada at the semifinals at Nagano in1998. Lists the gold medal that followed (the firstfor the Czech Republic) as his greatest interna-tional hockey moment.

• Is one of seven players back from the CzechRepublic’s 1998 gold medal team along withMilan Hejduk, Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, MartinRucinsky, Jaroslav Spacek and Martin Straka.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is downhill skiing.

Did you know that…• 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 forbeing a brave person.”

• The most memorable game he has watched was the1976 Canada Cup Final, where Canada beatCzechoslovakia.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 firstEuropean-trained goaltender to lead the NHL in goals-against average (1.95) in 1993-94. Was the first goal-tender to finish the regular season with an averagebelow 2.00 since Bernie Parent in 1973-74. Won theVezina Trophy for the first of six times. Named to theFirst All-Star Team for the first of six times.

• Had a career-best 13 shutouts in 1997–98, the most sinceTony Esposito set a modern record with 15 in 1969–70.

• Helped Buffalo reach the Stanley Cup Final for the sec-ond 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 savepercentage, .00026 off the league lead. (Had led theNHL in save percentage for six of the previous sevenseasons.)

• Led the NHL in shutouts for the fourth time with 11 in2000–01. Established a new career-high in save per-centage (.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, butsaw 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 anygames.

• Says that all of his childhood friends that played in theNHL have since retired.

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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 .

HASEK, DOMINIK(HAH-shihk, DOHM-ihn-ihk)

OTTAWA SENATORSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 180 LBS./82 KG

BORN, PARDUBICE, CZECH., JANUARY 29, 1965.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1981-82 Pardubice Czech 12 .... .... .... 661 34 .... 3.09 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1982-83 Pardubice Czech 42 .... .... .... 2358 105 .... 2.67 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1983-84 Pardubice Czech 40 .... .... .... 2304 108 .... 2.81 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1984-85 Pardubice Czech 42 .... .... .... 2419 131 .... 3.25 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1985-86 Pardubice Czech 45 .... .... .... 2689 138 .... 3.08 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1986-87 Pardubice Czech 43 .... .... .... 2515 103 .... 2.46 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 Pardubice Czech 31 .... .... .... 1862 93 .... 3.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Pardubice Czech 42 .... .... .... 2507 114 .... 2.73 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Jihlava Czech 40 .... .... .... 2251 80 .... 2.13 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Chicago NHL 5 3 0 1 195 8 0 2.46 3 0 0 69 3 0 2.61

Indianapolis IHL 33 20 11 1 1903 80 *5 *2.52 1 1 0 60 3 0 3.001991-92 Chicago NHL 20 10 4 1 1014 44 1 2.60 3 0 2 158 8 0 3.04

Indianapolis IHL 20 7 10 3 1162 69 1 3.56 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Buffalo NHL 28 11 10 4 1429 75 0 3.15 1 1 0 45 1 0 1.331993-94 Buffalo NHL 58 30 20 6 3358 109 *7*1.95 7 3 4 484 13 2 *1.611994-95 Pardubice CzRep 2 1 0 1 124 6 0 2.90 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Buffalo NHL 41 19 14 7 2416 85 *5*2.11 5 1 4 309 18 0 3.501995-96 Buffalo NHL 59 22 30 6 3417 161 2 2.83 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Buffalo NHL 67 37 20 10 4037 153 5 2.27 3 1 1 153 5 0 1.961997-98 Buffalo NHL *72 33 23 13 *4220 147 *13 2.09 15 10 5 948 32 1 2.031998-99 Buffalo NHL 64 30 18 14 3817 119 9 1.87 19 13 6 1217 36 2 1.7799-2000 Buffalo NHL 35 15 11 6 2066 76 3 2.21 5 1 4 301 12 0 2.392000-01 Buffalo NHL 67 37 24 4 3904 137 *11 2.11 13 7 6 833 29 1 2.092001-02◆ Detroit NHL 65 *41 15 8 3872 140 5 2.17 *23 *16 7*1455 45 *6 1.862002-03 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) • NamedBest 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) • HartTrophy (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 toAtlanta – Atlanta selected Jim Slater) in 2002 Entry Draft and future considerations, July 1, 2001. • Officially announced retire-ment, June 25, 2002. • Detroit picked up the option on his contract, July 1, 2003. • Missed majority of 2003-04 season recoveringfrom groin injury suffered in game vs. St. Louis, October 29, 2003. Signed as a free agent by Ottawa , July 6, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1982 S Czechoslovakia EJC-A 5 .... .... .... 20 1 .... 3.001983 S Czechoslovakia WJC-A 6 .... .... .... 360 20 .... 3.331984 Czechoslovakia Can-Cup 4 0 3 1 188 12 0 3.831985 S Czechoslovakia WJC-A 7 4 0 2 380 10 0 1.581987 Czechoslovakia Can-Cup 6 2 3 1 360 20 0 3.001988 Czechoslovakia Olympics 5 3 2 0 217 18 1 4.981991 Czechoslovakia Can-Cup 5 1 4 0 300 18 0 3.601998 G Czech Republic Olympics 6 *5 1 0 *369 6 *2 *0.972002 Czech Republic Olympics 4 1 2 1 239 8 0 2.01

Czech Republic

107

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Was named to original U.S. roster for 2004 WorldCup of Hockey but withdrew prior to tournament.

• Lists the big ice surface and the shootout as hisfavorite rules in international hockey. (The NHLadopted the shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard!”

Did you know that…• 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 theCup in triple overtime.

• His favorite arena is the old Chicago Stadium.• His hobbies are speed boating, fishing and SCUBA div-

ing. If he couldn’t be a hockey player, he would be amarine biologist.

• Favorite TV show is “Seinfeld.” Favorite movie is“Star Wars.” Favorite band is Metallica.

Career Accomplishments…• Named North Stars rookie of the year in 1991-92.

Finished eighth in voting for Calder Trophy (NHL rook-ie of the year).

• Named Dallas Stars’ top defenseman in 1993-94. Had acareer-high 12 goals and 31 points (equalled twice).Led team in plus/minus at +19 after having been -27the 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 inplus/minus at +21.

• Ranked sixth in NHL in average ice time (27:33) in1999–2000.

• Led Stars defensemen with 26.88 shifts per game in2000–01. Ranked ninth in NHL in total ice time (25:53per game) and tenth in hits (250).

• Finished third in NHL in hits (330) and seventh in aver-age ice-time (26:40) in 2001–02.

• Nominated for Norris Trophy for first time with Detroitin 2002-03 (finished third behind teammate and 2006Swedish Olympian Nicklas Lidstrom and Al MacInnis).Played every game of season for first time in his careerand finished fifth in NHL in plus/minus with career-high +37.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Washington

Capitals.• Favorite player was older brother Kevin Hatcher.

Family Connections… • 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 mostadmires.

• Will call his wife and four children first if Team USAwins gold in Torino.

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• Participated in 1990 and 1991 U.S. Olympic Festivals• First represented his country at the 1993 World

Championship.“It was a very special experience.”• His greatest international experience is winning the

1996 World Cup of Hockey. Led tournament defense-men with 3 goals.

HATCHER, DERIAN(HAT-chuhr, DAIR-ee-an)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’5”/196 CM 235 LBS./107 KG

BORN, STERLING HTS., MI, JUNE 4, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1987-88 Detroit GPD MNHL 25 5 13 18 52 .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Detroit GPD MNHL 51 19 35 54 100 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 North Bay OHL 64 14 38 52 81 5 2 3 5 81990-91 North Bay OHL 64 13 49 62 163 10 2 10 12 281991-92 Minnesota NHL 43 8 4 12 88 5 0 2 2 81992-93 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 141994-95 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 201997-98 Dallas NHL 70 6 25 31 132 17 3 3 6 391998-99◆ Dallas NHL 80 9 21 30 102 18 1 6 7 2499-2000 Dallas NHL 57 2 22 24 68 23 1 3 4 292000-01 Dallas NHL 80 2 21 23 77 10 0 1 1 162001-02 Dallas NHL 80 4 21 25 87 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Dallas NHL 82 8 22 30 106 11 1 2 3 332003-04 Detroit NHL 15 0 4 4 8 12 0 1 1 152004-05 Motor City UHL 24 5 12 17 27 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 842 71 227 298 1388 112 6 22 28 198Minnesota's 1st choice, 8th overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.• Brother of Kevin • NHL Second All-Star Team (2003)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1997)Transferred to Dallas after Minnesota franchise relocated, June 9, 1993. Signed as a free agent by Detroit, July 3, 2003. • Missedmajority of 2003-04 season recovering from knee injury suffered in game vs.Vancouver, October 16, 2003. Signed as a free agentby Motor City (UHL), February 1, 2005. Signed as a free agent by Philadelphia, August 2, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1993 United States WC-A 6 1 2 3 81996 1st United States W-Cup 6 3 2 5 101998 United States Olympics 4 0 0 0 02002 United States WC-A 7 0 1 1 02004 United States W-Cup DID NOT PLAY

U.S.A.

108

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• First represented Canada at the 2000 World Junior

Championship.“It is unbelievable to play for yourcountry.”

• Led Canadian team in scoring (7-3-10) at 2003World Championship. Tied for sixth overall in tour-nament scoring. Tied Ziggy Palffy for second ingoals behind 2006 Finnish Olympian TeemuSelanne (8). Made tournament All-Star Team.

• Led 2004 World Championship in goals (8) andpoints (11). Was named Best Forward and tourna-ment MVP.

• Lists the gold medal games he has played as hismost memorable games.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout“because of the excitement it brings to the game.”(The NHL adopted the shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is downhill skiing.

Did you know that…• He was involved in a blockbuster trade prior to the

2005–06 season that sent 2006 Slovak OlympianMarian 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 col-

lege and he has kept it since then.• Most memorable hockey game watched was Toronto

vs. St. Louis in the 1993 playoffs “when Doug Gilmourscored 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 “MajorLeague.” Favorite actors are Val Kilmer and CharlizeTheron. Favorite bands are The Dave Matthews Band,The Tragically Hip and Our Lady Peace.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Dave Matthews, John Lennon and Muhammad Ali.

Career Accomplishments…• Helped Wisconsin capture WCHA regular season

championship in 1999–00. Led team in goals (24),assists (33), points (57), power-play goals (10), game-winning goals (six) and game-tying goals (one) in 2000–01.

• Topped all NHL rookies with Thrashers rookie recordsof 41 assists, 67 points and 202 shots in 2001–02. Wassecond to 2006 Russian Olympian Ilya Kovalchuk onteam, and among league’s first-year players, with 26goals. He and Kovalchuk became first teammates tofinish 1-2 in NHL rookie scoring since Brian Leetch andTony Granato of NY Rangers in 1988–89.

• Set Thrashers franchise records for goals (41 - sincetied by Kovalchuk) and points (89) in 2002–03. Alsoestablished career bests with 19 power-play goals, 48assists and 252 shots. Was sixth in NHL in goals, ninthin points. Was ninth among NHL forward with averageof 21:57 ice time per game.

• Played just 31 games in 2003–04 after missing first 51games of season. Registered 25 points (13 goals, 12assists) in final 28 games after going scoreless in firstthree contests.

• Scored points (17-21-38) in his first 22 games withOttawa 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

Flames and the St. Louis Blues “because of Brett Hull.”

Family Connections… • Lists his father as being the biggest influence on his

hockey career because “he has helped me every singlestep of the way.”

• Will call his family first if Canada wins gold in Torino.

HEATLEY, DANY(HEET-lee, DA-nee)

OTTAWA SENATORSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 215 LBS./98 KG

BORN, FREIBURG, WEST GERMANY, JANUARY 21, 1981.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1996-97 Cgy. Blazers AMHL 25 30 42 72 26 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Cgy. Buffaloes AMHL 36 39 42 *81 34 10 10 12 *22 301998-99 Cgy. Canucks AJHL 60 *70 56 *126 91 13 *22 13 *35 699-2000 U. of Wisconsin WCHA 38 28 28 56 32 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 U. of Wisconsin WCHA 39 24 33 57 74 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Atlanta NHL 82 26 41 67 56 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Atlanta NHL 77 41 48 89 58 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Atlanta NHL 31 13 12 25 18 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Bern Swiss 16 14 10 24 58 .... .... .... .... ....

Kazan Russia 11 3 1 4 22 4 2 1 3 4NHL 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-StarTeam (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 All-Star Team (2004) • Named Best Forward at WC-A (2004) • WC-A Tournament MVP (2004)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2003) • Missed majority of 2003-04 season recovering from injuries suffered in automobile accident, September 29, 2003. Signed as afree agent by Bern (Swiss), October 13, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia), February 9, 2005.Traded to Ottawa byAtlanta for Marian Hossa and Greg de Vries, August 23, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 B Canada WJC-A 7 2 2 4 42001 B Canada WJC-A 7 3 2 5 102002 Canada WC-A 7 2 2 4 22003 G Canada WC-A 9 7 3 10 102004 G Canada WC-A 9 *8 3 *11 42004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 0 2 2 22005 S Canada WC-A 9 3 4 7 16

Canada

109

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Made his debut at the World Championship in1996 and also played at 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

• Led Germany with 3 goals at the 2004 WorldChampionship.

• Led Germany with 3 goals at the 2005 WorldChampionship. Tied fellow 2006 GermanOlympians Christoph Schubert and Jan Benda forteam lead with 4 points.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard, but most important is having fun.”

Did you know that…• 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, butlists his first goal (in the 1999 playoffs vs. Dallas) as hismost memorable moment.

• Most memorable game watched was when 2006German 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 chan-cellor Helmut Kohl.

Career Accomplishments…• Played four seasons with Adler Mannheim in German

elite league from 1994 to 1998. Was second on theteam in goals (21), fifth in points (42) as AlderMannheim won both regular-season and playoffchampionships in 1996–97.

• Made North American debut in 1998–99, spendingmajority of season with Worcester (AHL) and leadingIce Cats in goals (21) assist (35) and points (56).

• Ranked tenth in scoring (13-21-34), tied for fifth inpower-play goals (5) and third in plus/minus (+20)among NHL rookies in 1999–2000.

• Established NHL highs for goals (19) and power-playgoals (8) in 2000–01. Tied for Blues lead with 3 short-handed goals.

• Played a career-high 82 games for Edmonton in2001–02 and was fourth on team in goals (16) andsixth in points (40) .

• Suffered a broken left arm in preseason game withColumbus on Oct. 4, 2003. Played just 64 games in2003–04 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 ofMannheim from 1984 to 1990.

Playing for Germany…• First represented Germany on the Under-16 team.• Played at the 1994 and 1995 European Junior

Championship. Captained Germany to its first juniorhockey medal (silver) at the 1995 EJC in Berlin and wasnamed to the tournament All-Star Team. He calls win-ning the silver medal his greatest international hockeyexperience.

• Played at four straight World Junior Championshipsfrom 1994 to 1997.

HECHT, JOCHEN(HEHKHT, YOH-khehn)

BUFFALO SABRESLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, MANNHEIM, WEST GERMANY, JUNE 21, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 Mannheim Jr. Ger-Jr. 28 27 13 40 103 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Mannheim Germany 43 11 12 23 68 10 5 4 9 121995-96 Mannheim Germany 44 12 16 28 68 8 3 2 5 61996-97 Mannheim Germany 46 21 21 42 36 9 3 3 6 41997-98 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 2 299-2000 St. Louis NHL 63 13 21 34 28 7 4 6 10 22000-01 St. Louis NHL 72 19 25 44 48 15 2 4 6 42001-02 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 6St. 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 toBuffalo by Edmonton for Atlanta's 2nd round choice (previously acquired, Edmonton selected Jeff Deslauriers) in 2002 Entry Draftand Nashville's 2nd round choice (previously acquired, Edmonton selected Jarret Stoll) in 2002 Entry Draft, June 22, 2002. Signedas a free agent by Mannheim (Germany), August 2, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 Germany WJC-A 7 0 0 0 4

Germany EJC-A 5 6 2 8 181995 Germany WJC-A 7 5 3 8 18

S Germany EJC-A 5 3 3 6 181996 Germany WJC-A 6 1 4 5 18

Germany WC-A 6 1 2 3 81996 Germany W-Cup 4 1 0 1 21997 Germany WJC-A 6 0 2 2 4

Germany WC-A 8 2 0 2 61998 Germany Olympics 4 1 0 1 6

Germany WC-A 6 1 1 2 22002 Germany Olympics 4 1 1 2 22004 Germany WC-A 6 3 0 3 42004 Germany W-Cup 4 1 0 1 22005 Germany WC-A 6 3 1 4 6

Germany

110

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Says that his father has been the greatest influ-

ence on his career because he was a hockey play-er and a coach.

• Will call his wife first if the Czech Republic winsgold at Torino.

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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 gameafter breaking his jaw in the tournament opener.

• Was second on the Czech team behind fellow2006 Olympian Martin Straka, ranked among tournament leaders, with 5 goals atthe 2003 World Championships.

• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Tied for team lead with 3 goals, and tiedPatrik Elias for second behind Martin Havlat with 5 points.

Olympic Connections…• 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 afterbeing a late call-up to replace Vaclav Prospal.

• Is one of seven players back from the Czech Republic’s 1998 gold medal teamalong with Dominik Hasek, Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, Martin Rucinsky, JaroslavSpacek and Martin Straka.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are “almost all competitions on TV.”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Try to have fun, enjoy hockey.”

Did you know that…• He won the 2003 Golden Stick Award as the best hock-

ey player from the Czech Republic. He was the onlyplayer in the NHL that season to score 50 goals.

• Scored on his first career penalty shot January 11, 2004at Chicago. Scored on his second penalty shot attempteight days later at Tampa Bay on January 19, whichmarked only the third time an overtime game wasdecided by a penalty shot. Also established a newrecord for fewest days between penalty shot goals(previous was 20 days set by Woody Dumart in1939–40.)

• 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 themusic of U2. Hobbies are tennis, golf and fishing.

• The person he admires most is Albert Einstein.• If he could have dinner with any three people, they

would be with Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong andGary Kasparov.

Career Accomplishments…• Played five seasons in the Czech league from 1993 to

1998. Finished third in goals (27) in 1996–97, tied forthird in goals (26) in 1997–98.

• Led all NHL rookies in scoring (14-34-48) and in playoffscoring (6-6-12) in 1998–99, making him just the sec-ond player in the expansion era (after Brian Propp) tobe top rookie scorer in the regular season and play-offs. First rookie since 1939 to score 2 overtime goalsin one playoff series. Finished third in voting for CalderTrophy behind teammate and 2006 U.S. OlympianChris Drury and 2006 Slovak Olympian Marian Hossa.

• Among NHL leaders in goals (41), points (79),plus/minus (+32) and shooting percentage (19.2) in2000–01. His 41 goals and 9 game-winning goalstrailed only 2006 Canadian Olympian Joe Sakic inColorado as Avalanche set club records for wins (52)and points (118) and won Presidents’ Trophy. Tied forsecond in playoff scoring (7-16-23) behind Sakic, play-off leader in assists, as Avalanche won Stanley Cup.

• Won Maurice Richard Trophy, and organization’s firstgoal-scoring title, with 50 goals in 2002–03. His career-high plus/minus of +52 tied with teammate and 2006Swedish 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 Sakicand Alex Tanguay and 12th in the NHL.

• Was second in scoring (25-26-51) in the Czech leaguein 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.

HEJDUK, MILAN(HAY-dook, MEE-lan)

COLORADO AVALANCHERIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’11”/180 CM 185 LBS./84 KG

BORN, USTI-NAD-LABEM, CZECH., FEBRUARY 14, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 Pardubice CzRep 22 6 3 9 .... 10 5 1 6 ....1994-95 Pardubice CzRep 43 11 13 24 6 6 3 1 4 01995-96 Pardubice CzRep 37 13 7 20 .... .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Pardubice CzRep 51 27 11 38 10 10 6 0 6 271997-98 Pardubice CzRep 48 26 19 45 20 3 0 0 0 21998-99 Colorado NHL 82 14 34 48 26 16 6 6 12 499-2000 Colorado NHL 82 36 36 72 16 17 5 4 9 62000-01◆ Colorado NHL 80 41 38 79 36 23 7 *16 23 62001-02 Colorado NHL 62 21 23 44 24 16 3 3 6 42002-03 Colorado NHL 82 *50 48 98 32 7 2 2 4 22003-04 Colorado NHL 82 35 40 75 20 11 5 2 7 02004-05 Pardubice CzRep 48 25 26 51 14 16 6 2 8 6

NHL Totals 470 197 219 416 154 90 28 33 61 22Quebec'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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2000, 2001)Rights transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchise relocated, June 21, 1995. Signed as a free agent by Pardubice (CzRep),September 18, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 1 3 4 141996 Czech Republic WJC-A 6 0 0 0 01998 G Czech Republic Olympics 4 0 0 0 2

B Czech Republic WC-A 1 0 0 0 02002 Czech Republic Olympics 4 1 0 1 02003 Czech Republic WC-A 7 5 1 6 22004 Czech Republic W-Cup 4 3 2 5 2

Czech Republic

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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 whileplaying for Hull of the QMJHL because he had notsigned a contract that would allow him to play forthe Czech Republic junior national team.

• Finished fourth in scoring (3-6-9) at 2002 WorldJunior Championship. Tied Jussi Jokinen for thetournament lead in assists.

• Won gold medal with Czech team in his firstappearance at the World Championship in 2005.Lists this as his favorite international hockeymoment.

• His favorite international hockey rule is the big ice.

Olympic Connections…• 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.• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer in the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard, stay positive, and never give up! Have fun!”

Did you know that…• He was named playoff MVP in the Czech Republic in

2005 as Pardubice won the championship. It wasPardubice’s first playoff title in 16 years.

• Hobbies are soccer and roller hockey. He played at theinline hockey World Championship in 2003, 2004 and2005. He and his older brother played soccer andhockey as a youth because his father thought it wasimportant that they be all-around athletes.

• Lists Milan Hejduk as the player to pattern his gameafter 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 andMetallica is his favorite band.

• His first game in the NHL (against Philadelphia onOctober 10, 2002) is the most memorable game he hasplayed.

• Nickname is Hemmer.

Career Accomplishments…• Saw some action in the Czech junior league in

1998–99. Was one of the youngest players in theleague. Led Pardubice juniors in scoring (20-36-56) in1999–2000 despite being still eligible for midget hock-ey. Finished second in league scoring behind overagedjunior Radim Kucharczyk of Vsetin.

• Won the Mike Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s top proprospect in 2000–01.

• Was second in assists (24), seventh in points (30)among NHL rookies in 2002–03. Was named a starterin the NHL YoungStars Game during the All-Star week-end 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 theCzech playoffs in 2005.

When I was young…• His first hockey memory is getting his first equipment.

He was skating by the age of four and playing hockeyby age five.

• His hometown team of Pardubice was his favoritegrowing up.

Family Connections… • Lists his father as his biggest influence in hockey.“He

was my coach and a big supporter.” His father was anassistant coach with Pardubice when he made hisdebut with the team late in the 1999–2000 season.

• Will call his father first if the Czech Republic wins goldin Torino.

HEMSKY, ALES(HEHM-skee, ahl-EHSH)

EDMONTON OILERSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’0”/183 CM 192 LBS./87 KG

BORN, PARDUBICE, CZECH., AUGUST 13, 1983.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 Pardubice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 45 20 36 56 54 7 4 14 18 36

Pardubice CzRep 4 0 1 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Hull QMJHL 68 36 64 100 67 5 2 3 5 22001-02 Hull QMJHL 53 27 70 97 86 10 6 10 16 62002-03 Edmonton NHL 59 6 24 30 14 6 0 0 0 02003-04 Edmonton NHL 71 12 22 34 14 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Pardubice CzRep 47 13 18 31 28 16 4 *10 *14 26

NHL Totals 130 18 46 64 28 6 0 0 0 0Edmonton'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2002 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 3 *6 9 62005 G Czech Republic WC-A 7 2 0 2 2

Czech Republic

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Slovakia…• First played for his country at an Under-16 tourna-

ment.• Greatest international experience was winning a

bronze medal at the 1999 World Under-18 tourna-ment.

• Also played at the World Junior Championship in2000 and 2001.

• Made his World Championship debut in 2005.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are tennis and

soccer at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and believe in yourself.”

Did you know that…• 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. NYIslanders 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 vari-ous 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 Tiestoand Scooter.

Career Accomplishments…• 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

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.

Family Connections… • Brother Marian currently stars with the Atlanta

Thrashers and is also a member of the 2006 SlovakOlympic hockey team.

• Lists his parents as having had the biggest influenceon his career, and his father Frantisek, coach of the2006 Slovakian Olympic team, as being his favoritecoach.

• Will call his parents first if Slovakia wins gold at Torino.

HOSSA, MARCEL(HOH-sah, MAHR-sehl)

NEW YORK RANGERSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 215 LBS./98 KG

BORN, ILAVA, CZECH., OCTOBER 12, 1981.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1996-97 Trencin Jr. Slovak-Jr. 45 30 21 51 30 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Trencin Jr. Slovak-Jr. 39 11 38 49 44 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Portland WHL 70 7 14 21 66 2 0 0 0 299-2000 Portland WHL 60 24 29 53 58 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Portland WHL 58 34 56 90 58 16 5 7 12 142001-02 Montreal NHL 10 3 1 4 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Quebec AHL 50 17 15 32 24 3 0 0 0 42002-03 Hamilton AHL 37 19 13 32 18 21 4 7 11 12

Montreal NHL 34 6 7 13 14 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Montreal NHL 15 1 1 2 8 .... .... .... .... ....

Hamilton AHL 57 18 22 40 45 10 2 3 5 82004-05 Mora Sweden 48 18 6 24 69 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 59 10 9 19 24 .... .... .... .... ....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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 B Slovakia WJ18-A 7 2 0 2 142000 Slovakia WJC-A 7 0 1 1 82001 Slovakia WJC-A 7 1 3 4 82005 Slovakia WC-A 2 0 0 0 0

Slovakia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Brother Marcel currently plays in the NHL for the

New York Rangers and is also a member of the2006 Slovak Olympic team.

• Says that his parents have been the most influen-tial on his career. His father Frantisek is the coachof the 2006 Slovakian Olympic team.

Playing for Slovakia…• First had the opportunity to play for his country

at 15-years-old on the Slovak Under-16 team onDec. 31, 1994, vs Switzerland, during a Four Nationtournament in Germany. He says of the experi-ence,“it was an honor to represent your country.”

• Played at the European Junior Championship in1996.

• Represented Slovakia at three major tournamentsin 1997, EJC, World Junior Championship and World Championships.

• Led Slovakia, tied for third at the tournament, with 5 assists at the 2004 WorldChampionship as Slovakia lost to the U.S. in the bronze medal game. He callsreaching the semifinals at this tournament his greatest international hockeyexperience.

• His 4 goals at the 2005 Worlds were second on the team to Ziggy Palffy’s 5.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “If you do something you like, give it 100 percent.”

Did you know that…• He was involved in a blockbuster trade prior to the

2005–06 season that sent 2006 Canadian OlympianDany Heatley to Ottawa.

• He patterned his style of play after two-way playerslike 2006 Swedish Olympian Peter Forsberg.

• Wears #18 because it’s the number he’s worn since hebegan playing in North America.

• Lists the most memorable game he has played asbeing when he won the Memorial Cup with Portlandin 1998. (He tore his ACL in the final minutes of regula-tion time and underwent knee surgery on June 10 inOttawa. 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 hecould have dinner with any three people, they wouldbe with Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwarzenegger andBill Clinton.

Career Accomplishments…• Played his first professional season in the Slovakian

senior league as 17-year-old in 1996–97 and was thirdin team scoring (25-19-44).

• At age 18 in 1997-98, he became the second youngestplayer (next to Alexandre Daigle) to play for Ottawa.Was named the game’s third star in his first NHL gameagainst Montreal on Oct. 1, 1997. Was assigned toPortland (WHL) on Oct 16 and had 9 points in his first10 games. He finished the season as the WesternConference rookie of the year.

• Was runner-up to 2006 U.S. Olympian Chris Drury forthe Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 1998–99.

• Tied Shawn McEachern for team lead in goals (29) in1999–2000. Reached 30-goal plateau for the first timein 2000–01. Scored his first career hat trick vs. Floridaon Nov 18, 2000 and also set new club record with 2shorthanded goals in game. Set a Senators franchiserecord with 5 assists during an 8–3 win vs Tampa Bayon Jan 4, 2001.

• Set a career high and franchise record with 45 goals in2002–03. Also set a team record with three hat tricks.Was fourth in the NHL in goals, third in game-winninggoals (10) and fourth in shooting percentage (19.7).Recorded Ottawa’s first 4-goal game and added anassist for five points vs Atlanta (his current team) onJan. 2, 2003, including a natural hat trick in 7:05 to set ateam record for fastest 3 goals.

• Led Ottawa in goals (36), points (82), power-play goals(14) and shots (233) in 2003–04. Ranked second to2006 Swedish Olympian Daniel Alfredsson with career-high 46 assists. Was sixth in the NHL in goals, fifth inpoints, 15th in assists, sixth in power-play goals andfirst in power-play points (39).

• Split the 2004–05 season between Sweden and Slovakia.Played just 25 games during the 54-game Slovak seasonbut 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

Slovak Olympian Peter Bondra.

HOSSA, MARIAN(HOH-sah, MAIR-ee-uhn)

ATLANTA THRASHERSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 208 LBS./94 KG

BORN, STARA LUBOVNA, CZECH., JANUARY 12, 1979.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Trencin Jr. Slovak-Jr. 53 42 49 91 26 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Trencin Slovakia 46 25 19 44 33 7 5 5 10 ....1997-98 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 2 499-2000 Ottawa NHL 78 29 27 56 32 6 0 0 0 22000-01 Ottawa NHL 81 32 43 75 44 4 1 1 2 42001-02 Trencin Slovakia 8 3 4 7 16 .... .... .... .... ....

Ottawa NHL 80 31 35 66 50 12 4 6 10 22002-03 Ottawa NHL 80 45 35 80 34 18 5 11 16 62003-04 Ottawa NHL 81 36 46 82 46 7 3 1 4 02004-05 Mora Sweden 24 18 14 32 22 .... .... .... .... ....

Trencin Slovakia 25 22 20 42 38 5 4 5 9 14NHL 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) Played in NHL All-Star Game (2001, 2003) 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 Slovakia EJC-A 5 1 3 4 61997 Slovakia WJC-A 6 5 2 7 2

Slovakia WC-A 8 0 2 2 0Slovakia EJC-A 2 3 0 3 0

1998 Slovakia WJC-A 6 4 4 8 121999 Slovakia WC-A 6 5 2 7 82001 Slovakia WC-A 6 1 2 3 22002 Slovakia Olympics 2 4 2 6 02004 Slovakia WC-A 9 2 5 7 2

Slovakia W-Cup 4 1 0 1 22005 Slovakia WC-A 7 4 3 7 6

Slovakia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Favorite team growing up was the EdmontonOilers.

• Favorite players were Oilers greats Wayne Gretzky,Mark Messier and Grant Fuhr.

• He patterned his style after Mark Messier.

Family Connections… • Credits his grandfather as having the biggest influ-

ence on his career.“He took me to my first tryoutand to many hockey games and hockey schools.”They would also watch NHL games on televisiontogether.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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 toa 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 “nored line” rule this season.)

Olympic Connections…• 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 greatestinternational experience, and the gold medal game as his most memorable.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are moguls skiing, slalom skiing and bobsled.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “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 ita passion!”

Did you know that…• His full name is Arthur-Leigh Elvis Adekunle Jarome Uij

Junior Iginla. Iginla means “big tree” in the Yoruba lan-guage of Nigeria.

• Was runner-up to Montreal’s Jose Theodore for theHart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2001–02, but captured theLester B. Pearson Award as MVP in voting by other NHLplayers. (Hart Trophy race ended in a tie, but Theodorewon because he had more first-place votes.)

• Contributes his time towards the charitable efforts ofKidsport Canada. He won the King Clancy Trophy forhumanitarian contributions in 2003–04.

• Wears #12 because it was given to him in Kamloopswhen he was 16.

• Favorite coach is his Midget AAA coach Kelvin McKaybecause “he helped to prepare me for the more seri-ous hockey in major junior.”

• The most memorable game he has watched was gameseven of the 1986 Edmonton/Calgary playoff whenSteve Smith scored the deciding goal on his own net.

• Favorite NHL arena is Madison Square Garden“because of the tradition and the atmosphere.”

• Other favorites are “Big Brother” (TV show),“TheShawshank Redemption” (movie) and Cuba GoodingJr. (actor).

Career Accomplishments…• Won back-to-back Memorial Cup championships with

Kamloops (WHL) in 1994 and 1995. Finished fourth inWHL scoring (63-73-136) in 1995–96.

• Played his first NHL season in 1996–97 and was one ofonly three Flames to play all 82 games. Led all NHLrookies in points (21-29-50). Was runner-up to BryanBerard 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 duringthe 1999–2000 season.

• Led Flames in goals (31) and points (71) in 2000–01,reaching new career highs in goals and points for thirdstraight season.

• Shattered all previous career marks in 2001–02. LedNHL in points (96) and goals (52), second in power-play 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 fel-low 2006 Canadian Olympian Rick Nash of Columbusand 2006 Russian Olympian Ilya Kovalchuk of Atlanta.Finished 16th in NHL with 74 points. Tied with 2006Swedish Olympian Mats Sundin of Toronto and 2006U.S. Olympian Bill Guerin of Dallas for league lead with10 game-winning goals. Led all playoff scorers with 13goals, was third with 22 points, as Calgary’s surpriseplayoff run took them to game seven of Stanley CupFinal before losing to Tampa Bay. Finished second invoting for Hart Trophy as NHL MVP behind fellow 2006Canadian 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 hisshin pads and shoulder pads exposed.

IGINLA, JAROME(ih-GIHN-lah, jah-ROHM)

CALGARY FLAMESRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’1”/185 CM 208 LBS./94 KG

BORN, EDMONTON, ALTA., JULY 1, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 St. Albert AMHL 36 26 30 56 22 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 St. Albert AMHL 36 34 53 *87 20 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Kamloops WHL 48 6 23 29 33 19 3 6 9 101994-95 Kamloops WHL 72 33 38 71 111 21 7 11 18 341995-96 Kamloops WHL 63 63 73 136 120 16 16 13 29 44

Calgary NHL .... .... .... .... .... 2 1 1 2 01996-97 Calgary NHL 82 21 29 50 37 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Calgary NHL 70 13 19 32 29 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Calgary NHL 82 28 23 51 58 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Calgary NHL 77 29 34 63 26 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Calgary NHL 77 31 40 71 62 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Calgary NHL 82 *52 44 *96 77 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Calgary NHL 75 35 32 67 49 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Calgary NHL 81 *41 32 73 84 26 *13 9 22 452004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 626 250 253 503 422 28 14 10 24 45Dallas' 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 FirPlayed in NHL All-Star Game (2002, 2003, 2004)Traded to Calgary by Dallas with Corey Millen for Joe Nieuwendyk, December 19, 1995.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 G Canada WJC-A 6 5 7 *12 41997 G Canada WC-A 11 2 3 5 22002 G Canada Olympics 6 3 1 4 02004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 2 1 3 2

Canada

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Tied for fourth in tournament scoring (4-4-8) atthe 2002 World Championship.

• Tied for third in tournament scoring (5-4-9) at the2004 World Championship.

• Led team, ranked among tournament leaders, inassists (7) and points (9) when the Czech Republicwon the 2005 World Championship.

Olympic Connections…• Playing at his third consecutive Olympic Games

(1998, 2002).• Greatest international hockey experience is win-

ning 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.

Did you know that…• 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 towin the Art Ross Trophy in 1994–95.

• Won the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in each of hisfirst two NHL seasons.

• A 30-goal season this year (2005–06) will be his 14th ina 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.

Career Accomplishments…• Played in the Czech elite league at age 16. Was the

youngest to do so until fellow 2006 Czech OlympianRostislav 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 HartTrophy, given to league’s MVP, but won the GoldenStick Award as top Czech player for first time (winningagain in 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2002).

• Established career highs in goals (62), power-playgoals (20), assists (87) and points (149) in 1995–96.Finished second to teammate Mario Lemieux in scor-ing race. Finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting.

• Only NHL player to top 100 points (35-67-102) in1997–98.

• Led league in scoring (44-83-127) in 1998–99 and wonHart Trophy as MVP.

• Led NHL in scoring (42-54-96) despite playing just 63games in 1999–2000.

• Won Art Ross Trophy for fourth straight season (52-69-121) in 2000–01. Finished third in voting for HartTrophy. Reached 1,000-point plateau on Dec. 30, 2000.

• Tied for fifth in the NHL with 79 points (31G, 48A) withWashington in 2001–02. Tied for ninth in NHL with 48assists. Had a hat trick on Feb. 4, 2003 to become 33rdplayer in NHL history to register 500 goals.

• Was 15th in NHL scoring (31-43-74) in 2003–04, split-ting 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.

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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 tourna-ment All-Star team.

JAGR, JAROMIR(YAH-guhr, YAIR-oh-MEER)

NEW YORK RANGERSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 224 LBS./102 KG

BORN, KLADNO, CZECH., FEBRUARY 15, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1984-85 Kladno Jr. Czech-Jr. 34 24 17 41 .... .... .... .... .... ....1985-86 Kladno Jr. Czech-Jr. 36 41 29 70 .... .... .... .... .... ....1986-87 Kladno Jr. Czech-Jr. 30 35 35 70 .... .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 Kladno Jr. Czech-Jr. 35 57 27 84 .... .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Kladno Czech 29 3 3 6 4 10 5 7 12 01989-90 Kladno Czech 42 22 28 50 .... 9 *8 2 10 ....1990-91◆ Pittsburgh NHL 80 27 30 57 42 24 3 10 13 61991-92◆ Pittsburgh NHL 70 32 37 69 34 21 11 13 24 61992-93 Pittsburgh NHL 81 34 60 94 61 12 5 4 9 231993-94 Pittsburgh NHL 80 32 67 99 61 6 2 4 6 161994-95 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 181996-97 Pittsburgh NHL 63 47 48 95 40 5 4 4 8 41997-98 Pittsburgh NHL 77 35 *67 *102 64 6 4 5 9 21998-99 Pittsburgh NHL 81 44 *83 *127 66 9 5 7 12 1699-2000 Pittsburgh NHL 63 42 54 *96 50 11 8 8 16 62000-01 Pittsburgh NHL 81 52 *69 *121 42 16 2 10 12 182001-02 Washington NHL 69 31 48 79 30 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Washington NHL 75 36 41 77 38 6 2 5 7 22003-04 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 22NHL 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) • ArtRoss Trophy (1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001) • NHL Second All-Star Team (1997) • Lester B. Pearson Award (1999, 2000) • HartTrophy (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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1989 S Czechoslovakia EJC-A 5 8 4 12 21990 B Czechoslovakia WJC-A 7 5 13 18 61991 Czechoslovakia Can-Cup 5 1 0 1 01994 Czech Republic WC-A 3 0 2 2 21996 Czech Republic W-Cup 3 1 0 1 21998 G Czech Republic Olympics 6 1 4 5 22002 Czech Republic Olympics 4 2 3 5 4

Czech Republic WC-A 7 4 4 8 22004 Czech Republic WC-A 7 5 4 9 6

Czech Republic W-Cup 5 1 1 2 22005 G Czech Republic WC-A 8 2 7 9 2

Czech Republic

116

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Sweden…• 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 team-mate of 2006 Swedish Olympian Mattias Ohlund.

• Member of Sweden’s gold medal-winning team atthe 1998 World Championships. Listed this as hisfavorite international experience, and the goldmedal game against Finland as the most memo-rable game he has played.

• Tied for Swedish team lead with 4 goals at the2001 World Championship. Was tied for second onteam with 8 points.

• Was Sweden’s top scoring defenseman (1-3-4) at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second consecutive Olympic Games.• Other Olympic sport of interest is cross-country skiing.

Did you know that…• 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.

Career Accomplishments…• Made his debut in the Swedish elite league with

Malmo in 1993–94. Spent four full seasons at the elitelevel.

• Tied for third in scoring (6-15-21) among NHL rookiedefensemen in 1999–2000. Led all rookies with 116blocked shots.

• Was second behind Brian Leetch in Rangers scoring bydefensemen (5-21-26) in 2000–01. Was third onRangers, 15th in NHL, in takeaways (70).

• Traded to Philadelphia as part of the Eric Lindros dealprior to the 2001–02 season. Emerged as Flyers’ topoffensive defenseman with 11 goals, 30 assists, 41points. Ranked 17th in NHL in defenseman scoring.

• Topped Flyers defensemen in scoring again in2002–03 (10-29-39) and was 21st in scoring amongNHL defensemen.

• Led Flyers in average time on ice (24:26) in 2003–04.Was first on team in power play assists with 19. Wasfirst among Flyers defensemen in scoring (13-29-42).Set new career high for goals and points. Ranked 14thamong 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 favoriteplayer.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had he biggest influence on

his career.• Will call his parents first if Sweden wins gold in Torino.

JOHNSSON, KIM(YAWN-suhn, KIHM)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 205 LBS./93 KG

BORN, MALMO, SWEDEN, MARCH 16, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 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 01995-96 Malmo Sweden 38 2 0 2 30 4 0 1 1 81996-97 Malmo Sweden 49 4 9 13 42 4 0 0 0 21997-98 Malmo Sweden 45 5 9 14 29 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Malmo Sweden 49 9 8 17 76 8 2 3 5 1299-2000 NY Rangers NHL 76 6 15 21 46 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 NY Rangers NHL 75 5 21 26 40 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Philadelphia NHL 82 11 30 41 42 5 0 0 0 22002-03 Philadelphia NHL 82 10 29 39 38 13 0 3 3 82003-04 Philadelphia NHL 80 13 29 42 26 15 2 6 8 82004-05 Ambri Swiss 24 4 10 14 61 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 395 45 124 169 192 33 2 9 11 18NY 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 2003Entry Draft for Eric Lindros, August 20, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Ambri (Swiss), September 18, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 G Sweden EJC-A 5 0 0 0 01996 S Sweden WJC-A 7 1 2 3 61998 G Sweden WC-A 10 1 0 1 41999 B Sweden WC-A 10 0 0 0 42001 B Sweden WC-A 9 4 4 8 62002 Sweden Olympics 4 1 1 2 0

B Sweden WC-A 6 0 1 1 22004 Sweden W-Cup 4 1 3 4 0

Sweden

117

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• First represented his country in 1998 as a 14-year-

old.“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 JuniorChampionship in 2002 and 2003. The most memorable game he has played was the bronzemedal game between Finland and the U.S. at the2003 WJC in Halifax.

• Tied 2006 Czech Olympian Ales Hemsky for thelead at the 2002 tournament with 6 assists. Ledthe Finnish team with 8 points.

• In a very tight scoring race at the 2003 WJC, hefinished among the leaders in goals (6) and points(8), ranking second on the Finnish team behind injured 2006 Finnish OlympianTuomo Ruutu in both categories.

• Made his World Championship debut in 2005.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and “almost all sports.”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Enjoy practices and games.”

Did you know that…• 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 FinnishOlympian Ville Peltonen.

• The most memorable game he has ever watched wasthe 1995 World Championship final between Finlandand 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.

• If he could have dinner with any three people it wouldbe with Matti Nykanen, Tarja Halonen and MaijaVilkkumaa.

Career Accomplishments…• Led Karpat Oulo in goals (23) and points (47), ranked

second in assists (24) in 2004–05. In the entire Finnishelite league, he tied for fifth in assists, sixth in pointsand eight in goals.

• Made his NHL debut on Oct. 5, 2005 vs. Los Angeles.Scored his first goal on Oct. 11, 2005 vs. David Leneveuof Phoenix.

• A master of the shootout, scoring on each of his firstfive 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 tournamentwhen he was eight years old.

• Favorite hockey team growing up was KalajoenJunkkarit.

• Favorite player was 2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir Jagr.• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Finnish

Olympian Joni Pitkanen of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

on his career. “They have always supported me a lot.”• Will call his parents first if Finland wins gold in Turin.

JOKINEN, JUSSI(YOH-kih-nihn, YOO-see)

DALLAS STARSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/181 CM 183 LBS./83 KG

BORN, KALAJOKI, FINLAND, APRIL 1, 1983.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 Karpat Jr. Finland-Jr. 28 4 6 10 14 .... .... .... .... ....

Karpat U18 Fin-U18 15 6 25 31 14 6 2 3 5 02000-01 Karpat U18 Fin-U18 1 2 1 3 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Karpat Jr. Finland-Jr. 41 18 31 49 69 6 2 2 4 02001-02 Karpat Finland 54 10 6 16 34 4 1 0 1 0

Karpat Jr. Finland-Jr. 2 4 1 5 2 1 1 1 2 02002-03 Karpat Finland 51 14 23 37 10 15 2 1 3 332003-04 Karpat Finland 55 15 23 38 20 15 3 4 7 62004-05 Karpat Finland 56 23 24 47 24 12 3 4 7 2Dallas' 7th choice, 192nd overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2001 B Finland WJ18-A 6 2 0 2 22002 B Finland WJC-A 7 2 *6 8 22003 B Finland WJC-A 7 6 2 8 22005 Finland WC-A 7 0 1 1 2

Finland

118

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• 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 Finlandwon gold medal in 1998.

• Led Finnish team with 5 goals at the 2004 WorldChampionship. Was second behind Ville Peltonenwith 8 points.

• Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Tuomo Ruutufor team lead in plus/minus (+4) at the 2004 WorldCup of Hockey, where Finland won the Europeanpool and reached the finals against Team Canada.

• Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Niko Kapanen and Timo Parssinen for teamlead in scoring (1-4-5) at the 2005 World Championship.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping.

Did you know that…• Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Aki Berg as the

highest-drafted Finnish player in the NHL Entry Draftwhen Los Angeles picked him third overall in 1997.

• Scored a goal against 2006 Czech Olympian DominikHasek on his first career penalty shot on Mar. 4, 2000.

• Hobbies are soccer, tennis and volleyball. Would haveliked to have been a soccer player if he was not play-ing hockey.

• Most memorable game he has watched was Finlandwinning the World Championship in 1995.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 the1997–98 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 toFlorida along with 2006 Canadian Olympian RobertoLuongo.

• 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 ingoals, points, PPG, SHG, GWG and shots. His 36 goalstied for 12th in NHL.

• Set new career high with 32 assists, 280 shots andaverage time on ice (22:34) in 2003–04. Led Panthers ingoals (26), assists, points (58), power-play goals (8),shorthanded goals (2), game-winning goals (8) andshots. 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his father as having had the biggest influence on

his career.“He was my coach for five years when I was ateenager.”

• His first hockey memory is of watching his father’s finalgame at the Finnish elite league when he was five.

JOKINEN, OLLI(YOH-kih-nihn, OH-lee)

FLORIDA PANTHERSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 205 LBS./93 KG

BORN, KUOPIO, FINLAND, DECEMBER 5, 1978.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1994-95 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 21998-99 Los Angeles NHL 66 9 12 21 44 .... .... .... .... ....

Springfield AHL 9 3 6 9 6 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 NY Islanders 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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2003)Traded to NY Islanders by Los Angeles with Josh Green, Mathieu Biron and Los Angeles' 1st round choice (Taylor Pyatt) in 1999Entry Draft for Ziggy Palffy, Bryan Smolinski, Marcel Cousineau and New Jersey's 4th round choice (previously acquired, LosAngeles selected Daniel Johansson) in 1999 Entry Draft, June 20, 1999.Traded to Florida by NY Islanders with Roberto Luongo forMark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha, June 24, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Kloten (Swiss), September 15, 2004. Signed as a free agentby Sodertalje (Sweden), November, 2004. Signed as a free agent by HIFK (Finland), January 30, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 S Finland EJC-A 5 5 2 7 21997 Finland WJC-A 6 5 0 5 12

Finland WC-A 8 4 2 6 61998 G Finland WJC-A 7 4 6 10 6

S Finland WC-A 10 0 1 1 61999 S Finland WC-A 12 3 1 4 142000 B Finland WC-A 9 1 3 4 62002 Finland Olympics 4 2 1 3 0

Finland WC-A 9 1 1 2 42003 Finland WC-A 7 1 2 3 82004 Finland WC-A 7 5 3 8 62004 2nd Finland W-Cup 6 2 1 3 62005 Finland WC-A 7 1 4 5 2

Finland

119

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• First international experience was at the 1995

World Junior Championship in Red Deer.Lists that tournament and the 2002 Salt Lake CityOlympics as his favorite international hockeymoment.

• Was a member of Team Canada at the World Cupof Hockey in 1996, but did not play. Was limited toone game because of injuries at the 2004 WorldCup

• Represented Canada at 2005 WorldChampionships despite seeing no regular actionduring the 2004–05 season.

• Favorite element of international hockey is the bigice surface.“More room.”

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second straight Olympic Games.• Other Olympic sports of interest are the alpine events.

What Others Say… • “His heart is something you never question.” — former Canucks teammate Scott

Lachance

Did you know that…• 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 andBill 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 favoriteactors. Green Day is his favorite band.

• Does charity work with Garth Brooks’ Teammates forKids Foundation.

• Nickname is Jovo.

Career Accomplishments…• Led all rookie defensemen with 10 goals for Florida in

1995–96 and was nominated for the Calder Trophy asrookie of the year. He led all rookies in the playoffswith 8 assists and tied for the rookie scoring lead with9 points.

• Ranked third in the NHL with 30.31 shifts per gamewith Vancouver in 1999–2000.

• Ranked 13th in scoring (12-35-47) among defensemenin 2001–02 to help Vancouver reach the playoffs forthe first time since 1996. Ranked sixth in the NHL inshifts per game (31.39) and 14th in total ice time (24:57per game). Won the Walter “Babe” Pratt Award asVancouver’s top defenseman.

• Ranked second among NHL defensemen with acareer-high 17 goals in 2001–02. Also establishedcareer highs with 48 points and 7 power-play goals.

• Established a career high with 40 assists in just 67games in 2002–03.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Toronto Maple

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 Ihad my dad sign me up for the Windsor Minor TravelLeague.”

• Won the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Bantamchampionship in 1992.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey,

“because they were supportive.”• Will call his parents first if Canada wins gold at Torino.

JOVANOVSKI, ED(joh-van-OHV-skee, EHD)

VANCOUVER CANUCKSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 210 LBS./95 KG

BORN, WINDSOR, ONT., JUNE 26, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Windsor OMHA 50 25 40 65 88 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Wndsr. Bulldogs OHA-B 48 7 46 53 88 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Windsor OHL 62 15 36 51 221 4 0 0 0 151994-95 Windsor OHL 50 23 42 65 198 9 2 7 9 391995-96 Florida NHL 70 10 11 21 137 22 1 8 9 521996-97 Florida NHL 61 7 16 23 172 5 0 0 0 41997-98 Florida NHL 81 9 14 23 158 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Florida NHL 41 3 13 16 82 .... .... .... .... ....

Vancouver NHL 31 2 9 11 44 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Vancouver NHL 75 5 21 26 54 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Vancouver NHL 79 12 35 47 102 4 1 1 2 02001-02 Vancouver NHL 82 17 31 48 101 6 1 4 5 82002-03 Vancouver NHL 67 6 40 46 113 14 7 1 8 222003-04 Vancouver NHL 56 7 16 23 64 7 0 4 4 62004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 643 78 206 284 1027 58 10 18 28 92Florida'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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2001, 2002, 2003)Traded to Vancouver by Florida with Dave Gagner, Mike Brown, Kevin Weekes and Florida's 1st round choice (Nathan Smith) in2000 Entry Draft for Pavel Bure, Bret Hedican, Brad Ference and Vancouver's 3rd round choice (Robert Fried) in 2000 Entry Draft,January 17, 1999.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 G Canada WJC-A 7 2 0 2 41996 2nd Canada W-Cup DID NOT PLAY1998 Canada WC-A 6 2 1 3 62000 Canada WC-A 9 1 1 2 82002 G Canada Olympics 6 0 3 3 42004 1st Canada W-Cup 1 0 0 0 02005 S Canada WC-A 9 1 2 3 8

Canada

120

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Slovakia…• 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 in2002 and 2003.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout“because of the excitement it brings to the game.”(The NHL adopted the shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer at the

Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and have fun.”

Did you know that…• 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 HockeyLeague final when the Halifax Moosehead weredefeated by Hull.

• Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite Movie is “JohnQ.” Favorite actor is Denzel Washington. Favorite musi-cal group is Blink 182.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with his mother, father and girlfriendbecause “they all mean a lot to me.”

Career Accomplishments…• Had plus/minus ratings of +36 and +28 in his last two

seasons with Halifax (QMJHL). Led Halifax defensemenwith 15 goals in 2002–03 as the Moosehead finishedfirst in the Maritime Division, and second overall in theleague standings.

• Played his first professional season in 2003–04. Beganyear with Boston, but did not dress for seven gamesand 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 onJan. 7, 2006.

When I was young…• First hockey memory is of scoring a goal in his first

hockey game.• Favorite team growing up was the Detroit Red Wings.• Favorite player was 2006 Canadian Olympian Chris

Pronger.

Family Connections… • Lists his father as the person he admires most.• Will call his parents first if Slovakia wins gold at Torino.

JURCINA, MILAN(YEWR-chee-nah, MEE-lan)

BOSTON BRUINSDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’4”/193 CM 233 LBS./106 KG

BORN LIPTOVSKY MIKULAS, CZECH., JUNE 7, 1983.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 L. Mikulas Jr. Slovak-Jr. STATISTICS NOT AVAILABLE2000-01 Halifax QMJHL 68 0 5 5 56 6 0 2 2 122001-02 Halifax QMJHL 61 4 16 20 58 13 5 3 8 102002-03 Halifax QMJHL 51 15 13 28 102 25 6 6 12 402003-04 Providence AHL 73 5 12 17 52 2 0 1 1 22004-05 Providence AHL 79 6 17 23 92 17 1 3 4 30

Boston's 7th choice, 241st overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2001 Slovakia WJ18-A 6 0 0 0 62002 Slovakia WJC-A 7 1 1 2 142003 Slovakia WJC-A 1 0 0 0 0

Slovakia

121

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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

team at the 1996 World Championship and wongold medal. Won gold again in 1999, 2000 and2001.

• Was among Czech team’s top scorers at the WorldChampionship in 1999 (3-3-6) and 2000 (2-3-5).

• Was named to the Czech roster for the 2004 WorldCup of Hockey, but withdrew prior to the tourna-ment.

Olympic Connections…• His father played at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.

Did you know that…• 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.

Career Accomplishments…• 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. Wasfifth 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 NHLrookies.

• Topped the Thrashers in plus/minus with a franchise-high +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 pointsin 2001–02. Led or shared the team lead in shifts 17times, and topped the squad in time on ice 20 times.

• Set NHL career high with 7 goals in 2002–03. Shared22nd in the NHL with a team-best average of 29.6shifts per game.

• Set NHL career highs for assists (26) and points (29 in2003–04. Finished with plus or even rating in 44 out of67 contests. Skated at least 30 shifts in 45 games, and40 or more three times. Reached at least 20 minutes ofice time in 59 out of 67 games and topped 25 minutesof 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 Rangersfrom 1988 to 1991.

Family Connections… • His father, also named Frantisek, was a longtime mem-

ber 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.

KABERLE, FRANTISEK(KA-buhr-lay, FRAN-tih-sehk)

CAROLINA HURRICANESDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, KLADNO, CZECH., NOVEMBER 8, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Kladno Czech 37 1 4 5 8 8 0 1 1 01992-93 Kladno Czech 40 4 5 9 .... 9 2 4 6 ....1993-94 Kladno CzRep 41 4 16 20 .... 11 1 1 2 ....1994-95 Kladno CzRep 40 7 17 24 20 8 0 3 3 121995-96 MoDo Sweden 40 5 7 12 34 8 0 1 1 01996-97 MoDo Sweden 50 3 11 14 28 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 MoDo Sweden 46 5 4 9 22 9 1 1 2 41998-99 MoDo Sweden 45 15 18 33 4 13 2 5 7 899-2000 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 27NHL 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 freeagent 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 G Czechoslovakia EJC-A 6 2 3 5 21992 Czechoslovakia WJC-A 7 1 0 1 61993 B Czech Republic WJC-A 7 0 1 1 41996 G Czech Republic WC-A 8 2 3 5 41996 Czech Republic W-Cup 2 0 0 0 01997 B Czech Republic WC-A 9 0 3 3 01998 B Czech Republic WC-A 9 0 4 4 01999 G Czech Republic WC-A 12 3 3 6 02000 G Czech Republic WC-A 8 2 3 5 62001 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 1 0 1 42002 Czech Republic WC-A 7 1 0 1 42004 Czech Republic WC-A 7 0 4 4 62004 Czech Republic W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJURED2005 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 1 0 1 4

Czech Republic

122

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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), tiedZidlicky and fellow 2006 Czech Olympian PavelKubina, and ranked among the tournament lead-ers, in points (4) when the Czech Republic won the2005 World Championship.

• Considers Czech’s 1998 Olympic gold medal winvs. Russia the greatest game he has ever watched.

• Played at 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Olympic Connections…• Competing at his second consecutive Winter Games.• His father played at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Play hard but have fun.”

Did you know that…• Others sports of interest are soccer, tennis and golf.• Most memorable games played are his first NHL

appearance, the seventh game of the 2001 EasternConference semifinal series vs. New Jersey and theCzech Republic’s gold medal winning effort vs. Canadaat the 2005 World Championship in Vienna.

• Most memorable game watched was the CzechRepublic’s 1–0 victory over Russia to win gold at the1998 Nagano Olympics.

• Likes Metallica and other rock acts, Al Pacino andJessica Alba.

Career Accomplishments…• Made his NHL debut versus Detroit on Oct. 10, 1998

and led all players in ice time in that game (29:13). LedLeafs rookies in scoring (4-18-22) in 1998–99.

• Was one of two Leafs to play all 82 games in1999–2000 and finished second on the team in icetime (22:55 per game). Led all Leafs defensemen ingoals (7), assists (33) and points (40).

• Led Leafs defensemen in goals, (6), assists (39) andpoints (45) again in 2000–01, establishing a careerhighs in assists. Ranked third on the team, 29th in theNHL, in total ice time (22:40 per game).

• Played in his first NHL All-Star Game in 2002. Finished17th among NHL defensemen in scoring (10-29-39) in2001–02. Was 20th in the NHL in average ice time(25:00).

• Set career highs in goals (11) and points (47) in2002–03. Led Leaf defensemen in several categoriesincluding goals, points, minutes per game (24:50)andplus/minus (+ 20). Led the team in ice time (30:03) dur-ing the playoffs.

• Led all defensemen in the Czech elite league in assists(31) and points (39) in 2004–05. Ranked fourth inassists, 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.

Family Connections… • His father Frantisek was a longtime member of the

Czech national team.• Brother Frantisek plays with the Carolina Hurricanes

and is a fellow member of the 2006 Czech Olympicteam.

KABERLE, TOMAS(KA-buhr-lay, TAW-mas)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 198 LBS./90 KG

BORN, RAKOVNIK, CZECH., MARCH 2, 1978.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1994-95 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 01996-97 Kladno CzRep 49 0 5 5 26 3 0 0 0 01997-98 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 3 299-2000 Toronto NHL 82 7 33 40 24 12 1 4 5 02000-01 Toronto NHL 82 6 39 45 24 11 1 3 4 02001-02 Kladno CzRep 9 1 7 8 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Toronto NHL 69 10 29 39 2 20 2 8 10 162002-03 Toronto NHL 82 11 36 47 30 7 2 1 3 02003-04 Toronto NHL 71 3 28 31 18 13 0 3 3 62004-05 Kladno CzRep 49 8 31 39 38 7 1 0 1 0

NHL Totals 443 41 183 224 110 77 6 22 28 24Toronto's 13th choice, 204th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.• Brother of FrantisekPlayed in NHL All-Star Game (2002)Signed as a restricted free agent by Kladno (CzRep) with Toronto retaining NHL rights, September 29, 2001. Signed as a free agentby Kladno (CzRep), September 17, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 Czech Republic EJC-A 5 0 5 5 01996 Czech Republic EJC-A 5 2 2 4 41998 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 1 1 2 22002 Czech Republic Olympics 4 0 1 1 22003 Czech Republic WC-A 7 0 7 7 22004 Czech Republic W-Cup 4 0 1 1 02005 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 1 3 4 4

Czech Republic

123

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, whereFinns won European pool and reached finalsagainst Team Canada.

• Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Olli Jokinen andTimo Parssinen for team lead in scoring (1-4-5) at2005 World Championship.

• His favorite element of international hockey is thebig ice.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are “lots of them.”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Love the game.”

Did you know that…• 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 Finlandand 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 hisfavorite actor. Metallica and Nightwish (a Finnish metalband) are his favorite bands.

• If he could be any superhero it would be ThePhantom,“a favorite from the past.”

Career Accomplishments…• 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 regular-season standings. Led team with 9 playoff assists. Tiedfor the lead with 10 points.

• Joined TPS Turku in 2000–01 and was sixth on team ingoals (11), fifth in points (32). TPS won regular-seasonand 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 inplus/minus (+25). Ranked tied for 12th in the NHL inplus/minus. Had the best rookie plus/minus record inclub-history.

• Led Zug, and ranked among Swiss league leaders, with33 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.

Family Connections… • 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.

Playing for Finland…• First represented his country as a 15-year-old.“It was

an honor.”• Lists winning gold at the 1998 World Junior

Championship as his greatest international hockeyexperience. The gold medal game was the most mem-orable game he has played.

• Led Finnish team in goals (4) and was one of four play-ers tied for lead in points (7) as Finland won a bronzemedal at the 2000 World Championship. Tied with sev-eral others for sixth in scoring at tournament.

KAPANEN, NIKO(KA-pah-nehn, NEE-KOH)

DALLAS STARSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’9”/175 CM 180 LBS./82 KG

BORN, HAMEENLINNA, FINLAND, APRIL 29, 1978.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 HPK Jr. Finland-Jr. 31 17 33 50 34 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 HPK U18 Fin-U18 37 19 44 63 40 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 HPK U18 Fin-U18 10 6 6 12 8 .... .... .... .... ....

HPK Jr. Finland-Jr. 26 15 22 37 34 .... .... .... .... ....HPK Finland 7 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....

1996-97 HPK Jr. Finland-Jr. 5 1 7 8 2 2 0 1 1 2HPK Finland 41 6 9 15 12 10 4 5 9 2HPK EuroHL 6 3 0 3 4 1 0 0 0 0

1997-98 HPK Jr. Finland-Jr. 2 1 1 2 0 .... .... .... .... ....HPK Finland 48 8 18 26 44 .... .... .... .... ....

1998-99 HPK Finland 53 14 29 43 49 8 3 4 7 499-2000 HPK Finland 53 20 28 48 40 8 1 9 10 42000-01 TPS Finland 56 11 21 32 20 10 2 1 3 42001-02 Dallas NHL 9 0 1 1 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Utah AHL 59 13 28 41 40 5 2 1 3 02002-03 Dallas NHL 82 5 29 34 44 12 4 3 7 122003-04 Dallas NHL 67 1 5 6 16 1 1 0 1 02004-05 Zug Swiss 44 10 33 43 24 9 2 5 7 35

NHL Totals 158 6 35 41 62 13 5 3 8 12Dallas' 5th choice, 173rd overall, in 1998 Entry Draft.Signed as a free agent by Zug (Swiss), June 9, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2001 S Finland WC-A 9 3 1 4 82002 Finland WC-A 9 0 4 4 102004 Finland WC-A 7 3 2 5 142004 2nd Finland W-Cup 6 1 2 3 02005 Finland WC-A 7 1 4 5 8

Finland

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• 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 (thenknown as the Quebec Cup).

• Won bronze at the 1991 European JuniorChampionship.

• Played for Finland at the World JuniorChampionship in 1992 and 1993.

• Played on the first Finnish team to win the WorldChampionship in 1995.

• Led tournament with 7 goals when Finland wonsilver at the 2001 World Championship. Finishedfourth with 11 points.

• Was named to the Finnish roster for the 2004World Cup of Hockey, but withdrew due to injuries prior to the tournament.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his fourth consecutive Winter Games (1994, 1998, 2002).• Won bronze medals at Lillehammer in 1994 and Nagano in 1998.• Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping.

Did you know that…• He was moved to defense by Philadelphia during the

2004 NHL playoffs due to several injuries among Flyersblueliners. Was named winner of Yanick Dupre ClassGuy Memorial Award by Philadelphia chapter ofProfessional Hockey Writers’ Association.

• Won the fastest skater competition during the 2000NHL All-Star Weekend.

Career Accomplishments…• Played four years with KalPa Kuopio in the Finnish elite

league from 1990 to 1994. Led team, was third in theleague, with 55 points (23G, 32A) in 1993–94.

• Led Hartford in plus/minus (+6) and shooting percent-age (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) in1998–99.

• Reached 20-goal plateau for third straight season in1999–2000. 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 sea-son.

• Tied for team lead with career-high 27 goals in2001–02. Also reached career highs in assists (42) andpoints (69) to finish second on team in both cate-gories. Led team in plus/minus (+9). Hurricanes madesurprising playoff run to Stanley Cup Final.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• Favorite players were Wayne Gretzky and fellow Finn

Jari Kurri.

Family Connections… • His father Hannu is a former Finnish national team

player and a longtime coach in Finland. He was coachof the year in the Finnish elite league in 1996–97.

KAPANEN, SAMI(KA-pah-nehn, SA-mee)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’10”/178 CM 185 LBS./84 KG

BORN, VANTAA, FINLAND, JUNE 14, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1989-90 KalPa Jr. Finland-Jr. 30 14 13 27 4 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 KalPa Jr. Finland-Jr. 31 9 27 36 10 .... .... .... .... ....

KalPa Finland 14 1 2 3 2 8 2 1 3 21991-92 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 01995-96 Hartford NHL 35 5 4 9 6 .... .... .... .... ....

Springfield AHL 28 14 17 31 4 3 1 2 3 01996-97 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 2 099-2000 Carolina NHL 76 24 24 48 12 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Carolina NHL 82 20 37 57 24 6 2 3 5 02001-02 Carolina NHL 77 27 42 69 23 23 1 8 9 62002-03 Carolina NHL 43 6 12 18 12 .... .... .... .... ....

Philadelphia NHL 28 4 9 13 6 13 4 3 7 62003-04 Philadelphia NHL 74 12 18 30 14 18 3 7 10 62004-05 KalPa Finland-2 10 6 3 9 2 9 5 3 8 4

NHL Totals 622 161 230 391 125 65 11 22 33 18Hartford's 4th choice, 87th overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.Finnish First All-Star Team (1994)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2000, 2002)Transferred to Carolina after Hartford franchise relocated, June 25, 1997.Traded to Philadelphia by Carolina with Ryan Bast for PavelBrendl and Bruno St. Jacques, February 7, 2003. Signed as a free agent by KalPa (Finland-2), November 17, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 B Finland EJC-A 5 6 4 10 01992 Finland WJC-A 7 1 5 6 81993 Finland WJC-A 7 1 2 3 21994 B Finland Olympics 8 1 0 1 2

S Finland WC-A 8 4 2 6 01995 G Finland WC-A 8 2 2 4 61996 Finland WC-A 6 2 3 5 21996 Finland W-Cup 3 0 0 0 41998 B Finland Olympics 6 0 1 1 0

S Finland WC-A 10 4 3 7 22001 S Finland WC-A 8 *7 4 11 82002 Finland Olympics 4 1 2 3 42004 2nd Finland W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJURED

Finland

125

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Russian Olympians Alex Kovalev, NikolaiKhabibulin and Alexei Yashin also played at the1992 WJC.

• Was named as one of his team’s top three playersat the 1992 World Championship.

• Played for Russia at the World Cup of Hockey in1996 and 2004.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his fourth Olympics. Both he and

Alexei Zhamnov played in 1992, 1998, 2002. Theyhave won gold, silver and bronze medals at theGames.

• Lists winning the gold medal game at the 1992Albertville Olympics as his greatest internationalexperience. The gold medal game is the mostmemorable he has played.

• He and Zhamnov, Nikolai Khabibulin, Alex Kovalev and Alexei Zhitnik are 2006Russian Olympians who won gold in 1992. He and Zhamnov, Zhitnik and SergeiGonchar played on the 1998 silver medalists.

• The most memorable game he watched was the USA upsetting the USSR at theLake Placid Olympics in 1980.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work, work work.”

Did you know that…• He has been a big contributor to hockey in Lithuania

since 1996 when, with the Lithuanian national teamstruggling financially, he donated more than $10,000worth of hockey equipment.

• He lists his first coach, Aleksei Nikiforov as having hadthe biggest influence on his career. His favorite coachis 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 JamesBlunt and System of a Down (music).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Jim Carrey, Mike Myers and AngelinaJolie.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 of1995–96, after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery.

• Established career highs in assists (21), points (23) andplus/minus (+17) with the Islanders and Pittsburgh in1996–97. Named Penguins defensive player of the year.

• Scored 2 of his 4 goals shorthanded in 1997–98, tyinga Penguins record for defensemen. Ranked third in theNHL with 225 hits.

• Led Penguins with 173 hits in 1998–99 despite missingalmost half the season due to knee injuries.

• Was eighth in the NHL with 261 hits in 1999–2000. Ledthe Penguins with 119 blocked shots.

• Ranked third in the NHL with 351 hits in 2000–01. LedPittsburgh with 124 blocked shots.

• Played 80 games with Pittsburgh and Colorado in2001–02, ranking second in the NHL with 373 hits.

• Played just 44 games in 2003–04, but led the Rangersin plus/minus at +11.

When I was young…• Earliest hockey memories are of the first time he start-

ed 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his wife as the person he most admires.“She is

always there for me … and she thinks I’m a good hock-ey player.”

• Will call his wife first if Russia wins gold at Torino.

Playing for Russia…• Named Best Defenseman at the 1990 European Junior

Championship. Won silver medal.• Played in two World Junior Championship tourna-

ments, winning silver in 1991 with the Soviet nationaljunior team and gold in 1992 with the CIS(Commonwealth of Independent States). Named BestDefenseman at the 1992 tournament. Fellow 2006

KASPARAITIS, DARIUS(KAZ-puhr-IGH-tihz, DAIR-ee-uhs)

NEW YORK RANGERSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 215 LBS./98 KG

BORN, ELEKTRENAI, USSR, OCTOBER 16, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1988-89 Dynamo Moscow USSR 3 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Dynamo Moscow USSR 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Dynamo Moscow USSR 17 0 1 1 10 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Dynamo Moscow CIS 31 2 10 12 14 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Dynamo Moscow CIS 7 1 3 4 8 .... .... .... .... ....

NY Islanders NHL 79 4 17 21 166 18 0 5 5 311993-94 NY Islanders NHL 76 1 10 11 142 4 0 0 0 81994-95 NY Islanders NHL 13 0 1 1 22 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 NY Islanders NHL 46 1 7 8 93 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 NY Islanders NHL 18 0 5 5 16 .... .... .... .... ....

Pittsburgh NHL 57 2 16 18 84 5 0 0 0 61997-98 Pittsburgh NHL 81 4 8 12 127 5 0 0 0 81998-99 Pittsburgh NHL 48 1 4 5 70 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Pittsburgh NHL 73 3 12 15 146 11 1 1 2 102000-01 Pittsburgh NHL 77 3 16 19 111 17 1 1 2 262001-02 Pittsburgh NHL 69 2 12 14 123 .... .... .... .... ....

Colorado NHL 11 0 0 0 19 21 0 3 3 182002-03 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 107NY 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 byPittsburgh for Ville Niemenen and Rick Berry, March 19, 2002. Signed as a free agent by NY Rangers, July 2, 2002. Signed as a freeaget by Kazan (Russia), October 22, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1990 S USSR EJC-A 6 1 6 7 121991 S Soviet Union WJC-A 6 1 3 4 161992 G Russia WJC-A 7 1 5 6 8

G Russia Olympics 8 0 2 2 2Russia WC-A 6 2 1 3 4

1996 Russia WC-A 8 0 2 2 21996 Russia W-Cup 5 0 2 2 141998 S Russia Olympics 6 0 2 2 62002 B Russia Olympics 6 1 0 1 42004 Russia W-Cup 4 0 1 1 8

Russia

126

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • His wife played junior tennis with Russian tennis

star Natalie Zvereva.

Playing for Russia…• First played for his country with a touring junior

team in a 1989 exhibition series against BostonCollege and later went on to play at Lake Placid.

• Led USSR to a bronze medal at the 1990 QuebecCup (forerunner of the World Under-17 Challenge).

• Won a silver medal at the 1991 European JuniorChampionship.

• Won gold with CIS (Commonwealth ofIndependent States) at the 1992 World JuniorChampionship. Fellow 2006 Russian OlympiansAlex Kovalev, Alexei Yashin and Darius Kasparaitisalso played at the 1992 WJC.

• Played at the World Junior Championship in 1993 along with fellow 2006 RussianOlympians Yashin, Viktor Kozlov and Sergei Gonchar.

• Played for Russia at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and was named to the origi-nal Russian roster for 2004 World Cup but withdrew prior to the tournament.

Olympic Connections…• 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 NaganoOlympics due to a dispute over receiving his medal. He was finally presentedwith 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 min-utes played (359:16) and saves (186) and was named Best Goaltender.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is tennis at the Summer Games.

Did you know that…• 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 #53because #35 is retired in Chicago in honor of TonyEsposito.

• He patterns his style of play after Vladislav Tretiak andEd Belfour.

• His most memorable game played is game seven ofthe 2004 Stanley Cup Final when Tampa Bay beatCalgary.

• His favorite coach is former Soviet and NHL star SlavaFetisov.

• Favorite movie is “The Fifth Element.” Favorite actorsare George Clooney and Bruce Willis. Favorite musicalgroup is Scooter.

• Hobby is playing tennis.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 allow-ing a goal while recording three straight shutoutsbetween Mar. 2-10, 1997.

• Ranked sixth in the NHL in wins (30) and eighth inshutouts (4) in 1997–98. Snapped a streak of 60 con-secutive starts in goal (including 48 games in1996–97), on Nov. 15, 1997. Appeared in his first NHLAll-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 duringcontract holdout. Shared league’s MVP award afterposting a league-leading 1.83 average.

• Played 70 games (fifth in NHL) with Tampa Bay in2001–02. Tied for second with 7 shutouts and was fifthin save percentage (.920). Set Tampa records for savepercentage and shutouts.

• Set franchise record with 30 wins in 2002–03. Tied forsixth in NHL in games (65) and 11th in wins.

• Combined with 2006 U.S. Olympian John Grahame tolead Tampa Bay to club-record 46 wins and 106 pointsin 2003–04. Starred in playoffs as Lightning wonStanley Cup. Led all goalies in postseason wins (16).Tied injured 2006 Finnish Olympian Miikka Kiprusofffor lead with 5 shutouts. Was 2nd to Curtis Joseph inaverage (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.

KHABIBULIN, NIKOLAI(khah-bee-BOO-lihn, NIH-koh-ligh)

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 203 LBS./93 KG

BORN, SVERDLOVSK, USSR, JANUARY 13, 1973.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1991-92 CSKA CIS 2 0 0 0 34 2 0 3.53 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 CSKA CIS 13 .... .... .... 491 27 .... 3.29 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 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 3.181996-97 Phoenix NHL 72 30 33 6 4091 193 7 2.83 7 3 4 426 15 1 2.111997-98 Phoenix NHL 70 30 28 10 4026 184 4 2.74 4 2 1 185 13 0 4.221998-99 Phoenix NHL 63 32 23 7 3657 130 8 2.13 7 3 4 449 18 0 2.4199-2000 Long Beach IHL 33 21 11 1 1936 59 5 *1.83 5 2 3 321 15 0 2.812000-01 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 2.422003-04◆ Tampa Bay NHL 55 28 19 7 3274 127 3 2.33 23 *16 7 1401 40 *5 1.712004-05 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) Played in NHL All-Star Game (1998, 1999, 2002, 2003)Transferred to Phoenix after Winnipeg franchise relocated, July 1, 1996. • Missed entire 1999-2000 NHL season and majority of2000-01 season after failing to come to contract terms with Phoenix. Signed as a free agent by Long Beach (IHL) with Phoenixretaining NHL rights, January 14, 2000.Traded to Tampa Bay by Phoenix with Stan Neckar for Mike Johnson, Paul Mara, RuslanZainullin 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1991 S USSR EJC-A 5 .... .... .... 242 11 .... 2.731992 G Russia WJC-A 6 *6 0 0 289 7 *2 *1.45

G Russia Olympics DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER1993 Russia WJC-A 6 2 3 1 340 15 1 2.651996 Russia W-Cup 2 0 2 0 100 10 0 6.002002 B Russia Olympics 6 3 2 1 *359 14 *1 2.342004 Russia W-Cup DID NOT PLAY

Russia

127

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First represented the United States at the 1995

World Championship.“It was something I hadnever done and I was thrilled to finally play for theUSA.”

• Playing against the gold medal-winning CzechRepublic at the 2005 World Championship is hisgreatest international hockey experience.

• He tied fellow 2006 U.S. Olympians Doug Weightand Erik Cole and Brett Hauer for the team lead inpoints (6) at the 2005 World Championship.

Olympic Connections…• The most memorable hockey game he watched

was the 1980 Olympics, USA vs. Russia “because Iwas a kid and remember exactly where I was towatch it.”

• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and gymnastics at the SummerGames.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “If you have fun and love the game, good things will happen.”

Did you know that…• He holds the Bruins record for the fastest two goals

from the start of an NHL game, scoring at 0:10 and0:27 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 hisfavorite coach “because he taught me what it wouldtake to become a professional hockey player.”

• Says that Paul Pichard of the Kalamazoo Jr. Wings inthe NAJHL had the biggest influence on his careerbecause when playing for him, he realized that hemight be able to have a professional career.

• Favorite NHL arena is Joe Louis Arena in Detroitbecause of “the fast ice and the smell of spilled beerand hot dogs.”

• Favorite summer activities and hobbies are playinggolf, working out and reading.

• Other favorites are:“Nip/Tuck” (TV show),“A BeautifulMind” (movie), Ben Stiller (actor) and Bon Jovi (musicalgroup).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with David Beckham, George Bush, andentertainment mogul Diddy because “I think theywould all have a good time together.”

Career Accomplishments…• 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 firstNHL goal vs. Toronto on Apr. 5, 1997.

• Played on a Stanley Cup winner with Detroit in his firstfull NHL season of 1997–98.

• Played all 82 games for the first time in his career withNY Rangers in 1998–99.

• Doubled his previous career high with 30 goals forBoston in 2002–03. Also established career highs inassists (29) and points (59). Was third on the team ingoals and second in plus/minus (+18).

• Was third on the Bruins with goals (21) again in2003–04. Led the team with a career-high plus/minusof +19.

• Tied for the goal-scoring lead (26) in the Swedish eliteleague in 2004–05. Tied for eighth in the league with39 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 smellgood or bad, it just had a certain smell.”

• First hockey team was the Grand Rapids AmateurHockey Association Atoms.

• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• Favorite player growing up was Wayne Gretzky.

Family Connections… • 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.

KNUBLE, MIKE(kuh-NOO-buhl, MIGHK)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’3”/191 CM 228 LBS./103 KG

BORN, TORONTO, ONT., JULY 4, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1988-89 East Kentwood High-MI 28 52 37 89 60 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 East Kentwood High-MI 29 63 40 103 40 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Kalamazoo NAHL 36 18 24 42 30 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 U. of Michigan CCHA 43 7 8 15 48 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 U. of Michigan CCHA 39 26 16 42 57 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 U. of Michigan CCHA 41 32 26 58 71 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 U. of Michigan CCHA 34 *38 22 60 62 .... .... .... .... ....

Adirondack AHL .... .... .... .... .... 3 0 0 0 01995-96 Adirondack AHL 80 22 23 45 59 3 1 0 1 01996-97 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 01998-99 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 02002-03 Boston NHL 75 30 29 59 45 5 0 2 2 22003-04 Boston NHL 82 21 25 46 32 7 2 0 2 02004-05 Linkoping Sweden 49 *26 13 39 40 6 0 1 1 2

NHL Totals 510 101 107 208 224 17 2 3 5 2Detroit'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.Tradedto Boston by NY Rangers for Rob DiMaio, March 10, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Philadelphia, July 3, 2004. Signed as a freeagent by Linkopings (Sweden), August 2, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 United States WC-A 6 1 2 3 21999 United States WC-A 6 0 0 0 102001 United States WC-A 9 2 0 2 22005 United States WC-A 7 4 2 6 8

U.S.A.

128

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• 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 andthe team’s top scorer (2-3-5) at the 2001 tourna-ment.

• Won a silver medal at the 2001 World JuniorChampionship, bronze in 2002. Missed the 2003WJC due to injury.

• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, whereFinland won the European pool and reached thefinals against Team Canada.

• He lists the Under-18 gold medal and the 2004World Cup as his greatest international hockeyexperiences.

Olympic Connections…• 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.”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Always have fun when you do your thing.”

Did you know that…• He spent his entire Finnish career playing in his home-

town 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).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with tennis star Roger Federer, golfing greatTiger Woods and two-time European footballer of theyear Zinedine Zidane.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 onTPS in scoring (7-13-20) despite missing 19 games dueto injury.

• Set Finnish elite league career highs in assists (24) andpoints (30) in 2003–04. Was third on team in assists,sixth in points. Helped TPS Turku finish first in the reg-ular-season standings.

• Made his North American debut with Houston (AHL) in2004–05. Was second on the team in goals (20), third inassists (28) and points (48). Scored a goal in the AHLAll-Star Game.

• Made his NHL debut with Minnesota at San Jose onNov. 5, 2005. Scored his first NHL goal in his secondgame one night later vs. Jean-Sebastien Giguere ofAnaheim.

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.”

Family Connections… • 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.

“They were good role models for me growing up.” Hisfather played 30 games in the Finnish elite league in1972–73 before getting into coaching. Was his coachwith TPS Turku in 2003–04.

• Will call his parents first if Finland wins gold at Torino.• Lists playing “against my brother” as the most memo-

rable game he has played because “it was somethingdifferent.”The Koivu brothers played each other whenthe Canadiens visited the Wild on Dec. 17, 2005 andtook a face-off against each other. Minnesota won thegame 4–3.

• Most memorable game watched was the gold medalgame at the 1995 World Championship when SakuKoivu helped lead Finland to its first title.

KOIVU, MIKKO(KOI-voo, MEE-koh)

MINNESOTA WILDCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 205 LBS./93 KG

BORN, TURKU, FINLAND, MARCH 12, 1983.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 TPS Jr. Finland-Jr. 41 8 17 25 40 13 1 4 5 82000-01 TPS Jr. Finland-Jr. 26 9 36 45 26 4 2 2 4 8

TPS Finland 21 0 1 1 2 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 TPS Finland 48 4 3 7 34 8 0 3 3 4

TPS Jr. Finland-Jr. 2 0 1 1 12 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 TPS Finland 37 7 13 20 20 7 2 2 4 62003-04 TPS Finland 45 6 24 30 36 13 1 7 8 82004-05 Houston AHL 67 20 28 48 47 5 1 0 1 2

Minnesota's 1st choice, 6th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 G Finland WJ18-A 7 0 4 4 8

G Finland WJ18-A 7 0 4 4 82001 S Finland WJC-A 7 0 3 3 8

B Finland WJ18-A 6 2 3 5 62002 B Finland WJC-A 7 1 5 6 42004 2nd Finland W-Cup 4 0 1 1 2

Finland

129

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• First represented his country on the Finnish Under-

17 team at a Four Nations tournament in Februaryof 1991.

• Played at the European Junior Championship in1992.

• Played at the 1993 World Junior Championshipand was named to the tournament’s Second All-Star Team. Also played at the 1993 WorldChampionships.

• Won a silver medal at the 1994 WorldChampionship and was named to the tourna-ment All-Star Team.

• Played on Finland’s first World Championshipgold medal team in 1995. Was named to tourna-ment All-Star Team and named Best Forward.

• Was named to tournament All-Star Team again after winning a silver medal atthe 1999 Worlds. Led the tournament in scoring (4-12-16).

• Tied fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Selanne for the team scoring lead, fourth inthe tournament (1-10-11) at the 2003 World Championship.

• Led his team with 3 goals at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, where Finland wonthe European pool and reached the finals against Team Canada. Was named tothe tournament All-Star team.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Did you know that…• He was diagnosed with abdominal cancer prior to the

2001–02 season and missed 79 games, plus the 2002Salt Lake City Olympics. Returned to the lineup on Apr.9, 2002 and played the last three games of regular sea-son to help Montreal clinch a playoff spot. He won theMasterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship,dedication to hockey.

• Created the Saku Koivu foundation in 2002 to raise $8million to purchase a PET/CT Scan machine for cancertreatment at the Montreal General Hospital.

• In his final season in Finland in 1994–95, he won thethe Lasse Oksanen Trophy as the best player duringthe regular season, the Jari Kurri Trophy as the bestplayer in the playoffs and the Golden Helmet as thetop player in the country. Finished fourth in voting forthe Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in1995–96.

• Named captain of the Canadiens on Sept. 30, 1999.• Hobbies: soccer, snooker, golf, badminton.

Career Accomplishments…• Played on the first line for TPS Turku in the 1993

Finnish League playoffs, winning championship. LedFinnish league in scoring (27-47-74) in 1994–95.Topped playoffs with 7 goals as TPS Turku again wonchampionship. Was a teammate of fellow 2006 FinnishOlympian Jere Lehtinen.

• Finished fourth in NHL in rookie scoring (20-25-45) in1995–96. Tied for first in power-play goals among rook-ies (8). Led rookies in shorthanded goals (3).

• Was NHL scoring leader (13-25-28) in 1996–97 beforesuffering a serious knee injury on Dec. 7, 1996. LedCanadiens with then career-high 43 assists in 1997–98while playing just 69 games due to injuries.

• Tied for Canadiens lead in scoring (17-30-47) in2000–01 despite playing just 54 games.

• Played a full 82 games in 2002–03 for the first timesince rookie season. Established career highs in goals(21), assists (50) and points (71), leading the team’sscorers. Scored first career hat trick on Nov. 18, 2002 vsPittsburgh.

• Limited to just 68 games in 2003–04 but was secondon the Canadiens to Mike Ribeiro with 41 assists andthird 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.

Family Connections… • 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 wascoached by his father with TPS.

KOIVU, SAKU(KOI-voo, SA-koo)

MONTREAL CANADIENSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’10”/178 CM 181 LBS./82KG

BORN, TURKU, FINLAND, NOVEMBER 23, 1974.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 TPS U18 Fin-U18 24 20 28 48 26 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 TPS U18 Fin-U18 12 3 7 10 6 .... .... .... .... ....

TPS Jr. Finland-Jr. 34 25 28 53 57 8 5 *9 *14 61992-93 TPS Finland 46 3 7 10 28 11 3 2 5 21993-94 TPS Finland 47 23 30 53 42 11 4 8 12 161994-95 TPS Finland 45 27 *47 *74 73 13 *7 10 17 161995-96 Montreal NHL 82 20 25 45 40 6 3 1 4 81996-97 Montreal NHL 50 17 39 56 38 5 1 3 4 101997-98 Montreal NHL 69 14 43 57 48 6 2 3 5 21998-99 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 42002-03 Montreal NHL 82 21 50 71 72 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Montreal NHL 68 14 41 55 52 11 3 8 11 102004-05 TPS Finland 20 8 8 16 28 6 3 2 5 30

NHL Totals 497 120 278 398 342 40 13 21 34 34Montreal'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 BestForward at WC-A (1995, 1999) • Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (2002) Played in NHL All-Star Game (1998)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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1992 Finland EJC-A 6 3 5 8 181993 Finland WJC-A 7 1 8 9 6

Finland WC-A 6 0 1 1 21994 Finland WJC-A 7 3 6 9 12

B Finland Olympics 8 4 3 7 12S Finland WC-A 8 5 6 11 4

1995 G Finland WC-A 8 5 5 10 181996 Finland W-Cup 4 1 3 4 4

Finland WC-A 6 2 2 4 21998 B Finland Olympics 6 2 *8 *10 41999 S Finland WC-A 10 4 *12 *16 42003 Finland WC-A 7 1 10 11 42004 2nd Finland W-Cup 6 3 1 4 2

Finland

130

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• Helped Kazakhstan reach the Torino Games by

winning Group B in the 2005 Final OlympicQualification 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 lotless time to make a decision and react. Goaliesshould 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 hisprogress.… He definitely has a bright future ahead if he keeps progressing thisway.” – Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville.

Did you know that…• His surname means “wheels maker” or “wheels master”

in Russian.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 minutesplayed and 565 saves. No American Hockey Leaguegoaltender had faced as many as his 617 shots against.

• Got his first NHL win in his first start, stopping 20 of 21shots in a 4–1 win over Boston on Dec. 7. 2005.

• Had Colorado’s first shootout victory in a 4–3 win atNew Jersey on Dec. 9. Made seven saves on sevenattempts in the shootout, including stops on 2006 U.S.Olympians Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez.

Playing for Kazakhstan…• Played at the 1997 Asian-Oceanic Junior

Championship. Kazakhstan earned silver. Was a team-mate of fellow 2006 Kazakh Olympian Nik Antropov atthis tournament and in at the 1999 World JuniorChampionship.

• Earned a shutout vs. Switzerland at the 1999 WorldJunior Championship.

• Played with Kazakhstan in a qualification tournamentfor the 2000 World Championship.

• Saw no action as the third goaltender on Kazakhstan’steam at the 2001 World Championship Division 1B.

• Led the 2003 World Championship Division 1A ingoals-against average (0.65) and save percentage(.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 2004World Championship.

• Ranked third at the 2005 World Championship in savepercentage (.952) and sixth in goals-against average(1.68).

KOLESNIK, VITALY(koh-LEHZ-nihk, vih-TAL-ee)

COLORADO AVALANCHEGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 198 LBS./90 KG

BORN, UST-KAMENOGORSK, USSR, AUGUST 20, 1979.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1998-99 Ust-Kam’gorsk 2 Russia-4 16 .... .... .... .... 42 .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-3 2 .... .... .... .... 9 .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-3 14 .... .... .... .... 15 .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-3 statistics unavailable2001-02 Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-2 1 .... .... .... 60 1 0 1.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-2 25 .... .... .... 1308 46 2 2.11 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-2 35 .... .... .... 1899 53 9 1.67 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia-2 42 .... .... .... 2329 65 8 1.67 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Signed as a free agent by Colorado, August 16, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1999 Kazakhstan WJC-A 6 .... .... .... 307 27 1 5.282000 Kazakhstan WC-Q 2 .... .... .... 89 7 0 4.722001 Kazakhstan WC-B Did Not Play – Spare Goaltender2002 B Kazakhstan WC-B 3 .... .... .... 79 2 1 1.512003 G Kazakhstan WC-B 4 .... .... .... 184 2 0 *0.652004 Kazakhstan WC-A 3 .... .... .... 139 7 1 3.022005 Kazakhstan Olympic Q 3 .... .... .... 173 5 1 1.74

Kazakhstan WC-A 5 .... .... .... 279 8 0 1.72

Kazakhstan

131

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Thanks his father for having the greatest influ-

ence on his career because he got him startedand sacrificed a lot.

Playing for Germany…• First played for Germany at the 1996 World Cup.• Has represented Germany at the World

Championship in 1997 and 2004.• 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’sbig and skilled players.”

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “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’sbefore and after and all around the game.” Former teammate Calle Johansson.(Washington Post, May 31, 2001)

Did you know that…• 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 1989friendship tour across the Soviet Union. Won games vs.Spartak Moscow and Dynamo Riga.

• Is the founder of the Carson Kolzig Foundation namedafter his son. Leads the Olie’s and Elliot’s Great SavesProgram and Olie’s All-Stars. Is also active in support-ing the Athletes Against Autism Foundation. Has wonthe NHL Foundation Player award, which is givenannually to the player who exemplifies commitmentto his community.

• Patterned his game after Patrick Roy. Wears #37because 33 was taken.

• Most memorable game played was game six of the1998 Eastern Conference final when Washington beatBuffalo in overtime to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

• Favorite NHL arenas are in Toronto and Montreal “for theirability to encompass the old feel in a modern building.”

• Other favorites include:“The Chapelle Show” (TVshow),“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 hisamazing accomplishments after surviving cancer.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Lance Armstrong, Greg Norman andDonald Trump.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 vic-

tory over NY Islanders.• Led Washington in shutouts (2), average (2.59) and

save percentage (.906) in his first full season with teamin 1996–97.

• Tied for third in NHL in wins (33) and ranked fourth insave percentage (.920) in 1997–98. Tied a playoffrecord (since broken) with 4 shutouts as Washingtonreached Stanley Cup Final.

• Captured Vezina Trophy as league’s top goaltender in1999–2000. Finished first in NHL in minutes (4,371),saves (1,794), shots against (1,957) and home save per-centage (.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) in2001–02.

• Tied for seventh in league in wins (33) and eighth insave percentage (.919) in 2002-03.

• Holds Capitals career records in all significant goal-tending 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 team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• Favorite players were Oilers goalie Grant Fuhr and

Maple Leafs goalie Mike Palmateer.

KOLZIG, OLAF(KOHL-zihg, OH-lahf)

WASHINGTON CAPITALSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 225 LBS./102 KG

BORN, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, APRIL 6, 1970.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1986-87 Abbotsford BCAHA 17 5 9 0 857 81 0 5.67 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 New Westminster WHL 15 6 5 0 650 48 1 4.43 3 0 3 149 11 0 4.431988-89 Tri-City WHL 30 16 10 2 1671 97 1 *3.48 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 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 5.091990-91 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 4.661991-92 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 3.521993-94 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 *2.551994-95 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 1.951998-99 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 3.382000-01 Washington NHL 72 37 26 8 4279 177 5 2.48 6 2 4 375 14 1 2.242001-02 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 2.082003-04 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) (sharedwith Byron Dafoe) • Jack A. Butterfield Trophy (Playoff MVP – AHL) (1994) • NHL First All-Star Team (2000) • Vezina Trophy (2000)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1998, 2000)• Scored a goal while with Tri-City (WHL), November 29, 1989. Signed as a free agent by Eisbaren Berlin (Germany), February 2,2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1996 Germany W-Cup 1 0 1 0 45 5 0 6.671997 Germany WC-A 4 0 3 0 199 13 0 3.921998 Germany Olympics 2 2 0 0 120 2 1 1.002004 Germany WC-A 5 2 2 1 299 11 0 2.212004 Germany W-Cup 3 0 3 0 180 10 0 3.34

Germany

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • His father has been the greatest influence on his

career because “he always took care of me andnever missed a practice or a game.” His father wasa basketball player who taught him many similari-ties between basketball and hockey.

• Will call his mother and his girlfriend first if Russiawins gold in Torino.

Playing for Russia…• First competed for his country at age 15 at an

Under-16 Four Nations tournament in Finland andsays that it is “always an unbelievable feeling toplay for your country.”

• Member of the gold-medal winning Russiansquad at the 2000 World Hockey Under-17Challenge, 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 medalgame. Helped Russia win silver at the 2000 World Under-18 Championship.

• Won a gold medal at the 2001 World Under-18 Championships, leading the tour-nament 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 and14th at tournament in scoring (4-2-6).

• Led Russia with 4 goals at the 2003 World Championship. Led with 3 goals andtied for team lead (Alexander Guskov) with 4 points in 2004. Ranked among theRussian leaders in goals (3), assists (3) and points (6) at the 2005 WorldChampionship.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second consecutive Winter Games.• 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 thoseplayers.”

• Other Olympic sport of interest is skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard every day. It's good to have talent but it is important to work hard at it.”

Did you know that…• He has helped to create Kovy’s Krew in Atlanta where

children living with cancer are given an opportunity totake an afternoon and play arcade games, go bowlingand have dinner with Kovalchuk.

• Wears #17 in the NHL in honor of Soviet legend ValeriKharlamov, but wears 71 for Russia because 17 hasbeen retired.

• Admits that he does have superstitions, but won’treveal what they are.

• The most memorable game he has played was the2004 NHL All-Star Game. He was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game.

• Most memorable game watched was a tape of the1972 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 isJim Carrey. Favorite types of music are hip hop andRussian.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 dislocationon Mar. 10, 2002. Finished second on club and amongall NHL rookies with 51 points. He and 2006 CanadianOlympian Dany Heatley became the first teammates tofinish 1–2 in rookie scoring in the NHL since BrianLeetch and Tony Granato of NY Rangers in 1988-89season. He finished second to Heatley in voting for theCalder Trophy as rookie of the year.

• Was second to Heatley on the Thrashers with 38 goalsand 9 power-play goals in 2002–03. Notched firstcareer NHL hat trick at Washington on Dec. 6, 2002.

• Tied 2006 Canadian Olympians Jarome Iginla ofCalgary and Rick Nash of Columbus for NHL lead with41 goals in 2003–04. Was second behind 2006Canadian Olympian Martin St. Louis of Tampa Bay with87 points. Led NHL with 341 shots on goal. Was tied forthird with 16 power-play goals. Led NHL forwards withteam-record average ice time of 23:41. Netted 100thcareer goal at Philadelphia on Feb. 21 to become fifthyoungest player in league history to reach milestone.

• Finished seventh in the Russian league in scoring (19-23-42) in 2004–05.

• Scored 5 goals in back-to-back games vs. Pittsburghon Jan. 6-7, 2006 to become the first player in 2005-06to 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 HockeyHall of Fame in 2005).

• Is a childhood friend of Alexei Smirnov, a 12th overalldraft choice of the Mighty Ducks in the 2000 NHLEntry Draft.

KOVALCHUK, ILYA(koh-vuhl-CHOOK, IHL-yah)

ATLANTA THRASHERSLEFT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’2”/188 CM 220 LBS./100 KG

BORN, TVER, USSR, APRIL 15, 1983.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 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 JaromeIginla and Rick Nash)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2004)Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia) August 22, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 S Russia WJ18-A 6 2 3 5 62001 Russia WJC-A 7 4 2 6 37

G Russia WJ18-A 6 *11 4 *15 262002 B Russia Olympics 6 1 2 3 142003 Russia WC-A 7 4 0 4 62004 Russia WC-A 6 3 1 4 62004 Russia W-Cup 4 1 0 1 42005 B Russia WC-A 9 3 3 6 4

Russia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Russia…• 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

Independent States) at 1992 World JuniorChampionship. Was named to tournament All-StarTeam. Fellow 2006 Russian Olympians AlexeiYashin, Nikolai Khabibulin and Darius Kasparaitisalso played at the 1992 WJC.

• Tied for team lead with 2 goals and 3 points atthe 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

• Tied Pavel Datsyuk for second on Russian team inscoring (3-4-7) behind Alexander Ovechkin at the2005 World Championship. Was named tournament’s Best Forward.

Olympic Connections…• 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 Gamesand won a bronze medal 10 years later with the Russian team the 2002 Olympicsin Salt Lake City.

• He is one of five players on the 2006 Russian Olympic team that won gold withthe “Unified Team” in 1992. The others are Nikolai Khabibulin, Alexei Zhitnik,Darius Kasparaitis and Alexei Zhamnov.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are “any.”

Did you know that…• 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

the seventh game of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final whenthe Rangers beat Vancouver to win for the first timesince 1940.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 all82 games.

• Finished fifth in NHL with 44 goals, fourth with 95points, in 2000–01. Both totals are career highs, as arehis 51 assists. Was one of three Penguins teammates intop six in NHL scoring. Also ranked among leagueleaders in game-winning goals (9). His four hat trickson season tied 2006 Russian Olympic boss Pavel Burefor league lead.

• Missed 13 games early in 2001–02 season followingknee surgery and scored a hat trick vs. New Jersey inhis return to lineup on Nov. 13, 2001. Scored 3 goals vs.NY Islanders the following night.

• Was traded from Pittsburgh back to Rangers during2002–03 season and finished year among league lead-ers with 37 goals and 77 points.

• Led Canadiens with 6 playoff goals, was second toSaku 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 comfort-able, with their wider blade and superior ankle sup-port. He learned to accelerate by pushing off the toepicks, practicing long hours on a rink outside Togliatti'sstadium, and wore figure skates until he joined his firsthockey team” (National Post - Dec. 24, 2005).

• Favorite player growing up was Soviet legend ValeriKharlamov. (Kharlamov was inducted into the HockeyHall of Fame in 2005.)

• Lists his first coach, Vladimir Guzhenkov, as having hadthe biggest influence on his career.

• Is a childhood friend of Viktor Kozlov of the NewJersey Devils.

Family Connections… • “You couldn’t get skates for Christmas in Russia

because you could only get them from Europe orAmerica, and my parents didn’t have friends outside ofRussia. So my dad would get me whatever was in thestore, make some adjustments to them, and that wasit.” (National Post - Dec. 24, 2005).

• Will call his wife and parents first if Russia wins gold atTorino.

KOVALEV, ALEX(koh-VAH-lehv, al-EHX)

MONTREAL CANADIENSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 220 LBS./100 KG

BORN, TOGLIATTI, USSR, FEBRUARY 24, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1989-90 Dynamo Moscow USSR 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Dynamo Moscow USSR 18 1 2 3 4 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Dynamo Moscow CIS 33 16 9 25 20 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 NY Rangers NHL 65 20 18 38 79 .... .... .... .... ....

Binghamton AHL 13 13 11 24 35 9 3 5 8 141993-94◆ NY Rangers NHL 76 23 33 56 154 23 9 12 21 181994-95 Togliatti CIS 12 8 8 16 49 .... .... .... .... ....

NY Rangers NHL 48 13 15 28 30 10 4 7 11 101995-96 NY Rangers NHL 81 24 34 58 98 11 3 4 7 141996-97 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 1499-2000 Pittsburgh NHL 82 26 40 66 94 11 1 5 6 102000-01 Pittsburgh NHL 79 44 51 95 96 18 5 5 10 162001-02 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 82004-05 Kazan Russia 35 10 12 22 80 4 0 0 0 8

NHL Totals 849 292 388 680 902 94 33 44 77 90NY Rangers' 1st choice, 15th overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.WJC-A All-Star Team (1992)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2001, 2003)Traded to Pittsburgh by NY Rangers with Harry York for Petr Nedved, Chris Tamer and Sean Pronger, November 25, 1998.Traded toNY 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's2nd round choice (Bruce Graham) in 2004 Entry Draft, March 2, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia), November 3, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1990 S USSR EJC-A 6 4 3 7 61991 S USSR EJC-A 5 8 3 11 81992 G Russia WJC-A 7 5 5 10 2

G Russia Olympics 8 1 2 3 14Russia WC-A 6 0 1 1 0

1996 Russia W-Cup 5 2 1 3 81998 Russia WC-A 6 5 2 7 142002 B Russia Olympics 6 3 1 4 42004 Russia W-Cup 4 2 1 3 42005 B Russia WC-A 9 3 4 7 16

Russia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Also played at the 1993 World JuniorChampionship and was named one of the topthree Russian players. He lists scoring his first goalat the World Junior Championship as his greatestinternational hockey memory. Fellow 2006 RussianOlympians Sergei Gonchar, Alexei Yashin andNikolai Khabibulin also played at the 1993 WJC.

• Played at the World Championship in 1996, 1998,2000 and 2005. Tied for Russian team lead with 3assists at the 2000 tournament . Tied for second onteam with 4 points.

• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Olympic Connections…• Was named to the Russian Olympic hockey team in

2002 but did not compete at Salt Lake City due toan abdominal injury.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are soccer and tennis at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Do well in school.”

Did you know that…• 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 hecould have dinner with anyone, it would be withArmstrong.

Career Accomplishments…• Made his debut in the CIS (Commonwealth of

Independent States) league as a 16-year-old in1991–92. Played with league-champion DynamoMoscow in 1992–93.

• Fractured his ankle playing with Dynamo Moscow dur-ing the NHL labor stoppage in 1994–95. Missed thefirst 13 games when the NHL season finally resumed.

• Shattered previous career highs with 53 assists and 70points with Florida in 1999–2000. Tied for fourth inNHL in assists. Played in his first NHL All-Star Game(had been selected to play in 1999 but missed gamedue to a shoulder injury).

• Ranked second among Panthers in goals (14), points(37) and power-play goals (6) behind 2006 RussianOlympic general manager. Pavel Bure in 2000–01despite being limited to just 51 games due to injuries.

• Set new career high with 22 goals and 232 shots in2002–03. Was second on team to 2006 FinnishOlympian Olli Jokinen in goals and points (56), ledteam 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 assistsand 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 ofFame in 2005.

• Was a childhood friend of Alex Kovalev.

Family Connections… • Lists his father as having had the biggest influence on

his career, as his favorite coach and as the person hepatterned his game on.“He taught me how to play.”

• Will call his father first if Russia wins gold at Torino.

Playing for Russia…• First time he played for his country was with national

junior team at the age of 14.“I was proud to representmy country.”

• Won bronze medal at the 1992 European JuniorChampionship. Won silver at the 1993 EJC and wasnamed to the tournament All-Star Team.

KOZLOV, VIKTOR(KAHS-lahf, VIHK-tohr)

NEW JERSEY DEVILSCENTER. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’5”/196 CM 235 LBS./107 KG

BORN, TOGLIATTI, USSR, FEBRUARY 14, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 Togliatti USSR-2 2 2 0 2 0 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Togliatti CIS 3 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Dynamo Moscow CIS 30 6 5 11 4 10 3 0 3 01993-94 Dynamo Moscow CIS 42 16 9 25 14 7 3 2 5 01994-95 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 02000-01 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 02004-05 Togliatti Russia 52 15 22 37 22 10 3 3 6 6

NHL Totals 599 132 234 366 170 6 0 1 1 0San Jose's 1st choice, 6th overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.EJC-A All-Star Team (1993)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2000)Traded to Florida by San Jose with Florida's 5th round choice (previously acquired, Florida selected Jaroslav Spacek) in 1998 EntryDraft for Dave Lowry and Florida's 1st round choice (later traded to Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay selected Vincent Lecavalier) in 1998Entry 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1992 B Russia EJC-A 6 3 3 6 21993 Russia WJC-A 7 2 1 3 2

S Russia EJC-A 6 3 3 6 41996 Russia WC-A 8 0 3 3 01998 Russia WC-A 6 4 5 9 02000 Russia WC-A 6 1 3 4 22004 Russia W-Cup 4 1 0 1 02005 B Russia WC-A 9 1 0 1 0

Russia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Was among several players tied for second on theteam in plus/minus (+7) behind fellow 2006Swedish Olympian Mats Sundin at the 2003 WorldChampionship. Lists the 2003 quarterfinal gamewhere Sweden rallied to beat Finland 6-5 as hisgreatest international hockey experience.

• Tied for the lead among defensemen with 3 goalsat the 2005 World Championship. Tied for secondamong defensemen in plus/minus (+7) behind2006 Czech Olympian Marek Zidlicky. He andZidlicky were named to the tournament All-Starteam on defense.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are the skiing

events.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun.”

Did you know that…• He became the first European player to win the Eddie

Shore Award as the AHL’s best defenseman in2004–05.

• Nickname is Kroner.• Most memorable hockey game ever played was his

first NHL game at Joe Louis Arena. Other favoritememories include winning back-to-back Swedishleague titles with Djurgardens in 2000 and 2001.Fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Mikael Tellqvist ofToronto also played on those teams.

• His most memorable hockey game watched was the1987 Canada Cup Final between Canada and Russia.

• Favorite coach is Hardy Nilson.• Other favorites include “Everybody Loves Raymond”

(TV show),“Braveheart” (movie), Ed Norton andAngelina Jolie (actors), and Garth Brooks (music).

• Would like to have dinner with Swedish Prime MinisterGoran Persson and George W. Bush.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 RussianOlympian Pavel Datsyuk on Dec. 13 at Washington. Hisfirst career goal was a game winner vs. Chicago on Jan.14, 2004. He suffered a fractured leg during warm-upon Jan. 22 and missed the remainder of the season.

• Led entire Grand Rapids Rapids team, and all AHLdefensemen, 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 fel-

low 2006 Swedish Olympian Nicklas Lidstrom.

Family Connections… • Lists his mother as having had the biggest influence

on his career because “she was always there support-ing me.”

• Will call his mother, or his brother, first if Sweden winsgold in Torino.

Playing for 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

Championship in 1998. Tournament became the WorldUnder-18 Championship the following year, andSweden won silver.

• Topped all defensemen with 5 goals at the 2000 WorldJunior Championship.

KRONWALL, NIKLAS(KRAHN-wuhl, NIHK-las)

DETROIT RED WINGSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 165 LBS./75 KG

BORN, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, JANUARY 12, 1981.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1996-97 Djurgarden Jr. Swe-Jr. 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Djurgarden Jr. Swe-Jr. 27 4 3 7 71 2 0 0 0 21998-99 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 0 0 0 82000-01 Djurgarden Sweden 31 1 9 10 32 15 0 1 1 82001-02 Djurgarden Sweden 48 5 7 12 34 5 0 0 0 02002-03 Djurgarden Sweden 50 5 13 18 46 12 3 2 5 182003-04 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)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1998 G Sweden EJC-A 6 1 2 3 61999 S Sweden WJ18-A 7 0 4 4 82000 Sweden WJC-A 7 5 1 6 102001 Sweden WJC-A 5 0 1 1 22003 S Sweden WC-A 5 0 0 0 42005 Sweden WC-A 9 3 3 6 10

Sweden

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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 theWorld Championship final as the most memorableinternational game he has played.

• Also played at the World Championship in 2002.• Favorite international hockey rule is no-touch

icing.

Olympic Connections…• Most memorable hockey game watched was the

gold medal game during the 1998 Olympics inNagano, Czech Republic vs. Russia.“The Czechteam was in the final and it was the first time thatall 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.

Did you know that…• 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), MichaelMadsen (actor) and Linkin Park, Nirvana and Metallica(music).

• Lists game seven vs. Colorado in the 2003 Stanley Cupplayoffs when Minnesota won after trailing 3–1 in theseries as the most memorable NHL game he hasplayed.

• Hobbies are soccer and car racing.• He admits to having “little” superstitions, but won’t say

what they are.

Career Accomplishments…• 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). Ledthe Wild in game-winning goals (4) and in power-playassists (10) and points (14). Established career highs ingoals (9) and points (30).

• Ranked 15th among all NHL defensemen in averageice time (25:30) in 2001–02.

• Played in a career-high 78 games in 2002–03. Led Wilddefensemen in goals (8), assists (21), points (29), andpower-play goals (4). Set a team record with 33:02 ofice time at Chicago on Dec. 26, 2002. Played in theplayoffs for the first time in 2003 and led Wild defense-man in postseason scoring (3-5-8).

• Led Wild defensemen with 19 assists and 24 points in2003–04.

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.

Family Connections… • Lists his mother as having the greatest influence on his

career because “she always supported me in hockeywhen I was growing up.”

• Will call his wife and children first if the Czechs wingold in Torino.

KUBA, FILIP(KOO-bah, FIHL-ihp)

MINNESOTA WILDDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 205 LBS./93 KG

BORN, OSTRAVA, CZECH., DECEMBER 29, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1994-95 Vitkovice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 35 10 15 25 .... .... .... .... .... ....

Vitkovice CzRep .... .... .... .... .... 4 0 0 0 21995-96 Vitkovice CzRep 19 0 1 1 .... .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Carolina AHL 51 0 12 12 38 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 New Haven AHL 77 4 13 17 58 3 1 1 2 01998-99 Florida NHL 5 0 1 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Kentucky AHL 45 2 8 10 33 10 0 1 1 499-2000 Florida NHL 13 1 5 6 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Houston IHL 27 3 6 9 13 11 1 2 3 42000-01 Minnesota NHL 75 9 21 30 28 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Minnesota NHL 62 5 19 24 32 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Minnesota NHL 78 8 21 29 29 18 3 5 8 242003-04 Minnesota NHL 77 5 19 24 28 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 310 28 86 114 119 18 3 5 8 24Florida's 8th choice, 192nd overall, in 1995 Entry Draft.Played in NHL All-Star Game (2004)Traded to Calgary by Florida for Rocky Thompson, March 16, 2000. Claimed by Minnesota from Calgary in Expansion Draft, June 23,2000.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2001 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 1 1 2 82002 Czech Republic WC-A 7 0 3 3 18

Czech Republic

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Led Czech defensemen in scoring (3-4-7), tied forsecond on team and among all defensemen, at2002 World Championship.

• Was named to Czech roster for 2004 World Cup ofHockey, but withdrew due to injuries prior to tour-nament.

• Was the top-scoring defenseman (2-2-4) for goldmedal-winning Czech Republic team at the 2005World Championship. (Fellow 2006 CzechOlympians Thomas Kaberle and Marek Zidlickywere 1-3-4.) Was his third World Championshipgold.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout(which was adopted by the NHL this year.)

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard, never give up your dream.”

Did you know that…• He lists Tampa Bay’s win in game seven of the 2004

Stanley Cup Final as the most memorable NHL gamehe has played. (Also cites his first NHL game and repre-senting 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 chari-ties.

• Hobbies are fishing, soccer, tennis and cars. The personhe admires most is Andre Agassi.

• Favorite movie is “Dreamer.” Favorite actor is AngelinaJolie. Favorite cartoon character is Shrek “because he’sa nice guy like me.”

• Nickname is Kubi.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 onMar. 14, 1998. Ranked first among NHL rookies in aver-age ice time per game (22:47) and third in hits (156) in1998-99.

• Led Tampa Bay defensemen in goals (11) and points(30) in 2000-01. Tied for 17th in NHL for goals by adefenseman. Led team in total ice time (24:16 pergame) and shifts per game (27.01).

• Career-high 17 goals in 2003–04 tied 2006 CanadianOlympian Wade Redden of Ottawa for most amongNHL defensemen. Shooting percentage of 11.1 alsobest among defensemen. Also reached career high inplus/minus at +9. Played in 22 of Tampa’s 23 playoffgames and was second to 2006 Canadian OlympianBrad Richards in average time on ice (22:53) asLightning 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.

Family Connections… • 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.

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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

gold with the Czech Republic team at the 1999 WorldChampionship. Tied for first in scoring among defense-men (2-6-8) at 1999 tournament and was named to All-Star Team.

• Was top-scoring defenseman (2-3-5) for Czech goldmedal team at the 2001 World Championship.

KUBINA, PAVEL(koo-BEE-nuh, PAH-vehl)

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNINGDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’4”/193 CM 230 LBS./104 KG

BORN, CELADNA, CZECH., APRIL 15, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 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 4 0 0 0 01995-96 Vitkovice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 16 5 10 15 .... .... .... .... .... ....

Vitkovice CzRep 33 3 4 7 32 4 0 0 0 01996-97 Vitkovice CzRep 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Moose Jaw WHL 61 12 32 44 116 11 2 5 7 271997-98 Tampa Bay NHL 10 1 2 3 22 .... .... .... .... ....

Adirondack AHL 55 4 8 12 86 1 1 0 1 141998-99 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 11 0 0 0 122003-04◆ Tampa Bay NHL 81 17 18 35 85 22 0 4 4 502004-05 Vitkovice CzRep 28 6 5 11 46 12 4 6 10 34

NHL Totals 455 60 111 171 567 33 0 4 4 62Tampa Bay's 6th choice, 179th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.WC-A All-Star Team (1999)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2004)Signed as a free agent by Vitkovice (CzRep), September 17, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 Czech Republic WJC-A 6 0 2 2 81999 G Czech Republic WC-A 12 2 6 8 122001 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 2 3 5 182002 Czech Republic Olympics 4 0 1 1 0

Czech Republic WC-A 7 3 4 7 82004 Czech Republic W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJUTRED2005 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 2 2 4 10

Czech Republic

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• First represented his country at the 1993 World

Junior Championship.“It was great to represent mycountry.”

• Winning a silver medal at the 2001 WorldChampionship is his greatest international experi-ence. He also played at the 2004 WorldChampionship.

• Played one game at the 2004 World Cup ofHockey, where the Finns won the European pooland reached the finals against Team Canada.

Olympic Connections…• Will call his wife and children first if Finland wins

gold in Torino.

Did you know that…• 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 help-

ing 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

Chase and music by George Strait.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 ledAHL in plus/minus (+40). Helped Providence winCalder Cup championship.

• Was one of only two Minnesota Wild (with Wes Walz)to play all 82 games during the club’s inaugural seasonof 2000-01. Credited with the club’s first shot on goalvs. Anaheim on Oct. 6, 2000. Scored club’s first over-time goal vs. Calgary on Nov. 5. 2000. Recorded club’sfirst hat trick vs. Vancouver on Nov. 26, 2000.

• Recorded career-bests in goals (16), assists (17) andpoints (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 duringfranchise’s first three seasons.

• Sat out at Edmonton on Dec. 30, 2003 to end his fran-chise-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.• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• Wayne Gretzky was his favorite player, but Oilers

Finnish stars Jari Kurri and Esa Tikkanen also inspiredhis hockey career.

Family Connections… • Says that his brothers Mikko and Olli have had the

most influence on his career.

LAAKSONEN, ANTTI(lah-AHK-soh-nehn, AHN-tee)

COLORADO AVALANCHELEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 180 LBS./82 KG

BORN, TAMMELA, FINLAND, OCTOBER 3, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 FoPS Jr. Finland-Jr. 24 19 23 42 22 .... .... .... .... ....

FoPS Finland-2 41 16 15 31 8 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 FoPS Jr. Finland-Jr. 9 5 3 8 10 .... .... .... .... ....

FoPS Finland-2 34 11 19 30 36 .... .... .... .... ....HPK Jr. Finland-Jr. 1 1 1 2 0 .... .... .... .... ....HPK Finland 2 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

1993-94 U. of Denver WCHA 36 12 9 21 38 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 U. of Denver WCHA 40 17 18 35 42 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 U. of Denver WCHA 39 25 28 53 71 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 U. of Denver WCHA 39 21 17 38 63 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Providence AHL 38 3 2 5 14 .... .... .... .... ....

Charlotte ECHL 15 4 3 7 12 6 0 3 3 01998-99 Boston NHL 11 1 2 3 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Providence AHL 66 25 33 58 52 19 7 2 9 2899-2000 Boston NHL 27 6 3 9 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Providence AHL 40 10 12 22 57 14 5 4 9 42000-01 Minnesota NHL 82 12 16 28 24 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Minnesota NHL 82 16 17 33 22 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Minnesota NHL 82 15 16 31 26 16 1 3 4 42003-04 Minnesota NHL 77 12 14 26 20 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 361 62 68 130 96 16 1 3 4 4Boston'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1993 Finland WJC-A 7 2 0 2 22001 S Finland WC-A 9 2 4 6 82004 Finland WC-A 7 1 2 3 22004 2nd Finland W-Cup 1 0 0 0 0

Finland

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

overall, in scoring (5-4-9) at the 1996 WorldChampionship.

• Was named to Czech roster for 2004 World Cup ofHockey, but withdrew due to injuries prior to tour-nament.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the elimina-tion of the red line for two-line passes. (The NHLadopted the “no red line” rule this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his fourth Olympic Games (1992,

1998, 2002).• Greatest international hockey experience was win-

ning gold at the 1998 Nagano Games. The goldmedal game against Russia is his most memorablegame.

• Is one of seven players back from the CzechRepublic’s 1998 gold medal team along with Dominik Hasek, Milan Hejduk,Jaromir Jagr, Martin Rucinsky, Jaroslav Spacek and Martin Straka.

• Led bronze medal-winning Czech team team in scoring (5-8-13) at Albertville in1992 and ranked third overall in Olympic scoring.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and bobsled.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Stay in school.”

Did you know that…• 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 hehas 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).• If he could have dinner with any three people, they

would be with Arnold Palmer, George Bush and TigerWilliams.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 CzechOlympian Jaromir Jagr for Penguins lead in game-win-ning goals (5).

• Reached career highs in goals (32) and points (80) in2000–01. Ranked 20th in NHL in scoring. Was one offour Penguins teammates (along with fellow 2006Czech Olympians Jagr and Martin Straka and 2006Russian Olympian Alex Kovalev) among the NHL’s top20 scorers. Finished 14th in the NHL in shooting per-centage (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 tradeto Detroit during the 2003–04 NHL season. Finishedtied for ninth in scoring (30-49-79) despite playing just69 games. Also tied for ninth in assists with a career-high 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 YorkRangers) and Jiri Slegr (Boston Bruins).

Family Connections… • Says his father has had the most influence on his hock-

ey career because “he also loves the game and stillplays.”

• Will call his father first if Czechs win gold at Torino.

Playing for Czech Republic…• First played for the Czech national team at age 17 and

says it was a “great thrill.” He played exhibition gameswith the Czechoslovak junior team vs USSR Juniors inLeningrad, April 11 and 13, 1989.

• Won bronze medal at 1992 World Championship afterwinning bronze at the Olympics.

• Selected to play for Czech Republic at the 1994 WorldChampionship, but did not play due to shoulder injury.

• Led gold medal-winning Czech team, tied for second

LANG, ROBERT(LANG, RAW-buhrt)

DETROIT RED WINGSCENTER. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’2”/188 CM 216 LBS./98 KG

BORN, TEPLICE, CZECH., DECEMBER 19, 1970.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1988-89 Litvinov Czech 7 3 2 5 0 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Litvinov Czech 32 8 7 15 .... 8 3 3 6 ....1990-91 Litvinov Czech 56 26 26 52 38 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Litvinov Czech 43 12 31 43 34 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Los Angeles NHL 11 0 5 5 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Phoenix IHL 38 9 21 30 20 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Los Angeles NHL 32 9 10 19 10 .... .... .... .... ....

Phoenix IHL 44 11 24 35 34 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Litvinov CzRep 16 4 19 23 28 .... .... .... .... ....

Los Angeles NHL 36 4 8 12 4 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Los Angeles NHL 68 6 16 22 10 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Sparta CzRep 38 14 27 41 30 5 1 2 3 4

Sparta Praha EuroHL 4 2 2 4 0 4 2 1 3 21997-98 Boston NHL 3 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Pittsburgh NHL 51 9 13 22 14 6 0 3 3 2Houston IHL 9 1 7 8 4 .... .... .... .... ....

1998-99 Pittsburgh NHL 72 21 23 44 24 12 0 2 2 099-2000 Pittsburgh NHL 78 23 42 65 14 11 3 3 6 02000-01 Pittsburgh NHL 82 32 48 80 28 16 4 4 8 42001-02 Pittsburgh NHL 62 18 32 50 16 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Washington NHL 82 22 47 69 22 6 2 1 3 22003-04 Washington NHL 63 29 45 74 24 .... .... .... .... ....

Detroit NHL 6 1 4 5 0 12 4 5 9 62004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 646 174 293 467 170 63 13 18 31 14Los Angeles' 6th choice, 133rd overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.Played in NHL All-Star Game (2004)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 toDetroit by Washington for Tomas Fleischmann, Detroit's 1st round choice (Mike Green) in 2004 Entry Draft and Detroit's 4th roundchoice in 2006 Entry Draft, February 27, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1992 B Czechoslovakia Olympics 8 5 8 13 8

B Czechoslovakia WC-A 8 2 2 4 21996 G Czech Republic WC-A 8 5 4 9 21996 Czech Republic W-Cup 3 0 0 0 21997 B Czech Republic WC-A 8 1 1 2 251998 G Czech Republic Olympics 6 0 3 3 02002 Czech Republic Olympics 4 1 2 3 22004 Czech Republic W-Cup DID NOT PLAY

Czech Republic

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• First represented his country with the Under-18

team, winning gold at the 1997 Under-18 ThreeNations tournament in Czech Republic.“I neverthought about it twice. You wait for your chance toplay for your country and if you get it, you do it.”(from Canadian Hockey Magazine)

• Led Canada’s Team Quebec to a bronze medal atthe 1997 Under-17 Challenge.

• Favorite international hockey memory is the 2004World Cup of Hockey. He was a late addition as areplacement for Steve Yzerman, but led team, wassecond in tournament to 2006 Swedish OlympianFredrik Modin, in scoring (2-5-7) as Canada wonthe event. Scored overtime winner vs. CzechRepublic in semifinal. Was named tournament MVPand selected to All-Star team.

• Favorite international hockey rules are having the larger ice surface and playingwithout a red line. (The NHL adopted the “no red line” rule this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is the 100-meter sprint at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and have fun.”

Did you know that…• In 1998, he became the fifth player from the QMJHL to

be selected first overall in the NHL Entry Draft (GuyLafleur, Mario Lemieux, Pierre Turgeon and AlexandreDaigle).

• At age 19, became youngest team captain in NHL his-tory on Mar. 11, 2000 (served through 2000–01 sea-son).

• He has developed the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation,and focuses other charitable efforts towards Crohn’sDisease, the St. Petersburg Children’s Hospital, andhelping minor hockey in Quebec.

• Most memorable hockey game played was gameseven of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final when Tampa Baybeat Calgary.

• Favorite NHL arena is the old Montreal Forum “becauseof the great history it had.”

• Hobby is playing golf. The person he admires most isTiger Woods “because he has a strong mentalitytowards his game.”

• Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite actor is Al Pacino.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 icetime (22:36). Set up Martin St. Louis for triple overtimegoal vs. Washington on Apr. 20, 2003 to give Tampafirst playoff series win in franchise history.

• Finished second on team to fellow 2006 CanadianOlympian Martin St. Louis in goals with 32 in 2003–04.Tied for 4th on team in plus/minus at +23, shatteringhis previous career best. Was fourth on team, sixthoverall in NHL, in playoff scoring (9-7-16) as Tampa Baywon Stanley Cup.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Detroit Red Wings.• Favorite player was Steve Yzerman.• Has been friends with teammate and fellow 2006

Canadian Olympian Brad Richards since childhood.

Family Connections… • Lists his father as having had the greatest influence on

his career. When he was a child, his father would givehim 50 cents for every goal he scored, but a dollar forevery assist to encourage him and develop him as ahockey player (from the Montreal Gazette, August 9,2004).

• Wears jersey #4 because his grandfather was a fan ofJean Beliveau.

LECAVALIER, VINCENT(luh-KAV-uhl-YAY, VIHN-sihnt)

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNINGCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’4”/193 CM 207 LBS./94 KG

BORN, ILE BIZARD, QUE., APRIL 21, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Notre Dame SMHL 22 52 52 104 .... .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Rimouski QMJHL 64 42 61 103 38 4 4 3 7 21997-98 Rimouski QMJHL 58 44 71 115 117 18 *15 *26 *41 461998-99 Tampa Bay NHL 82 13 15 28 23 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Tampa Bay NHL 80 25 42 67 43 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Tampa Bay NHL 68 23 28 51 66 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Tampa Bay NHL 76 20 17 37 61 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Tampa Bay NHL 80 33 45 78 39 11 3 3 6 222003-04◆ Tampa Bay NHL 81 32 34 66 52 23 9 7 16 252004-05 Kazan Russia 30 7 9 16 78 4 1 0 1 6

NHL Totals 467 146 181 327 284 34 12 10 22 47Tampa 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) Played in NHL All-Star Game (2003)Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia), November 4, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1998 Canada WJC-A 7 1 1 2 42001 Canada WC-A 7 3 2 5 292004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 2 5 7 8

Canada

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Played at World Junior Championship in 1991,1992 and 1993. Ranked fourth in tournament scor-ing (6-8-14) behind 2006 Swedish Olympians PeterForsberg and Markus Naslund and 2006 CzechOlympian David Vyborny at 1993 WJC. ReceivedSeiko Award as one of best three players on TeamFinland during tournament.

• Was a member of team that won Finland’s firstgold medal at the World Championship in 1995and was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team.Assisted on game-winning goal by Ville Peltonenin gold medal game against Sweden.

• Tied for second in team scoring (1-3-4) at the 2004World Cup, where Finns won the European pooland reached finals against Team Canada.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Did you know that…• He played a lot of soccer when he was young and

would like to be a soccer player if he wasn’t playinghockey.

• 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 beatBuffalo to win the Cup.

• Lists “Eighties Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup wins” asthe most memorable hockey games he has watched.

• Is a big fan of heavy metal music. Lists James Hetfieldof Metallica as the person he admires most.

Career Accomplishments…• Led Finnish league with 11 playoff goals in 1993–94.

Won Finnish title with TPS Turku in 1994–95. Led theleague in playoff goals (8), and was second behindteammate and fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian SakuKoivu in points (14).

• Finished seventh among NHL rookies in assists with 22in 1995–96.

• Finished third in voting for Selke Trophy (best defen-sive forward) in 1996–97.

• Won Selke Trophy in 1997–98 and became just thethird player to win Selke Trophy in consecutive sea-sons in 1998–99. Tied for 6th in NHL in plus/minus(+29) that year. Set career highs in assists (32) andpoints (52). Tied for second among playoff scorers with10 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 SelkeTrophy 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having the biggest influence on his

career.“They took me to all practices, games and tour-naments.”

Playing for Finland…• 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 (thenknown as the Quebec Cup).

• Won bronze medal at 1991 European JuniorChampionship.

LEHTINEN, JERE(LEH-tih-nehn, YUH-ree)

DALLAS STARSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’0”/183 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, ESPOO, FINLAND, JUNE 24, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1989-90 Kiekko-67 Jr. Finland-Jr. 32 23 23 46 6 5 0 3 3 01990-91 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 *21994-95 TPS Finland 39 19 23 42 33 13 *8 6 14 41995-96 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 01997-98 Dallas NHL 72 23 19 42 20 12 3 5 8 21998-99◆ Dallas NHL 74 20 32 52 18 23 10 3 13 299-2000 Dallas NHL 17 3 5 8 0 13 1 5 6 22000-01 Dallas NHL 74 20 25 45 24 10 1 0 1 22001-02 Dallas NHL 73 25 24 49 14 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Dallas NHL 80 31 17 48 20 12 3 2 5 02003-04 Dallas NHL 58 13 13 26 20 5 0 0 0 02004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 568 157 184 341 134 82 20 17 37 8Minnesota'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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1998)Rights transferred to Dallas after Minnesota franchise relocated, June 9, 1993. • Missed majority of 1999-2000 season recoveringfrom leg injury suffered in game vs. Nashville, October 16, 1999.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 Finland WJC-A 4 2 0 2 0

B Finland EJC-A 5 5 4 9 61992 Finland WJC-A 7 0 2 2 2

S Finland WC-A 7 1 1 2 01993 Finland WJC-A 7 6 8 14 101994 B Finland Olympics 8 3 0 3 0

S Finland WC-A 8 3 5 8 41995 G Finland WC-A 8 2 5 7 41996 Finland W-Cup 4 2 2 4 01998 B Finland Olympics 6 4 2 6 22002 Finland Olympics 4 1 2 3 22004 2nd Finland W-Cup 6 1 3 4 2

Finland

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• 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

Viking Cup in Camrose, Alberta. Also played forthe Finnish Under-18 team at the 2000 FiveNations Cup in Salt Lake City and at the WorldUnder-18 Championship. Winning gold at thattournament is his greatest international experi-ence. Calls the gold medal game the most memo-rable he has played.“Were big underdogs andbeat Russia 2–1. I had 53 saves and Ilya Kovalchukdid not score.”

• Served as backup to Ari Ahonen for silver-medalwinning Finnish team at the 2001 World JuniorChampionship.

• Led Finland to first place at the 2002 Karlaja Cup in Helsinki, posting 4–0-0 recordwith a 1.13 goals-against average and .946 save percentage.

• Won bronze medal at the 2002 World Junior Championship. Named BestGoaltender at tournament after leading all goalies with a 1.17 average and a .943save percentage.

• Won bronze medal at 2003 World Junior Championship. Shared first among tour-nament goalies with 2 shutouts. Finished fourth in save percentage (.926) andfifth in average (2.19).

• Saw no action as spare goaltender behind injured 2006 Finnish Olympian MiikkaKiprusoff at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He calls the final game against TeamCanada the most memorable he has watched because “Finland was so close tothe victory.”

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping “because the Finns are good in

that event.”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun while playing.”

Did you know that…• 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.

Career Accomplishments…• Made his debut in the Finnish elite league with Jokerit

in 2000–01. Led team to league championship asleague’s youngest goalie in 2001–02.

• Led Finnish elite league with 23 wins, was second with5 shutouts in 2002–03. Finished fifth in league in aver-age (1.98) and save percentage (.928). Led Jokerit to2002–03 Continental Cup over Russian championYaroslavl.

• Began his NHL career in 2003–04 by posting a four-game win streak from Mar. 19-Apr. 3 to tie team record.Made 19 saves to post first NHL win in NHL debutagainst Florida on Mar. 20, 2004. Made 30 saves tonotch first NHL shutout at Florida on Mar. 27. Wasnamed runner-up for NHL Defensive Player of theWeek for week ending March 28. Spent most of2003–04 with the Chicago Wolves. Shared 15th in AHLwith 20 wins and tied for eighth in league with .926save percentage.

• Established career highs with Chicago (AHL) in2004–05 with 57 games and 38 wins. Ranked second inthe league in wins. Led Chicago to the Calder CupFinal and ranked second in the playoffs with a 1.71goals-against average.

• Left Atlanta’s 2005–06 season-opener at Florida onOct. 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.• Favorite team growing up was the Toronto Maple

Leafs.• Favorite player was Leafs star Doug Gilmour.• Is a childhood friend of fellow 2006 Finnish Olympians

Tuomo Ruutu (Chicago), Mikko Koivu (Minnesota) andJoni Pitkanen (Philadelphia).

Family Connections… • Lists is parents as having had the biggest influence on

his career and thanks them for “helping me with every-thing,”

• Will call his mother first if Finland wins gold at Torino.

LEHTONEN, KARI(LEH-tuh-nehn, KAH-ree)

ATLANTA THRASHERSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, HELSINKI, FINLAND, NOVEMBER 16, 1983.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1998-99 Jokerit U18 Fin-U18 .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 4 2 2 240 7 0 1.7599-2000 Jokerit Jr. Finland-Jr. 33 21 9 3 1974 86 2 2.61 12 9 3 758 14 4 1.112000-01 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 1.732002-03 Jokerit Finland 45 *23 14 6 2635 87 5 1.98 10 6 4 626 17 *2 1.632003-04 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 2.082004-05 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)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg2000 G Finland WJ18-A 6 5 0 1 307 9 1 1.762001 S Finland WJC-A 1 1 0 0 60 2 0 2.00

B Finland WJ18-A 4 3 1 0 239 7 2 1.762002 B Finland WJC-A 6 4 2 0 360 7 1 1.17

Finland WC-A DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER2003 B Finland WJC-A 6 3 2 1 357 13 2 2.1920042nd Finland W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER

Finland

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Member of the U.S. National Team DevelopmentProgram in 1997–98. (Was an inaugural memberof the program along with 2006 Olympians RickDiPietro and John-Michael Liles.)

• Beating Canada on New Year’s Eve in Winnipeg atthe 1999 World Junior Championship is his great-est international hockey memory.

• Tied for second in team scoring (1-2-3) at 2000WJC.

• Led United States team in defense scoring andwas tied for fourth among all players on teamwith 4 points (1G, 3A) at 2003 WorldChampionship.

• Was named to original U.S. roster for 2004 WorldCup of Hockey but was hurt in exhibition gameprior to tournament. Played later that season at the 2005 World Championship.

• Favorite international ice hockey rule is the bigger ice surface.

Olympic Connections…• 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 haswatched “because it was historic.”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Always have fun pursuing your dreams.”

Did you know that…• He patterned his game after Hall of Famer Paul Coffey

“because he was fluid in his skating and in his play onthe ice.”

• Names Greg Cronin (former U.S. NTDP coach and cur-rently head coach at Northeastern) as his favoritecoach “because he was always tough on me.”

• His most memorable hockey game played was the2002 NCAA National Championship “because it was anunbelievable 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.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Leopold III (King of Belgium from 1934to 1951) “because we share the same name,” VinceVaughn “because he is an extremely funny actor,” andAlbert Einstein.

Career Accomplishments…• Was a runner-up for Hobey Baker Award (top NCAA

player) in 2000–01 and became just the fourthdefenseman to win the honor in 2002.

• Captained Minnesota to the 2002 NCAA champi-onship. Led all NCAA defensemen in scoring (20-28-48). Set new University of Minnesota record for mostcareer goals by a defenseman (45).

• Led all NHL rookies in average ice time (20:36) in2002–03. Led Flames rookies in points (4-10-14).

• Played all 82 regular-season games, plus 26 playoffgames as Flames reached seventh game of StanleyCup Final in 2003–04. Was second on team, tied forsixth in playoffs, with 10 assists. Average playoff icetime of 25:41 was second on Flames to 2006 CanadianOlympian 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his father as having the most influence on his

career because “we spent a lot of time together while Iwas growing up.”

• Will call his wife first if U.S. wins gold in Torino.

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• 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.

LEOPOLD, JORDAN(LEE-oh-pohld, JOHR-dan)

CALGARY FLAMESDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 193 LBS./88 KG

BORN, GOLDEN VALLEY, MN, AUGUST 3, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Armstrong High-MN 19 11 14 25 30 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Armstrong High-MN 30 24 36 60 .... .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 USA U-18 USDP 60 11 12 23 16 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 U. of Minnesota WCHA 39 7 16 23 20 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 U. of Minnesota WCHA 39 6 18 24 20 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 U. of Minnesota WCHA 42 12 37 49 38 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 U. of Minnesota WCHA 44 20 28 48 28 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Calgary NHL 58 4 10 14 12 .... .... .... .... ....

Saint John AHL 3 1 2 3 0 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Calgary NHL 82 9 24 33 24 26 0 10 10 62004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 140 13 34 47 36 26 0 10 10 6Anaheim'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 FirstAll-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 toCalgary – Calgary selected Andrei Taratukhin) in 2001 Entry Draft, September 26, 2000.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 United States WJC-A 6 0 1 1 02000 United States WJC-A 7 1 2 3 02002 G United States WC-A 7 0 1 1 42003 United States WC-A 6 1 3 4 22004 United States W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJURED2005 United States WC-A 7 0 1 1 0

U.S.A.

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Credits his parents for having the greatest influ-

ence on his career.• Will call his parents first if Sweden wins gold at

Torino.

Playing for Sweden…• First played for Sweden on a national junior team

when he was 17.“It was a moment filled withpride.” He was a member of Sweden’s team at the1988 European Junior Championship.

• Greatest international hockey moment camewhen Sweden won the 1991 WorldChampionship in Finland.

• Won a silver medal at the 2004 WorldChampionship, joining the team for last twogames of the tournament.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “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 pickNick’s.”

– Red Wings teammate Brendan Shanahan. (from ESPN article by Chris Smith)

Did you know that…• He became the first European to win the Norris Trophy

as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2001. He won theaward for three straight seasons after finishing as therunner-up for three straight seasons.

• Became first European to win the Conn SmytheTrophy as playoff MVP when Detroit won the StanleyCup in 2002.

• Was a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsman-ship) five times in six seasons through 2002–03. (Nodefenseman has won Lady Byng since 1954.)

• Owns a sports bar called Bars and Stars in his home-town with former Swedish Olympian Tommy Salo.

• Most memorable hockey game played in was gamefour of the 1997 Stanley Cup Final when Detroit wonfor 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).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould Tiger Woods, George W. Bush and Muhammad Ali.

Career Accomplishments…• Runner-up to 2006 Russian Olympic boss Pavel Bure

for Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 1991–92. Wasfirst among NHL rookies in plus/minus (+36) andassists (49), ranked third in points (60).

• Set career-high in plus/minus (+43) in 1993–94 to rankthird in NHL.

• Finished third among NHL defensemen in scoring (15-42-57) in 1996–97. Led team in plus/minus (+12) inplayoffs as Detroit won Stanley Cup.

• Led all NHL defenseman in scoring (17-42-59) in1997–98. Set Detroit playoff records for points (19) andassists (13) by a defenseman as Red Wings repeated asStanley Cup champions.

• Established career highs in goals (20), points (73),power-play goals (9) and shorthanded goals (4) in1999–2000. Led all NHL defensemen in points. Wasthird 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 pergame. Was 13th in NHL, first among defensemen, with272 shots.

• Led Red Wings, was fourth in NHL, with 50 assists in2001–02. Tied 2006 Russian Olympian Sergei Goncharas top-scoring defenseman with 59 points.

• Named to First All-Star Team for sixth straight year in2002–03 (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 by2006 Swedish Olympian Peter Forsberg and 2006Czech Olympian Milan Hejduk (both +52).

• Led all NHL players in average time on ice at 27:39 in2003–04.

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

Salming.

LIDSTROM, NICKLAS(LID-struhm, NIHK-las)

DETROIT RED WINGSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 185 LBS./84 KG

BORN, VASTERAS, SWEDEN, APRIL 28, 1970.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1987-88 Vasteras Sweden-2 3 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 61988-89 Vasteras Sweden 34 1 6 7 4 5 0 2 2 01989-90 Vasteras Sweden 39 8 8 16 14 2 0 1 1 21990-91 Vasteras Sweden 38 4 19 23 2 4 0 0 0 41991-92 Detroit NHL 80 11 49 60 22 11 1 2 3 01992-93 Detroit NHL 84 7 34 41 28 7 1 0 1 01993-94 Detroit NHL 84 10 46 56 26 7 3 2 5 01994-95 Vasteras Sweden 13 2 10 12 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Detroit NHL 43 10 16 26 6 18 4 12 16 81995-96 Detroit NHL 81 17 50 67 20 19 5 9 14 101996-97◆ Detroit NHL 79 15 42 57 30 20 2 6 8 21997-98◆ Detroit NHL 80 17 42 59 18 22 6 13 19 81998-99 Detroit NHL 81 14 43 57 14 10 2 9 11 499-2000 Detroit NHL 81 20 53 73 18 9 2 4 6 42000-01 Detroit NHL 82 15 56 71 18 6 1 7 8 02001-02◆ Detroit NHL 78 9 50 59 20 23 5 11 16 22002-03 Detroit NHL 82 18 44 62 38 4 0 2 2 02003-04 Detroit NHL 81 10 28 38 18 12 2 5 7 42004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 1016 173 553 726 276 168 34 82 116 42Detroit'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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1988 Sweden EJC-A 6 1 0 1 01990 Sweden WJC-A 7 3 3 6 21991 Sweden EJC-A 10 3 3 6 41991 Sweden Can-Cup 6 1 1 2 41994 B Sweden WC-A 4 1 0 1 21996 Sweden W-Cup 4 2 1 3 01998 Sweden Olympics 4 1 1 2 22002 Sweden Olympics 4 1 5 6 02004 S Sweden WC-A 2 0 1 1 02004 Sweden W-Cup 4 1 0 1 2

Sweden

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

camp in Lake Placid. Participated in 1999 USAHockey Summer Challenge, where U.S. won gold.

• Was selected to 2000 U.S. national junior team butmissed World Junior Championship due to shoul-der injury suffered in last minute of last exhibitiongame.

• Was late addition to U.S. roster for the 2004 WorldCup of Hockey, replacing injured Hal Gill.

• Calls the World Cup of Hockey and his time prepar-ing for the World Junior Championship his greatestinternational hockey experiences.

• His favorite international hockey rule is theshootout, because of its excitement. (The NHLadopted the shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Always work hard.”

Did you know that…• 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 onlytwo-time winner of the CCHA’s Best OffensiveDefenseman Award.

• Most memorable hockey game played was his firstNHL game, October 10, 2003 vs. Chicago.

• Active in the charitable efforts of Hinote’s Heroes andthe Adam Foote Foundation.

• Wears #26 because it was his first training camp num-ber.

• His favorite coach is Rob Kirsh “because he was a greatteacher.”

• Enjoys golfing. He lettered in the sport at CulverMilitary Academy.

• Favorite TV show is “The O.C.”. Favorite movie is “A RiverRuns Through It.” Favorite actor is Ali Larter. Favoriteband is Our Lady Peace.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with his grandfather, George Bush, andPeyton Manning.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 theHobey Baker Award in 2003.

• Signed amateur tryout contract with Hershey Bears onMarch 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 gamesplayed (79) in 2003–04. Was named to NHL All-RookieTeam.

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

Brian Leetch. (Leetch is the player he patterns hisgame after.)

Family Connections… • Credits his parents for being the biggest influence on

his hockey career “because of their love and dedica-tion.”

• Will call his father first if Team USA wins gold in Torino.

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First played for Team USA with the National Team

Development Program.“It was a great experience.”(Was an inaugural member of the program along with2006 Olympians Jordan Leopold and Rick DiPietro.)

• Attended the 1999 U.S. national junior team evaluation

LILES, JOHN-MICHAEL(LIGH-uhls, JAWN-MIGHK-uhl)

COLORADO AVALANCHEDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’10”/178 CM 185 LBS./84 KG

BORN, ZIONSVILLE, IN, NOVEMBER 25, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1997-98 USA U-17 USDP 67 6 14 20 44 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 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 22003-04 Colorado NHL 79 10 24 34 28 11 0 1 1 42004-05 Iserlohn Germany 17 5 6 11 24 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 79 10 24 34 28 11 0 1 1 4Colorado'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2004 United States W-Cup 2 0 0 0 02005 United States WC-A 7 0 0 0 0

U.S.A.

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Sweden…• First represented Sweden at a Four Nations tour-

nament 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 JuniorChampionship.

• Ranked second in minutes played (419:15), fourthin average (2.15) and fifth in save percentage(.906) at the 2002 World Junior Championship.

• After seeing no action as a spare goaltenderwhen Sweden won a silver medal at the 2003World Championship, he lists his first startingassignment at the 2004 World Championship ashis greatest international hockey experience. Wasthird in average (1.64), sixth in save percentage (.925) as Sweden again won silverin 2004.

• Saw no action as spare goaltender behind fellow 2006 Olympian Mikael Tellqvistat the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

• Favorite international hockey rule is no red line for two-line passes. (The NHLadopted the “no red line” rule this season.)

Olympic Connections…• 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 mem-orable game he has watched.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and soccer at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard, have fun.”

Did you know that…• 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 tapsfor the second period, three taps for the third period.

• Lists the 2005 Swedish elite league championshipgame, 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 readingpeople.”

• Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite movie is“Gladiator.” Favorite actors are Will Ferrell and AngelinaJolie. Favorite musicians are Bruce Springsteen andLars Winnerback.

• Bruce Springsteen is the person he admires most. If hecould have dinner with any three people, they wouldbe with Springsteen, Bono of U2 and Angelina Jolie.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 eightgames and posted league-leading 2 shutouts and 2.21average in 2002 playoffs.

• Ranked first in the Swedish elite league with 6shutouts and a 1.45 average in 2002–03. Recorded a.928 save percentage. Had league-leading 2 postsea-son shutouts as Vastra Frolunda capture Swedish play-off championship.

• Played in 48 of 50 regular-season games for VastraFrolunda in 2003–04. Ranked second in the leaguewith 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. Setseveral Swedish playoff records in Frolunda’s champi-onship run including lowest average (1.05), highestsave percentage (.962), most shutouts (6) and longestshutout streak (172:29).

• Made NHL debut with NY Rangers on Oct. 8, 2005 atNew Jersey, stopping 24 of 27 shots in a 3–2 overtimeloss. Got his first win on Oct. 13 vs. New Jersey andearned 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents and his brother as having had the

biggest influence on his career.• Will call his parents first if Sweden wins gold at Torino.

LUNDQVIST, HENRIK(LUHND-kvihst, HEHN-rihk)

NEW YORK RANGERSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 192 LBS./87 KG

BORN, ARE, SWEDEN, MARCH 2, 1982.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1998-99 V.Frolunda Jr. Swe-Jr. 35 .... .... .... 2100 95 0 2.73 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 V.Frolunda Jr. Swe-Jr. 30 .... .... .... 1726 73 0 2.54 5 4 1 300 7 2 1.402000-01 V.Frolunda U18 Swe-U18 2 .... .... .... 120 5 0 2.50 3 2 1 182 5 0 1.62

V.Frolunda Jr. Swe-Jr. 19 .... .... .... 1140 50 2 2.64 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Molndal Sweden-2 7 .... .... .... 420 29 0 4.22 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....V.Frolunda Sweden 4 .... .... .... 190 11 0 3.47 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

2001-02 V.Frolunda Sweden 20 .... .... .... 1152 52 2 2.71 8 8 0 489 18 *2 2.21V.Frolunda Jr. Swe-Jr. 1 1 0 0 60 4 0 4.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

2002-03 V.Frolunda Sweden 28 .... .... .... 1650 40 *6 *1.45 12 .... .... 739 26 *2 2.11V.Frolunda Jr. Swe-Jr. 1 1 0 0 60 4 0 4.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

2003-04 V.Frolunda Sweden *48 .... .... .... *2897 105 7 2.17 10 .... .... 610 20 0 1.972004-05 Frolunda Sweden 44 *33 8 3 *2642 79 *6 *1.79 14 *12 2 854 15 *6 *1.05

(NY Rangers' 7th choice, 205th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft).WC-A All-Star Team (2004)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg2000 B Sweden WJ18-A 4 .... .... .... 240 9 0 2.252001 Sweden WJC-A 7 3 4 0 419 13 0 1.862002 Sweden WJC-A 7 3 2 2 419 15 1 2.152003 S Sweden WC-A DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER2004 S Sweden WC-A 8 *5 2 1 476 13 1 1.642004 Sweden W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER2005 Sweden WC-A 9 6 3 0 510 20 1 2.35

Sweden

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• The first sport he played as a child was soccer, andhe played both soccer and hockey until he was 14.

• Used to write “NHL player” when teachers wouldask what you want to be when you grow up. . Theteachers “always reminded me of the long oddsand told me to pick another job.”

• Credits coach Richard Liboiron with “giving me achance to become what I am today.”

Family Connections… • 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 hock-

ey.“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.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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 theinjured Martin Brodeur.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field in the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Always work hard to achieve your goal and never give up.”

Did you know that…• 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. Favoriteband is U2. Favorite cartoon character is Superman.“He was my hero growing up.”

• Has a charity called Louie Saves Lives. Money is donat-ed for ever win and shutout. He also provides 10 freetickets for every game to sick children.

Career Accomplishments…• Established a team record of 32 wins for Val d’Or of

QMJHL in 1996–97. Established team records in aver-age (3.09) and shutouts (7) in 1997–98. Led QMJHLgoaltenders in virtually every category in leadingForeurs to appearance in Memorial Cup Final.

• Completed junior hockey career with 22-game forAcadie-Bathurst in 1998–99. Again led QMJHL goal-tenders in virtually ever category as he led his club toMemorial Cup Final.

• Made NHL debut with New York Islanders and wonfirst career NHL game with 43-save effort Nov. 28, 1999at Boston in a 2–1 victory. His 43 saves in debut estab-lished 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. Itwas the first victory by a rookie goalie in Panthers his-tory. He finished the 2000–01season tied for sixth inNHL in save percentage (.920) and tied the second-best save percentage for a rookie in NHL history(Manny Fernandez, 1999-00).

• Set Panthers records with 57 saves and 60 shots facedin 3-2 OTL vs. Detroit Feb. 27, 2002. Made 37 saves forTeam Melrose to win inaugural NHL YoungStars Gameat All-Star weekend in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2003.

• In 2003–04 He reached a career high with 24 wins andset all new Panthers team records for games (72), min-utes (4,252), saves (2,303), shots faced (2475) andshutouts (7). He was fifth in NHL in shutouts, third insave percentage (.931). Finished third in voting forVezina Trophy (behind 2006 Canadian OlympianMartin Brodeur and injured 2006 Finnish OlympianMiikka Kiprusoff ). Named to Second All-Star Team.

• Made 53 saves in a 3–2 regulation time win overWashington on Dec. 18, 2005.

When I was young…• Favorite team was the Edmonton Oilers. Favorite play-

er 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.

LUONGO, ROBERTO(loo-WAHN-goh, roh-BUHR-toh)

FLORIDA PANTHERSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 205 LBS/ 93 KG

BORN: MONTREAL, QUE., APRIL 4, 1979.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1994-95 Montreal-Bourassa QAAA 25 10 14 0 94 1465 0 3.85 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Val-d'Or QMJHL 23 6 11 4 1201 74 0 3.70 3 0 1 68 5 0 4.411996-97 Val-d'Or QMJHL 60 32 22 2 3305 171 2 3.10 13 8 5 777 44 0 3.401997-98 Val-d'Or QMJHL 54 27 20 5 3046 157 *7 3.09 *17 *14 3*1019 37 *2 *2.181998-99 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 64 0 2.7499-2000 NY Islanders 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 18 0 3.012000-01 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1998 Canada WJC-A 3 … … … 145 7 … 2.891999 Canada WJC-A 7 4 2 1 405 13 … 1.932001 Canada WC-A 2 … … … 83 2 0 1.442003 Canada WC-A 4 … … … 212 7 1 1.982004 Canada WC-A 7 5 1 1 440 17 1 2.32

Canada W-Cup 1 1 0 0 63 3 0 2.822005 S Canada WC-A 2 1 0 1 120 3 1 1.50

Canada

148

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• First played for Finland on the Under-18 team in

1995. Helped Finland win gold at the 1995European Junior Championship. He calls this hisgreatest international memory.

• Played at the World Junior Championship in 1996and 1997.

• Won silver medals at World Championship in 1998and 1999. Won bronze in 2000.

• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, whereFinland won the European pool and reached thefinals against Canada. He was second amongFinnish defensemen with 3 assists.

• Favorite international hockey rule is no-touchicing.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping.

Did you know that…• He wears #5 because “it was available.”• His favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite movie is

“Saving Silverman.” Favorite band is the Finnish metalband Children of Bodom.

Career Accomplishments…• In his final two seasons in Finland, he helped HIFK

Helsinki finished second in both the regular seasonand playoffs in 1998–99 and led all HIFK defensemenin 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 futureteammate Roman Turek of St. Louis on Mar. 3, 2001.Finished fourth among Flames defensemen, secondamong team rookies in scoring (3-16-19) in 2000–01.

• Established career highs in goals (6), assists (22) andpoints (28) in 2001–02. Was sixth on the Flames inpoints, tied for fifth in assists and second in defense-man scoring.

• Led Flames defensemen in scoring (6-20-26) and inaverage time on ice (25:47) in 2002–03.

• Limited by injuries to just 67 games in 2003–04, butstill finished second in scoring among Flames defense-men (4-16-20). Played just six playoff games as Flamesreached 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

on his career.“They bought me equipment and paidfor me to play when I was young.”

• Lists his wife and children as the people he admiresmost.

• Will call his wife first if Finland wins gold at Torino.

LYDMAN, TONI(LEWD-man, TOH-nee)

BUFFALO SABRESDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 202 LBS./92 KG

BORN, LAHTI, FINLAND, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 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 01996-97 Tappara Finland 49 1 2 3 65 3 0 0 0 61997-98 Tappara Finland 48 4 10 14 48 4 0 2 2 01998-99 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 62000-01 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 22004-05 HIFK Finland 8 1 2 3 2 5 0 3 3 0

NHL Totals 289 19 74 93 140 6 0 1 1 2Calgary'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 2006Entry Draft, August 25, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 Finland WJC-A 6 0 2 2 61997 Finland WJC-A 6 2 0 2 61998 S Finland WC-A 10 0 1 1 311999 S Finland WC-A 10 0 0 0 42000 B Finland WC-A 9 1 0 1 122002 Finland WC-A 9 1 1 2 102003 Finland WC-A 7 2 1 3 62004 2nd Finland W-Cup 6 0 3 3 6

Finland

149

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Slovakia…• He played his first game as a member of the

Slovak national team in an exhibition against theCzech Republic on April 11, 1999.

• Worked out with the Slovak national team inpreparation for the 2001 World Championship,but did not play.

• Helped Slovakia capture a bronze medal at the2003 World Championship. Calls this his greatestinternational hockey experience.

• Was named to the original Slovak roster for the2004 World Cup of Hockey but withdrew due toinjuries suffered at team training camp.

• Was injured during the 2005 WorldChampionship.

• Favorite international ice hockey rule is the biggerice surface.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second consecutive Winter Games.• Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill skiing at the Winter Games and

track & field in the summer.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have patience, have passion, work hard and respect authority.”

Did you know that…• He lists his first game in the NHL (with Florida vs.

Tampa Bay on Oct. 10, 2002) as the most memorablegame he has played.“It was my dream to play in the NHL.”

• The most memorable game he has watched wasSlovakia vs. Russia at the 2002 World Championshipwhen 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 ishis favorite actor. Metallica is his favorite rock band,but his favorite musicians are Andrea Bocelli andLuciano Pavarotti.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with his wife, his parents and his brother.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 inall 82 games in 2002–03. Finished third on team inpenalty minutes (92). Ranked second among club’sdefensemen and fourth overall with average ice timeof 20:53.

• Posted a plus or even rating in 42 out of 63 games in2003–04. Skated in at least 30 shifts on six occasions.

• Missed the first 15 games of the 2005–06 season witha knee injury suffered during the 2005 WorldChampionship.

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.• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Slovak

Olympians Richard Zednik of Montreal and MichalHandzus of Philadelphia.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

on his career.“My father was a hockey player too.” Alsolists his parents as the people he admires most.

• Will call his wife first if Slovakia wins gold at Torino.

MAJESKY, IVAN(migh-EHV-skee, ee-VAHN)

WASHINGTON CAPITALSDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’5”/196 CM 230 LBS./104 KG

BORN, BANSKA BYSTRICA, CZECH., SEPTEMBER 2, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 B. Bystrica Slovakia 17 0 0 0 18 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 B. Bystrica Slovakia 49 2 4 6 .... .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 B. Bystrica Slovak-2 43 6 7 13 50 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 B. Bystrica Slovakia 48 7 7 14 68 .... .... .... .... ....

Zvolen Slovakia .... .... .... .... .... 6 0 2 2 299-2000 Zvolen Slovakia 51 7 9 16 68 10 0 4 4 22000-01 Ilves Finland 54 2 14 16 99 9 0 1 1 62001-02 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 agentby Sparta (CzRep), November 12, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Washington, August 10, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2002 Slovakia Olympics 4 0 1 1 42003 B Slovakia WC-A 9 0 0 0 42004 Slovakia WC-A 9 0 0 0 62004 Slovakia W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJURED2005 Slovakia WC-A 1 0 0 0 0

Slovakia

150

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• First represented his country in 1992.“It was an

honor.”• Won a bronze medal at the 1993 European Junior

Championship. Played at the World JuniorChampionship in 1994 and 1995.

• Calls the 2004 World Cup of Hockey his greatestinternational experience.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout.(The NHL adopted the shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are soccer, tennis

and track & field at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun, but work hard.”

Did you know that…• 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 OlympianOlaf Kolzig of Washington on Nov. 26, 2005. He callsthis game the most memorable he has played, alongwith the five games he played with Carolina in the2002 Stanley Cup Final vs. Detroit.

• He patterns his style of play after former New JerseyDevils 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).

• If he could have dinner with anyone, it would be withRobert DeNiro and Wayne Gretzky.

Career Accomplishments…• Played his first NHL game with Hartford on Jan. 22,

1995 vs. New Jersey and collected an assist. Led allSpringfield (AHL) defensemen in assists (30), was sec-ond in points (41) in 1994–95 despite playing just 58games.

• After three seasons in North America, returned toEurope to play for Malmo of Swedish elite league in1997–98. Returned to NHL in 1998–99.

• Led Carolina defensemen in plus/minus (+13) in1999–2000, ranking second overall on team.

• Was one of only two Hurricanes to play in all 82 gamesin 2001–02. Set career-highs in games, assists (19), andpoints (23). Was second on team, first among defense-men, in plus/minus (+8).

• Split 2002–03 season between Carolina andVancouver, 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 inplus/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 Kubaof Minnesota and Vaclav Varada of Ottawa.

Family Connections… • 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

wins gold at Torino.

MALIK, MAREK(MAW-leck, MAIR-ehk)

NEW YORK RANGERSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’5”/196 CM 215 LBS./98 KG

BORN, OSTRAVA, CZECH., JUNE 24, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1992-93 Vitkovice Jr. Czech-Jr. 20 5 10 15 16 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Vitkovice CzRep 38 3 3 6 0 3 0 1 1 01994-95 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 201996-97 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 4New 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 62001-02 Carolina NHL 82 4 19 23 88 23 0 3 3 182002-03 Carolina NHL 10 0 2 2 16 .... .... .... .... ....

Vancouver NHL 69 7 11 18 52 14 1 1 2 102003-04 Vancouver NHL 78 3 16 19 45 7 0 0 0 102004-05 Vitkovice CzRep 42 1 9 10 50 7 0 0 0 37

NHL Totals 464 27 87 114 388 51 1 4 5 48Hartford'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 forJan Hlavac and Harold Druken, November 1, 2002. Signed as a free agent by Vitkovice (CzRep), September 17, 2004. Signed as afree agent by NY Rangers, August 2, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1993 B Czech Republic EJC-A 2 0 2 2 01994 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 2 4 6 201995 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 2 5 7 122004 Czech Republic W-Cup 4 0 0 0 4

Czech Republic

151

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Russia…• It meant “lots” the first time he played for his coun-

try.• Tied with Alexander Khavanov as the top-scoring

Russian defenseman (0-2-2) at the 2000 WorldChampionship.

• Was the top-scoring Russian defenseman (1-4-5) atthe 2005 World Championship. Tied fellow 2006Russian Olympians Pavel Datsyuk and Alex Kovalevand Evgeni Malkin for the team lead in assists.

• Favorite international hockey rules is the big ice“because I am an amazing passer.”

Olympic Connections…• Says he will call Canadiens teammate Craig Rivet

first if Russia wins gold at Torino. (He lists Rivet asthe person he admires most.)

• Other Olympic sport of interest is tennis in the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Just work hard.”

Did you know that…• 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 hisfavorite actress. Lists the Russian duo t.A.T.u. as hisfavorite music group.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Jessica Simpson, Oprah Winfrey andRosie O’Donnell.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 Dynamoin 1998–99. Won regular-season and playoff champi-onships in 1999–2000. Was named best defenseman inRussian league in both seasons.

• Led Dynamo defensemen in scoring (10-11-21) in1998–99. Was top-scoring defenseman in the RussianHockey 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) in2002-03. Ranked 25th amongst NHL defensemen scor-ing leaders.

• Was Dynamo Moscow’s top scoring defenseman (7-16-23) in 2004–05. Won regular-season and playoff cham-pionship.

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.

MARKOV, ANDREI(MAHR-kahf, AHN-dray)

MONTREAL CANADIENSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 208 LBS./94 KG

BORN, VOSKRESENSK, USSR, DECEMBER 20, 1978.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Voskresensk CIS 38 0 0 0 14 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Voskresensk Russia 43 8 4 12 32 2 1 1 2 01997-98 Voskresensk Russia 43 10 5 15 83 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Dynamo Moscow Russia 38 10 11 21 32 16 3 6 9 6

Dynamo Moscow EuroHL 12 7 5 12 12 6 2 2 4 499-2000 Dynamo Moscow Russia 29 11 12 23 28 17 4 3 7 82000-01 Montreal NHL 63 6 17 23 18 .... .... .... .... ....

Quebec AHL 14 0 5 5 4 7 1 1 2 22001-02 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 82004-05 Dynamo Moscow Russia 42 7 16 23 76 10 2 0 2 22

NHL Totals 267 30 82 112 96 23 2 7 9 16Montreal'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1997 B Russia WJC-A 6 0 1 1 21998 S Russia WJC-A 7 3 2 5 61999 Russia WC-A 6 1 4 5 22000 Russia WC-A 6 0 2 2 02004 Russia W-Cup 2 0 1 1 22005 B Russia WC-A 9 1 4 5 20

Russia

152

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Russia…• 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 tour-nament.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Working hard, strong will to be one of the best players, be yourself!! And no

smoking!”

Did you know that…• He’s nicknamed Elvis for his fondness for leather jack-

ets and black sunglasses and Sputnik because “I’m inmy own space.”

• Most memorable game he has played was his first inthe NHL.“Maple Leafs against Dallas and the trainersforgot to pack my skates. They bought new ones butthey were too tight!”

• Most memorable game he has watched was the 2004World Cup of Hockey semifinal between Canada andthe Czech Republic.

• Lists Paul Maurice and Pat Quinn as his favorite coach-es. Viacheslav Fetisov and Scott Stevens are the playersto pattern his game after “because they were both tal-ented and tough.”

• Favorite arenas to play in are the Air Canada Centre inToronto (“good atmosphere”) and Rexall Place inEdmonton (“best ice”).

• The person he admires most is Russian actor/producerNikita Michalkov.“Strong, powerful person. RealRussian man with a big family, successful career,beloved work and people’s love and respect.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people it wouldbe with filmmaker Nikita Michalkov, tycoon and sportsfranchise owner Roman Abramovich and soccer starDavid Beckham “because I like strong and talentedpeople.”

Career Accomplishments…• Made North American debut with St. John’s (AHL) dur-

ing 1996–97 season. Was rookie of the year and topdefenseman with St. John’s in 1997-98.

• Was one of five Leafs defensemen to average over 20minutes of ice time (20:09) in 1999–2000 and hadcareer best plus/minus of +13.

• In his first season in Phoenix in 2001-02, he establishedcareer highs in goals (6), assists (36) and points (36).Missed last 10 games of season and the playoffs with abroken bone in his foot. At the time of his injury was15th in NHL in defenseman scoring and 10th in hits(208).

• Split 2003–04 season between Carolina andPhiladelphia, playing career-high 78 games and tyingcareer high with 6 goals. Led Carolina in average timeon ice (23:39) at time of trade. Scored 10,000th goal inFlyers 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey.“Big

thanks to my father who brought me into hockeydespite my resistance and now hockey is my life. Whenmy father first introduced hockey to me I hated it. Ididn’t want to play and complained about the sight ofhockey.”

• Will call his family first if Russia wins gold at Torino.

MARKOV, DANNY(MAHR-kahf, DA-nee)

NASHVILLE PREDATORSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, JULY 30, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 Spartak CIS 13 1 0 1 6 1 0 0 0 01994-95 Spartak CIS 39 0 1 1 36 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Spartak CIS 38 2 0 2 12 2 0 0 0 21996-97 Spartak Russia 39 3 6 9 41 .... .... .... .... ....

St. John's AHL 10 2 4 6 18 11 2 6 8 141997-98 Toronto NHL 25 2 5 7 28 .... .... .... .... ....

St. John's AHL 52 3 23 26 124 2 0 1 1 01998-99 Toronto NHL 57 4 8 12 47 17 0 6 6 1899-2000 Toronto NHL 59 0 10 10 28 12 0 3 3 102000-01 Toronto NHL 59 3 13 16 34 11 1 1 2 122001-02 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 252004-05 Chekhov Russia-2 26 5 7 12 16 12 0 3 3 6

NHL Totals 414 25 95 120 335 58 2 12 14 65Toronto'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 withfuture considerations (Edmonton's 3rd round choice (previously acquired, later traded to NY Rangers - NY Rangers selected BillyRyan) in 2004 Entry Draft, June 26, 2004) for David Tanabe and Igor Knyazev, June 21, 2003.Traded to Philadelphia by Carolina forJustin Williams, January 20, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Vityaz Chekhov (Russia-2), November 15, 2004.Traded to Nashville byPhiladelphia for Nashville's 3rd round choice (later traded to Los Angeles) in 2006 Entry Draft, August 2, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1998 Russia WC-A 4 0 0 0 02002 B Russia Olympics 5 0 1 1 02004 Russia W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJURED

Russia

153

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • 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 bruntof the load.”

• Will call his wife first if Canada wins gold in Torinobecause she will not be able to attend.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• Says of his first experience playing for Canada on

the Under-18 team at the 1992 Pacific Cup inJapan, ”there’s nothing like putting on the redand white.” Canada won gold.

• Greatest international experience is winningback-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 anthemafter you win a game.”

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and swimming and track & field

at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “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.”

Did you know that…• 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 heshould consider playing as a defenseman.

• Lists the 1987 Canada Cup game “when Mario Lemieuxscored” and the final game of the 1989 Stanley Cup“when Lanny McDonald scored” as the most memo-rable games he has watched.

• Patterns his game after former New Jersey Devils starScott Stevens and 2006 U.S. Olympian Chris Chelios.

• List former NHLer Bryan Maxwell, who coached him atSpokane (WHL), as his favorite coach. Favorite NHLarena is the Bell Centre in Montreal “because I love theatmosphere.”

• Other favorites are “Seinfeld” (TV show),“Field ofDreams,”“Braveheart” and “The ShawshankRedemption” (movies), Vince Vaughn and CharlizeTheron (actors), Metallica, Tool and Linkin Park (music).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with actors Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro andVince Vaughn.

Career Accomplishments…• Led Brandon in scoring (3-4-7 in four games) in the

1995 Memorial Cup playoffs as the Wheat Kings wonthe junior championship.

• Played all 82 games as an NHL rookie with theIslanders in 1995–96. Finished second among teamdefensemen in scoring (8-20-28) in 1996–97. Wasnamed captain of the Islanders on Sep. 9, 1997.

• Had played in 246 straight games to begin his careerbefore missing the season opener with Vancouver in1998–99.

• Scored a career-high 17 goals for Toronto in 2001–02to tied for second among NHL defensemen. Rankedseventh in the NHL in hits (250) and 24th in averageice time (24:34).

• Established career highs in assists (37) and points (53)in 2003–04. Ranked in the top five among defensemenin goals (16), assists and points. Was among the NHLleaders in plus/minus (+22) and average ice time(25:44). Finished fourth in voting for Norris Trophy asbest defenseman. Was the first Leafs defenseman to benamed to a postseason All-Star Team since BorjeSalming in 1979–80.

• Has ranked among the NHL’s top scorers throughoutthe 2005–06 season. Is on pace to shatter all personaland 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.

MCCABE, BRYAN(mih-KAYB, BRIGH-uhn)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 220 LBS./100 KG

BORN, ST. CATHARINES, ONT., JUNE 8, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 Cgy. Canucks AMHL 33 14 34 48 55 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Medicine Hat WHL 68 6 24 30 157 4 0 0 0 61992-93 Medicine Hat WHL 14 0 13 13 83 .... .... .... .... ....

Spokane WHL 46 3 44 47 134 6 1 5 6 281993-94 Spokane WHL 64 22 62 84 218 3 0 4 4 41994-95 Spokane WHL 42 14 39 53 115 .... .... .... .... ....

Brandon WHL 20 6 10 16 38 18 4 13 17 591995-96 NY Islanders NHL 82 7 16 23 156 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 NY Islanders NHL 82 8 20 28 165 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 NY Islanders 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 162001-02 Toronto NHL 82 17 26 43 129 20 5 5 10 302002-03 Toronto NHL 75 6 18 24 135 7 0 3 3 102003-04 Toronto NHL 75 16 37 53 86 13 3 5 8 142004-05 HV 71 Sweden 10 1 0 1 30 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 708 76 194 270 1262 51 10 16 26 70NY 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 BestDefenseman at WJC-A (1995) • WHL East First All-Star Team (1995) • Memorial Cup Tournament All-Star Team (1995) • NHLSecond 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 forTrevor Linden, February 6, 1998.Traded to Chicago by Vancouver with Vancouver's 1st round choice (Pavel Vorobiev) in 2000 EntryDraft 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 G Canada WJC-A 7 0 0 0 61995 G Canada WJC-A 7 3 9 12 41997 G Canada WC-A 11 0 2 2 101998 Canada WC-A 6 1 2 3 41999 Canada WC-A 10 1 3 4 10

Canada

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are basketball

and soccer at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “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 teamover and the guys over because of how hard heplays. That’s the biggest thing he has. He’s just get-ting better every week.” – Ottawa teammate and2006 Swedish Olympian Daniel Alfredsson, TorontoStar Dec. 26, 2005.

Did you know that…• Made his NHL debut vs. Toronto in the first game of

this NHL season (Oct. 5, 2005). Calls this the most mem-orable game he has played “because it allowed me torealize my dream.” Scored his first goal vs. Alex Auld ofVancouver on Dec. 10, 2005.

• Most memorable hockey game watched was betweenEdmonton and Montreal “because it was the first NHLgame 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 andAngelina Jolie. Favorite band is U2.

• If he could have dinner with anyone, it would be withNicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie.

Career Accomplishments…• Helped Trencin win both the regular-season and play-

off titles in Slovak elite league in 2003–04.• Played his first season in North America with

Vancouver (WHL) in 2004–05. Ranked fifth in WHLrookie scoring (11-30-41). Was named Vancouver’srookie 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.

Family Connections… • 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 hecomes home. He developed his playing style from lis-tening to his father.

• His father is also the person he admires most “becausehe always taught me to be humble and to do the rightthing.”

• Will call his parents first if Slovakia wins gold at Torino.

Playing for Slovakia…• First time representing Slovakia came in 2002 at the

World Under 18 Championship.“It means a lot to rep-resent my country. It’s a great feeling.”

• He captained the Slovak team to a silver medal andfinished tied for third among defensemen in scoring(2-2-4) at the 2003 World Under-18 Championship. Hisfirst greatest hockey memory is scoring a goal with 40seconds left against the Czech Republic to move on tothe semifinal at the 2003 Under 18 tournament.

• Played at the World Junior Championship in 2004 and2005. Captained the Slovak team in 2005.

• Greatest international hockey memory comes fromthe 2004 World Championship, where he had theopportunity to play with future Ottawa teammate andfellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Zdeno Chara and otherNHL players.

MESZAROS, ANDREJ(MEHT-zahr-ohsh, AWN-dray)

OTTAWA SENATORSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, POVAZSKA BYSTRICA, CZECH., OCTOBER 13, 1985.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM2002-03 Trencin Slovakia 23 0 1 1 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Trencin Jr. Slovak-Jr. 33 6 10 16 12 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Trencin Jr. Slovak-Jr. 5 2 2 4 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Trencin Slovakia 44 3 3 6 8 14 3 1 4 22004-05 Vancouver WHL 59 11 30 41 94 6 1 3 4 14

Ottawa's 1st choice, 23rd overall, in 2004 Entry Draft.WHL West Second All-Star Team (2005)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2002 Slovakia WJ18-A 8 0 1 1 82003 S Slovakia WJ18-A 7 2 2 4 62004 Slovakia WJC-A 6 1 1 2 122005 Slovakia WJC-A 6 3 1 4 4

Slovakia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• First represented Finland as a member of the

national junior team.• Led Finnish team with 4 goals at the 2000 World

Junior Championship.• His greatest international hockey memory is from

his first appearance at the World Championship in2002. He finished third on the team in scoring (2-4-6) playing alongside several fellow future 2006Finnish Olympians.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Play different sports, have fun and be dedicated.”

Did you know that…• 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).

Career Accomplishments…• Finished sixth in assists (37) and fifth in points (56) dur-

ing his first full season in the Finnish elite league in2001–02.

• 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 andscored his first goal in his second game on Oct. 11 vs.Nashville. Also played with Utah (AHL) in 2003–04 andfinished third on the team in assists (23), fourth inpoints (30) despite playing only 48 games.

• Missed 45 games with a shoulder injury while playingwith 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 sys-tem.)

• Favorite player growing up was fellow 2006 FinnishOlympian Teemu Selanne.

• Was childhood friends with Dallas and 2006 FinnishOlympic Niko Kapanen.

Family Connections… • Thanks his parents for being the most influential peo-

ple in his career. His parents are the people he admiresmost.

• Will call his mother first if Finland wins gold in Torino.

MIETTINEN, ANTTI(mih-EHT-tih-nehn, AN-tee)

DALLAS STARSCENTER. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’11”/180 CM 180 LBS./82 KG

BORN, HAMEENLINNA, FINLAND, JULY 3, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1996-97 HPK U18 Fin-U18 36 24 29 53 34 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 HPK U18 Fin-U18 34 13 28 41 63 8 1 0 1 2

HPK Jr. Finland-Jr. 8 1 0 1 2 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 HPK Jr. Finland-Jr. 35 17 22 39 28 .... .... .... .... ....

FPS Finland-2 4 3 1 4 6 .... .... .... .... ....HPK Finland 13 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 0 0

99-2000 HPK Jr. Finland-Jr. 16 11 13 24 16 .... .... .... .... ....HPK Finland 39 2 1 3 8 7 1 0 1 0

2000-01 HPK Jr. Finland-Jr. 4 3 10 13 2 .... .... .... .... ....HPK Finland 55 13 11 24 20 .... .... .... .... ....

2001-02 HPK Finland 56 19 37 56 50 8 2 4 6 82002-03 HPK Finland 53 25 25 50 54 10 1 7 8 292003-04 Dallas NHL 16 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Utah AHL 48 7 23 30 20 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Hamilton AHL 35 8 20 28 21 4 1 1 2 6

NHL Totals 16 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....Dallas' 10th choice, 224th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 Finland WJC-A 7 4 1 5 22002 Finland WC-A 9 2 4 6 42003 Finland WC-A 6 0 1 1 0

Finland

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• 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.

Olympic Connections…• Is appearing at his second consecutive Winter

Games.• His greatest international hockey experience was

playing against Canada in the gold medal game atSalt Lake City in 2002.

• Most memorable game watched was the UnitedStates vs. USSR at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is swimming at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Go to school first.”

Did you know that…• He wears #3 because of baseball immortal Babe Ruth.• Hobbies include golf, fishing, playing laser tag and hor-

ticulture.• Favorite arena is Buffalo’s old Memorial Auditorium.• Other favorites include:“The Office” (TV show),“A

Clockwork Orange” (movie), Jessica Biel (actress), RobZombie (musician).

• The person he admires most is Ron Popeil because “heis a great inventor.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Chris Farley, Jessica Beil and fishermanRoland Martin.

Career Accomplishments…• Played four seasons at University of Vermont from

1989 to 1993 where he was a teammate of JohnLeClair.

• Played his first full NHL season in 1996–97 and led allrookies in plus/minus (+15). Tied for second amongrookies with 3 game-winning goals.

• Played a career-high 76 games in 1998–99 andreached a career high with 18 points.

• Traded from Colorado to Los Angeles in a deal for2006 Canadian Olympian Rob Blake. Combinedbetween Colorado and L.A. to record a career-high 14assists in 2000–01. Also reached a career-high inplus/minus (+22). Tied a career high with 18 points.

• Named Kings Outstanding Defensemen and KingsBest Defensive Player in voting by the local media in2001–02. 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.

Family Connections… • 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 check-

ing ability.• Will call his wife first if U.S. wins gold at Torino.

MILLER, AARON(MIHL-luhr, AIR-ruhn)

LOS ANGELES KINGSDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’4”/193 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, BUFFALO, NY, AUGUST 11, 1971.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1987-88 Niagara NAHL 30 4 9 13 2 .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Niagara NAHL 59 24 38 62 60 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 U. of Vermont ECAC 31 1 15 16 24 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 U. of Vermont ECAC 30 3 7 10 22 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 U. of Vermont ECAC 31 3 16 19 28 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 U. of Vermont ECAC 30 4 13 17 16 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Quebec NHL 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Cornwall AHL 64 4 10 14 49 13 0 2 2 101994-95 Cornwall AHL 76 4 18 22 69 .... .... .... .... ....

Quebec NHL 9 0 3 3 6 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Colorado NHL 5 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Cornwall AHL 62 4 23 27 77 8 0 1 1 61996-97 Colorado NHL 56 5 12 17 15 17 1 2 3 101997-98 Colorado NHL 55 2 2 4 51 7 0 0 0 81998-99 Colorado NHL 76 5 13 18 42 19 1 5 6 1099-2000 Colorado NHL 53 1 7 8 36 17 1 1 2 62000-01 Colorado NHL 56 4 9 13 29 .... .... .... .... ....

Los Angeles NHL 13 0 5 5 14 13 0 1 1 62001-02 Los Angeles NHL 74 5 12 17 54 7 0 0 0 02002-03 Los Angeles NHL 49 1 5 6 24 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Los Angeles NHL 35 1 2 3 32 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 482 24 70 94 303 80 3 9 12 40NY Rangers' 6th choice, 88th overall, in 1989 Entry Draft.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 AdamDeadmarsh, a player to be named later (Jared Aulin, March 22, 2001) and Colorado's 1st round choices in 2001 (Dave Steckel) and2003 (Brian Boyle) Entry Drafts for Rob Blake and Steve Reinprecht, February 21, 2001. • Missed majority of 2003-04 seasonrecovering from cervical injury suffered in game vs. Atlanta, December 10, 2003.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 United States WJC-A 8 1 1 2 02002 S United States Olympics 6 0 0 0 42004 B United States WC-A 9 0 1 1 42004 United States W-Cup 5 0 0 0 42005 United States WC-A 7 0 2 2 6

U.S.A.

157

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First represented his country at the 1988 World

Junior Championship.• 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 scoringwith Brett Hull (2-7-9).

• Was a member of U.S. team that won World Cup ofHockey in 1996.

• Tied with 2006 Swedish Olympian DanielAlfredsson for tournament lead with 6 assists at2004 World Cup of Hockey. Tied Keith Tkachuk forU.S. team lead with 6 points.

• Was third on the U.S. team with 3 goals at the 2005World Championship.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the bigger ice surface.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his third consecutive Winter Games (1998, 2002).• Lists playing at Salt Lake City in 2002 as his favorite international hockey experi-

ence. 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.

Did you know that…• He is one of four U.S. players to be selected first overall

in the NHL Entry Draft (Brian Lawton in 1983, BryanBerard in 1995, Rick DiPietro, 2000).

• He is the second U.S.-born player to record 400 goalsand 600 assists over his career (Jeremy Roenick). Hebecame the 64th player (fifth American) to score 1,000career points with an assist on Nov. 15, 2002.

• In 2001–02, he became the third American-born playerto post at least nine 30-goal seasons (Joe Mullen andPat LaFontaine). Fellow 2006 U.S. Olympian KeithTkachuk became fourth in 2003–04.

• Wears #9 in honor of hockey legend Gordie Howe andbaseball great Ted Williams.

• His most memorable game played is game six of the1999 Stanley Cup Final, when Dallas won the Cup intriple overtime.

• In 2000, he created the Mike Modano Foundationwhich is dedicated to raising money to improve thequality of life and assist underprivileged children inthe Dallas area.

Career Accomplishments…• Finished second to Sergei Makarov in rookie scoring

(29-46-75) in 1989–90 and was runner-up to Makarovfor 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 teammoved to Dallas in 1993–94.

• Led team in scoring for fourth time (36-45-81) in1995–96. Finished second in NHL in plus/minus with acareer-best +43 in 1996–97.

• Scored three hat tricks in 1998-99 to tie franchiserecord. Led all playoff performers with 18 assists in 23games as Dallas won Stanley Cup.

• Finished among NHL’s top 10 scorers (38-43-81) for thefirst time in 1999–2000. Led team in seven offensivecategories.

• 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 winneras team MVP for eighth time in 11 seasons. Was tied forninth in NHL in points (77) and tied for 15th in goals(34),

• Was a finalist for Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) in2002–03. Was tied for fourth in NHL in assists (57), tiedfor 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.

Family Connections… • 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

the basement for him and his brother. The brothers fit-ted her with lots of extra equipment so she wouldn’tget hurt, then took turns shooting tennis balls at her.

• Will call his mother first if USA wins gold in Torino.

MODANO, MIKE(moh-DA-noh, MIGHK)

DALLAS STARSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 205 LBS./93 KG

BORN, LIVONIA, MI, JUNE 7, 1970.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1985-86 Det. Compuware MNHL 69 66 65 131 32 .... .... .... .... ....1986-87 Prince Albert WHL 70 32 30 62 96 8 1 4 5 41987-88 Prince Albert WHL 65 47 80 127 80 9 7 11 18 181988-89 Prince Albert WHL 41 39 66 105 74 .... .... .... .... ....

Minnesota NHL .... .... .... .... .... 2 0 0 0 01989-90 Minnesota NHL 80 29 46 75 63 7 1 1 2 121990-91 Minnesota NHL 79 28 36 64 65 23 8 12 20 161991-92 Minnesota NHL 76 33 44 77 46 7 3 2 5 41992-93 Minnesota NHL 82 33 60 93 83 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Dallas NHL 76 50 43 93 54 9 7 3 10 161994-95 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 01997-98 Dallas NHL 52 21 38 59 32 17 4 10 14 121998-99◆ Dallas NHL 77 34 47 81 44 23 5 *18 23 1699-2000 Dallas NHL 77 38 43 81 48 23 10 *13 23 102000-01 Dallas NHL 81 33 51 84 52 9 3 4 7 02001-02 Dallas NHL 78 34 43 77 38 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Dallas NHL 79 28 57 85 30 12 5 10 15 42003-04 Dallas NHL 76 14 30 44 46 5 1 2 3 82004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 1101 458 648 1106 714 144 51 76 127 98Minnesota'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1988 United States WJC-A 7 4 1 5 81989 United States WJC-A 7 6 9 15 121991 2nd United States Can-Cup 8 2 7 9 21993 United States WC-A 6 0 0 0 21996 1st United States W-Cup 7 2 4 6 41998 United States Olympics 4 2 0 2 02002 S United States Olympics 6 0 *6 6 42004 United States W-Cup 5 0 *6 6 02005 United States WC-A 7 3 1 4 4

U.S.A.

158

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

When I was young…• Began playing hockey at age four.• Favorite team growing up was Brynas IF. Favorite

player was Tomas Sandstrom.

Family Connections… • Is married and has two children.

Playing for Sweden…• Most memorable international hockey moment

was winning gold at the 1998 WorldChampionship. Played on a line with Mats Sundinand Peter Forsberg at that tournament.

• Won silver medal at 1994 World JuniorChampionship. Won bronze at 2001 WorldChampionship. (Also played at WorldChampionship in 1996, 2000.)

• Led tournament in scoring (4-4-8) and was named to All-Star Team at 2004 WorldCup of Hockey.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is skiing.

Did you know that…• Modin was the first forward to win the All-Star Hardest

Shot Competition, blasting a shot at 102.1 mph in2001.

• Toronto is his favorite hockey city, the Montreal’s BellCentre 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 Cupplayoffs.

• Bruce Springsteen and U2 are his favorite musicians.Anthony Hopkins is his favorite actor. His favorite TVshow is “The Sopranos.” Favorite cartoon character isSpider-Man “because he’s my son’s favorite.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people it wouldbe with Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn.

• Nicknames are Freddie and Mo.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 Lightningin goals (22) and points (48), tied for second in assists(26) in 1999-2000. Led team in shots (167) and game-winning goals (5).

• Had career-high 32 goals in 2000-01. Led Tampa Bay ingoals, power-play goals (8), shots (217) and shootingpercentage (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 4assists (tied for second in All-Star history).

• Assisted on Dave Andreychuk’s 250th career power-play goal, breaking Phil Esposito’s NHL record, on Nov.15, 2002.

• Was third on Lighting behind 2006 CanadianOlympians Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier with29 goals as Tampa Bay set club records for wins (46)and points (106) in 2003–04. Set career high with 57points and shattered previous career best inplus/minus at +31 to rank 4th in NHL.

• Was third on the Lightning, fourth overall, in playoffscoring (8-11-19) as Tampa Bay won Stanley Cup in2004.

MODIN, FREDRIK(moh-DEEN, FREHD-rihk)

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNINGLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’4”/193 CM 220 LBS./100 KG

BORN, SUNDSVALL, SWEDEN, OCTOBER 8, 1974.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Sundsvall/Timra Sweden-2 11 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Sundsvall/Timra Sweden-2 30 5 7 12 12 5 1 0 1 01993-94 Sundsvall/Timra Sweden-2 30 16 15 31 36 2 0 1 1 61994-95 Brynas Sweden 38 9 10 19 33 14 4 4 8 61995-96 Brynas Sweden 22 4 8 12 22 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Toronto NHL 76 6 7 13 24 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Toronto NHL 74 16 16 32 32 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Toronto NHL 67 16 15 31 35 8 0 0 0 699-2000 Tampa Bay NHL 80 22 26 48 18 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Tampa Bay NHL 76 32 24 56 48 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Tampa Bay NHL 54 14 17 31 27 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Tampa Bay NHL 76 17 23 40 43 11 2 0 2 182003-04◆ Tampa Bay NHL 82 29 28 57 32 23 8 11 19 102004-05 Timra Sweden 43 12 24 36 58 7 1 1 2 8

NHL Totals 585 152 156 308 259 42 10 11 21 34Toronto's 3rd choice, 64th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.Played in NHL All-Star Game (2001)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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 S Sweden WJC-A 7 2 2 4 21996 Sweden WC-A 6 1 1 2 41998 G Sweden WC-A 5 3 3 6 22000 Sweden WC-A 7 3 1 4 42001 B Sweden WC-A 9 3 2 5 102004 Sweden W-Cup 4 4 4 *8 2

Sweden

159

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Russia…• First played for the Soviet Union in exhibition

games with the Under-16 team in 1990 when hewas 14 years old.

• Played for the Soviet Union as a 16-year old, com-peting at the 1992 World Under-17 Challenge.

• Represented Kazakhstan at the 1994 WorldChampionship C-Pool competition.

• Was not eligible to represent Russia after thatuntil an IIHF ruling on July 1, 2004.

• Was named to the original Russian roster for the2004 World Cup of Hockey, but withdrew due toinjuries prior to the tournament.

• His greatest international hockey experience wasplaying with Dynamo Moscow vs. TPS Turku in the1997 European Hockey League tournament final.“We lost.”

Olympic Connections…• 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 willbe different.”

• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and the biathlon relay.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and believe in yourself.”

Did you know that…• 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 most memorable game he has played.

• The most memorable games he has watched are tapesof the 1972 series between Canada and the USSR.

• Lists two people as his favorite coaches. One is SanJose goalie coach Warren Strelow.“He understandsgoaltending 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 playat 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” (TVshow),“Godfather” and “Rounders” (movies), Al Pacinoand Bruce Willis (actors) and Nickelback and Metallica(music), but “I listen to everything in moderation.”

Career Accomplishments…• Signed his first North American contract in the sum-

mer of 1997 and spent next two seasons withKentucky (AHL). Was second in AHL in shutouts (5), tiedfor second in wins (26) and eighth in average (2.62) in1998–99.

• 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 in2000–01. Was 11th in the NHL in wins (32), sixth inaverage (2.19), tied for tenth in save percentage (.915).Helped San Jose to the third-lowest team average inNHL (2.30). Won Calder Trophy as rookie of the yearand finished fourth in voting for Vezina Trophy as topgoaltender.

• Set career high and franchise record with 37 wins in2001–02 (Sharks won franchise-best 44 games). Wasthird in the NHL in wins, tied for second in shutouts (7).Became Sharks all-time leader in games played by agoaltender (184), passing 2006 Latvian Olympian andformer NHLer Arturs Irbe on Feb. 5, 2003.

• Helped lead the Sharks to the Pacific Division title witha franchise-best 104 points in 2003–04. Finished thirdin 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 inhonor of Tretiak.

Family Connections… • Lists his father as having had the biggest influence on

his career when he was younger. Since reaching theNHL, the most influential person has been Sharks goal-tending coach Warren Strelow.

• Will call his family, parents, and Warren Strelow ifRussia wins gold at Torino.

NABOKOV, EVGENI(na-BAW-kahv, ehv-GEH-nee)

SAN JOSE SHARKSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 200 LBS/ 91 KG

BORN, UST-KAMENOGORSK, USSR, JULY 25, 1975.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1992-93 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 30 .... 2.221995-96 Dynamo Mosc. CIS 39 .... .... .... 2008 67 5 2.00 6 .... .... 298 7 .... 1.411996-97 Dynamo Mosc. Russia 27 .... .... .... 1588 56 2 2.12 4 .... .... 255 12 0 2.821997-98 Kentucky AHL 33 10 21 2 1866 122 0 3.92 1 0 0 23 1 0 2.591998-99 Kentucky AHL 43 26 14 1 2429 106 5 2.62 11 6 5 599 30 *2 3.0099-2000 San Jose NHL 11 2 2 1 414 15 1 2.17 1 0 0 20 0 0 0.00

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 10 1 2.752001-02 San Jose NHL 67 37 24 5 3901 149 7 2.29 12 7 5 712 31 0 2.612002-03 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 30 3 1.712004-05 Magnitogorsk Russia 14 … … … 808 27 3 2.00 5 .... .... 307 13 0 2.53

NHL Totals 258 121 94 29 14698 572 26 2.34 34 18 15 2002 71 4 2.13NHL All-Rookie Team (2001) • Calder Memorial Trophy (2001) • Scored a goal vs.Vancouver, March 10, 2002.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1994 Kazakhstan WC-C1 3 … … … 140 6 … 2.57

Russia

160

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Slovakia…• First represented his country as a 15-year-old.• First major tournament was the 1997 European

Junior Championship.• Led Slovakia in scoring, ranked among tournament

leaders (4-3-7) at World Junior Championship in1999. Won bronze medal.

• Lists playing for Slovakia’s gold medal-winningteam at 2002 World Championship as his mostmemorable moment in hockey.

• Won bronze at World Championship in 2003 andtied for 15th at the tournament in goals (4) andpoints (8).

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout(which was adopted by the NHL this season).

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer in the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have Fun!”

Did you know that…• Was acquired by Phoenix with fellow Slovak Michal

Handzus, Jeff Taffe and a first-round draft choice in thedeal that sent Keith Tkachuk to St. Louis,

• His nickname is Madar because his last name isHungarian.

• Lists Petr Nedved as the person to pattern his gameafter.

• Person he admires most is Vin Deisel. Favorite actorsare Vin Deisel and Halle Berry. Favorite movies are“XXX” and “Hannibal.” Favorite TV shows are “DesperateHousewives” and “Friends.” Favorite band is Metallica.

• If he could have dinner with any three people it wouldbe with Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson and Alicia Keys.

• Hobbies are tennis, soccer and golf. Favorite vacationspots are Italy and Spain.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 PavelBrendl (73) of WHL’s Calgary Hitmen for goals scored inentire CHL in 1998–99. Finished season ranked fifth inQMJHL with 126 points (between 2006 CanadianOlympians Simon Gagne with 120 and Brad Richardswith 131).

• Played in his first NHL game for St. Louis vs. Nashvilleon Nov. 22, 1999.

• Played 74 games in first full NHL season with Phoenixin 2001–02 and topped 20-goal plateau (23) for firsttime. Ranked third on Coyotes in goals, tied for secondin game-winning goals (5) and finished second inshots (187).

• Established career highs in games (80), assists (35),points (57), shots (209) and plus/minus (+17) in 2002-03. Led team, and tied for 15th in NHL, with six game-winning goals.

• Played just 55 games due to injuries in 2003–04 butestablished new career high with 24 goals. Was secondon team behind 2006 Canadian Olympian Shane Doanin goals and points (52). Led team in power-play goals(11), game-winning goals (6), plus/minus (+11) andshooting percentage (15.0). Was tied for 13th in NHL inpower-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.• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Slovak

Olympian Marek Svatos of the Colorado Avalanche.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey. Will

call his mother first if Slovakia wins gold at Torino.

NAGY, LADISLAV(NA-gee, LA-dih-slahv)

PHOENIX COYOTESLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 192 LBS./87 KG

BORN, SACA, CZECH., JUNE 1, 1979.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Presov Slovakia 11 6 5 11 .... .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Kosice Jr. Slovak-Jr. 45 29 30 59 105 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Kosice Slovakia 29 19 15 34 41 11 2 4 6 61998-99 Halifax QMJHL 63 71 55 126 148 5 3 3 6 18

Worcester AHL .... .... .... .... .... 3 2 2 4 099-2000 St. Louis NHL 11 2 4 6 2 6 1 1 2 0

Worcester AHL 69 23 28 51 67 2 1 0 1 02000-01 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 212002-03 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 2002Entry Draft for Keith Tkachuk, March 13, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Kosice (Slovakia), September 17, 2004. Signed as a freeagent by Mora (Sweden), December 17, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1997 Slovakia EJC-A 5 1 0 1 61999 B Slovakia WJC-A 6 4 3 7 62001 Slovakia WC-A 7 2 1 3 62002 G Slovakia WC-A 6 1 3 4 62003 B Slovakia WC-A 9 4 4 8 102004 Slovakia W-Cup 4 1 0 1 0

Slovakia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having the biggest influence

on his career because “they’re the ones who wereup in the morning to drive me.”

• Will call his parents and his brother first if Canadawins gold in Torino.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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 tournamentwith 5 goals.

• Won a gold medal with Canada’s Under-18 teamat a Six Nations tournament in the CzechRepublic in August of 2001. Led Canada in goals(5), assists (5) and points (10). Teammates included 2006 Canadian Olympicreserve Eric Staal. Both list this tournament as their favorite international hockey moment.

• Won silver medal at 2002 World Junior Championship. Teammates included 2006Canadian 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. Wasnamed to tournament All-Star Team.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout because “it brings excitementto the fans.” (The NHL adopted the shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• The most memorable hockey game he has watched was the 2002 Olympic final

between Canada and the USA.• Other Olympic sport of interest is the 100-meter sprint at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “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)

Did you know that…• 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 leadwith 2006 Olympic teammate Jarome Iginla of Calgaryand 2006 Russian Olympian Ilya Kovalchuk of Atlanta.)

• Was just the eighth #1 NHL Draft choice to score agoal in his first NHL game (Oct. 10, 2002 vs. Chicago).Was the first #1 pick to accomplish this feat in thesame year he was drafted since Mario Lemieux in 1984.

• He tries to pattern his game after former Flyers starand 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 cartattendant.

• Favorite NHL arena is the historic Maple Leaf Gardensin 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, itwould be with Tiger Woods.

Career Accomplishments…• Was OHL rookie of the year in 2000–01. Led London in

goals (31). Ranked second on Knights, and among OHLrookies, in scoring (31-35-66).

• Led Knights in goals (32), second in points (72) in2001–02.

• Was the youngest player in the NHL in his rookie sea-son of 2002–03. Led all rookies in power-play points (6-10-16). Ranked among rookie leaders in goals (17),assists (22), points (39), power-play goals (6), shots(154) and shooting percentage (11.0). Played in theYoungStars Game as part of the NHL All-Star Weekend.

• Shared Maurice Richard Trophy (top goal scorer) withJarome Iginla and Ilya Kovalchuk (41). Also led NHLwith 19 power-play goals. Set Columbus franchiserecord for goals and power-play goals. Was firstteenager to top 40 goals since Jimmy Carson in1987–88. Was first teenager to play in NHL All-StarGame since Owen Nolan and Jaromir Jagr in 1992.

• Played with fellow Canadian Olympian Joe Thorntonwith Davos in 2004–05. Finished second in goals (26) inSwiss league behind Oleg Petrov. Helped Davos winSpengler 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.• Favorite team growing up was the Toronto Maple

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

Marlboros in the GTHL because “he coached at a toplevel for young guys.”

NASH, RICK(NASH, RIHK)

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’4”/193 CM 206 LBS./93 KG

BORN, BRAMPTON, ONT., JUNE 16, 1984.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 Tor. Marlboros GTHL 34 61 54 115 34 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 London OHL 58 31 35 66 56 4 3 3 6 82001-02 London OHL 54 32 40 72 88 12 10 9 19 212002-03 Columbus NHL 74 17 22 39 78 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Columbus NHL 80 *41 16 57 87 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2004) Signed as a free agent by Davos (Swiss), August 3, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2002 S Canada WJC-A 7 1 2 3 22005 S Canada WC-A 9 *9 6 15 8

Canada

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Lists his father, who coached him from age eight

to 15, as having had the biggest influence on hiscareer.

• Will call his wife first if Sweden wins gold inTorino.

Playing for Sweden…• First played for his country in 1989 as a 16-year-

old at a Four Nations tournament in Russia. Sayshis greatest international experience was “thefirst time representing Tre Kronor.”

• Won gold at the 1990 European JuniorChampionship. He scored 14 goals at the 1991EJC.

• Won silver medal at the 1992 World Junior Championship. Tied for the tourna-ment 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 anothersilver medal and was named to tournament All-Star Team.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field and table tennis at the

Summer Games.

Did you know that…• He was runner up to fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian

Peter Forsberg scoring for the Art Ross Trophy and invoting for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2002–03. Heand Forsberg are childhood friends who come fromthe same hometown.

• Was named captain of the Vancouver Canucks onSept. 15, 2000, succeeding Mark Messier.

• Favorite NHL arena is GM Place in Vancouver.“It’shome.” 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.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with comic actors Mike Myers, Dana Carveyand Robin Williams.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 PenguinsTraining 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. Wasnamed club MVP. Tied for fifth in the NHL with 15power-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 10games of season (and playoffs) after suffering a bro-ken 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 ofCalgary in 2001–02. Again named Canucks MVP.

• Established career highs in goals (48), assists (56),points (104), power-play goals (24) and game-winninggoals (12) in 2002–03. Led all NHL players in game-winning goals and in power-play points (54). Was sec-ond to 2006 Czech Olympian Milan Hejduk ofColorado in goals, second to Vancouver teammateand 2006 Canadian Olympian Todd Bertuzzi in power-play goals and second to 2006 Swedish OlympianPeter Forsberg of Colorado in points. Was againnamed team MVP.

• Led Canucks in scoring (35-49-84) for sixth straightseason in 2003–04 and ranked fourth in the NHL. Wasseventh in goals and tenth in assists. Scored all fourgoals in 4–3 win over Pittsburgh on Dec. 9 2003. Thiswas one of only three 4-goal games that season (2006Slovak Olympian Miroslav Satan and fellow 2006Swedish Olympian Daniel Sedin had the others).Named to NHL First-All-Star Team for third straightseason.

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.

NASLUND, MARKUS(NAZ-luhnd, MAHR-kuhs)

VANCOUVER CANUCKSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 195 LBS./88 KG

BORN, ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN, JULY 30, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1988-89 Ornskoldsvik Sweden-3 14 7 6 13 .... .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 MoDo Jr. Swe-Jr. 33 43 35 78 20 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 MoDo Sweden 32 10 9 19 14 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 MoDo Sweden 39 22 18 40 54 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 MoDo Jr. Swe-Jr. 2 4 1 5 2 .... .... .... .... ....

MoDo Sweden 39 22 17 39 67 3 3 2 5 01993-94 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 81995-96 Pittsburgh NHL 66 19 33 52 36 .... .... .... .... ....

Vancouver NHL 10 3 0 3 6 6 1 2 3 81996-97 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 22002-03 Vancouver NHL 82 48 56 104 52 14 5 9 14 182003-04 Vancouver NHL 78 35 49 84 58 7 2 7 9 22004-05 MODO Sweden 13 8 9 17 8 6 0 1 1 10

NHL Totals 790 290 339 629 513 33 9 19 28 30Pittsburgh's 1st choice, 16th overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.WJC-A All-Star Team (1993) • NHL First All-Star Team (2002, 2003, 2004) • Lester B. Pearson Award (2003)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)Traded to Vancouver by Pittsburgh for Alek Stojanov, March 20, 1996. Signed as a free agent by MODO (Sweden), December 20,2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1990 G Sweden EJC-A 6 0 0 0 21991 Sweden EJC-A 6 14 2 16 141992 S Sweden WJC-A 7 8 2 10 121993 S Sweden WJC-A 7 13 11 24 33

S Sweden WC-A 8 1 1 2 141996 Sweden WC-A 1 0 0 0 01996 Sweden W-Cup 1 0 0 0 21999 B Sweden WC-A 10 6 4 10 162002 Sweden Olympics 4 2 1 3 0

B Sweden WC-A 3 1 2 3 02004 Sweden W-Cup 4 0 3 3 0

Sweden

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Championship.• Was named to the All-Star Team at the 1992 WJC.• Was assistant captain of gold medal team at the

2004 World Championship.• Favorite international hockey rule is the larger ice

surface “because there is more opportunity.”

Olympic Connections…• Is playing at his second straight Olympic Games.• Winning gold at Salt Lake City is his favorite inter-

national hockey moment.• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and

snowboarding.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun and work hard.”

Did you know that…• He is the only player to win the Stanley Cup, the

Memorial Cup, an Olympic gold medal, a World JuniorChampionship and a World Championship.

• Works in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Society.• Most memorable hockey game played was his first

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.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 (7-31-

38) 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 in2002–03. Surpassed Scott Stevens as Devils’ franchiseleader in points among defensemen with his 406th onJanuary 28, 2003. His 16 assists in playoffs were topsamong all scorers as New Jersey won Stanley Cup. Tiedteammate Jamie Langenbrunner as top playoff scorerwith 18 points.

• In 2003-4, tied with Canadian Olympic teammate ChrisPronger for second in scoring (14-40-54) among NHLdefensemen behind 2006 Russian Olympian SergeiGonchar. His 14 goals equalled career high and rankedamong NHL leaders for defensemen. Served as Devilscaptain 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 bestdefenseman for first time and won award over 2006Slovak 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 team growing up was the Calgary Flames.• Favorite player was Paul Coffey.

Family Connections… • Brother Rob also plays in the NHL. They are now team-

mates in Anaheim. This is the first time they haveplayed together for an entire season since 1988–89when they played together with the CranbrookBantam Eagles.

• When the Niedermayers faced each other in the 2003Stanley Cup Final, it marked the first time siblingsfaced each other in championship series since 1946.(Tom Reardon, Boston and Ken Reardon, Montreal.)

• Lists his parents as having the greatest influence onhis hockey career “for all of their support and time.”

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• First represented Canada at the 1991 World Junior

NIEDERMAYER, SCOTT(NEE-duhr-MIGH-uhr, SKAWT)

MIGHTY DUCKS OF ANAHEIMDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, EDMONTON, ALTA., AUGUST 31, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1988-89 Cranbrook BCAHA 62 55 37 92 100 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Kamloops WHL 64 14 55 69 64 17 2 14 16 351990-91 Kamloops WHL 57 26 56 82 52 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 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 21993-94 New Jersey NHL 81 10 36 46 42 20 2 2 4 81994-95◆ New Jersey NHL 48 4 15 19 18 20 4 7 11 101995-96 New Jersey NHL 79 8 25 33 46 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 New Jersey NHL 81 5 30 35 64 10 2 4 6 61997-98 New Jersey NHL 81 14 43 57 27 6 0 2 2 41998-99 Utah IHL 5 0 2 2 0 .... .... .... .... ....

New Jersey NHL 72 11 35 46 26 7 1 3 4 1899-2000◆ New Jersey NHL 71 7 31 38 48 22 5 2 7 102000-01 New Jersey NHL 57 6 29 35 22 21 0 6 6 142001-02 New Jersey NHL 76 11 22 33 30 6 0 2 2 62002-03◆ New Jersey NHL 81 11 28 39 62 24 2 *16 *18 162003-04 New Jersey NHL 81 14 40 54 44 5 1 0 1 62004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 892 112 364 476 478 146 17 47 64 100New 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-AAll-Star Team (1992) • Memorial Cup Tournament All-Star Team (1992) • Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy (Memorial CupTournament MVP) (1992) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1993) • NHL Second All-Star Team (1998) • NHL First All-Star Team (2004) •James Norris Trophy (2004)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1998, 2001, 2004)Signed to tryout (PTO) contract by Utah (IHL) with New Jersey retaining NHL rights, October 19, 1998. Signed as a free agent byAnaheim, August 3, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 G Canada WJC-A 7 0 0 0 01992 Canada WJC-A 7 0 0 0 101996 2nd Canada W-Cup 8 1 3 4 62002 G Canada Olympics 6 1 1 2 42004 G Canada WC-A 9 3 2 5 122004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 1 1 2 9

Canada

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• 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 thattournament were Rick DiPietro of the USA and IlyaBryzgalov of Russia. Teammates included fellow2006 Finnish Olympians Ossi Vaananen and AnttiMiettinen.

Olympic Connections…• 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 heckof a shot to beat him because he doesn’t give up anything easily.” — Flyers coachKen Hitchcock, Jan 5, 2005 pressofatlanticcity.com

Did you know that…• 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 anovertime goal while playing for the PhiladelphiaPhantoms (AHL). On April 11, 2004 at Hershey in thefinal game of the AHL season, Hershey needed a winto qualify for the playoffs. Midway through overtime,with the game tied 2–2, Hershey coach Paul Fixtergambled and pulled goaltender Philippe Sauve duringa power play to give the Bears a five-on-three manadvantage. During the ensuing attack, a wild pass byShane Willis left the Phantom zone, rebounded off theside boards at center ice and entered the vacatedHershey net. Niittymaki was the last Philadelphia play-er to play the puck, and he was credited with the goal.

• He considers fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian TeppoNumminen to be the most underrated person insports.

• If he weren’t playing hockey, he would like to be a bar-tender.

Career Accomplishments…• Was rookie of the year in the Finnish elite league in

1999–2000. Helped lead TPS to the playoff champi-onship.

• 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 sevenshutouts in 2003–04. Ranked fifth in wins, (24), tied forfifth in shutouts, and ninth in average (2.02) in the AHL.

• Made his NHL debut on Feb. 4, 2004 and stopped 19 of20 shots in a 5–1 win vs. Washington.

• Was named playoff MVP when Phantoms won the2005 Calder Cup. Set a Phantoms record with 33 winsin 2004–05. Ranked fifth in the AHL in wins and eighthin average (2.07).

• Stopped all 28 shots faced and all three Calgaryshootout attempts to record a 1–0 shootout win forhis first career NHL shutout on Dec. 6, 2005.

NIITTYMAKI, ANTERO(NEE-too-mah-kee, AN-tehr-oh)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 195 LBS./88 KG

BORN, TURKU, FINLAND, JUNE 8, 1980.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1998-99 TPS Turku Jr. Finland-Jr. 35 8 6 14 2095 60 0 1.72 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1999-00 TPS Turku Jr. Finland-Jr. 1 1 0 0 60 1 0 1.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

TPS Turku Finland 32 23 6 2 1899 68 3 2.15 8 6 1 453 13 0 1.722000-01 TPS Turku Finland 21 10 6 1 1112 46 2 2.48 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 TPS Turku Finland 27 16 8 1 1498 46 3 1.84 4 2 2 295 11 0 2.242002-03 Philadelphia AHL 40 14 21 2 2283 98 0 2.58 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Philadelphia NHL 3 3 0 0 180 3 0 1.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Philadelphia AHL 49 24 13 6 2728 92 7 2.02 12 6 6 796 24 0 1.812004-05 Philadelphia AHL 58 33 21 4 3453 119 6 2.07 21 15 5 1269 37 3 1.75

NHL Totals 3 3 0 0 180 3 0 1.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Won Jack A. Butterfield Trophy (Playoff MVP - AHL)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1998 S Finland EJC-A 1 0 1 0 60 4 0 4.002000 B Finland WJC-A 5 1 2 1 245 10 0 2.45

Finland

165

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Sweden…• First played for his country in an exhibition game

with the Swedish Junior team vs Czechoslovakia(Nov.5, 1991).

• Won silver medal at 1992 World JuniorChampionships. Says of this experience, it was“reaching a major goal.”

• Has played at World Championship five times. Wongold in 1998, silver in 1997 and 2003.

• Favorite international hockey moment is the 1996World Cup of Hockey. (Also represented Sweden atthe 2004 World Cup.)

• Tied for second (was first among defensemen, andamong all Swedish players) with 7 assists at the2005 World Championship.

Olympic Connections…• 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.• Other Olympic sport of interest is cross-country skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard, have fun! It’s just a game!”

Did you know that…• He was a teammate of childhood idol Borje Salming

during two years in Swedish elite league. (Had animpressive training camp with NY Rangers beforereturning to Sweden for 1992–93 season.)

• Lists Swedish coach Tomas Storm as his biggest influ-ence in hockey and his favorite coach.

• Lists his fist NHL game (with NY Rangers Oct. 11, 1993vs. Washington) as the most memorable hockey gamehe has played.“It was a dream come true.”

• Traded to Los Angeles on March 14, 1996 as part ofseven-player deal that sent Jari Kurri and MartyMcSorley 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 GaryOldham and Susan Sarandon. Favorite bands are PearlJam and Alice in Chains.

• Nicknames are Matty and Swede.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 outstandingdefenseman.

• Led all Kings defensemen in plus/minus (+14) in 1997-98. Named club’s “unsung hero.”

• Named outstanding defenseman and unsung heroagain 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 Kingslead, ranked 18th in NHL, in blocked shots (137). LedKings in total ice time (21:50 per game). Also led inshifts per game (26.7).

• Was named 12th captain of Kings in 2001–02. Ledteam in ice time with 23:01 per game. Named bothoutstanding defenseman and best defensive player in 2002–03.

• Was named Kings best defensive player for fifth timein his career in 2003–04.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• 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.

Family Connections… • 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

“my grandparents that I never met.”

NORSTROM, MATTIAS(NOHR-struhm, MAT-tee-ahs)

LOS ANGELES KINGSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 210 LBS./95 KG

BORN, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, JANUARY 2, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 Mora Sweden-2 9 1 1 2 6 1 0 0 0 21991-92 AIK Sweden 39 4 3 7 28 3 0 2 2 21992-93 AIK Sweden 22 0 1 1 16 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 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 01995-96 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 21998-99 Los Angeles NHL 78 2 5 7 36 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Los Angeles NHL 82 1 13 14 66 4 0 0 0 62000-01 Los Angeles NHL 82 0 18 18 60 13 0 2 2 182001-02 Los Angeles NHL 79 2 9 11 38 7 0 0 0 42002-03 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 30NY Rangers' 2nd choice, 48th overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.Played in NHL All-Star Game (1999, 2004)Traded to Los Angeles by NY Rangers with Ray Ferraro, Ian Laperriere, Nathan Lafayette and NY Rangers' 4th round choice (SeanBlanchard) in 1997 Entry Draft for Marty McSorley, Jari Kurri and Shane Churla, March 14, 1996. Signed as a free agent by AIKSolna (Sweden-3), January 11, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1992 S Sweden WJC-A 7 0 1 1 101996 Sweden WC-A 6 0 0 0 61996 Sweden W-Cup 4 0 1 1 01997 S Sweden WC-A 11 0 2 2 141998 Sweden Olympics 4 0 1 1 2

G Sweden WC-A 1 0 0 0 02000 Sweden WC-A 6 0 1 1 82002 Sweden Olympics 4 0 0 0 02003 S Sweden WC-A 9 1 2 3 82004 Sweden W-Cup 4 0 0 0 02005 Sweden WC-A 9 0 7 7 2

Sweden

166

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Was selected to represent Finland at 1994 WorldChampionship, but could not play due to injury. Hehas played at the World Championship four times.

• Played at the Canada Cup in 1987 and at the WorldCup in 1996 and 2004. Finland won the 2004European pool and reached the finals againstTeam Canada.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his fourth Olympic Games

(1988, 1998 and 2002).• His greatest international hockey experience was

winning an Olympic silver medal at Calgary in1988. (This was Finland’s first Olympic hockeymedal.) He won bronze at Nagano in 1998.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Try many sports. Have fun!”

Did you know that…• He holds the Winnipeg/Phoenix franchise records for

goals (108), assists (426) and points (534) by a defense-man. On the all-time franchise list, ranks first in gamesplayed (1,098), third in assists and fourth in points.

• Has had a variety of nicknames over his career, includ-ing Repo Man, Chico and Zeppo, usually stemmingfrom people’s inability to pronounce his first name.

• Most memorable hockey game watched was the 1987Canada Cup Final between Canada and Russia.

• The person he admires most is Bono of U2 for his con-tinuous work in helping Africa and other countries fac-ing great debt.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Bono, John Lennon and the Dalai Lama.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 scor-ing (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 in1998–99.

• Had played in 360 consecutive games (most in NHL at the time) when he was sidelined by an injury onMar. 3, 2000.

• Named team captain prior to 2001–02 season. Scoredcareer-high 13 goals.

• Reached 30-point plateau for sixth straight season in2002–03.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was Tappara in his home-

town of Tampere.• Favorite player as a child was Boston Bruins legend

Bobby Orr.

Family Connections… • 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 foradvice.”

• Will call his wife first if Finland wins gold at Torino.

Playing for Finland…• Made his first international appearance at the Under-16

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.

NUMMINEN, TEPPO(NOO-mih-nehn, TEH-poh)

BUFFALO SABRESDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’2”/188 CM 197 LBS./89 KG

BORN, TAMPERE, FINLAND, JULY 3, 1968.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1984-85 Tappara Jr. Finland-Jr. 30 14 17 31 10 .... .... .... .... ....

Whitby OJHL 16 3 9 12 0 .... .... .... .... ....1985-86 Tappara Jr. Finland-Jr. 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 2

Tappara Finland 31 2 4 6 6 8 0 0 0 01986-87 Tappara Finland 44 9 9 18 16 9 4 1 5 41987-88 Tappara Finland 40 10 10 20 29 10 6 6 12 61988-89 Winnipeg NHL 69 1 14 15 36 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Winnipeg NHL 79 11 32 43 20 7 1 2 3 101990-91 Winnipeg NHL 80 8 25 33 28 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Winnipeg NHL 80 5 34 39 32 7 0 0 0 01992-93 Winnipeg NHL 66 7 30 37 33 6 1 1 2 21993-94 Winnipeg NHL 57 5 18 23 28 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 TuTo Finland 12 3 8 11 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Winnipeg NHL 42 5 16 21 16 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Winnipeg NHL 74 11 43 54 22 6 0 0 0 21996-97 Phoenix NHL 82 2 25 27 28 7 3 3 6 01997-98 Phoenix NHL 82 11 40 51 30 1 0 0 0 01998-99 Phoenix NHL 82 10 30 40 30 7 2 1 3 499-2000 Phoenix NHL 79 8 34 42 16 5 1 1 2 02000-01 Phoenix NHL 72 5 26 31 36 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Phoenix NHL 76 13 35 48 20 4 0 0 0 22002-03 Phoenix NHL 78 6 24 30 30 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Dallas NHL 62 3 14 17 18 4 0 1 1 02004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 1160 111 440 551 423 54 8 9 17 20Winnipeg'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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1999, 2000, 2001)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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1986 G Finland EJC-A 5 3 2 5 41987 Finland Can-Cup 4 1 0 1 21988 B Finland WJC-A 7 5 2 7 4

S Finland Olympics 6 1 4 5 01991 Finland Can-Cup 6 1 1 2 21996 Finland WC-A 1 0 1 1 01996 Finland W-Cup 2 0 0 0 01997 Finland WC-A 5 2 2 4 61998 B Finland Olympics 6 1 1 2 22002 Finland Olympics 4 0 1 1 02004 Finland WC-A 7 2 2 4 22004 2nd Finland W-Cup 6 0 2 2 0

Finland

167

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Sweden…• 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 Europeantourney. 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 ashis favorite international hockey moment.

• Played at 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his third consecutive Winter

Games (1998, 2002).• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer in the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun!”

Did you know that…• He helped Lulea win its first Swedish championship in

1996. Lists this as his most memorable moment inhockey.

• 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 chil-

dren’s causes, including Canuck Place and Children’sHospital.

• Hobby is golf. Favorite TV Show is “Seinfeld.” Favoritemovie is “Braveheart.” Favorite band is U2.

• Nicknames are Matty and Oly.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 vot-ing. Named to NHL All-Rookie Team.

• Finished seventh in NHL with average ice time of 26:04per game in 1998–99.

• Missed 38 games due to eye injury in 1999–2000 butwas still named Vancouver’s best defenseman in vot-ing by fans. Led Canucks in ice time with 27:41 pergame. Led NHL with an average of 33.02 shifts pergame.

• Was second in NHL in shifts per game (32.34) in2000–01. Was 12th in NHL with 146 blocked shots. Tiedfor team lead in playoff scoring (1-3-4) as Vancouverreturned 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’sAdam 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 firsthockey team was Ojeby IF.

• Favorite team growing up was Lulea in Sweden (whomhe later played for).

• Favorite player was Borje Salming.• Was childhood friends with Tomas Holmstrom of the

Detroit Red Wings.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hockey.

OHLUND, MATTIAS(OH-luhnd, MAT-tee-ahs)

VANCOUVER CANUCKSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 220 LBS./100 KG

BORN, PITEA, SWEDEN, SEPTEMBER 9, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1992-93 Pitea Sweden-2 22 0 6 6 16 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Pitea Sweden-2 28 7 10 17 62 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Lulea Sweden 34 6 10 16 34 9 4 0 4 161995-96 Lulea Sweden 38 4 10 14 26 13 1 0 1 471996-97 Lulea Sweden 47 7 9 16 38 10 1 2 3 8

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 3 4 62001-02 Vancouver NHL 81 10 26 36 56 6 1 1 2 62002-03 Vancouver NHL 59 2 27 29 42 13 3 4 7 122003-04 Vancouver NHL 82 14 20 34 73 7 1 4 5 132004-05 Lulea Sweden 2 1 0 1 4 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 480 54 158 212 400 30 6 12 18 37Vancouver'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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1999)Signed as a free agent by Lulea (Sweden), December 21, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 S Sweden WJC-A 7 0 2 2 2

G Sweden EJC-A 5 0 6 6 81995 B Sweden WJC-A 7 1 0 1 41996 S Sweden WJC-A 7 0 5 5 321997 S Sweden WC-A 11 2 1 3 121998 Sweden Olympics 4 0 1 1 4

G Sweden WC-A 10 2 1 3 82001 B Sweden WC-A 9 2 3 5 122002 Sweden Olympics 4 0 2 2 22004 Sweden W-Cup 4 1 0 1 0

Sweden

168

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• 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 tobe part of a team," Olesz said. "From them, Ilearned 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, theyhave a lot of talent. To me, it speaks highly of howthey view this kid in their country.”

– Panthers coach Jacques Martin, (Sun-Sentinel) Dec. 23, 2005.

Did you know that…• He became the youngest player ever to play in the

Czech elite league at age 15 in 2000–01, beating fellow2006 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 cutfrom the Czech team that won gold at the 2005 WorldChampionship. (Palm Beach Post. Dec. 23, 2005)

Career Accomplishments…• Scored his first goal in the Czech elite league as a 16-

year-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 withSparta Praha in 2004–05.

• Played in five preseason games for Florida in 2005–06and ranked tied for first on the club in scoring (2-2-4).

• Made is NHL debut on Oct. 5 vs. Atlanta. Recorded hisfirst 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.

When I was young…• Is a product of the HC Sareza Ostrava team.

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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 the2003 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 theCzech team at the 2004 World Junior Championship.

• Finished fourth in tournament scoring (7-3-10) at the2005 World Junior Championship behind PatriceBergeron and Ryan Getzlaf of Canada, and 2006Russian Olympian Alexander Ovechkin.

OLESZ, ROSTISLAV(OH-lehsh, RAHS-tih-slav)

FLORIDA PANTHERSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 207 LBS./94 KG

BORN, BILOVEC, CZECH., OCTOBER 10, 1985.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM2000-01 Vitkovice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 15 10 3 13 14 .... .... .... .... ....

Vitkovice CzRep 3 0 1 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Vitkovice CzRep 11 1 2 3 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Vitkovice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 34 19 20 39 81 2 0 0 0 22002-03 Vitkovice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 7 1 1 2 12 .... .... .... .... ....

Vitkovice CzRep 40 6 3 9 41 5 0 0 0 2Opava CzRep-2 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

2003-04 Vitkovice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 3 2 0 2 0 .... .... .... .... ....Vitkovice CzRep 35 1 11 12 10 6 2 1 3 4Jihlava CzRep-2 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

2004-05 Sparta CzRep 47 6 7 13 12 5 0 2 2 0Sparta Jr. CzRep-Jr. .... .... .... .... .... 1 0 1 1 0

Florida's 1st choice, 7th overall, in 2004 Entry Draft.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2003 Czech Republic WJC-18 6 2 3 5 42004 Czech Republic WJC-A 6 3 2 5 62005 B Czech Republic WJC-A 7 7 3 10 12

Czech Republic

169

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Russia…• 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 at2003 World Junior Championship. Tied for tourna-ment lead in goals (6).

• Tied for Russian team lead in goals (5) and points(7) at 2004 WJC. Was tied for second in tourna-ment in goals.

• Tied Canada’s Jeff Carter and 2006 CzechOlympian Rostislav Olesz with 7 goals at 2005WJC. Finished third in scoring with 11 pointsbehind Canadians Patrice Bergeron and RyanGetzlaf.

• Made debut with Russian national team at Ceska Poistovna EuroTour and atSweden Games in 2003–04. Was youngest player on Russian team at 2004 WorldChampionship and played the entire tournament on top line with fellow 2006Russian Olympian Maxim Sushinsky.

• Led Russian team, ranked among tournament leaders, in scoring (5-3-8) at the2005 World Championship.

• Favorite international ice hockey rule is the big ice.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Listen to your parents and don’t take drugs!”

Did you know that…• He lists his last game in the Russian league and his first

game in the NHL as the most memorable games hehas 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 champi-onship.

• 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. FavoriteTV show is “MTV Cribs.” Favorite musician is 50 Cent.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Kate Hudson, Michael Jordan and CharlizeTheron.

Career Accomplishments…• 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

Dynamo Moscow and led team with 13 goals. Wasthird on team with 24 points.

• Was among team’s top playoff scorers (2-4-6) in2004–05 as Dynamo Moscow won both the regularseason an playoff championships.

• After scoring two goals in his NHL debut, went on tocollect points in each of his first eight NHL games in2005–06.

• Had scored 30 goals through 43 games putting himon pace for 50+, a feat previously achieved by onlythree 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 playafter Iginla.

Family Connections… • Says his family has had the biggest influence on his

career.• His mother won two Olympic gold medals in basket-

ball (1976, 1980).• His father is a former professional soccer player.• Wears #8 because it was his mother’s Olympic basket-

ball number.• He will call his mother first if Russia wins gold at

Torino.

OVECHKIN, ALEXANDER(oh-VEHCH-kihn, al-EHX-AN-duhr)

WASHINGTON CAPITALSLEFT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’2”/188 CM 212 LBS./96 KG

BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, SEPTEMBER 17, 1985.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM2001-02 Dynamo Moscow Russia 22 2 2 4 4 3 0 0 0 0

Dynamo Moscow 2 Russia-3 19 18 8 26 20 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Dynamo Moscow Russia 40 8 7 15 28 5 0 0 0 22003-04 Dynamo Moscow Russia 53 13 11 24 40 3 0 0 0 22004-05 Dynamo Moscow Russia 37 13 13 26 32 10 2 4 6 31

Washington's 1st choice, 1st overall, in 2004 Entry Draft.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2002 S Russia WJ18-A 8 *14 4 *18 02003 G Russia WJC-A 6 *6 1 7 4

B Russia WJ18-A 6 *9 4 13 82004 Russia WJC-A 6 5 2 7 0

Russia WC-A 6 1 1 2 02004 Russia W-Cup 2 1 0 1 02005 S Russia WJC-A 6 7 4 11 4

B Russia WC-A 8 5 3 8 4

Russia

170

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Latvia…• Won a gold medal for Russia at the 1992

World Junior Championship along with 2006Russian Olympians Darius Kasparaitis, AlexKovalev, Nikolai Khabibulin and AlexeiYashin.

• First represented Latvia at the 2001 WorldChampionship. Finished among the tourna-ment’s defenseman assist leaders with 5.

• Was among three Latvians to lead the teamwith 2 goals at the 2002 WorldChampionship.

Olympic Connections…• 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, andeverything 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. Schoolyard rinks and ponds.” – Ozolinsh on his early hockey experiences inLatvia, CNNSI.com Feb. 2, 2000

Did you know that…• He lists winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado

in 1996 as his biggest hockey moment.• His biggest influence has come from coach Vasily

Tikohnov, the son of legendary Soviet coachViktor Tikohnov.

• Joined former Riga and current 2006 LatvianOlympic teammate Arturs Irbe when he joinedthe San Jose Sharks in 1992–93. He and Irbe laterestablished a youth hockey charity foundation inLatvia.

• He received the second most votes for the NHLAll-Star Game (behind Mario Lemieux) in 2003.

Career Accomplishments…• Made his North American debut with the San

Jose Sharks’ farm club in Kansas City in January1992 after playing in his native Riga, Latvia.

• Led all Sharks defensemen in scoring (7-6-23) asa rookie in 1992–93 despite missing 47 gameswith injuries.

• He topped all Sharks defensemen again in1993–94 (26-38-64). His 26 goals ranked secondamong all NHL defensemen.

• Led all Sharks defensemen for the third straightseason and finished third overall on the team inscoring (9-16-25 in 48 games) in 1994–95

• Led all Avalanche defensemen in scoring (13-37-50) in 1995–96. In the playoffs, he led all NHLdefensemen with 19 points (5G, 14A) as Coloradowon the Stanley Cup.

• Was a finalist for the Norris Trophy as bestdefenseman in 1996–97. Led NHL in goals by adefenseman and set career highs in assist (45)and points (68). Led the NHL with 42 power-playpoints.

• Tied for fifth among NHL defensemen in scoring(13-38-51) in 1997–98.

• Had his first career hat trick vs. Vancouver onDec. 6, 1999. Finished seventh among NHLdefensemen in scoring (16-36-52) in 1999–2000.

• Became the first Carolina player to play in the All-Star Game in 2001. Led Hurricanes defensemenin scoring (12-32-44) in 2000–01.

• Played with Carolina and Florida in 2001–02 andfinished fifth among NHL defensemen in scoring(14-38-52). Tied for seventh in goals.

• Led the Mighty Ducks in plus/minus (+8) asAnaheim reached game seven of the Stanley CupFinal vs. New Jersey in 2003.

When I was young…• Enjoyed figure skating as a child.

OZOLINSH, SANDIS(OH-zoh-linsch, SAN-dihz)

MIGHTY DUCKS OF ANAHEIMDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 217 LBS./98 KG

BORN, RIGA, LATVIA, AUGUST 3, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 Riga USSR 44 0 3 3 51 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Riga CIS 30 6 0 6 42 .... .... .... .... ....

Kansas City IHL 34 6 9 15 20 15 2 5 7 221992-93 San Jose NHL 37 7 16 23 40 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 San Jose NHL 81 26 38 64 24 14 0 10 10 81994-95 San Jose NHL 48 9 16 25 30 11 3 2 5 61995-96 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 241997-98 Colorado NHL 66 13 38 51 65 7 0 7 7 141998-99 Colorado NHL 39 7 25 32 22 19 4 8 12 2299-2000 Colorado NHL 82 16 36 52 46 17 5 5 10 202000-01 Carolina NHL 72 12 32 44 71 6 0 2 2 52001-02 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 102003-04 Anaheim NHL 36 5 11 16 24 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 779 158 367 525 578 134 23 67 90 125San 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 toColorado by San Jose for Owen Nolan, October 26, 1995.Traded to Carolina by Colorado with Columbus' 2nd round choice (previ-ously acquired, Carolina selected Tomas Kurka) in 2000 Entry Draft for Nolan Pratt, Carolina's 1st (Vaclav Nedorost) and 2nd (JaredAulin) round choices in 2000 Entry Draft and Philadelphia's 2nd round choice (previously acquired, Colorado selected AgrisSaviels) in 2000 Entry Draft, June 24, 2000.Traded to Florida by Carolina with Byron Ritchie for Bret Hedican, Kevyn Adams andTomas Malec, January 16, 2002.Traded to Anaheim by Florida with Lance Ward for Pavel Trnka, Matt Cullen and Anaheim's 4thround choice (James Pemberton) in 2003 Entry Draft, January 30, 2003. • Missed majority of 2003-04 season recovering fromshoulder injury suffered in game vs. Colorado, December 19, 2003.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 S Soviet Union WJC-A 7 1 2 3 61992 G Russia WJC-A 7 1 5 6 42001 Latvia WC-A 6 0 5 5 22002 Latvia Olympics 1 0 4 4 0

Latvia WC-A 6 2 1 3 122005 Latvia Olympic Q 3 0 1 1 4

Latvia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

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 thetournament (which Sweden lost to Canada) as hisgreatest international experience.

• Was second on the team to fellow 2006 SwedishOlympian Daniel Alfredsson with 5 assists at the2005 World Championship. Tied for second on theteam with 7 points.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is downhill skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun. Don’t get too serious too fast.”

Did you know that…• He lists playing in game seven of the 2003 Stanley Cup

Final for Anaheim vs. New Jersey as the most memo-rable game he has played.

• The most memorable game he has watched wasSweden winning the World Championship in 1987.

• Wears #26 because “the equipment manager gave it tome.”

• Hobby is boating.• Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite movie is

“Wedding Crashers.” Favorite actor is Will Ferrell.Favorite musician is Lars Winnerback.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Courteney Cox-Arquette, JenniferAniston and Lisa Kudrow from “Friends.”

Career Accomplishments…• 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 SwedishOlympian 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 inpoints (27) in 1999–2000.

• Made his NHL debut in Boston’s 2000–01 season open-er vs. Ottawa on Oct. 5, 2000. Scored first NHL goal Oct.20 at Calgary. Made his Mighty Duck debut Nov. 24 atCalgary.

• Had an NHL-high 14 assists in 2001–02 . Tied SteveThomas for team lead in plus/minus (+10) in 2002–03.Scored a goal vs. 2006 Canadian Olympian MartinBrodeur of New Jersey in game five of the 2003Stanley Cup Final.

• Played all 82 games for the first time in his career in2003–04. Established career high in goals (8) and NHLhighs in points (22) and penalty minutes (52). Tied NHLhigh with 14 assists.

• Established career highs in assists (18), points (24) andPIM (56) with Frolunda in 2004–05. Frolunda wonSwedish 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his father, and Olle Dahlsson (who coached him

for two years with Vasteras Elites) as having had thebiggest influence on his career.

• Will call his wife first if Sweden wins gold in Torino.

PAHLSSON, SAMUEL(PAWL-suhn, SAM-ew-ehl)

MIGHTY DUCKS OF ANAHEIMCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 212 LBS./96 KG

BORN, ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN, DECEMBER 17, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1992-93 Ange Sweden-4 9 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Ange Sweden-4 STATISTICS NOT AVAILABLE1994-95 MoDo Sweden 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 MoDo Jr. Swe-Jr. 30 10 11 21 26 .... .... .... .... ....

MoDo Sweden 36 1 3 4 8 4 0 0 0 01996-97 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 9 3 0 3 61998-99 MoDo Sweden 50 17 17 34 44 13 3 3 6 1099-2000 MoDo Sweden 47 16 11 27 67 13 3 3 6 8

MoDo EuroHL 4 1 0 1 0 3 1 1 2 22000-01 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 21 2 4 6 12

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 14 4 7 11 24

NHL Totals 272 22 44 66 116 21 2 4 6 12Colorado's 10th choice, 176th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.Swedish Junior Player of the Year (1997)

Traded to Boston by Colorado with Brian Rolston, Martin Grenier and New Jersey's 1st round choice (previously acquired, Bostonselected Martin Samuelsson) in 2000 Entry Draft for Raymond Bourque and Dave Andreychuk, March 6, 2000.Traded to Anaheimby Boston for Patrick Traverse and Andrei Nazarov, November 18, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Frolunda (Sweden), September,2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 B Sweden EJC-A 5 1 4 5 21996 S Sweden WJC-A 7 0 0 0 01999 B Sweden WC-A 10 1 3 4 42000 Sweden WC-A 7 0 0 0 42004 S Sweden WC-A 9 1 3 4 82004 Sweden W-Cup 4 0 0 0 62005 Sweden WC-A 9 2 5 7 *28

Sweden

172

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First time he pulled on a jersey for the United

States came on the Under-17 team. It was “anhonor” to do so. Team USA won silver at the 1994World Under-17 Challenge, its first medal at theevent.

• Lists playing at the 1997 World JuniorChampionship, where the U.S. won silver, as hisgreatest international hockey memory. His 5 goalsat the tournament ranked him among a group ofplayers tied for second, behind 2006 Russia’s SergeiSamsonov who had 6 goals. His 7 points were sec-ond on the U.S. team behind tournament scoringleader Michael York (5-5-10).

• His 5 goals at the 2005 World Championship ledthe U.S. team.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is baseball at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard, and have fun.”

Did you know that…• 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) andNickelback (band).

Career Accomplishments…• 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 percent-

age (18.6) with Florida in 1998–99, tied for rookie leadin game-winning goals (5). Scored 4 goals in a gameon Oct. 30, 1998 (was one of only five NHL players witha 4-goal game that season).

• Established career highs in goals (30), assists (30),points (60) and plus/minus (+10) in 2001–02. Played inhis first NHL All-Star Game.

• Won Islanders “Good Guy” award in 2002–03.• Missed 23 games in 2003–04 with an ankle injury suf-

fered Jan. 1, 2004.

When I was young…• 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.

Family Connections… • Credits his brother for having he most influence on his

career because he brought the game of hockey to theParrish family. Names his father as his favorite coach.

• Wears #37 because his father wore #7 and his brotherwore #3.

• Will call his father first if U.S. wins gold in Torino.

PARRISH, MARK(PAIR-ihsh, MAHRK)

NEW YORK ISLANDERSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’11”/180 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, BLOOMINGTON, MN, FEBRUARY 2, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1994-95 Jefferson High-MN 27 40 20 60 42 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 St. Cloud State WCHA 39 15 13 28 30 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 St. Cloud State WCHA 35 *27 15 42 60 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Seattle WHL 54 54 38 92 29 5 2 3 5 2

New Haven AHL 1 1 0 1 2 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Florida NHL 73 24 13 37 25 .... .... .... .... ....

New Haven AHL 2 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Florida NHL 81 26 18 44 39 4 0 1 1 02000-01 NY Islanders NHL 70 17 13 30 28 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 NY Islanders NHL 78 30 30 60 32 7 2 1 3 62002-03 NY Islanders NHL 81 23 25 48 28 5 1 0 1 42003-04 NY Islanders NHL 59 24 11 35 18 5 1 2 3 02004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 442 144 110 254 170 21 4 4 8 10Colorado's 3rd choice, 79th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.NCAA West Second All-American Team (1997) • WHL West First All-Star Team (1998)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2002)Rights traded to Florida by Colorado with Anaheim's 3rd round choice (previously acquired, Florida selected Lance Ward) in 1998Entry Draft for Tom Fitzgerald, March 24, 1998.Traded to NY Islanders by Florida with Oleg Kvasha for Roberto Luongo and OlliJokinen, June 24, 2000.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 United States WJC-A 6 1 3 4 21997 S United States WJC-A 6 5 2 7 81998 United States WC-A 6 0 0 0 42001 United States WC-A 4 1 0 1 22004 B United States WC-A 6 5 0 5 6

U.S.A.

173

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

When I was young…• Favorite player growing up was Mario Lemieux.

Playing for Finland…• 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 in2000–01.

• Played at the World Junior Championship in 2002and 2003. He won bronze medals both years andwas named the tournament’s Best Defenseman in2003.

• Was named to the Finnish roster for the 2004World Cup of Hockey but saw no action at tourna-ment as Finland won the European pool andplayed Canada in the final.

Did you know that…• 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 con-cert ever attended was Bruce Springsteen.

Career Accomplishments…• Product of Karpat Oulu system, playing all or parts of

three seasons with the team in the Finnish elite leaguefrom 2000 to 2003.

• Collected his first NHL assist in his first game vs. Buffaloon Oct. 9, 2003. Scored his first goal on the power-playvs. Phoenix on Oct. 18.

• Was second behind 2006 U.S. Olympian John-MichaelLiles among NHL rookie defensemen in points with 27(8G, 19A) in 2003–04. Was second among NHL rookiesbehind Trent Hunter of the Islanders in plus/minus at+15. Was tied for second with Liles behind CalderTrophy candidate Michael Ryder of Montreal amongNHL rookies in power-play assists (12) and tied for sec-ond behind Ryder with 2006 Finnish Olympian TuomoRuutu in power-play points (17). Played for the EasternConference Team at 2004 NHL YoungStars Game.

• Helped the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL) win theCalder Cup championship in 2004–05. Played in theAHL All-Star Game.

PITKANEN, JONI(PIHT-ka-nuhn, YOH-nee)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, OULU, FINLAND, SEPTEMBER 19, 1983.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1998-99 Karpat Jr. Finland-Jr. 30 1 5 6 12 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Karpat Jr. Finland-Jr. 38 12 14 26 26 6 1 4 5 22000-01 Karpat Jr. Finland-Jr. 24 6 11 17 77 .... .... .... .... ....

Karpat Finland 21 0 0 0 10 2 0 0 0 22001-02 Karpat Finland 49 4 15 19 65 4 0 0 0 12

Karpat Jr. Finland-Jr. .... .... .... .... .... 1 0 0 0 02002-03 Karpat Finland 35 5 15 20 38 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Philadelphia NHL 71 8 19 27 44 15 0 3 3 62004-05 Philadelphia AHL 76 6 35 41 105 21 3 4 7 16

NHL Totals 71 8 19 27 44 15 0 3 3 6Philadelphia's 1st choice, 4th overall, in 2002 Entry Draft.NHL All-Rookie Team (2004)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2002 B Finland WJC-A 7 1 3 4 02003 B Finland WJC-A 7 1 5 6 02004 2nd Finland W-Cup DID NOT PLAY

Finland

174

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• 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.”

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as his biggest influence in hock-

ey “because of the sacrifices they made,”• Lists his children as the people he admires most.

“They’re the best!”Will call his children first ifCanada wins gold in Torino.

• Brother Sean played parts of eight seasons in theNHL before joining the Frankfurt Lions (Germany)in 2004–05.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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).

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his third consecutive Winter Games (1998, 2002).• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and 100-meter and 200-meter

sprints in the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Never give up and always strive to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.”

Did you know that…• 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 sameseason in 1999–2000. Edged 2006 Czech OlympianJaromir 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 vot-ing in 2001–02. Theodore won because he had morefirst-place votes.)

• Became the youngest captain in St. Louis Blues historyat age 23 in 1997.

• Lists Raymond Bourque as the player to pattern hisgame 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’sever watched.“It was unbelievably thrilling.”

• His favorite TV show is “CSI.” Favorite move is “WallStreet.” Favorite actors are George Clooney and RachelMcAdams. Favorite musician is Tim McGraw. Favoritecartoon character is the Roadrunner.“Beep! Beep!Enough said.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people it wouldbe George Clooney, George Bush and Bobby Orr.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 lead-ing the Blues to a club-record 51 wins and 114 points.Established career highs in goals (14), assists (48) andpoints (62) that season. Led the NHL with a +52 rating.

• Limited to 51 games due to injuries in 2000–01, butaveraged nearly a point per game (8-39-47) andhelped lead the Blues to the Western Conference Final.

• Missed majority of 2002–03 season (77 games) rehabil-itating from offseason wrist and knee surgery.Returned to the line up on March 29.

• Tied with fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian ScottNiedermayer of New Jersey for second in scoring (14-40-54) among NHL defensemen (behind 2006 RussianOlympian Sergei Gonchar) in 2003–04. His 14 goalsequalled career high and ranked among NHL leadersfor defensemen. His 40 assists also tied Niedermayerfor second behind Gonchar. His 203 shots on goal tiedfor fifth among NHL defensemen. Finished third in vot-ing for Norris Trophy as NHL’s best defenseman behindNiedermayer and 2006 Slovak Olympian Zdeno Charaof Ottawa.

When I was young…• First hockey team he played for was the Dryden

Teepees.• Favorite team growing up was the New York Islanders.

Favorite player was Mike Bossy.

PRONGER, CHRIS(PRAHN-guhr, KRIHS)

EDMONTON OILERSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’6”/199 CM 220 LBS./100 KG

BORN, DRYDEN, ONT., OCTOBER 10, 1974.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 Stratford OHA-B 48 15 37 52 132 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Peterborough OHL 63 17 45 62 90 10 1 8 9 281992-93 Peterborough OHL 61 15 62 77 108 21 15 25 40 511993-94 Hartford NHL 81 5 25 30 113 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Hartford NHL 43 5 9 14 54 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 St. Louis NHL 78 7 18 25 110 13 1 5 6 161996-97 St. Louis NHL 79 11 24 35 143 6 1 1 2 221997-98 St. Louis NHL 81 9 27 36 180 10 1 9 10 261998-99 St. Louis NHL 67 13 33 46 113 13 1 4 5 2899-2000 St. Louis NHL 79 14 48 62 92 7 3 4 7 322000-01 St. Louis NHL 51 8 39 47 75 15 1 7 8 322001-02 St. Louis NHL 78 7 40 47 120 9 1 7 8 242002-03 St. Louis NHL 5 1 3 4 10 7 1 3 4 142003-04 St. Louis NHL 80 14 40 54 88 5 0 1 1 162004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 722 94 306 400 1098 85 10 41 51 210Hartford'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 NorrisMemorial Trophy (2000) • Hart Trophy (2000)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1999, 2000, 2002, 2004)Traded to St. Louis by Hartford for Brendan Shanahan, July 27, 1995. • Missed majority of 2002-03 season recovering from wristand knee surgery, September 10, 2002.Traded to Edmonton by St. Louis for Eric Brewer, Doug Lynch and Jeff Woywitka, August 2,2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1993 G Canada WJC-A 7 1 3 4 61997 G Canada WC-A 9 0 2 2 121998 Canada Olympics 6 0 0 0 42002 G Canada Olympics 6 0 1 1 22004 1st Canada W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJURED

Canada

175

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Won gold medal with the Czech Republic at 2000the World Championship. Tied for 11th in tourna-ment scoring (3-4-7). Says playing at this event was“a dream come true.”

• Tied with Radek Dvorak for second on the Czechteam in scoring (3-4-7) behind fellow 2006 CzechOlympians Martin Rucinsky and Jaromir Jagr at the2004 World Championships. Tied for tenth in scor-ing at tournament.

• Tied Martin Havlat for the Czech lead with 3 assistsat the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

• Calls winning gold at the 2005 WorldChampionship his greatest international experi-ence. Led the Czech team, and ranked among tour-nament leaders, with 6 assists. Was second on theteam behind fellow 2006 Czech Olympian JaromirJagr with 8 points.

Olympic Connections…• Selected to play for the Czech Republic at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, but

missed the tournament due to a fractured left fibula.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Play because you like it, not to please someone else.”

Did you know that…• 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 2005when the Czech team won gold.

• Most memorable hockey game watched was theRussia. vs. Canada game at the 1987 Canada Cup whenWayne Gretzky had 5 assists.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods andMichael Jordan.

Career Accomplishments…• Appeared in first NHL game Mar. 5, 1997 vs. New

Jersey. Prior to his callup, he was leading the AHL inassists (63) and points (95). Played for AHL World All-Star Team in 1997 All-Star Classic and was also namedto AHL’s First All-Star Team.

• Scored a career-high 22 goals for Ottawa in1999–2000.

• Was second on Tampa Bay in points (55), assists (37)and power-play goals (7) in 2001–02. Led team with 14multipoint games.

• Tied NHL high with 22 goals in 2002-03, set new highsin assists (57), points (79) and plus/minus (+9). AmongLightning leaders ranked first in points, tied for first inassists (57), tied for second in plus/minus and third ingame-winning goals (4). In postseason, assisted on2006 Canadian Olympian Martin St. Louis’ series-clinch-ing goal in triple overtime as Tampa won the fran-chise’s first playoff series.

• Played all 82 games with Anaheim in 2003–04 and ledteam with 35 assists. Was second to Sergei Fedorov forteam lead in points (54). power-play goals (7) andgame-winning goals (4).

• Played in his hometown in 2004–05 and led CeskeBudejovice to the championship in the Czech seconddivision. Led the league in scoring (28-60-88).

When I was young…• 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.

Family Connections… • His father played professional hockey in

Czechoslovakia.• Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

on his career.• Will call his wife and children first if the Czechs win

gold in Torino.

Playing for Czech Republic…• Won bronze medal at the 1993 European Junior

Championship.• Played at the World Junior Championship in 1994 and

1995.

PROSPAL, VACLAV(PRAWS-pahl, VAT-slav)

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNINGCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 195 LBS./88 KG

BORN, CESKE BUDEJOVICE, CZECH., FEBRUARY 17, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 C. Budejovice Jr. Czech-Jr. 36 16 16 32 12 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 C. Budejovice Jr. Czech-Jr. 32 26 31 57 24 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Hershey AHL 55 14 21 35 38 2 0 0 0 21994-95 Hershey AHL 69 13 32 45 36 2 1 0 1 41995-96 Hershey AHL 68 15 36 51 59 5 2 4 6 21996-97 Philadelphia NHL 18 5 10 15 4 5 1 3 4 4

Philadelphia AHL 63 32 63 95 70 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Philadelphia NHL 41 5 13 18 17 .... .... .... .... ....

Ottawa NHL 15 1 6 7 4 6 0 0 0 01998-99 Ottawa NHL 79 10 26 36 58 4 0 0 0 099-2000 Ottawa NHL 79 22 33 55 40 6 0 4 4 42000-01 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 82003-04 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 16Philadelphia'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 Bayselected Doug O'Brien) in 2003 Entry Draft, July 10, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Anaheim, July 17, 2003.Traded to Tampa Bayby Anaheim for Tampa Bay's 2nd round choice (Brendan Mikkelson) in 2005 Entry Draft, August 16, 2004. Signed as a free agentby Budejovice (CzRep-2), September 17, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1993 B Czech Republic EJC-A 6 4 7 11 21994 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 1 1 2 161995 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 3 7 10 22000 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 3 4 7 82004 Czech Republic WC-A 7 3 4 7 22004 Czech Republic W-Cup 4 1 3 4 02005 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 2 6 8 4

Czech Republic

176

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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 atthis tournament, in Prague, as his greatest interna-tional experience.

• Saw some action with the Czech team that wonthe 2005 World Championship.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are “all of them.”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Listen to your parents.”

What Others Say… • “Petr always seems to be around the puck in the offensive zone. He has the abili-

ty to find ways to get scoring chances by playing hard and determined aroundthe offensive net. I like his competitive approach.” — Don Maloney, New YorkRangers Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel.

Did you know that…• 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 appearancesat 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.• Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite movie is

“Wedding Crashers.” Favorite actor is Angelina Jolie.

Career Accomplishments…• Played four seasons with Pardubice in the Czech elite

league. Established career highs in 2003–04 with 11goals, 13 assists and 24 points. Pardubice finished firstin the regular-season standings. Had 13 points (6G, 7A)in just 16 postseason games in 2004–05 as Pardubicewon the playoff championship.

• Made his NHL debut on Oct. 8, 2005 at New Jersey.Tallied his first career NHL goal on Oct. 17 against 2006Canadian Olympian Roberto Luongo of Florida.

• Posted a six-game goal scoring streak from Dec. 3 toDec. 13 to match a Rangers franchise record for a rook-ie goal scoring streak (D. Turcotte 1989–90, TonyGranato 1988–89, Bill Cook 1926–27).

• Reached the 20-goal plateau vs. Florida on Jan. 7, 2006,scoring against 2006 Canadian Olympian RobertoLuongo.

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.• Favorite team growing up was the Pittsburgh

Penguins.• Favorite player was 2006 Russian Olympic general

manager Pavel Bure.• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Czech

Olympian Ales Hemsky of Edmonton.

Family Connections… • 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.

PRUCHA, PETR(PROO-khah, PEE-tuhr)

NEW YORK RANGERSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’10”/178 CM 161 LBS./73 KG

BORN, CHRUDIM, CZECH., SEPTEMBER 14, 1982.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 Chrudim Jr. CzRep-Jr. 43 35 27 62 62 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Pardubice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 54 39 22 61 18 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Pardubice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 28 38 28 66 18 3 2 6 8 0

Sumperk CzRep-2 8 6 4 10 0 .... .... .... .... ....Sumperk CzRep-Q 5 5 3 8 0 .... .... .... .... ....Pardubice CzRep 20 1 1 2 2 5 0 0 0 0

2002-03 Pardubice CzRep 49 7 9 16 12 17 2 6 8 8Pardubice Jr. CzRep-Jr. 4 5 4 9 25 .... .... .... .... ....Hr. Kralove CzRep-2 11 3 5 8 35 .... .... .... .... ....

2003-04 Pardubice CzRep 48 11 13 24 24 7 4 3 7 2Hr. Kralove CzRep-2 3 1 0 1 25 .... .... .... .... ....

2004-05 Pardubice CzRep 47 7 10 17 24 16 6 7 13 2

NY Rangers' 8th choice, 240th overall, in 2002 Entry Draft.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2002 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 1 0 1 22004 Czech Republic WC-A 7 3 1 4 62005 G Czech Republic WC-A 3 0 0 0 0

Czech Republic

177

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

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.

Family Connections… • Will call his father first if U.S. wins gold in Torino.

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First represented the United States at the 1992

World Junior Championship. Calls this moment “abig step in the right direction.”Won a bronzemedal in 1992.

• Played at 1995 World Championship and repre-sented 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.)

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second straight Olympics (2002).• Winning a silver medal at Salt Lake City is his greatest international hockey expe-

rience.• 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.• Other Olympic sport of interest is downhill skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and always have fun.”

Did you know that…• 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 pur-sue he dream of playing professional hockey inEurope.

• Larry Robinson is his favorite coach “because he ledthe team to my first Stanley Cup.”

• Most memorable hockey game played was a tripleovertime 1–0 loss to Dallas in the 2000 Stanley CupFinal. New Jersey won the Cup in double overtime thenext game.

• Held a charity autograph session with the Stanley Cupin 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 pleaseeveryone, but they are decisions that need to be made.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Alan Greenspan, President GeorgeBush, and Frank Sinatra.

• The Igloo in Pittsburgh is his favorite arena because “Ihave a tendency to play well there.” Other favoritesinclude:“The Sopranos” (TV show), the Lord of theRings trilogy (movies) and Led Zeppelin and DaveMatthews Band (musicians).

Career Accomplishments…• 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, fourthoverall, in Finland in 1998–99.

• Plus/minus rating of +21 was tied for first among NHLrookies in 1999–2000. Played in all 23 New Jersey play-off games. His 8 playoff points (2G, 6A) tied for secondall-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) in2000–01. Ranked eighth among NHL defensemen.Plus/minus rating of +36 was tied for 3rd overall. SetDevils playoff records for defensemen in goals (7),assists (11) and points (18). Was tops among NHLdefensemen in playoff goals, second to 2006 CanadianOlympian Rob Blake in points. Was seventh overall inplayoff scoring.

• Selected to play in 2002 All-Star Game but unable toplay due to knee injury. Led Devils defensemen inscoring (7-40-47) for second straight year in 2001–02.

• Again finished first among Devils defensemen in scor-ing (3-37-40) in 2002–03. Finished third amongdefensemen in playoff scoring (2-91-11) as Devils wonStanley Cup.

• His 30 assists and 36 points in just 69 games in2003–04 ranked second among Devils defensemenbehind Norris Trophy winner and 2006 CanadianOlympian Scott Niedermayer.

RAFALSKI, BRIAN(ra-FAWL-skee, BRIGH-uhn)

NEW JERSEY DEVILSDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’10”/178 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, DEARBORN, MI, SEPTEMBER 28, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 Madison USHL 47 12 11 23 28 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 U. of Wisconsin WCHA 34 3 14 17 34 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 U. of Wisconsin WCHA 32 0 13 13 10 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 U. of Wisconsin WCHA 37 6 17 23 26 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 U. of Wisconsin WCHA 43 11 34 45 48 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Brynas Sweden 40 4 14 18 26 9 0 1 1 21996-97 HPK Finland 49 11 24 35 26 10 6 5 11 41997-98 HIFK Finland 40 13 10 23 20 9 5 6 11 01998-99 HIFK Finland 53 19 34 53 18 11 5 *9 *14 4

HIFK EuroHL 6 4 6 10 10 4 1 0 1 299-2000◆ New Jersey NHL 75 5 27 32 28 23 2 6 8 82000-01 New Jersey NHL 78 9 43 52 26 25 7 11 18 72001-02 New Jersey NHL 76 7 40 47 18 6 3 2 5 42002-03◆ New Jersey NHL 79 3 37 40 14 23 2 9 11 82003-04 New Jersey NHL 69 6 30 36 24 5 0 1 1 02004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 377 30 177 207 110 82 14 29 43 27WCHA 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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2004)Signed as a free agent by New Jersey, June 18, 1999.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1992 B United States WJC-A 7 0 1 1 21993 United States WJC-A 7 0 2 2 21995 United States WC-A 5 0 0 0 21999 United States WC-Q 3 0 1 1 02002 S United States Olympics 6 1 2 3 22004 United States W-Cup 4 0 3 3 6

U.S.A.

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Lists his father as both his biggest influence in

hockey and his favorite coach.“He was my firstcoach.”

• Lists his mother as the person he admires most“because of her great attitude.”

• Will call his brother Bart first if Canada wins goldat Torino.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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 winninggold at World Junior Championship in 1995 and1996. 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 Championshipdespite seeing no action during 2004–05 season.

• Favorite international rule is the big ice.

Olympic Connections…• Attended Canada’s orientation camp for 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.• Other Olympic sport of interest is 100-meter dash in the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun and try hard.”

Did you know that…• He was selected second overall by the New York

Islanders in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, but was thentraded to Ottawa for #1 pick Bryan Berard.

• He has a suite at the Corel Centre for Children’sHospital.

• 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 engineeringlike his brother.

• Will Ferrell is his favorite actor.“Anchorman” is hisfavorite movie.“Seinfeld” is his favorite television show.

• If he could have dinner with any three people it wouldbe Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Muhammad Ali.

• Most memorable game he ever watched was Canada’svictory over Russia at the 1987 Canada Cup “becauseof Mario [Lemieux]’s famous goal to win.”

• He was named Best Defenseman at the 2005 WorldChampionship.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 asOttawa set club records for wins (48) and points (109).Was third in NHL in shifts per game (31.8). LedSenators in total ice time, ranked 13th in the NHL(25:17 per game).

• Ranked among NHL leaders in average time on ice pergame at 25:06 (19th) in 2001–02. Also among leadersin average shifts per game at 31.1 (tied for 9th) andplus-minus at +22 (tied for 22nd).

• Equalled his career high with 10 goals in 2002–03 asOttawa set new records for wins (52) and points (113)and won Presidents’ Trophy.

• Set new career high and tied 2006 Czech OlympianPavel Kubina of Tampa Bay for most goals by an NHLdefenseman with 17 in 2003–04. Career best 12 power-play goals tied Pittsburgh’s Dick Tarnstrom for NHLlead among defensemen. Average time on ice of 24:54was 13th among NHL defensemen. Plus/minus ratingof +21 was second among Senators defensemenbehind 2006 Slovak Olympian and Norris Trophy run-ner-up Zdeno Chara (+33). Finished tenth in voting forNorris Trophy as NHL’s best defenseman.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.

Favorite player was Mark Messier.• His first hockey team was the Hillmond Tom Thumbs.

His first hockey memory is scoring an overtime goalfor that team.

• Was childhood friends with Scott Hartnell of theNashville Predators.

REDDEN, WADE(REH-duhn, WAYD)

OTTAWA SENATORSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 205 LBS./93 KG

BORN, LLOYDMINSTER, SASK., JUNE 12, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1992-93 Lloydminster AJHL 34 4 11 15 64 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Brandon WHL 63 4 35 39 98 14 2 4 6 101994-95 Brandon WHL 64 14 46 60 83 18 5 10 15 81995-96 Brandon WHL 51 9 45 54 55 19 5 10 15 191996-97 Ottawa NHL 82 6 24 30 41 7 1 3 4 21997-98 Ottawa NHL 80 8 14 22 27 9 0 2 2 21998-99 Ottawa NHL 72 8 21 29 54 4 1 2 3 299-2000 Ottawa NHL 81 10 26 36 49 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Ottawa NHL 78 10 37 47 49 4 0 0 0 02001-02 Ottawa NHL 79 9 25 34 48 12 3 2 5 62002-03 Ottawa NHL 76 10 35 45 70 18 1 8 9 102003-04 Ottawa NHL 81 17 26 43 65 7 1 0 1 22004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 629 78 208 286 403 61 7 17 24 24NY 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 CupTournament All-Star Team (1996)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2002)Traded to Ottawa by NY Islanders with Damian Rhodes for Don Beaupre, Martin Straka and Bryan Berard, January 23, 1996.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 G Canada WJC-A 7 3 2 5 01996 G Canada WJC-A 6 0 2 2 21999 Canada WC-A 10 1 2 3 62001 Canada WC-A 7 0 3 3 252004 1st Canada W-Cup 2 0 1 1 02005 S Canada WC-A 9 2 3 5 2

Canada

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • His father is his biggest influence in hockey

because “he taught me how to skate and coachedme for a few years.”

• Will call either his parents, his brother or his sisterfirst if Canada wins gold at Torino.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• First time playing for his country was at a 1997

Three Nations Under-18 tournament involvingCanada, Slovakia and the Czech Republic playedin the Czech Republic.“Playing for your countrywas and still is a highlight every time.” Also playedfor Canada’s Team Western at the 1997 WorldUnder-17 Challenge.

• Won gold medal at 1997 Three Nations event, sil-ver at 1999 World Junior Championship.

• Winning the World Cup of Hockey in 2004 is his favorite international hockeymoment.

• Played at the 2005 World Championship despite seeing no action during2004–05 season.

• Favorite international rule is the shootout (which was introduced to the NHL thisseason)“because it’s for the fans.”

Olympic Connections…• Lists Canada’s gold medal victory at Salt Lake City in 2002 as the most memo-

rable 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “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!”

Did you know that…• On July 4, 1999, he suffered two broken legs in a car

accident. Recovered in time to begin season on a two-week conditioning stint with St. John of the AHL andmade 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 knowthings can change in an instant.”

• He works with a charity called P.A.R.T.Y. — Program toprevent 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 “BullDurham” or “Slapshot,” Jamie Foxx, and Nickelback andMetallica”.

• He wears #28 “because 24 was taken.” Favorite cartooncharacter is the Roadrunner.“I’d like to be that fast onthe ice.”

• The Air Canada Centre is his favorite arena “becauseToronto is a great hockey city.”

• Lists Marc Habscheid as his favorite coach “because hetaught me the most.” (Habscheid was his junior coachat Kamloops from 1997 to 1999.)

• Arnold Schwarzenegger is the person he admires most“because he has gone from a nobody bodybuilder tomovie star and Governor of California.” If he couldhave dinner with any three people, they would be withGeorge Bush, Bono of U2 and Nelson Mandela.

• Lists the seventh game of the 2004 Stanley Cup andthe final game of the 2004 World Cup of Hockey as themost memorable games he’s played in.

Career Accomplishments…• Reached WHL final with Kamloops Blazers in 1999.• His five goals in 1999–2000 led Flames rookies. Was

Flames nominee for Masterton Trophy (dedication tohockey), the youngest nominee in history.

• Finished fourth on team in penalty minutes (70), sec-ond in hits (171), first in blocked shots (104) and fifth inaverage 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) duringplayoffs as Flames reached seventh game of StanleyCup Final. Averaged 26:26 of ice time during the play-offs, nearly three minutes more per game than anyother 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

Canadiens. Favorite players were Larry Robinson and2006 U.S. Olympian Chris Chelios. He lists those two asthe players to pattern his game after.

REGEHR, ROBYN(reh-GEER, RAW-bihn)

CALGARY FLAMESDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 226 LBS./103 KG

BORN, RECIFE, BRAZIL, APRIL 19, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Prince Albert SMHL 59 8 24 32 157 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Kamloops WHL 64 4 19 23 96 5 0 1 1 181997-98 Kamloops WHL 65 4 10 14 120 5 0 3 3 81998-99 Kamloops WHL 54 12 20 32 130 12 1 4 5 2199-2000 Calgary NHL 57 5 7 12 46 .... .... .... .... ....

Saint John AHL 5 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Calgary NHL 71 1 3 4 70 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Calgary NHL 77 2 6 8 93 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Calgary NHL 76 0 12 12 87 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Calgary NHL 82 4 14 18 74 26 2 7 9 202004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 363 12 42 54 370 26 2 7 9 20Colorado'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 2000Entry Draft for Theoren Fleury and Chris Dingman, February 28, 1999.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 S Canada WJC-A 7 0 0 0 22000 Canada WC-A 6 0 0 0 22004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 0 0 0 62005 S Canada WC-A 9 0 0 0 4

Canada

180

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

When I was young…• First hockey team was the Northumberland

Squirts.• First hockey memory is of winning a squirt

tournament.• Favorite team growing up was the Chicago

Blackhawks.• Favorite player was 2006 Canadian Olympic team-

mate Joe Sakic of Colorado. He patterns his gameafter Sakic and wears #19 because it’s Sakic’snumber.

• Has been friends with Tampa Bay and CanadianOlympic teammate Vincent Lecavalier since theyplayed together at Notre Dame College.

Family Connections… • 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.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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 pass-

es. (The NHL adopted the “no red line” rule his season.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Just play and not worry about pro hockey. Stay in school.”

Did you know that…• 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’sWish Foundation, the Foundation for Autism in PrinceEdward Island and the Golf Tournament. He has pur-chased a suite at the St. Petes-Times Forum in order tobring children from the Pediatric Cancer Centre towatch games and other events.

• Most memorable hockey game played was gameseven of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final when Tampa Baybeat Calgary.

• Most memorable hockey games watched came duringthe 1987 Canada Cup.

• Favorite arenas are Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens andthe Air Canada Centre “because I always saw them onTV.”

• Other favorites include:“Friends” (TV show),“Braveheart” (movie), Will Ferrell (actor), and U2 (musi-cal group).

• Admires Tiger Woods “because of how he deals withwhat he does and still wins.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with golfers Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson, andJack Nicklaus.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 toMemorial Cup championship.

• Was only Lightning player to appear in all 82 games inrookie season of 2000–01. Led NHL rookies in goals(21), assists (41) and points (62), setting Tampa Bayrookie records. Led team in assists and points. Was run-ner-up to Evgeni Nabokov for Calder Trophy and wasnamed 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 Olympicbreak to tie for ninth in NHL in post-Olympic scoring.

• Tied Lightning franchise record with career-high 57assists in 2002–03. Led team in assists and shots (277).Shots total ranks second in franchise history to RomanHamrlik’s 281 in 1995–96.Tied for fourth in NHL inassists.

• In 2003–04, established career highs in goals (26),points (79), average time on ice, (20:25), game-winninggoals (6) and his plus/minus total of +14. Was tenth inNHL in scoring, sixth in assists. Led Lightning with 244shots. In playoffs, led all scorers with 26 points in 23games as Tampa Bay won Stanley Cup. Was tied forsecond behind Jarome Iginla with 12 goals and sec-ond behind Martin St. Louis with 14 assists (all are2006 Canadian Olympians). Scored the Cup-winninggoal and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

RICHARDS, BRAD(RIH-chahrds, BRAD)

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNINGCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 198 LBS./90 KG

BORN, MURRAY HARBOUR, P.E.I., MAY 2, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1996-97 Notre Dame SJHL 63 39 48 87 73 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Rimouski QMJHL 68 33 82 115 44 19 8 24 32 21998-99 Rimouski QMJHL 59 39 92 131 55 11 9 12 21 699-2000 Rimouski QMJHL 63 *71 *115 *186 69 12 13 *24 *37 162000-01 Tampa Bay NHL 82 21 41 62 14 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Tampa Bay NHL 82 20 42 62 13 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Tampa Bay NHL 80 17 57 74 24 11 0 5 5 122003-04◆ Tampa Bay NHL 82 26 53 79 12 23 12 14 *26 42004-05 Kazan Russia 6 2 5 7 16 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 326 84 193 277 63 34 12 19 31 16Tampa 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) • CanadianMajor 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 B Canada WJC-A 7 1 1 2 02001 Canada WC-A 7 3 3 6 02004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 1 3 4 0

Canada

181

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• 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 hadmore goals with 9.)

• The 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid were the mostmemorable hockey games he has ever watched.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is downhill skiing

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun and work hard!”

Did you know that…• He lists the fourth game of the 1995 Stanley Cup Final,

when New Jersey swept Detroit, as the most memo-rable game he has played.

• His superstitions include following a set pregame ritual.

• Enjoys playing golf in his free time. Is also an avid gui-tar and drum player.

• Favorite TV show is “The Office.” Favorite band is VelvetRevolver.

Career Accomplishments…• Played two seasons of college hockey at Lake Superior

State University, playing in NCAA championship eachseason and winning the title in 1991–92. He scored thegame-winning goal in championship game.

• Made his NHL debut with New Jersey vs. Pittsburgh onFebruary 5, 1995.

• Scored a hat trick, with all 3 goals coming in third peri-od, vs. Tampa Bay on November16, 1996.

• Tied Scott Pellerin and 2006 Canadian Olympian JoeSakic for NHL lead with 5 shorthanded goals in1998–99.

• Established career high for assists (39) with Boston in2000–01. Tied for second in NHL with 4 shorthandedassists.

• Established career highs in goals (31) and points (62) in2001–02. Set a Bruins record and led the NHL with nineshorthanded goals.

• Led league in shorthanded points (5-2-7) in 2002–03and 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 yearold and scoring his first goal.

• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• Mark Messier was his favorite player.• First job as a child was mowing lawns in the neighbor-

hood.

Family Connections… • 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.

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• 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. Finishedhis World Junior career as Team USA’s all-time leader inWorld Junior games played (22), tied for third in goals(10) and tied for second in scoring (20). Won BobJohnson Award from USA Hockey in 1992–93 for excel-lence in international competition.

• Played most of the 1993–94 season with U.S. nationalteam.

• Scored game-winning goal in bronze medal game at1996 World Championship. Also saw some action withU.S. team that won World Cup of Hockey in 1996.

• Played at World Cup of Hockey again in 2004.

ROLSTON, BRIAN(ROHL-stuhn, BRIGH-uhn)

MINNESOTA WILDCENTER/RIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 210 LBS./95 KG

BORN, FLINT, MI, FEBRUARY 21, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1989-90 Det. Compuware NAHL 40 36 37 73 57 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Det. Compuware NAHL 36 49 46 95 14 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Lake Superior CCHA 37 14 23 37 14 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Lake Superior CCHA 39 33 31 64 20 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 United States Nat-Tm 41 20 28 48 36 .... .... .... .... ....

Albany AHL 17 5 5 10 8 5 1 2 3 01994-95 Albany AHL 18 9 11 20 10 .... .... .... .... ....

◆ New Jersey NHL 40 7 11 18 17 6 2 1 3 41995-96 New Jersey NHL 58 13 11 24 8 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 New Jersey NHL 81 18 27 45 20 10 4 1 5 61997-98 New Jersey NHL 76 16 14 30 16 6 1 0 1 21998-99 New Jersey NHL 82 24 33 57 14 7 1 0 1 299-2000 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 02002-03 Boston NHL 81 27 32 59 32 5 0 2 2 02003-04 Boston NHL 82 19 29 48 40 7 1 0 1 82004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 736 190 242 432 223 47 13 5 18 22New 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-AmericanTeam (1993)Traded to Colorado by New Jersey with New Jersey's 1st round choice (later traded to Boston – Boston selected MartinSamuelsson) in 2000 Entry Draft for Claude Lemieux and Colorado's 1st (David Hale) and 2nd (Matt DeMarchi) round choices in2000 Entry Draft, November 3, 1999.Traded to Boston by Colorado with Martin Grenier, Samuel Pahlsson and New Jersey's 1stround choice (previously acquired, Boston selected Martin Samuelsson) in 2000 Entry Draft for Raymond Bourque and DaveAndreychuk, March 6, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Minnesota, July 8, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 United States WJC-A 8 1 5 6 01992 B United States WJC-A 7 3 3 6 21993 United States WJC-A 7 6 2 8 21994 United States Olympics 8 7 0 7 81996 B United States WC-A 8 3 4 7 41996 1st United States W-Cup 1 0 0 0 02002 S United States Olympics 6 0 3 3 02004 United States W-Cup 2 0 0 0 0

U.S.A.

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

his most memorable international experiences.• Scored 10 points and named an All-Star at the

1999 World Championship.• Tied for third in tournament scoring (5-4-9) at the

2004 World Championship.• Was third on the team in scoring (2-4-6) behind

fellow 2006 Czech Olympians Jaromir Jagr andVaclav Prospal at the 2005 World Championship.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout.(The NHL adopted the shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• 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

Republic’s 1998 gold medal team along with Dominik Hasek, Milan Hejduk,Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, Jaroslav Spacek and Martin Straka.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and track & field.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Go for it.”

Did you know that…• 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 Czechcoach Ivan Hlinka as his favorite coaches. Lists Hlinka“as a player and a coach” as the person he mostadmires.

• Patterns his game after former Swedish NHL scoringstar Kent Nilsson.

• Lists the three-game 1987 Canada Cup Final betweenCanada and Russia as the most memorable hockeygames he has watched.“Best hockey games I haveever 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 bewith Lance Armstrong.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 NHLhat trick for Montreal vs. Florida on Jan. 25, 1996.Established career highs in goals (29) assists (46) andpoints (75) in 1995–96 but missed playoffs due to ashoulder injury.

• Led Canadiens with 17 goals in 1998–99 and with 49points (25G, 24A) in 1999–2000. Played in 2000 NHLAll-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 short-handed goals for St. Louis in 2002–03.

• Led Litvinov, ranked 12th in the Czech league, in scor-ing (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.• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Czech

Olympian Robert Lang of Detroit and Boston’s Jiri Slegr.

Family Connections… • 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.

Playing for Czech Republic…• Played for Czechoslovakia at the 1991 World Junior

Championship. Finished fourth in scoring (9-5-14)behind 2006 U.S. Olympian Doug Weight, three-timeformer Canadian Olympian Eric Lindros and 2006Russian Olympic general maanger Pavel Bure. Wasnamed to tournament All-Star Team.

• Lists gold medal victories at the World Championshipin 1999, 2001 and 2005, as well at Nagano in 1998, as

RUCINSKY, MARTIN(roo-CHIHN-skee, MAHR-tihn)

NEW YORK RANGERSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 205 LBS./93 KG

BORN, MOST, CZECH., MARCH 11, 1971.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1988-89 Litvinov Czech 3 1 0 1 2 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Litvinov Czech 39 12 6 18 .... 8 5 3 8 ....1990-91 Litvinov Czech 56 24 20 44 69 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 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 41993-94 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 41997-98 Montreal NHL 78 21 32 53 84 10 3 0 3 41998-99 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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2000)Traded to Quebec by Edmonton for Ron Tugnutt and Brad Zavisha, March 10, 1992.Transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchiserelocated, June 21, 1995.Traded to Montreal by Colorado with Andrei Kovalenko and Jocelyn Thibault for Patrick Roy and MikeKeane, 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 asa free agent by St. Louis, October 30, 2002. Signed as a free agent by NY Rangers, August 28, 2003.Traded to Vancouver by NYRangers for R.J. Umberger and Martin Grenier, March 9, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Litvinov (CzRep), August 20, 2004. Signedas a free agent by NY Rangers, August 3, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 B Czechoslovakia WJC-A 7 9 5 14 21991 Czechoslovakia Can-Cup 4 0 2 2 41994 Czech Republic WC-A 6 2 2 4 81996 Czech Republic W-Cup 3 0 0 0 21998 G Czech Republic Olympics 6 3 1 4 41999 G Czech Republic WC-A 12 4 6 10 162001 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 2 4 6 302002 Czech Republic Olympics 4 0 3 3 22004 Czech Republic WC-A 7 4 5 9 62004 Czech Republic W-Cup 4 1 1 2 102005 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 2 4 6 22

Czech Republic

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• First represented Finland at Father David Bauer

tournament featuring Canada, Finland and Russiain Barrie, Ontario in 1996.“I felt that I was repre-senting my country and I was really proud of it.”

• Played with Finnish national team at 1997 Izvestiatournament in Moscow.

• Won silver medal at 1998 and 2001 WorldChampionships. Also played at tournament in 2004and 2005.

• Played in 2004 World Cup of Hockey, where Finnswon European pool and reached finals againstTeam Canada.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second straight Olympic

Games (2002.) Lists playing at Salt Lake City and at the 2004 World Cup ofHockey as his most memorable international hockey moments.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are “everything!”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun and always give everything you’ve got!”

Did you know that…• He left Finland to attend Michigan Tech University in

1995–96.• Has been compared to Esa Tikkanen, but “I didn’t pat-

tern my game after anyone.”• Wears #37 because “it was given to me at my first train-

ing camp.”• Lists his hobbies as music, motorcycling and bobsled.• Favorite movies are “Heat” and “Old School.” Lists his

favorite actor as Dustin Diamond. Favorite cartooncharacter is Bart Simpson. Favorite TV show is “OrangeCounty Choppers” about customizing motorcycles.Favorite bands are Metallica and Megadeath.

• If he could have dinner with any three people it wouldbe with Paul Sr. from “Orange County Choppers,” ChrisRock and Jesse James.

• He likes playing in Vancouver’s G.M. Place because ofthe “great fans.”

• Nicknames are Rudi and Ruuts.

Career Accomplishments…• 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. Phoenixon Jan 24, 2001.

• Played in just 36 games in 2002–03, but played in 13 ofVancouver’s 14 playoff games.

• Established new career highs with 71 games played, 6goals, 8 assists, 14 points, 133 penalty minutes in2003–04. 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 forceme since.”

• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.Favorite players were Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri.

Family Connections… • Brother of fellow 2006 Finnish Olympian Tuomo Ruutu

of the Chicago Blackhawks. Another brother, Mikko,was drafted 201st overall by the Ottawa Senators in1999.

• Lists his parents as the people he admires most. Willcall his parents and his brother first if Finland winsgold at Torino.

RUUTU, JARKKO(ROO-too, YAHR-koh)

VANCOUVER CANUCKSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 195 LBS./88 KG

BORN, VANTAA, FINLAND, AUGUST 23, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 HIFK Jr. Finland-Jr. 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 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 101998-99 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 82000-01 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 02002-03 Vancouver NHL 36 2 2 4 66 13 0 2 2 142003-04 Vancouver NHL 71 6 8 14 133 6 1 0 1 102004-05 HIFK Finland 50 10 18 28 *215 3 0 0 0 41

NHL Totals 185 13 21 34 311 24 1 3 4 32Vancouver'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1998 S Finland WC-A 10 1 0 1 162001 S Finland WC-A 9 1 0 1 102002 Finland Olympics 4 0 0 0 42004 Finland WC-A 6 0 0 0 202004 2nd Finland W-Cup 4 0 0 0 62005 Finland WC-A 7 1 0 1 4

Finland

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

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.• Favorite team growing up was the Montreal

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.

Family Connections… • Biggest influence on his career was his father

because “he always supported me and workedextra hours to help pay for it and now we havethe same work ethic.”

• The person he admires most is his wife, who has to take care of their two kidswhen he’s not around.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “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.”

Did you know that…• He spent two summers working in a Quebec lumber-

yard.• 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 over-time winner to give the Lightning a chance at LordStanley. They won the Cup in game seven.

• Most memorable hockey game watched was CanadaCup 1987 Canada vs. Russia to see Mario Lemieux andWayne 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 (musicalgroup).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Bono from U2, Robert DeNiro and TigerWoods.

Career Accomplishments…• Played four years at University of Vermont from 1993

to 1997 and led club in scoring every year. Is Vermont’sall-time leader in assists and points, ranks third ingoals. Was only 4 points shy of ECAC record for mostcareer points. Was finalist for Hobey Baker Award astop NCAA player in 1995, 1996 and 1997.

• Made NHL debut with Calgary on Oct. 9, 1998 vs. SanJose 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 forTampa Bay in 2000–01. Tied for Lightning lead with 4game-winning goals.

• Missed 26 games with broken leg in 2001–02, butreturned to play all 82 games in breakout season of2002–03. Tied fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian VincentLecavalier for team lead in goals (33). Led team inplus/minus (+10). Played in first NHL All-Star Game.Won puck control competition and was second infastest skater competition during SuperSkills event atAll-Star Weekend. Led Lightning with 12 points (7G, 5A)in 11 playoff games. Scored third consecutive game-winning goal in triple overtime vs. Washington on Apr.20 to give Tampa first playoff series win in franchisehistory.

• Won Art Ross Trophy as NHL scoring leader (38-56-94)in 2003–04. Also won Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, finishedthird in voting for Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship)and fourth in voting for Selke Trophy (best defensiveforward). Shared Bud Light Award with 2006 CzechOlympian Marek Malik of Vancouver, leading NHL inplus/minus at +35. Tied 2006 U.S. Olympian ScottGomez 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 tofellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Brad Richards with 24points as Tampa Bay won Stanley Cup.

ST. LOUIS, MARTIN(sehn-loo-EE, mahr-TEHN)

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNINGRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’9”/175 CM 185 LBS./84 KG

BORN, LAVAL, QUE., JUNE 18, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Laurentides QAAA 42 29 *74 *103 38 12 7 15 22 161992-93 Hawkesbury CJHL 31 37 50 87 70 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 U. of Vermont ECAC 33 15 36 51 24 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 U. of Vermont ECAC 35 23 48 71 36 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 U. of Vermont ECAC 35 29 56 85 38 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 U. of Vermont ECAC 36 24 *36 60 65 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Cleveland IHL 56 16 34 50 24 .... .... .... .... ....

Saint John AHL 25 15 11 26 20 20 5 15 20 161998-99 Calgary NHL 13 1 1 2 10 .... .... .... .... ....

Saint John AHL 53 28 34 62 30 7 4 4 8 299-2000 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 02003-04◆ Tampa Bay NHL 82 38 *56 *94 24 23 9 *15 24 142004-05 Lausanne Swiss 23 9 16 25 16 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 364 109 150 259 120 34 16 20 36 14ECAC 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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2003, 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 byLausanne (Swiss), November 4, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 2 2 4 0

Canada

185

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as being the most influential

people in his career for supporting him and driv-ing him to the rink.

• His father was born in Croatia during World War Iand later emigrated to Canada.

• His sister Rosemarie was Canadian Junior figureskating champion in 1984.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• Led Canada’s Team Pacific to bronze medal at the

1986 Quebec Cup (forerunner of the WorldUnder-17 Challenge).

• Played one game for the Canadian national teamin 1986–87.

• Won gold with Team Canada at the 1988 WorldJunior Championship.

• 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.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Did you know that…• He won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in his 13th sea-

son in 2001–02. No other NHLer had played so manyseasons before winning this honor for the first time.

• Joined Mark Messier, Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Clarkeas the only players to captain their club to a StanleyCup championship and capture the Hart Trophy in thesame season.

• Recorded career goal #500 Dec. 11, 2002, becomingthe 13th player in NHL history to record his first 500goals with one franchise.

• He and his wife are active with the Food Bank of theRockies 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.”

Career Accomplishments…• 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 inQuebec/Colorado since 1992.

• Finished fourth in NHL in scoring (19-43-62 in 47games) in 1994-95.

• Led all playoff scorers with 34 points (18-16-34) to cap-ture Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) whenColorado won Stanley Cup in 1996. Scored game-win-ning goal in six of Colorado’s 16 playoff wins. Had setpersonal high in goals (51), assists (69), and points(120) during the 1995–96 season. Finished third in NHLin points behind Mario Lemieux and 2006 CzechOlympian 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) andpoints (118) and won Presidents’ Trophy. Runner-up toJaromir 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 torecord 1,000 games with one franchise.Tied for second in NHL scoring (33-54-87) in 2003–04with 2006 Russian Olympian Ilya Kovalchuk of Atlanta,trailing fellow 2006 Canadian Martin St. Louis of TampaBay. Was fourth in assists. Tied with St. Louis for mostmulti-point games (26). Selected to his 12th NHL All-Star Game and was named MVP, posting his first careerAll-Star hat trick. Scored two playoff overtime goals totie Maurice Richard’s record of six career OT goals. Ledall playoff scorers in goals and points as Colorado wonthe 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.

SAKIC, JOE(SAK-ihk, JOH)

COLORADO AVALANCHECENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 195 LBS./88 KG

BORN, BURNABY, B.C., JULY 7, 1969.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1985-86 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 01987-88 Swift Current WHL 64 *78 82 *160 64 10 11 13 24 121988-89 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 21993-94 Quebec NHL 84 28 64 92 18 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Quebec NHL 47 19 43 62 30 6 4 1 5 01995-96◆ Colorado NHL 82 51 69 120 44 22 *18 16 *34 141996-97 Colorado NHL 65 22 52 74 34 17 8 *17 25 141997-98 Colorado NHL 64 27 36 63 50 6 2 3 5 61998-99 Colorado NHL 73 41 55 96 29 19 6 13 19 899-2000 Colorado NHL 60 28 53 81 28 17 2 7 9 82000-01◆ Colorado NHL 82 54 64 118 30 21 *13 13 *26 62001-02 Colorado NHL 82 26 53 79 18 21 9 10 19 42002-03 Colorado NHL 58 26 32 58 24 7 6 3 9 22003-04 Colorado NHL 81 33 54 87 42 11 7 5 12 82004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 1155 542 860 1402 482 153 78 91 169 72Quebec'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 FirstAll-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 ByngTrophy (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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1988 G Canada WJC-A 7 3 1 4 21994 G Canada WC-A 8 4 3 7 01996 2nd Canada W-Cup 8 2 2 4 61998 Canada Olympics 4 1 2 3 42002 G Canada Olympics 6 4 3 7 02004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 4 2 6 2

Canada

186

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• First international experience with a Finnish team

came at the Izvestia Cup in Moscow in 1996.“Itmeant a lot, looking at all the great players whohave worn the Finnish national team jersey.”

• Won silver medal at 2001 World Championship,his first major international tournament. Lists thisas his favorite international hockey moment. Hewas the second-highest scoring defenseman onthe 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 Finnswon European pool and reached finals againstTeam Canada.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice.“Itgives you a lot more time with the puck.”

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second straight Olympic Games.• Lists playing at the 2002 Olympics (and his first NHL game) as the most memo-

rable games he has played.• Other Olympic sports of interest are ski jumping and downhill skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Play all the possible sports you can, it will benefit your hockey game.”

Did you know that…• 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 persistentwith 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 hock-ey 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.” Favoriteactor is Will Ferrell.

Career Accomplishments…• Played his first full season in Finnish elite league with

TPS Turku in 1995–96. Team finished second behindJokerit Helsinki in both regular season and playoffs in1995–96 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 2002-03and set new career highs in goals (9), assists (21) andpoints (30).

• Averaged career-best 22:14 of ice-time in 2003–04,third on Canucks behind 2006 Swedish OlympianMattias 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 jun-ior and elite levels). Lists making the TPS pro team ashis first great hockey memory.

• Favorite player was Jari Kurri.• Was childhood friends with Atlanta goalie Jani Hurme.

(They have played together on numerous teams, andnumerous levels — including Ottawa in the NHL —over the years.)

Family Connections… • Will call his wife first if Finland wins gold at Torino.

SALO, SAMI(SA-loh, SA-mee)

VANCOUVER CANUCKSDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’3”/191 CM 215 LBS./98 KG

BORN, TURKU, FINLAND, SEPTEMBER 2, 1974.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Kiekko-67 Jr. Finland-Jr. 23 4 5 9 26 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Kiekko-67 Jr. Finland-Jr. 21 9 4 13 4 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 TPS Jr. Finland-Jr. 36 7 13 20 16 7 0 1 1 101994-95 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 81996-97 TPS Finland 48 9 6 15 10 10 2 3 5 4

TPS EuroHL 6 0 2 2 6 2 0 0 0 21997-98 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 02000-01 Ottawa NHL 31 2 16 18 10 4 0 0 0 02001-02 Ottawa NHL 66 4 14 18 14 12 2 1 3 42002-03 Vancouver NHL 79 9 21 30 10 12 1 3 4 02003-04 Vancouver NHL 74 7 19 26 22 7 1 2 3 22004-05 Frolunda Sweden 41 6 8 14 18 14 1 6 7 2

NHL Totals 348 35 90 125 82 45 5 7 12 6Ottawa's 7th choice, 239th overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.NHL All-Rookie Team (1999)• 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 toVancouver by Ottawa for Peter Schaefer, September 21, 2002. Signed as a free agent by Frolunda (Sweden), September 24, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2001 S Finland WC-A 9 3 6 9 62002 Finland Olympics 4 0 0 0 02004 Finland WC-A 7 0 3 3 02004 2nd Finland W-Cup 6 0 1 1 2

Finland

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Has a brother who plays professional floorball in

Norway.• Lists his father as having had the greatest influ-

ence on his career.• Will call his father first if Sweden wins gold at

Torino.

Playing for Sweden…• First played for Sweden at the 2005 ROSNO Cup

tournament in Russia, and names the experienceas his greatest international hockey memory.

• Represented Sweden at the 2005 WorldChampionship and finished among the team lead-ers in assist (4) and plus/minus (+5).

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun!”

Did you know that…• His most memorable hockey game played was during

a Swedish elite league game when he scored a goalwith just one second left on the clock.

• Lists former NHLer Nick Fotiu as his favorite coach.Fotiu was an assistant coach when he played withKentucky (AHL) in 2000–01.

• Hobbies are golf and tennis.• His favorite arena is Madison Square Garden in New

York.• Other favorites include “Friends” (TV show),“Vertical

Limit” (movie), Eddie Murphy (actor) and BruceSpringsteen (music).

• Bono of U2 is the person he admires most “because ofhis humanitarian efforts in Africa.”

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Muhammad Ali, George W. Bush andWinston Churchill.

Career Accomplishments…• Played parts of three seasons in the Swedish elite

league before spending the entire season with Brynasin 1999–2000.

• Spent most of his first North American season withKentucky (AHL) in 2000–01. Finished seventh in theleague in scoring (32-46-78). Made his NHL debut withSan Jose on Jan. 3. 2001 vs. Calgary.

• Played in an NHL-high 67 games for the NY Rangers in2001–02.

• Established NHL highs in goals (10), assists (14) andpoints (22) with the Rangers and Pittsburgh in2002–03.

• Scored goals in four straight games for Detroit tobegin the 2005–06 season. Surpassed his previouscareer high with 2 goals vs. Colorado on Nov. 23, 2005to 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.

SAMUELSSON, MIKAEL(SAM-yuhl-suhn, MIH-kigh-ehl)

DETROIT RED WINGSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 211 LBS./96 KG

BORN, MARIEFRED, SWEDEN, DECEMBER 23, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1994-95 Sodertalje Jr. Swe-Jr. 30 8 6 14 12 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Sodertalje Jr. Swe-Jr. 22 13 12 25 20 .... .... .... .... ....

Sodertalje Sweden-2 18 5 1 6 0 4 0 0 0 01996-97 Sodertalje Jr. Swe-Jr. 2 2 1 3 .... .... .... .... .... ....

Sodertalje Sweden 29 3 2 5 10 10 0 0 0 41997-98 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 02001-02 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 24NHL 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 toPittsburgh 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 fromjaw (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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2004 S Sweden WC-A 9 1 4 5 4

Sweden

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Led tournament in assists (8) and points (13)when Slovaks won gold at the 2002 WorldChampionship. Lists the gold medal game as themost memorable game he has played.

• As team captain, was eighth in tournament scor-ing (6-4-10) when Slovaks won bronze at 2003World Championships.

• Tied fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian Pavol Demitrafor team lead, and tied for fourth in tournament,in scoring (4-4-8) at the 2004 WorldChampionship as Slovakia lost bronze medalgame to U.S.

• Favorite international rule is the big ice surface.

Olympic Connections…• 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). Hadtwo hat-tricks — in 10–4 win vs. Italy and 6–2 win vs. France.

• He likes all other Olympic sports.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Practice more than your competition.”

Did you know that…• 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 whenCzechoslovakia won gold.

• Favorite actor is Jim Carrey. Favorite musician is Phil Collins.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 vot-ing for Calder Trophy for rookie of the year.

• Finished tied for seventh in NHL with career-high 40goals and was fifth in shooting percentage (19.2) in1998–99. Led Sabres in scoring with 66 points andshared Memorial Trophy (MVP award as voted byteammates) with 2006 Czech Olympian DominikHasek.

• With 33 goals in 1999–2000 became first Sabres playersince Alexander Mogilny (1992–93 and 1993–94) withback-to-back 30-goal seasons.

• Led team in goals (29), assists (33) and points (62) in2000–01.

• Led team in goals (37), assists (36), points (73), power-play goals (15), shorthanded goals (5) and tied for theteam lead with 5 game-winning goals in 2001–02.

• Led Sabres in goals (26), assists (49), points (75) andpower-play goals (11) in 2002-03. Assist and pointtotals were new career highs. Was 23rd in NHL scoring.

• Led Sabres in goals (29) and game-winning goals (5) in2003–04. Along with 2006 Russian Olympian IlyaKovalchuk and 2006 Canadian Olympian Martin St.Louis, was one of only three players to score two hattricks, including career-best 4-goal game vs. Atlanta onFeb. 16, 2004. Only 2006 Swedish Olympians MarkusNaslund and Daniel Sedin also had 4-goal games thatseason.

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.• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Slovak

Olympian Lubomir Visnovsky.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents and junior coach Jozef Nemec as hav-

ing had the biggest influence on his career.

Playing for Slovakia…• 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 toqualifying for Pool-A,

• Led tournament in goals (10) and points (12) whenSlovaks won silver medal at 2000 WorldChampionship.

SATAN, MIROSLAV(SHA-tuhn, MEER-oh-slav)

NEW YORK ISLANDERSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, TOPOLCANY, CZECH., OCTOBER 22, 1974.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 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 01997-98 Buffalo NHL 79 22 24 46 34 14 5 4 9 41998-99 Buffalo NHL 81 40 26 66 44 12 3 5 8 299-2000 Trencin Slovakia 3 2 8 10 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Buffalo NHL 81 33 34 67 32 5 3 2 5 02000-01 Buffalo NHL 82 29 33 62 36 13 3 10 13 82001-02 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 14Edmonton'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 WC-A (2000)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2000, 2003)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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 G Slovakia WJC-C 4 6 7 13 4

Slovakia Olympics 8 *9 0 9 0G Slovakia WC-C1 6 7 1 8 18

1995 G Slovakia WC-B 7 7 6 13 41996 Slovakia WC-A 5 0 3 3 61996 Slovakia W-Cup 3 0 0 0 22000 S Slovakia WC-A 9 *10 2 *12 142002 Slovakia Olympics 2 0 1 1 0

G Slovakia WC-A 9 5 *8 *13 22003 B Slovakia WC-A 9 6 4 10 22004 Slovakia WC-A 9 4 4 8 42004 Slovakia W-Cup 4 0 0 0 42005 Slovakia WC-A 7 2 2 4 8

Slovakia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• His been friends with fellow 2006 U.S. OlympianCraig Conroy of the L.A. Kings since childhood.

Family Connections… • Says his father has been the most influential per-

son on his career because “he coached me when Iwas young and had a hand in every decision.”

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First put on the Team USA jersey at the 1988

World Junior Championship when he was 18 andsays “it was a great honor.”

• Lists his greatest international experience as win-ning the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

• Was named to the original U.S. roster for the 2004World 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-linepasses. (The NHL adopted the “no red line” rule this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second Olympic Games (1998).• Other Olympic sport of interest is men’s downhill skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun and love what you do!”

Did you know that…• 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 MontrealCanadiens beat the Los Angeles Kings.

• The most memorable game he has watched was dur-ing the 1987 Canada Cup “when Mario Lemieux scoreda big goal against the Russians.”

• He patterned his game after fellow 2006 U.S. Olympianand current Detroit Red Wings teammate Chris Cheliosbecause “I liked his toughness and skill.”

• The person he admires most is his best friendJonathan J. MacDonald because he is a Navy Seal.

• Favorite arena is the old Chicago Stadium because “itwas where I played in the most exciting regular-seasongame of my career.”

• Other favorites include:“Law & Order” (TV show),“TheGodfather” (movie), Robert Redford (actor) and theCounting Crows (band).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with George Bush, Harrison Ford and GaryBettman.

• He says the first person he will call if the U.S. wins goldin Torino is President Bush.

Career Accomplishments…• Leading scorer among Canadiens defensemen in

1990–91 (10-20-30). Led all Montreal defensemen ingoals (8) in 1991–92.

• Injuries kept him out of most of first two rounds of the1993 postseason, but returned to help Canadiens winStanley 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 theIslanders and Toronto in 1995–96 established careerhighs.

• Led all Leafs defensemen in scoring (11-26-37) in1997–98.

• Led Rangers defensemen in goals (10) and points (30)in 1999–2000.

• Tied for fourth among NHL defenseman with 16 goalsfor Los Angeles in 2000–01. Was ninth in points with51. Was 17th in the NHL with 137 blocked shots. Ledthe Kings in ice time per game (23:04).

• His first point as a Red Wing came in his Detroit debuton Mar. 12. 2003 (was also his 500th career NHL point).

• Led his team in defenseman scoring for the eighthtime in his career in 2003–04, topping Red Wings blue-liners in goals (14), assists (32) and points (56). Wasninth in the NHL in defenseman scoring. Plus/minus of+22 was best of his career and seventh among NHLdefensemen.

When I was young…• First hockey team played for was with the Garden

State Hockey School.• Favorite team growing up was the Montreal

Canadiens.• Favorite player was Canadiens superstar Guy Lafleur.

SCHNEIDER, MATHIEU(SHNIGH-duhr, MA-thew)

DETROIT RED WINGSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’10”/178 CM 192 LBS./87 KG

BORN, NEW YORK, NY, JUNE 12, 1969.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1985-86 Mount St. Charles High-RI 19 3 27 30 .... .... .... .... .... ....1986-87 Cornwall OHL 63 7 29 36 75 5 0 0 0 221987-88 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 301989-90 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 181991-92 Montreal NHL 78 8 24 32 72 10 1 4 5 61992-93◆ Montreal NHL 60 13 31 44 91 11 1 2 3 161993-94 Montreal NHL 75 20 32 52 62 1 0 0 0 01994-95 Montreal NHL 30 5 15 20 49 .... .... .... .... ....

NY Islanders NHL 13 3 6 9 30 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 NY Islanders NHL 65 11 36 47 93 .... .... .... .... ....

Toronto NHL 13 2 5 7 10 6 0 4 4 81996-97 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 102001-02 Los Angeles NHL 55 7 23 30 68 7 0 1 1 182002-03 Los Angeles NHL 65 14 29 43 57 .... .... .... .... ....

Detroit NHL 13 2 5 7 16 4 0 0 0 62003-04 Detroit NHL 78 14 32 46 56 12 1 2 3 82004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 992 168 384 552 963 86 6 32 38 121Montreal's 4th choice, 44th overall, in 1987 Entry Draft.OHL First All-Star Team (1988, 1989)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1996, 2003)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 andToronto's 1st round choice (Roberto Luongo) in 1997 Entry Draft, March 13, 1996. • Missed majority of 1996-97 season recoveringfrom groin injury suffered in game vs. St. Louis, December 27, 1996. Rights traded to NY Rangers by Toronto for AlexanderKarpovtsev and NY Rangers' 4th round choice (Mirko Murovic) in 1999 Entry Draft, October 14, 1998. Claimed by Columbus fromNY Rangers in Expansion Draft, June 23, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Los Angeles, August 14, 2000.Traded to Detroit by LosAngeles for Sean Avery, Maxim Kuznetsov, Detroit's 1st round choice (Jeff Tambellini) in 2003 Entry Draft and Detroit's 2nd roundchoice (later traded to Boston – Boston selected Martins Karsums) in 2004 Entry Draft, March 11, 2003.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1988 United States WJC-A 7 0 2 2 161996 1st United States W-Cup 7 2 0 2 81998 United States Olympics 4 0 0 0 62004 United States W-Cup DID NOT PLAY – INJURED

U.S.A.

190

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Played at World Junior Championship (Div. 1) in2001 and 2002. Won silver in 2001, gold (andGerman promotion) in 2002. Tied fellow 2006German Olympian Marcel Goc for team lead with 4 goals at 2002 tournament.

• Also played at World Championship in 2001 and 2002.

• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.• Led the German team with 4 assists at the 2005

World Championship. Tied fellow 2006 GermanOlympians Jochen Hecht and Jan Benda for teamlead with 4 points.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second straight Olympic

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.• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Always work hard. Never give up. Believe in yourself.”

Did you know that…• He made his NHL debut in Ottawa’s 8–0 win over

Toronto on Oct. 29, 2005. Scored his first goal against2006 Swiss Olympian Martin Gerber of Carolina onNov. 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 couldhave dinner with any three people it would be withJesus, Bob Geldof and Lance Armstrong.

Career Accomplishments…• Was voted rookie of the year in German elite league in

2000–01. Was partnered on defense with former NYIslanders defenseman Chris Luongo.

• Munchen Barons finished first in regular-season stand-ings in 2001–02.

• Attended Senators rookie camp prior to 2002–03 sea-son and was invited to attend main camp.

• Attended Senators rookie camp and invited to maincamp again in 2003–04. Played exhibition gameagainst Montreal Canadiens before being assigned toBinghamton (AHL), where he spent his second straightseason.

• Recorded pro career highs with 10 goals, 22 assists and32 points with Binghamton in 2004–05. Tied 2006Russian Olympian Anton Volchenkov for second onteam in plus/minus (+24) behind 2006 CanadianOlympian Jason Spezza.

When I was young…• First played hockey for Hedos Munchen.• Favorite team growing up was the Detroit Red Wings.• Favorite player growing up was 2006 Swedish

Olympian Nicklas Lidstrom. He patterns his game afterLidstrom.

• He and fellow 2006 German Olympian ChristianEhrhoff of San Jose are friends from childhood.

Family Connections… • His father has had the most influence on his career.• Will call his parents first if Germany wins gold at

Torino.

Playing for Germany…• Felt “enormous pride” the first time he represented his

country.• Played at the World Junior Under-18 Championship in

2000.

SCHUBERT, CHRISTOPH(SHOO-buhrt, KRIHS-tawf)

OTTAWA SENATORSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 210 LBS./95 KG

BORN, MUNICH, WEST GERMANY, FEBRUARY 5, 1982.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1998-99 Landshut Jr. Ger-Jr. 28 15 20 35 77 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Landshut Jr. Ger-Jr. 11 14 11 25 51 .... .... .... .... ....

Landshut German-3 55 7 5 12 68 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Munchen Bar. Germany 55 6 3 9 80 10 0 2 2 272001-02 Munchen Bar. Germany 50 5 11 16 125 9 3 4 7 322002-03 Binghamton AHL 70 2 8 10 102 8 0 1 1 22003-04 Binghamton AHL 70 2 10 12 69 1 0 0 0 02004-05 Binghamton AHL 76 10 22 32 110 6 2 2 4 20

Ottawa's 5th choice, 127th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 Germany WJ18-A 6 2 2 4 122001 S Germany WJC-B 5 1 1 2 10

Germany WC-A 1 0 0 0 02002 G Germany WJC-B 4 4 1 5 8

Germany Olympics 7 0 1 1 6Germany WC-A 7 1 0 1 8

2004 Germany W-Cup 2 0 0 0 62005 Germany WC-A 3 0 4 4 6

Germany

191

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Sweden…• 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-17Challenge.

• Won silver medal at 1997 European JuniorChampionship. Won gold at 1998 EJC. Tied DenisShvidki for tournament scoring lead (3-8-11).

• Played at World Junior Championships in 1998,1999 and 2000. Finished third in tournament scor-ing (6-4-10) in 2000, but calls the 1999 event inWinnipeg his favorite international hockey experience.

• Tied for second on Swedish team in goals (3) andpoints (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 thetournament in goals.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is cross-country skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and have fun!”

Did you know that…• The Canucks traded picks at the 1999 Entry draft in

order to select Daniel and Henrick Sedin second andthird overall (behind Atlanta’s first overall choice ofPatrik Stefan).

• Made his debut in Swedish elite league with MoDo asa 17-year-old in 1997–98. Helped MoDo finish first inthe regular season in 1998–99 and shared league MVPhonors with his brother.

• If he was not a hockey player, he would like to be aprofessional soccer player.

• Hobbies are golf and tennis.• Enjoys working with children. Makes a lot of community

appearances in Vancouver, including visits to CanucksPlace.

• Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite Movie is “TheLife of David Gale.” Nicole Kidman is his favorite actor.

Career Accomplishments…• 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. Finishedtied for second among NHL rookies with 20 goals in2000-01 and was just the 12th rookie in Canucks histo-ry to score 20 goals. Ranked eighth among rookies inpoints (34). Led rookies in shooting percentage (15.7).

• Played in career-high 82 games in 2003–04.Established career highs in assists (36), points (54) andplus/minus (+18). Scored all 4 goals vs. Detroit in 4–2win on Feb. 24. Was one of only three 4-goal gamesthat season (fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian MarkusNaslund and 2006 Slovak Olympian Miroslav Satan).

• Tied fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian Peter Forsberg forthird on MoDo with 13 goals in 2004–05. Was fourthon 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.

Family Connections… • 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 peo-ple he admires most.

• Will call his parents first if Sweden wins gold in Torino.

SEDIN, DANIEL(suh-DEEN, DAN-yehl)

VANCOUVER CANUCKSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN, SEPTEMBER 26, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1997-98 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 1499-2000 MoDo Sweden 50 19 26 45 28 13 *8 6 14 18

MoDo EuroHL 4 3 3 6 0 2 0 0 0 02000-01 Vancouver NHL 75 20 14 34 24 4 1 2 3 02001-02 Vancouver NHL 79 9 23 32 32 6 0 1 1 02002-03 Vancouver NHL 79 14 17 31 34 14 1 5 6 82003-04 Vancouver NHL 82 18 36 54 18 7 1 2 3 02004-05 MODO Sweden 49 13 20 33 40 6 0 3 3 6

NHL Totals 315 61 90 151 108 31 3 10 13 8Vancouver'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1997 S Sweden EJC-A 6 2 4 6 21998 G Sweden EJC-A 6 3 8 *11 10

Sweden WJC-A 7 4 1 5 21999 Sweden WJC-A 6 5 5 10 2

B Sweden WC-A 9 0 1 1 22000 Sweden WJC-A 7 *6 4 10 0

Sweden WC-A 7 3 2 5 82001 B Sweden WC-A 3 0 2 2 02004 Sweden W-Cup DID NOT PLAY2005 Sweden WC-A 9 5 4 9 2

Sweden

192

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Sweden…• 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 atthe 1997 World Under-17 Challenge.

• Won silver medal at 1997 European JuniorChampionships, gold at 1998 EJC. Lists 1998 victo-ry as his favorite international hockey moment.“We had to beat Russia by four to win theEuropean Championship and we won 5–1.”

• Was the leading scorer (4-9-13) at the 2000 WorldJunior Championship.

• 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 2004World Cup of Hockey.

• Favorite international hockey rules is no red line for two-line offside passes. (TheNHL adopted the “no red line” rule his season.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field and soccer in the Summer

Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Play a lot of different sports and finish school.”

Did you know that…• The Canucks traded picks at the 1999 Entry draft in

order to select Daniel and Henrick Sedin second andthird overall (behind Atlanta’s first overall choice ofPatrik Stefan).

• Made his debut in Swedish elite league with MoDo asa 17-year-old in 1997–98. Helped MoDo finish first inthe regular season in 1998–99 and shared league MVPhonors with his brother.

• Favorite hockey moment is scoring the overtime win-ner in game one of the playoffs versus Detroit in 2002.

• Enjoys working with children’s charities includingCanuck Place in Vancouver.

• Hobbies are boating and golfing, and lowering hishandicap to14. He likes to play backgammon andcards when on the road.

• “Friends” is his favorite TV show.“Braveheart” and “Lifeis Beautiful” are his favorite movies. Mel Gibson andMeg Ryan are his favorite actors.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 inleague in assists.

• Played his first NHL game vs. Philadelphia on Oct. 5,2000. Set up brother Daniel’s first NHL goal vs. TampaBay on Oct. 8, 2000. Scored his first goal, and was firststar of game, vs. Toronto on Oct 16, 2000.

• Tied for eighth among NHL rookies with 20 assists in2000-01. Was 13th in rookie scoring with 29 points.Was one of only seven rookies to play as many as 80games in regular season (82). Led Canucks with 4assists in the playoffs as Vancouver returned to thepostseason for the first time since 1996.

• Played 82 games for second straight season 2001-02and scored career-high 16 goals.

• Had career-high 31 assists in 2002-03 and 2003–04.Established new career marks with 42 points andplus/minus of +23 in 2003–04. Was third on the team inplus/minus behind league-leader Marek Malik (+35),a2006 Czech Olympian, and fellow 2006 SwedishOlympian Markus Naslund (+24).

• Was second on MoDo behind Mattias Weinhandl with14 goals. Was third in points (36) behind Weinhandland 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 teamwas Jarved.

• His favorite arena is Getsinghov – “the outdoor rinkwhere we started out.”

Family Connections… • 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.”

SEDIN, HENRIK(suh-DEEN, HEHN-rihk)

VANCOUVER CANUCKSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN, SEPTEMBER 26, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1997-98 MoDo Jr. Swe-Jr. 26 14 22 36 .... .... .... .... .... ....

Malmo Jr. Swe-Jr. 8 4 7 11 6 .... .... .... .... ....MoDo Sweden 39 1 4 5 8 7 0 0 0 0

1998-99 MoDo Sweden 49 12 22 34 32 13 2 8 10 699-2000 MoDo Sweden 50 9 38 47 22 13 5 9 14 22000-01 Vancouver NHL 82 9 20 29 38 4 0 4 4 02001-02 Vancouver NHL 82 16 20 36 36 6 3 0 3 02002-03 Vancouver NHL 78 8 31 39 38 14 3 2 5 82003-04 Vancouver NHL 76 11 31 42 32 7 2 2 4 22004-05 MODO Sweden 44 14 22 36 50 6 1 3 4 6

NHL Totals 318 44 102 146 144 31 8 8 16 10Vancouver's 2nd choice, 3rd overall, in 1999 Entry Draft.Signed as a free agent by MODO (Sweden), September 18, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1997 S Sweden EJC-A 6 3 4 7 161998 G Sweden EJC-A 6 5 4 9 41999 Sweden WJC-A 6 3 6 9 10

B Sweden WC-A 8 0 0 0 42000 Sweden WJC-A 7 4 *9 *13 6

Sweden WC-A 7 2 3 5 62001 B Sweden WC-A 9 1 0 1 02004 Sweden W-Cup DID NOT PLAY2005 Sweden WC-A 9 2 4 6 2

Sweden

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• 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 apart of the 2002 Olympics has been his greatestinternational hockey experience.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are alpine skiingand ski jumping.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and stay with it.”

Did you know that…• He lists his first game in the NHL with the Flyers (Oct.

10, 2002 at Edmonton) as the most memorable gamehe has played. He recorded his first career point withan 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).• If he could have dinner with any three people, they

would be with Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky and WillFerrell.

Career Accomplishments…• Adler Mannheim finished first in the regular season in

2000–01. Finished second in regular-season standingsand reached the playoff finals in 2001–02. His 7 goalsthat season were second among team defensemenbehind 2004 Team USA World Championship heroAndy Roach.

• Scored his first NHL goal on Oct. 31, 2002 vs. Phoenix.Had 2 assists for Eastern Conference team at theYoungStars Game during the 2003 All-Star Weekend.

• Played five games for the Flyers in 2003–04 but spentmost of season with the AHL Phantoms. Missed 25games from Jan. 16 through Mar. 6, 2004 with brokenleft leg sustained in practice on Jan. 15. Was named toAHL All-Star Game but did not play due to injury.

• Helped the Phantoms win the Calder Cup as AHLchampions 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.

Family Connections… • 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.

Playing for Germany…• 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

(Pool-B) and 2001 (Div. 1). Tied for team lead in scoring(1-3-4) with fellow 2006 German Olympian ChristianEhrhoff in 2001 when Germany earned silver.

• Played at the World Championship in 2001 and 2002.• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

SEIDENBERG, DENNIS(SIGH-dehn-buhrg, DEH-nihs)

PHOENIX COYOTESDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, SCHWENNINGEN, WEST GERMANY, JULY 18, 1981.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 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 102001-02 Mannheim Germany 55 7 13 20 56 8 0 0 0 22002-03 Philadelphia NHL 58 4 9 13 20 .... .... .... .... ....

Philadelphia AHL 19 5 6 11 17 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Philadelphia NHL 5 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0

Philadelphia AHL 33 7 12 19 31 9 2 2 4 42004-05 Philadelphia AHL 79 13 28 41 47 18 2 8 10 19

NHL Totals 63 4 9 13 22 3 0 0 0 0Philadelphia'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 toPhoenix by Philadelphia for Petr Nedved, January 20, 2006

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 Germany WJ18-A 4 0 0 0 22000 S Germany WJC-B 5 0 0 0 02001 S Germany WJC-B 5 1 3 4 2

Germany WC-A 7 0 1 1 22002 Germany Olympics 7 1 1 2 8

Germany WC-A 7 1 2 3 82004 Germany W-Cup 4 0 0 0 0

Germany

194

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• 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 andreached finals against Team Canada.

• Favorite international ice hockey rule is the biggerice “because there is more room.”

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his fourth Olympic Games (1992,

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.• Other Olympic sport of interest is ski jumping.

Did you know that…• 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 theChildren’s Hospital of Orange County.

• Wears #13 because he scored an NHL rookie record 76goals with that number.

• Favorites include:“Lost” (TV show),“Dumb andDumber” (movie), Sean Connery as James Bond (actor)and Pink Floyd (music group).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and BillClinton.

Career Accomplishments…• Played five years with Jokerit Helsinki in Finnish

League from 1987 to 1992. Was named to Finnish All-Star team in 1991 and 1992.

• Won Calder Trophy after shattering NHL rookie recordwith 76 goals (tied for league lead with AlexanderMogilny) with Winnipeg in 1992–93. Also set rookierecord with 132 points.

• Scored his 100th goal in his 130th game, second-fastest 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 in1997–98. Finished third in voting for Hart Trophy (NHLMVP) and second in voting for Lady Byng (sportsman-ship).

• 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 finishedsecond 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 JariKurri as second Finnish player to score 400 goals onMar. 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 team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• Favorite players were Edmonton player and Finnish

star Jari Kurri, Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleurand Wayne Gretzky.

• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 FinnishOlympian Jere Lehtinen.

Family Connections… • Thanks his parents for having the most influence on

his hockey career.• Will call his parents first if Finland wins gold in Torino.

Playing for Finland…• First played for his country at 1986 Under-16 Four

Nations tournament.

SELANNE, TEEMU(SEH-lahn-nay, TEE-moo)

MIGHTY DUCKS OF ANAHEIMRIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’0”/183 CM 204 LBS./93 KG

BORN, HELSINKI, FINLAND, JULY 3, 1970.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1986-87 Jokerit Jr. Finland-Jr. 33 10 12 22 8 .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 Jokerit Jr. Finland-Jr. 33 *43 23 *66 18 5 4 3 7 2

Jokerit Finland-2 5 1 1 2 0 .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 PvUK Jr. Finland-Jr. 3 3 1 4 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Jokerit Jr. Finland-Jr. 3 8 8 16 4 .... .... .... .... ....Jokerit Finland-2 34 35 33 68 12 5 7 3 10 4

1989-90 Jokerit Finland 11 4 8 12 0 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Jokerit Jr. Finland-Jr. 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Jokerit Finland 42 33 25 58 12 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Jokerit Finland 44 *39 23 62 20 10 *10 7 *17 181992-93 Winnipeg NHL 84 *76 56 132 45 6 4 2 6 21993-94 Winnipeg NHL 51 25 29 54 22 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Jokerit Finland 20 7 12 19 6 .... .... .... .... ....

Winnipeg NHL 45 22 26 48 2 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Winnipeg NHL 51 24 48 72 18 .... .... .... .... ....

Anaheim NHL 28 16 20 36 4 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Anaheim NHL 78 51 58 109 34 11 7 3 10 41997-98 Anaheim NHL 73 *52 34 86 30 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Anaheim NHL 75 *47 60 107 30 4 2 2 4 299-2000 Anaheim NHL 79 33 52 85 12 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Anaheim NHL 61 26 33 59 36 .... .... .... .... ....

San Jose NHL 12 7 6 13 0 6 0 2 2 22001-02 San Jose NHL 82 29 25 54 40 12 5 3 8 22002-03 San Jose NHL 82 28 36 64 30 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Colorado NHL 78 16 16 32 32 10 0 3 3 22004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 879 452 499 951 335 49 18 15 33 14Winnipeg's 1st choice, 10th overall, in 1988 Entry Draft.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 toAnaheim 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-AntonLundstrom) in 1996 Entry Draft, February 7, 1996.Traded to San Jose by Anaheim for Jeff Friesen, Steve Shields and San Jose's 2ndround choice (later traded to Dallas – Dallas selected Vojtech Polak) in 2003 Entry Draft, March 5, 2001. Signed as a free agent byColorado, July 3, 2003. Signed as a free agent by Anaheim, August 22, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1988 S Finland EJC-A 6 7 9 16 81989 Finland WJC-A 7 5 5 10 101991 Finland Can-Cup 6 1 1 2 21992 Finland Olympics 8 7 4 11 61996 Finland WC-A 6 5 3 8 01996 Finland W-Cup 4 3 2 5 01998 B Finland Olympics 5 4 6 *10 81999 S Finland WC-A 11 3 8 11 22002 Finland Olympics 4 3 0 3 22003 Finland WC-A 7 8 3 11 22004 2nd Finland W-Cup 6 1 3 4 4

Finland

195

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Played for Latvian team that won the C-Pool WorldChampionship in 1993 to earn promotion to the B-Pool.

• Greatest international hockey experience camewhen Latvia won the B-Pool tournament in 1996and qualified for the A-Pool.

• Led the Latvian team in goals (3) and points (6) atthe 2003 World Championship.

• Tied with three other players for the Latvian lead ingoals (2) at the 2005 World Championship.

Olympic Connections…• 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 advanceto the 1994 Lillehammer Games.

• Most memorable hockey game played was the qualification final for the 2006Olympics. 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and believe. You have to love the job that you do!”

Did you know that…• He was the last player picked by Nashville (230th over-

all) in the team’s first NHL Entry Draft in 1998, but wastheir first draft pick to appear in an NHL game. He wasalso the first Predator to score a point in his NHL debutwith 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 eversaw.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Marilyn Monroe, Mikhail Gorbachevand the Dalai Lama.

Career Accomplishments…• Led Milwaukee defensemen, ranked 11th in the IHL, in

scoring (8-36-44) in his first season in North America in1998–99.

• Ranked second among NHL rookies in average icetime (20:51) in 1999–2000. Finished 16th with 104 hits.

• Led Nashville, and was ninth in the NHL with 160blocked shots in 2000–01.

• Established career highs in assists (13) and points (17)in 2001–02. Led Nashville in hits (161) and blockedshots (137).

• Set a Nashville record playing in his 252nd straightgame on Mar. 4, 2003.

• In his first year with Colorado in 2003–04, he played all82 games for the fourth straight season. His ongoingconsecutive game streak of (350+) is the longestamong 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

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 respon-sibility.”

• Has represented Latvia at the World Championship inthe C-Pool, the B-Pool and the A-Pool. (Also played atthe World Junior Championship C-Pool in 1994. Latviawon silver that year. Latvia won gold at the 1995 WJC-C to advance to the B-Pool.)

SKRASTINS, KARLIS(SKRAS-tinsh, KAR-lihs)

COLORADO AVALANCHEDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 212 LBS./96 KG

BORN, RIGA, USSR, JULY 9, 1974.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1992-93 Riga CIS 40 3 5 8 16 2 0 0 0 01993-94 Riga CIS 42 7 5 12 18 2 1 0 1 41994-95 Riga CIS 52 4 14 18 69 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 TPS Finland 50 4 11 15 32 11 2 2 4 101996-97 TPS Finland 50 2 8 10 20 12 0 4 4 2

TPS Turku EuroHL 6 0 1 1 4 4 0 0 0 141997-98 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 1 299-2000 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 22004-05 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 25NHL 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) in2004 Entry Draft, June 30, 2003. Signed as a free agent by Riga (Latvia), September 25, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1993 G Latvia WC-C 7 1 6 7 0

Latvia Olympic Q 4 1 1 2 21994 S Latvia WJC-C 4 1 5 6 33

S Latvia WC-B 7 3 5 8 01995 S Latvia WC-B 7 1 1 2 41996 G Latvia WC-B 7 2 2 4 81997 Latvia WC-A 8 0 3 3 41999 Latvia WC-A 6 1 1 2 62000 Latvia WC-A 7 1 2 3 42001 Latvia WC-A 6 3 0 3 02002 Latvia Olympics 1 0 0 0 02004 Latvia WC-A 6 2 0 2 2

Latvia

196

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• First competed for Canada (and won gold) at the

1995 World Junior Championship.“I was proudand honored to wear the maple leaf.”

• Has represented Canada at seven straight WorldChampionship tournaments from 1999 to 2005.Has served as captain the last five years. IsCanada’s all-time leader with 60 games played atthe tournament. Has 15 goals and 16 assists for 31points.

• Led Canadian team with 6 assists in 2000. Tied fel-low 2006 Canadian Olympian Todd Bertuzzi forteam lead, tied for fourth at the tournament, with9 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.

Olympic Connections…• 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: “Youhave to understand. I’ve played for my country before, and there is nothing bet-ter 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 bas-ketball at the Summer Games. Especially enjoys downhill skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Follow your dreams.”

Did you know that…• Nicknames are Moo-lay and Smytty.• Hobbies include all types of water sports, old cars, and

training. Charitable efforts are through the StolleryChildren’s Hospital Foundation and the Teammates forKids Foundation.

• Wears #94 because it’s the year he graduated fromhigh school.

• Most memorable hockey game played was his firstgame in the NHL against the L.A. Kings, and his firstshift was against Wayne Gretzky.

• Most memorable hockey game watched was WayneGretzky in Calgary scoring the overtime winner in1988, and seeing Gretzky’s last Stanley Cup win inEdmonton because he was there in person.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 leagueleague and equalled Oilers record first set by WayneGretzky in 1983–84.

• Scored his first career hat trick on Oct. 8, 1996. Scoredall three goals in a 3–0 win over Atlanta on Mar. 13,2000. Became only the tenth player in NHL history toscore all goals by both teams in a three-or-more-goalgame. (Again scored all goals in a 3–0 victory, this timeagainst St. Louis on Nov. 14, 2000 to become only play-er in NHL history to accomplish this feat twice.)

• Led Oilers with 31 goals, 11 power-play goals, 6 game-winning goals and 245 shots in 2000–01. His 70 pointsand 6 game winners were both career highs. Alsoestablished career bests in assists (39).

• Led Oilers in scoring in 2002–03 (27-34-61) in just 66games.

• Led Oilers in goals (23), assists (36), points (59), power-play goals (11) and game-winning goals (6) in 2003–04.Was 16th in NHL with 245 shots. Established a careerhigh 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 eightyears old. He was run over by Glenn Anderson as hewas backing out at the camp and kept the shirt withthe tire marks on it (from the Toronto Sun, Jan 26,2002).

• Favorite team growing up was the Edmonton Oilers.• Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky. He patterned his

game after Gretzky.

Family Connections… • Lists his brothers as having the greatest influence on

his career because “we all pushed each other to be thebest we could.”

• Hopes that his whole family can join him in celebrat-ing a gold medal victory in Torino.

SMYTH, RYAN(SMIHTH, RIGH-uhn)

EDMONTON OILERSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, BANFF, ALTA., FEBRUARY 21, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 Banff ABHL 25 100 50 150 .... .... .... .... .... ....

Lethbridge AMHL 34 8 21 29 .... .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Caronport SMHL 35 55 61 116 98 .... .... .... .... ....

Moose Jaw WHL 2 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Moose Jaw WHL 64 19 14 33 59 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Moose Jaw WHL 72 50 55 105 88 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Moose Jaw WHL 50 41 45 86 66 10 6 9 15 22

Edmonton NHL 3 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Edmonton NHL 48 2 9 11 28 .... .... .... .... ....

Cape Breton AHL 9 6 5 11 4 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Edmonton NHL 82 39 22 61 76 12 5 5 10 121997-98 Edmonton NHL 65 20 13 33 44 12 1 3 4 161998-99 Edmonton NHL 71 13 18 31 62 3 3 0 3 099-2000 Edmonton NHL 82 28 26 54 58 5 1 0 1 62000-01 Edmonton NHL 82 31 39 70 58 6 3 4 7 42001-02 Edmonton NHL 61 15 35 50 48 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Edmonton NHL 66 27 34 61 67 6 2 0 2 162003-04 Edmonton NHL 82 23 36 59 70 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 642 198 232 430 511 44 15 12 27 54Edmonton's 2nd choice, 6th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.• Brother of Kevin • WHL East Second All-Star Team (1995)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 G Canada WJC-A 7 2 5 7 41999 Canada WC-A 10 0 2 2 122000 Canada WC-A 9 3 6 9 02001 Canada WC-A 7 2 3 5 42002 G Canada Olympics 6 0 1 1 0

Canada WC-A 7 4 0 4 22003 G Canada WC-A 9 2 2 4 22004 G Canada WC-A 9 2 2 4 22004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 3 1 4 22005 S Canada WC-A 9 2 1 3 6

Canada

197

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Only Czech defenseman to score 2 goals at the2004 World Championship.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shoot out.(The NHL adopted the shootout this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his third consecutive Winter

Games (1998, 2002).• His greatest international experience is winning

the gold medal at Nagano in 1998. The gold medalgame is the most memorable game he has played.

• Is one of seven players back from the CzechRepublic’s 1998 gold medal team along withDominik Hasek, Milan Hejduk, Jaromir Jagr, RobertLang, Martin Rucinsky and Martin Straka.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is tennis at theSummer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Hard work pays off when you are trying to become a professional player.”

Did you know that…• 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 teamwon.”

• 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 golfand tennis.

• Lists Tiger Woods as the person he most admires.

Career Accomplishments…• Played five seasons for Plzen in the Czech elite league

from 1992 to 1997. Led all defensemen with 9 goalsand 29 points in 1996–97.

• Finished second on the team, third in the league, indefenseman scoring (10-16-26) with Farjestad inSweden in 1997–98. Farjestad won the league’s playoffchampionship.

• Made his NHL debut on Oct. 9, 1998. Spent part of theseason in New Haven (AHL) but finished 1998–99 fifthamong rookie defensemen in scoring (3-12-15). Ledthe Panthers, finished third among NHL rookies, inplus/minus (+15).

• Led Panthers defensemen in goals (10) and power-playgoals (4) in 1999–2000. Was second on the team inblocked shots (98), third in average ice time (22:40).

• His 23 points (5G, 18A) in just 50 games for Chicagoled all Blackhawks defensemen in 2000–01.

• Set career highs and Blue Jackets records for mostassists (36) and points (45) by a defenseman in2002–03. Led team in ice time per game with 24:47.

• Led all Blue Jackets in shifts per game (28.3) and timeon 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.• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Czech

Olympian Martin Straka of the New York Rangers andPetr Sykora of the NY Rangers.

Family Connections… • 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.

Playing for Czech Republic…• First played for his country at the 1994 World Junior

Championship. It “meant a lot” to have the opportunityto do so.

• Member of gold medal-winning Czech teams at the1999 and 2001 World Championships.

• Rating of +9 was best among defensemen at the 2002World Championship.

SPACEK, JAROSLAV(SPAH-chehk, YA-roh-slahv)

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 206 LBS./93 KG

BORN, ROKYCANY, CZECH., FEBRUARY 11, 1974.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1992-93 Plzen Czech 16 1 3 4 .... .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Plzen CzRep 34 2 6 8 .... .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Plzen CzRep 38 4 8 12 14 3 1 0 1 21995-96 Plzen CzRep 40 3 10 13 42 3 0 1 1 41996-97 Plzen CzRep 52 9 29 38 44 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 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 02000-01 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 8NHL 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 roundchoice (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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 2 0 2 81998 G Czech Republic Olympics 6 0 0 0 41999 G Czech Republic WC-A 12 1 5 6 82001 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 0 3 3 42002 Czech Republic Olympics 4 0 0 0 0

Czech Republic WC-A 7 1 2 3 82003 Czech Republic WC-A 9 1 5 6 42004 Czech Republic WC-A 6 2 1 3 62004 Czech Republic W-Cup 4 0 0 0 02005 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 1 0 1 0

Czech Republic

198

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Lists his father as both his favorite coach (he

coached him throughout minor hockey) and thebiggest influence on his career.

• Will be celebrating with his mom and dad in thestands if Canada wins gold in Torino.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• First represented his country at the 2000 World

Junior Championship.“It was one of my greatesthockey moments.” At the time was one of onlyfour 16-year-old Canadians to have played at thetournament (Wayne Gretzky, Eric Lindros, JayBouwmeester).

• Was named to the tournament All-Star Team atthe 2001 World Junior Championship.

• Won silver medal at 2002 World Junior Championship. Teammates included RickNash and Jay Bouwmeester.

• Favorite international hockey rule is having the red line removed for two-linepasses. (This rule was adopted by the NHL this season.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and track & field at the Summer

Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun and enjoy! Truly love the game.”

Did you know that…• He was added to the Canadian Olympic team as part

of the three-man injury reserve.• No player in history has led both the AHL and the NHL

in scoring. Spezza was the top scorer (32-85-117) in theAHL in 2004–05. His 85 assists were the second-highestsingle-season total in the history of the AHL.

• He was the youngest player ever to appear in the OHLAll-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 sea-son-ending coaches poll.

• Most memorable game he has played was game fiveof the 2003 Eastern Conference playoff against NewJersey. Had a goal and an assist. Ottawa had trailed inthe series three games to one, but rallied to force aseventh game before losing to the eventual StanleyCup 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 Canadianrockers The Tragically Hip. Would be Superman if hecould choose to be any superhero.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Tiger Woods, Jennifer Garner and Paris Hilton.

Career Accomplishments…• Was second in OHL scoring (43-73-116), two points

behind Kyle Wellwood, in 2000–01. His 73 assists alsoranked second to Wellwood’s 83.

• Was third in OHL scoring (42-63-105) behind Bellevilleteammates Nathan Robinson and Mike Renzi in2001–02. His 63 assists tied Robinson for second, onebehind Renzi.

• Was assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) after 2001–02NHL season for the last three playoff games againstthe Chicago Wolves. Scored his first pro goal againstPasi Nurminen on April 21, 2002.

• Was called up to Ottawa from Binghamton (AHL) fourtimes 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

Pittsburgh Penguins when they were young.

SPEZZA, JASON(SPEHT-zah, JAY-suhn)

OTTAWA SENATORSCENTER. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’2”/188 CM 206 LBS./93 KG

BORN, MISSISSAUGA, ONT., JUNE 13, 1983.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1997-98 Toronto Marlies MTHL 54 53 61 114 42 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Brampton OHL 67 22 49 71 18 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Mississauga OHL 52 24 37 61 33 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Mississauga OHL 15 7 23 30 11 .... .... .... .... ....

Windsor OHL 41 36 50 86 32 9 4 5 9 102001-02 Windsor OHL 27 19 26 45 16 .... .... .... .... ....

Belleville OHL 26 23 37 60 26 11 5 6 11 18Grand Rapids AHL .... .... .... .... .... 3 1 0 1 2

2002-03 Ottawa NHL 33 7 14 21 8 3 1 1 2 0Binghamton AHL 43 22 32 54 71 2 1 2 3 4

2003-04 Ottawa NHL 78 22 33 55 71 3 0 0 0 22004-05 Binghamton AHL 80 32 *85 *117 50 6 1 3 4 6

NHL Totals 111 29 47 76 79 6 1 1 2 2Ottawa'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 (TopScorer - 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 Rawskiand Tyler Eady, November 15, 2000.Traded to Belleville (OHL) by Windsor (OHL) for Kyle Wellwood and future considerations,January 10, 2002.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 B Canada WJC-A 7 0 2 2 22001 B Canada WJC-A 7 3 3 6 22002 S Canada WJC-A 7 0 4 4 8

Canada

199

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

They were never ones to push or tell us to do thator practice this. They just kind of wanted us toenjoy what we did. We all loved the game andthey liked seeing that.” (Globe and Mail Nov. 2,2005)

• Will call his parents first if Canada wins gold atTorino.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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 CzechRepublic in August of 2001.“It was a proudmoment, knowing many had come before me. Iwas honored.” Canada won gold. Teammatesincluded fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian Rick Nash. Both list this tournament astheir 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.”

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “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 contin-ues to get more attention.”

– Carolina teammate Rod Brind’Amour (Toronto Sun Nov. 4, 2005)

Did you know that…• He was added to the Canadian Olympic team as part

of the three-man injury reserve.• Lists his first NHL game (at Florida on Oct. 9, 2004) as

the most memorable he has played. He was still 20days shy of turning 19 and his linemates were RonFrancis and Jeff O’Neill.

• He patterns his game after Joe Sakic because “he’s aclutch 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).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Wayne Gretzky, John F. Kennedy andMartin Luther King.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 ninthamong NHL rookies in scoring (11-20-31) during theregular season, finished fourth in rookie shots (164).Played in the NHL YoungStars Game at the All-StarWeekend and scored the game’s first goal.

• Finished tenth in AHL scoring (26-51-77) with Lowell in2004–05. Led the AHL in shorthanded goals (7) andplus/minus (+37) Established team records for points,assists, shorthanded goals and plus/minus. Played inthe AHL All-Star Game.

• Began the 2005–06 NHL season with 5 goals and 3assists in his first four games and has remained amongthe 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.• Favorite team growing up was the Toronto Maple

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.”

Family Connections… • Brother Marc of the Sudbury Wolves (OHL) was drafted

12th overall by the New York Rangers in 2005. He wona gold medal with Team Canada and was named thetournament’s Best Defenseman at the 2006 WorldJunior Championship. Brother Jordan plays for thePeterborough Petes (OHL). Brother Jared Staal willenter the OHL draft this summer.

• Cousin Jeff Heerema was drafted 11th overall byCarolina 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 par-ents are great people. They supported us all the time.

STAAL, ERIC(STAHL, AIR-ihk)

CAROLINA HURRICANESCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’3”/191 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, THUNDER BAY, ONT., OCTOBER 29, 1984.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 Thunder Bay Exhib. 7 4 8 12 0 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Peterborough OHL 63 19 30 49 23 7 2 5 7 42001-02 Peterborough OHL 56 23 39 62 40 6 3 6 9 102002-03 Peterborough OHL 66 39 59 98 36 7 9 5 14 62003-04 Carolina NHL 81 11 20 31 40 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Lowell AHL 77 26 51 77 88 11 2 8 10 12

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)

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2002 Canada WJ18-A 8 2 5 7 4

Canada

200

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• First represented Czechoslovakia at the 1990

European Junior Championship.• Played for Czechoslovakia at the World Junior

Championship in 1991 and 1992.• 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.

Olympic Connections…• Lists the Czech Republic’s gold medal victory at

the 1998 Nagano Games as his greatest interna-tional hockey experience, and the gold medalgame against Russia as the most memorable he has played.

• Is one of seven players back from the Czech Republic’s 1998 gold medal teamalong with Dominik Hasek, Milan Hejduk, Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, MartinRucinsky and Jaroslav Spacek.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are soccer and tennis at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard and have passion for the game.”

Did you know that…• 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. theNY Rangers on Feb, 10, 1993.

• The most memorable game he has watched was thefinal game of the 1987 Canada Cup when WayneGretzky set up Mario Lemieux for a late goal to giveCanada a 6–5 win over Russia.

• Hobbies are soccer and golf.• Favorite TV show is “Friends.” Favorite movie is

“Gladiator.” Favorite actor is Russell Crowe. Favoriteband is U2.

• If he could have dinner with anyone, it would be with“my girlfriend and my daughter.”

Career Accomplishments…• Led the Czech league in goals (27), was sixth in the

league in points (55), with Plzen in 1991–92 and wasnamed 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 secondstraight season.

• Tied a career best with a plus/minus rating of +24 in1999–2000. Ranked 17th in the NHL.

• Was one of four Pittsburgh teammates to finish amongthe top 20 NHL scorers in 2000–01. Finished sixth witha new career-high 95 points (27G, 68 A). His 68 assistswere also a career high and just one off the NHL lead.

• Played just 60 games in 2002–03, but ranked secondon the Penguins in goals (18), third in assists (28) andsecond in points (46).

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was Plzen, which was also

his first hockey team.• Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky.• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Czech

Olympian Jaroslav Spacek of the Chicago Blackhawksand Petr Sykora of NY Rangers.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

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.”

STRAKA, MARTIN(STRAH-kuh, MAHR-tihn )

NEW YORK RANGERSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’9”/175 CM 178 LBS./81 KG

BORN, PLZEN, CZECH., SEPTEMBER 3, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1989-90 Plzen Czech 1 0 3 3 .... .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Plzen Czech 47 7 24 31 6 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Plzen Czech 50 27 28 55 20 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 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 21994-95 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 01997-98 Pittsburgh NHL 75 19 23 42 28 6 2 0 2 21998-99 Pittsburgh NHL 80 35 48 83 26 13 6 9 15 699-2000 Pittsburgh NHL 71 20 39 59 26 11 3 9 12 102000-01 Pittsburgh NHL 82 27 68 95 38 18 5 8 13 82001-02 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 32Pittsburgh's 1st choice, 19th overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.Czechoslovakian First All-Star Team (1992)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1999)Traded to Ottawa by Pittsburgh for Troy Murray and Norm Maciver, April 7, 1995.Traded to NY Islanders by Ottawa with DonBeaupre and Bryan Berard for Damian Rhodes and Wade Redden, January 23, 1996. Claimed on waivers by Florida from NYIslanders, March 15, 1996. Signed as a free agent by Pittsburgh, August 6, 1997. • Missed majority of 2001-02 season recoveringfrom leg injury suffered in game vs. Florida, October 28, 2001.Traded to Los Angeles by Pittsburgh for Martin Strbak and SergeiAnshakov, November 30, 2003. Signed as a free agent by Plzen (CzRep), September 17, 2004. Signed as a free agent by NYRangers, August 2, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1990 B Czechoslovakia EJC-A 6 4 2 6 21991 B Czechoslovakia WJC-A 6 1 5 6 01992 Czechoslovakia WJC-A 7 2 6 8 41994 Czech Republic WC-A 3 1 0 1 41996 Czech Republic W-Cup 1 0 0 0 01998 G Czech Republic Olympics 6 1 2 3 02003 Czech Republic WC-A 9 6 4 10 42004 Czech Republic WC-A 7 2 2 4 42004 Czech Republic W-Cup 5 1 2 3 02005 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 3 1 4 8

Czech Republic

201

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Led the team with 3 assists at the 2002 WorldChampionship.

• Led the team with 4 assists at the 2003 WorldChampionship.

• Ranked among the tournament leaders with 6assists at the 2005 World Championship. Led Swissteam with 7 points.

Olympic Connections…• Is playing at his second consecutive Olympic

Games.• Also represented Switzerland in the Olympic quali-

fying tournament for Nagano in 1998 (Swiss teamdid not qualify) and for this year’s Torino Games.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill ski-ing and ski jumping.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun playing this great game.”

Did you know that…• He has represented Switzerland internationally since

1995 when he was 17 years old. Has served as captainof the Swiss national team and of the Zurich Lions.

• Was selected 262nd overall by Montreal in the 2004NHL Entry Draft (A total of 291 players were selectedthat year).

• Hobbies and summer activities are playing golf andbarbeques with his family and friends.

• Tennis star Roger Federer is the person he admiresmost. He admires his style and his “mental toughness.”

• Favorite TV show is “24.” Favorite movie is “One FlewOver the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Jack Nicholson is his favoriteactor. His favorite band is U2.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with singer Gwen Stefani and actressAngelina Jolie.“That’s good enough.”

Career Accomplishments…• 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 atToronto on Oct. 8, 2005.

When I was young…• Favorite team growing up was the Chicago

Blackhawks.• Favorite player was 2006 U.S. Olympian Chris Chelios.

He patterns his style of play after Chelios and ReijoRuotsalainen.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

on his career.

Playing for Switzerland…• First played for Switzerland at the 1995 European

Junior Championship.• Played at the World Junior Championship in 1996 and

1997. Was named a tournament All-Star in 1997 whenthe WJC was held in Switzerland.

• Has played at the World Championship every yearsince 1998. Lists the 1998 tournament, whenSwitzerland finished fourth, as his greatest internation-al experience. Lists the most memorable game he hasplayed as Switzerland’s 3–2 win over Russia at the 2000World Championship in St. Petersburg.

• Tied for the Swiss team lead with 4 goals at the 1999World Championship.

• Tied for the team lead with 3 assists at the 2001 WorldChampionship.

STREIT, MARK(STREET, MAHRK)

MONTREAL CANADIENSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 198 LBS./90 KG

BORN, ENGLISBERG, SWITZ., DECEMBER 11, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Fribourg Swiss 34 2 2 4 6 4 0 0 0 21996-97 Davos Swiss 46 2 9 11 18 6 0 0 0 01997-98 Ambri Swiss 2 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Davos Swiss 38 4 10 14 14 18 1 5 6 201998-99 Davos Swiss 44 7 18 25 42 6 3 3 6 899-2000 Springfield AHL 43 3 12 15 18 5 0 0 0 2

Utah IHL 1 0 1 1 2 .... .... .... .... ....Tallahassee ECHL 14 0 5 5 16 .... .... .... .... ....

2000-01 Zurich Swiss 44 5 11 16 48 16 2 5 7 372001-02 Zurich Swiss 28 6 17 23 36 16 0 6 6 142002-03 Zurich Swiss 37 4 19 23 62 12 1 7 8 22003-04 Zurich Swiss 48 12 24 36 78 13 5 2 7 142004-05 Zurich Swiss 44 14 29 43 46 15 4 11 15 20

Montreal's 8th choice, 262nd overall, in 2004 Entry Draft.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 Switzerland EJC-A 5 1 2 3 61996 Switzerland WJC-A 5 1 0 1 41997 Switzerland Olympic Q 4 0 0 0 2

Switzerland WJC-A 6 2 0 2 311998 Switzerland WC-A 9 0 0 0 21999 Switzerland WC-A 6 4 0 4 22000 Switzerland WC-A 7 0 1 1 42001 Switzerland WC-A 6 0 3 3 22002 Switzerland Olympics 4 1 1 2 0

Switzerland WC-A 6 0 3 3 42003 Switzerland WC-A 7 0 4 4 102004 Switzerland WC-A 7 1 1 2 22005 Switzerland Olympic Q 3 1 2 3 8

Switzerland WC-A 7 1 6 7 4

Switzerland

202

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Slovakia…• Won bronze medal representing Czechoslovakia at

the 1990 European Junior Championship and atthe 1991 World Junior Championship.

• First represented Slovakia at the 1996 World Cup ofHockey.

• Won a gold medal at the 2002 WorldChampionship.

• Led the tournament in assists (11), tied teammateZiggy Palffy for the lead in points (5) when theSlovaks won bronze in 2003.

• Played at the 2004 World Championship whenSlovakia lost the bronze medal game to the U.S.

• Led the Slovak team in assists (7) at the 2005 WorldChampionship. Was in a four-way tie for second inassists with 2006 Canadian Olympian SimonGagne, 2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir Jagr and 2006 Swedish Olympian MattiasNorstrom behind tournament leader and 2006 Canadian Olympian JoeThornton.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second consecutive Winter Games.

Did you know that…• Before signing with Florida for the 2005–06 season, he

had spent his 11-year NHL career with Boston and LosAngeles, serving two stints with each club.

• Became the first European player to lead the Bruins inscoring (21-55-76) in 1996–97.

• Set an NHL record with Los Angeles by scoring threeovertime goals in one month in March of 2000.

• Enjoys playing soccer and tennis.• Favorite music group is Metallica.

Career Accomplishments…• Left Czechoslovakia to play in Germany in 1991–92.

Joined the Boston Bruins at the conclusion of theEuropean season in 1991-92, playing four games on atryout 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 Bruinsscoring with 54 points and third in assists with 36 in1995–96.

• Tied Paul Kariya for 12th in the NHL with 55 assists in1996–97. 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 +23in 1999–2000.

• Combined for 50 assists with L.A. and Boston in2001–02 to finish third in the NHL.

• Chest injury limited him to 64 games in his return toLos Angeles in 2003–04. Scored 4 of his 8 goals onpower-play.

• Ranked third on the team, and among the top 20 inthe Czech elite league, in scoring (13-26-39) with SlaviaPraha in 2004–05.

When I was young…• Favorite players growing up were Slovak-born interna-

tional stars Igor Liba and Darius Rusnak.

STUMPEL, JOZEF(STUM-puhl, JOH-zehf)

FLORIDA PANTHERSCENTER. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’3”/191 CM 225 LBS./102 KG

BORN, NITRA, CZECH., JULY 20, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1989-90 Nitra Czech-2 38 12 11 23 .... .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Nitra Czech 49 23 22 45 14 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 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 01993-94 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 01995-96 Boston NHL 76 18 36 54 14 5 1 2 3 01996-97 Boston NHL 78 21 55 76 14 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Los Angeles NHL 77 21 58 79 53 4 1 2 3 21998-99 Los Angeles NHL 64 13 21 34 10 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Los Angeles NHL 57 17 41 58 10 4 0 4 4 82000-01 Bratislava Slovakia 9 2 4 6 16 .... .... .... .... ....

Los Angeles NHL 63 16 39 55 14 13 3 5 8 102001-02 Los Angeles NHL 9 1 3 4 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Boston NHL 72 7 47 54 14 6 0 2 2 02002-03 Boston NHL 78 14 37 51 12 5 0 2 2 02003-04 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 24Boston'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 Jerseyselected Pierre Dagenais) in 1998 Entry Draft for Dmitri Kristich and Byron Dafoe, August 29, 1997.Traded to Boston by LosAngeles with Glen Murray for Jason Allison and Mikko Eloranta, October 24, 2001.Traded to Los Angeles by Boston with Boston's7th round choice (later traded to Nashville – Nashville selected Miroslav Hanuljak) in 2003 Entry Draft for Philadelphia's 4thround choice (previously acquired, Boston selected Patrick Valcak) in 2003 Entry Draft and Detroit's 2nd round choice (previouslyacquired, Boston selected Martins Karsums) in 2004 Entry Draft, June 22, 2003. Signed as a free agent by Slavia (CzRep), August28, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Florida, August 17, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1990 B Czechoslovakia EJC-A 6 1 3 4 41991 B Czechoslovakia WJC-A 7 4 4 8 21996 Slovakia W-Cup 3 0 0 0 01997 Slovakia WC-A 8 2 1 3 41998 Slovakia WC-A 4 1 2 3 62002 Slovakia Olympics 2 2 1 3 0

G Slovakia WC-A 3 0 1 1 42003 B Slovakia WC-A 9 4 11 15 02004 Slovakia WC-A 9 1 2 3 22004 Slovakia W-Cup 4 0 0 0 22005 Slovakia WC-A 7 0 7 7 6

Slovakia

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • 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.

Playing for Germany…• First played for Germany at an Under-16 tourna-

ment in Slovakia.• Played as a 15-year-old at the 1994 European

Junior Championship.• 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 fellowGerman Florian Keller led the tournament with 12 points).

• Led Germany in goals (4) and points (5) at the 2001 World Championship inGermany.

• Led German team with 2 goals, tied for lead in points (2) at the 2004 World Cupof Hockey.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his 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 ski jumping and the 100-, 200- and 400-

meter races at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun!”

Did you know that…• He was one of three players traded by San Jose to

Boston this season for 2006 Canadian Olympian JoeThornton.

• He was the first German player ever taken in the firstround of the NHL Entry Draft (21st overall by San Josein 1996).

• He was one of the top junior players in the history ofGerman hockey.

• Was slated to play Canadian junior hockey withKingston (OHL), but made the San Jose Sharks rightout of Germany in 1997–98.

• His most memorable game played is his first game inthe NHL. He had an assist, then scored the game-win-ning goal for San Jose vs. Chicago on Oct. 4, 1997. (Hisfirst three career goals were game winners, one of onlyfive 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 2006German Olympic coach Uwe Krupp scored the StanleyCup-winning goal for Colorado in triple overtime in1996.

• Hobbies are tennis and soccer.• Favorites include:“Monday Night Football” (TV show),

“Wedding Crashers” (movie), U2 (music group), WillFerrell (actor).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Will Ferrell, Jennifer Aniston andGerman tennis great Steffi Graf.

• If he wasn’t a hockey player, he would be a BMWmechanic.

Career Accomplishments…• Was runner-up as NHL rookie of the month for

October, won award in November. Finished 1997–98season tied for fifth among rookies in points (30) andassists (20).

• Played in his first All-Star Game in 1999 and placedsecond in fastest skater competition at SuperSkills.Became first German-born player to score in All-StarGame.

• Career high 4 shorthanded goals in 1999–2000 tied forfirst on the Sharks and tied for third in NHL.

• Topped 20-goal plateau for first time with 21 goals in2001–02. Tied Mike Rathje for first on team inplus/minus with club-record (since broken) +23.

• Tied 2006 Finnish Olympian Teemu Selanne andPatrick Marleau for club lead with a career-high 28goals in 2002–03. Was fourth on team with career-high48 points.

• Missed last 15 games of 2003–04 regular season andall of playoffs with broken leg suffered Mar. 5, 2004 butstill topped 20-goal plateau for third straight seasonwith 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.• Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky.

STURM, MARCO(STURHM, MAHR-koh)

BOSTON BRUINSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’0”/183 CM 195 LBS./88 KG

BORN, DINGOLFING, WEST GERMANY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1978.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Landshut Germany 47 12 20 32 50 11 1 3 4 181996-97 Landshut Germany 46 16 27 43 40 7 1 4 5 61997-98 San Jose NHL 74 10 20 30 40 2 0 0 0 01998-99 San Jose NHL 78 16 22 38 52 6 2 2 4 499-2000 San Jose NHL 74 12 15 27 22 12 1 3 4 62000-01 San Jose NHL 81 14 18 32 28 6 0 2 2 02001-02 San Jose NHL 77 21 20 41 32 12 3 2 5 22002-03 San Jose NHL 82 28 20 48 16 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 San Jose NHL 64 21 20 41 36 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Ingolstadt Germany 45 22 16 38 56 11 3 4 7 12

NHL Totals 530 122 135 257 226 38 6 9 15 12San Jose's 2nd choice, 21st overall, in 1996 Entry Draft.Played in NHL All-Star Game (1999) Signed as a free agent by Ingolstadt (Germany), August 8, 2004.Traded to Boston by San Jose with Brad Stuart and WaynePrimeau for Joe Thornton, November 30, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 Germany EJC-A 5 0 1 1 41995 Germany WJC-A 7 0 0 0 6

S Germany EJC-A 5 2 3 5 21996 Germany WJC-A 6 4 6 10 51

Germany EJC-A 5 5 6 11 81997 Germany WC-A 8 1 1 2 41998 Germany Olympics 2 0 0 0 02001 Germany WC-A 7 4 1 5 262002 Germany Olympics 5 0 1 1 02004 Germany W-Cup 4 2 0 2 0

Germany

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Slovakia…• 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 teamin 1991–92.

• Won a gold medal for Slovakia at the 1994European 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 WorldChampionship in 2000 and 2003.

• Ranked second among defensemen at the 2000tournament with 5 assists. Tied for seventh amongdefensemen in points (5).

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are “every one.”

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard but have a lot of fun.”

Did you know that…• 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 2000World Championship as the greatest games he hasplayed.

• 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).• If he could have dinner with any three people, they

would be with Bruce Willis, Pam Anderson and RogerFederer.

Career Accomplishments…• Finished fourth on Springfield in scoring (second

among defensemen) in 1998–99 (4-32-36).Represented the Falcons at the 1999 AHL All-StarGame.

• Started the 1999–2000 season on the Phoenix rosterbut was reassigned to Springfield on Oct. 9. Wasrecalled from Springfield on Oct. 20 and played for theCoyotes 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 ingoals (7), assists (14), points (21), power-play goals (2)and game-winning goals (2). Finished with plus/minusrating of +1, making him a plus player in each of hisfirst 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 coachedhim for ten years.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents and older brother as having had the

biggest influence on his career.• Lists his parents as the people he admires most.• Will call his wife and parents first if Slovakia wins gold

at Torino.

SUCHY, RADOSLAV(soo-KHEE, RAD-oh-slav)

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 204 LBS./93 KG

BORN, KEZMAROK, CZECH., APRIL 7, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 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 21995-96 Sherbrooke QMJHL 68 15 53 68 68 7 0 3 3 21996-97 Sherbrooke QMJHL 32 6 34 40 14 .... .... .... .... ....

Chicoutimi QMJHL 28 5 24 29 26 19 6 15 21 121997-98 Las Vegas IHL 26 1 4 5 10 .... .... .... .... ....

Springfield AHL 41 6 15 21 16 4 0 1 1 21998-99 Springfield AHL 69 4 32 36 10 3 0 1 1 099-2000 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 02002-03 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 0QMJHL All-Rookie Team (1995) • QMJHL Second All-Star Team (1997) • George Parsons Trophy (Memorial Cup Tournament MostSportsmanlike Player) (1997)Signed as a free agent by Phoenix, September 26, 1997.Traded to Columbus by Phoenix with Phoenix's 6th round choice (DerekReinhart) in 2005 Entry Draft for Columbus' 4th round choice (later traded to Philadelphia - Philadelphia selected JeremyDuchesne) in 2005 Entry Draft, July 6, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Poprad (Slovakia), October 4, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 Slovakia EJC-A 6 1 7 8 21996 Slovakia WJC-A 6 2 1 3 02000 S Slovakia WC-A 8 0 5 5 02003 B Slovakia WC-A 9 0 3 3 42004 Slovakia W-Cup 3 0 0 0 02005 Slovakia WC-A 7 0 0 0 0

Slovakia

205

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

and 1989.“I didn’t start to think seriously aboutthe national team or the NHL until the EuropeanJunior tournaments.”

• Won a silver medal at the 1990 WorldChampionship. Was a teammate of 2006 SwedishOlympian Nicklas Lidstrom.

• Led Sweden in goals (7) and points (12) en routeto a gold medal at the 1991 World Championship.

• Won gold again at the 1992 World Championshipand was named Best Forward.

• Tournament scoring leader (5-9-14) at the 1994World Championship.

• Tied fellow 2006 Swedish Olympian PeterForsberg for tournament scoring lead (5-6-11)when Sweden won gold again at the 1998 WorldChampionship.

• Won a silver medal at the 2003 World Championship and led the Swedish teamin goals (6) and points (10). Was tied for third overall in goals, tied for sixth inpoints. Was named Best Forward and tournament MVP.

• Named to Canada Cup All-Star Team in 1991 and World Cup of Hockey All-StarTeam in 1996.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Did you know that…• 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 firstSwedish player to record 1,000 career points on Mar.10, 2003.

• In 2001, a Swedish television network chartered aplane to fly him to the World Championship to play inthe semifinal game vs. the Czech Republic a day afterToronto was eliminated from the NHL playoffs.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 startthe 1992–93 season (21G, 25A). Went on to enjoycareer highs that year in goals (47), assists (67) andpoints (114). Finished 11th in NHL scoring.

• Led Toronto in scoring (and in most other offensivecategories) every season from 1994–95 to 2001–02,then again in 2003–04.

• Tied for second in NHL with 6 shorthanded goals in1995–96. Set a regular-season record by scoring at 0:06of overtime on Dec. 30, 1995.

• Finished seventh in NHL in scoring (41-53-94) in 1996-97.

• Set a regular-season record with 4 overtime goals in1999–2000.

• Led Toronto in scoring (41-39-80) for eighth straightseason in 2001–02. Was fourth in NHL in scoring, tiedfor second in goals.

• Led Leafs with 37 goals in 2002–03, but finished sec-ond on team in scoring (72 points) behind AlexanderMogilny. Was eighth in NHL in goals, 25th in points.

• Led Leafs in goals (31), assists (44) and points (75) in2003–04. Tied with 2006 Canadian Olympian JaromeIginla of Calgary and 2006 U.S. Olympian Bill Guerin ofDallas for league lead in game-winning goals (10) andtied for second in league with 36 third-period points.Was 13th overall in NHL points.

• Passed fellow Swede Borje Salming for third place all-time in Maple Leafs’ scoring with his 769th Torontopoint 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.• Favorite team growing up was the Montreal

Canadiens.• Favorite players were Swedish NHL stars Mats Naslund

and Kent Nilsson.

Playing for Sweden…• First played for his country with a junior national team

in 1987. Played at the 1988 Quebec Cup (forerunner ofthe World Under-17 Challenge).

• Played at the European Junior Championship in 1988

SUNDIN, MATS(suhn-DEEN, MATS)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFSCENTER. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’5”/196 CM 231 LBS./105 KG

BORN, BROMMA, SWEDEN, FEBRUARY 13, 1971.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1988-89 Nacka Sweden-2 25 10 8 18 18 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Djurgarden Sweden 34 10 8 18 16 8 7 0 7 41990-91 Quebec NHL 80 23 36 59 58 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Quebec NHL 80 33 43 76 103 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Quebec NHL 80 47 67 114 96 6 3 1 4 61993-94 Quebec NHL 84 32 53 85 60 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Djurgarden Sweden 12 7 2 9 14 .... .... .... .... ....

Toronto NHL 47 23 24 47 14 7 5 4 9 41995-96 Toronto NHL 76 33 50 83 46 6 3 1 4 41996-97 Toronto NHL 82 41 53 94 59 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Toronto NHL 82 33 41 74 49 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Toronto NHL 82 31 52 83 58 17 8 8 16 1699-2000 Toronto NHL 73 32 41 73 46 12 3 5 8 102000-01 Toronto NHL 82 28 46 74 76 11 6 7 13 142001-02 Toronto NHL 82 41 39 80 94 8 2 5 7 42002-03 Toronto NHL 75 37 35 72 58 7 1 3 4 62003-04 Toronto NHL 81 31 44 75 52 9 4 5 9 82004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 1086 465 624 1089 869 83 35 39 74 72Quebec'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) • NamedBest Forward at WC-A (1992) • World Cup All-Star Team (1996) • NHL Second All-Star Team (2002, 2004) Played in NHL All-Star Game (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004)Traded to Toronto by Quebec with Garth Butcher,Todd Warriner and Philadelphia's 1st round choice (previously acquired, latertraded to Washington – Washington selected Nolan Baumgartner) in 1994 Entry Draft for Wendel Clark, Sylvain Lefebvre, LandonWilson and Toronto's 1st round choice (Jeffrey Kealty) in 1994 Entry Draft, June 28, 1994.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1988 Sweden EJC-A 6 5 4 9 81989 Sweden EJC-A 6 6 2 8 141990 Sweden WJC-A 7 5 2 7 61991 Sweden EJC-A 10 7 5 12 121991 Sweden Can-Cup 6 2 4 6 161992 G Sweden WC-A 8 2 6 8 81994 B Sweden WC-A 8 5 9 14 41996 Sweden W-Cup 4 4 3 7 41998 Sweden Olympics 4 3 0 3 4

G Sweden WC-A 10 5 6 11 62001 B Sweden WC-A 2 0 1 1 22002 Sweden Olympics 4 5 4 *9 102003 S Sweden WC-A 7 6 4 10 102004 Sweden W-Cup 4 1 5 6 0

Sweden

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Slovakia…• First played for his country as a member of the

Under-16 team in 1998. Says that playing forSlovakia is a “great experience.”

• Played at the 2000 Viking Cup tournament inCamrose, Alberta and at that year’s World Under-18Championship.

• His greatest international experience is playing atthe World Junior Championship in 2002.

• Favorite international ice hockey rule is the biggersized ice surface.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are skiing and

soccer in the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard, have fun, never give up!”

Did you know that…• 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 goalat 5:18 of double overtime, ending the fifth-longestgame in Avalanche history.

• The most memorable game he has played was the sec-ond game of the 2005–06 season when he scored hisfirst career hat trick vs. injured 2006 Finnish OlympianMiikka Kiprusoff of Calgary on Oct. 10, 2005.

• Favorite television show is “The Sopranos.” Favoritemovies are “Scarface” and “Friday.” Favorite actor is AlPacino.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Angelina Jolie, Wayne Gretzky andLeonardo De Vinci.

Career Accomplishments…• Played only 39 games for Kootenay (WHL) in his first

season in North American in 2000–01, but was seventhon the team in goals (23) and eighth in points (41).

• Won the Memorial Cup (Canadian Hockey leaguemajor junior championship) with Kootenay in 2001–02.Set a franchise record with 22 power-play goals. Alsoset a franchise record for most goals (3) and points (4)in one period. Set a playoff record by scoring a goal infour consecutive games.

• Along with 2006 U.S. Olympian John-Michael Liles, wasone of four rookies to start the 2003–04 season withColorado. Missed 78 games from Oct. 12, 2003 to Apr.2, 2004 with a shoulder injury. Scored his first two NHLgoals vs. Columbus in his first game back from injury.

• Was fourth in scoring (18-28-46) with Hershey (AHL) in2004–05.

• Recorded the first penalty shot goal by a rookie infranchise 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 44games.

When I was young…• 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.

Family Connections… • Credits his parents with being the most influential

people in his hockey career. Also lists them as the peo-ple he most admires.

• Will call his parents first Slovakia wins gold at Torino.

SVATOS, MAREK(SVA-tohsh, MAIR-ehk)

COLORADO AVALANCHERIGHT WING. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’9”/175 CM 170 LBS./77 KG

BORN, KOSICE, CZECH., JUNE 17, 1982.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 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 262001-02 Kootenay WHL 53 38 39 77 58 21 12 6 18 402002-03 Hershey AHL 30 9 4 13 10 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Colorado NHL 4 2 0 2 0 11 1 5 6 22004-05 Hershey AHL 72 18 28 46 69 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 4 2 0 2 0 11 1 5 6 2Colorado's 10th choice, 227th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.WHL West Second All-Star Team (2002)• Missed majority of 2002-03 season recovering from shoulder injury that required surgery, January 28, 2003. • Missed majority of2003-04 season recovering from shoulder injury suffered in game vs. St. Louis, October 12, 2003.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 Slovakia WJ18-A 6 2 0 2 02002 Slovakia WJC-A 7 *7 1 8 6

Slovakia

207

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Sweden…• First played for Sweden when he was 17 years old

in an exhibition game vs. Finland with the Under-18 team on Nov. 7, 1996. He says “it is always a bighonor.”

• Missed 1999 World Junior Championship due tofractured skull.

• Played at World Championship in 2000, 2001 and2003. Made 30 saves in 3–2 victory over UnitedStates in bronze medal game at 2001 tourna-ment. Was top goaltender on silver medal-win-ning Swedish team in 2003. Calls the 2003 quar-terfinal game against Finland the most memo-rable game he has played.

• Was Sweden’s top goaltender at the 2004 WorldCup of Hockey.

• Favorite international rule is the allowance for bigger equipment.

Olympic Connections…• Is competing at his second straight Olympic Games.• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Just have fun, that’s what it’s all about. Enjoy it when you can.”

Did you know that…• 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).

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama andLance Armstrong.

Career Accomplishments…• Made debut in Swedish elite league with Djurgardens

IF in 1998–99.• Replaced former NHLer Tommy Soderstrom as

Djurgardens’ top goaltender in 1999–2000. LedDjurgardens to Swedish championship. Regular-sea-son leader in goals-against average (2.07). Postseasonleader in games (13), minutes (814), shutouts (3) andaverage (1.55).

• Led Djurgardens to its second straight Swedish cham-pionship in 2000–01. Led league in average (2.08) andshutouts (5) in the regular season. Topped playoffs ingames (16), minutes (1006) and shutouts (1).

• Went to training camp with the Maple Leafs in2001–02 but was assigned to the team’s St. John’s farmclub (AHL).

• Made NHL debut in third period of game at Montrealon Jan. 18, 2003. Picked up win in overtime to join KellyHrudey as only netminders with relief victory in over-time in NHL debut. Made first NHL start vs.Philadelphia on Jan. 21.

• Started 2003–04 season as backup to Ed Belfour asTrevor Kidd was out with shoulder injury. Played 12games for Leafs and only 23 games with St.John’s as hewas usually back and forth between NHL and minors.

• Appeared in a career-high 45 games and had a career-best 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

Olympian Nicklas Kronwall of the Detroit Red Wings.

Family Connections… • 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

wins gold in Torino.

TELLQVIST, MIKAEL(TEHL-kvihst, MIGH-kuhl)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 194 LBS./88 KG

BORN, SUNDBYBERG, SWEDEN, SEPTEMBER 19, 1979.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1997-98 Djurgarden Jr. Swe-Jr. 23 .... .... .... 1380 55 .... 2.39 2 0 2 120 8 0 4.001998-99 Djurgarden Sweden 3 1 2 0 124 8 0 3.87 4 .... .... 240 11 0 2.75

Djurgarden EuroHL 3 2 1 0 180 8 .... 2.33 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Huddinge Sweden-2 11 4 7 0 660 33 .... 3.30 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Djurgarden Sweden 30 .... .... .... 1909 66 2 *2.07 *13 .... .... *814 21 *3 *1.552000-01 Djurgarden Sweden 43 .... .... .... 2622 91 *5 *2.08 *16 .... ....*1006 45 *1 2.682001-02 St. John's AHL 28 8 11 6 1521 79 0 3.12 1 1 0 15 0 0 0.002002-03 Toronto NHL 3 1 1 0 86 4 0 2.79 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

St. John's AHL 47 17 25 3 2651 148 1 3.35 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Toronto NHL 11 5 3 2 647 31 0 2.87 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

St. John's AHL 23 10 11 1 1343 59 1 2.64 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 St. John's AHL 45 24 16 4 2600 115 0 2.65 5 1 4 253 15 0 3.56

NHL Totals 14 6 4 2 733 35 0 2.86 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....(Toronto's 3rd choice, 70th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft).

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg2000 Sweden WC-A 1 .... .... .... 60 4 0 4.002001 B Sweden WC-A 1 1 0 0 60 2 0 2.002002 Sweden Olympics DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER2003 S Sweden WC-A 7 .... .... .... 393 9 0 1.372004 Sweden W-Cup 3 1 1 1 179 12 0 4.03

Sweden

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Favorite players were Wayne Gretzky and SteveYzerman. Wears #19 because of Yzerman.

• Was childhood friends with Florida’s Mike Van Ryn.

Family Connections… • 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 beenthere 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 grandpar-ents and his Grampa Pell.

• Will call his parents first if Canada wins gold inTorino.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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 (4-5-9) 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 scor-

ing with 6 points, as Canada won the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Lists the final asthe most memorable game he has played “because it was a victory and becauseit was just a great game.”

• Led the 2005 World Championship in assists (10) and points (16). Was second to2006 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.)

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is the 100-meter sprint at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Just have fun. It’s only a game!”

Did you know that…• He was traded from Boston to San Jose this season for

three players, including 2006 German Olympian MarcoSturm.

• He lists former Bruins coach Robbie Ftorek as hisfavorite coach because “he really taught me how toplay offense and defense.”

• The person he admires most is basketball superstarShaquille O’Neal because “he dominates and is thebest ever!”

• Most memorable hockey game watched was Detroitvs. 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 abig fan of the music of The Tragically Hip, Aerosmith,Johnny Cash and Elvis.

Career Accomplishments…• Named top rookie in Canadian junior hockey in

1995–96. Ranked second in OHL scoring in 1996–97 with122 points (41G, 81) behind Marc Savard (43-87-130).

• Led Bruins in goals (23), assists (37), points (60) andpenalty minutes (82) in 1999–2000, becoming just thesecond player in team history to accomplish that feat(Jimmy Herberts, 1924-25). Was second-youngest play-er to lead his team in scoring (fellow 2006 CanadianOlympian Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay). Was onlyplayer to lead his team in points and penalty minutesand became just fourth Bruin to do so.

• Established career high with 37 goals in 2000–01. Tiedfor second in the NHL with 19 power play goals andwas 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 SwedishOlympians Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund, wasone of three NHL players to top 100 points that sea-son. 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 in1995–96. Became just third player in Bruins history toscore 100 points with 100+ penalty minutes, joiningBobby Orr (1969–70, 1971–72 and 1974–75) and KenHodge (1971-72).

• Led Bruins in assists (50) and points (73) for third timein career in 2003–04. Was 18th in NHL in scoring,eighth in assists.

• Led Davos in scoring (10-44-54), ranked seventh inSwiss league, in 2004–05. Combined with fellow 2006Canadian Olympian Rick Nash to lead Davos toSpengler 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

and Toronto Maple Leafs.

THORNTON, JOE(THOHRN-tuhn, JOH)

SAN JOSE SHARKSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’4”/193 CM 223 LBS./101 KG

BORN, LONDON, ONT., JULY 2, 1979.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 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 111996-97 Sault Ste. Marie OHL 59 41 81 122 123 11 11 8 19 241997-98 Boston NHL 55 3 4 7 19 6 0 0 0 91998-99 Boston NHL 81 16 25 41 69 11 3 6 9 499-2000 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 102002-03 Boston NHL 77 36 65 101 109 5 1 2 3 42003-04 Boston NHL 77 23 50 73 98 7 0 0 0 142004-05 Davos Swiss 40 10 44 54 80 14 4 *20 *24 29

NHL Totals 509 160 261 421 611 35 6 12 18 41Boston'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 All-Star Team (1997) • NHL Second All-Star Team (2003)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2002, 2003, 2004)Signed as a free agent by Davos (Swiss), July 8, 2004.Traded to San Jose by Boston for Brad Stuart, Marco Sturm and WaynePrimeau, November 30, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1997 G Canada WJC-A 7 2 2 4 02001 Canada WC-A 6 1 1 2 62004 1st Canada W-Cup 6 1 5 6 02005 S Canada WC-A 9 6 *10 *16 4

Canada

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• First represented Finland as a 17-year-old in 1993

at both the World and European JuniorChampionships.“It was a great honor.”

• Played at World Championship for first of seventimes in 1996. Member of silver medal-winningFinnish teams at 1998, 1999 and 2001 WorldChampionship. Ranked among tournament leadersin 2001 with a plus/minus of +7. Tied for second inscoring (2-5-7) among defensemen at 2003 WorldChampionship.

• Led Finnish team, and all tournament defensemen,in scoring (1-5-6) at 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Wasnamed to All-Star team after Finns won Europeanpool and reached finals against Team Canada.

• Tied Antti-Jussi Niemi for team lead in goals by adefenseman (2) at the 2005 World Championship.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Did you know that…• He has a partial ownership stake in Kalpa Kuopio, the

pro hockey team in his hometown that he used to playfor in Finland. (He lists the Kuopion Jaahalli arena as hisfavorite.)

• Spent majority of 1994–95 season in with Finnishchampion TPS Turku. Played with Finnish championHIFK Helsinki in 1997–98.

• Lists Ilkka Pakarinen as his favorite coach.“He’s still myfriend.”

• Served as a color commentator for Finnish televisionat the 2000 World Championship.

• Wears #44 because it was the only number availablewhen it was given to him.

• Favorite cartoon character is Spider-Man because “I’mnot afraid of heights.” Favorite TV show is “Friends.”Favorite movie is “Old School.” Robert DeNiro andNicole Kidman are his favorite actors. U2 is his favorite band.

• He lists Bono of U2 as the person he admires most.• Nickname is Kime.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 in1999–2000. Named to World Team for the 2000 NHLAll-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 firsttime. Led club and was ranked 21st in NHL in total icetime (23:11 per game).

• Established career high with 13 goals in 2001–02.Ranked third among NHL defensemen in power-playgoals (9) and seventh in goals. Led club and estab-lished 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 inpoints (44) to tie for 11th in NHL in scoring by defense-men. Tied franchise record (also first defenseman) witha 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 earliestelite league games, with KalPa Kuopio.)

• Favorite player was Jari Hamalainen.

Family Connections… • First hockey memory is his oldest brother Tommi tak-

ing 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 inTorino.

• If he could have dinner with anyone it would be withhis late grandfathers.

TIMONEN, KIMMO(TEEM-oh-nehn, KEE-moh)

NASHVILLE PREDATORSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’10”/178 CM 194 LBS./88 KG

BORN, KUOPIO, FINLAND, MARCH 18, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 KalPa Jr. Finland-Jr. 4 0 1 1 2 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 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 61995-96 TPS Finland 48 3 21 24 22 9 1 2 3 121996-97 TPS Finland 50 10 14 24 18 12 2 7 9 8

TPS Turku EuroHL 6 1 0 1 27 4 0 1 1 01997-98 HIFK Finland 45 10 15 25 59 9 3 4 7 81998-99 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 102004-05 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 10Los Angeles' 11th choice, 250th overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.Played in NHL All-Star Game (2004)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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1993 Finland WJC-A 7 2 0 2 6

Finland EJC-A 6 2 2 4 21994 Finland WJC-A 7 3 3 6 41995 Finland WJC-A 7 2 6 8 41996 Finland WC-A 6 0 1 1 01996 Finland W-Cup DID NOT PLAY1998 B Finland Olympics 6 0 1 1 2

S Finland WC-A 10 2 6 8 41999 S Finland WC-A 12 1 4 5 62001 S Finland WC-A 9 2 2 4 102002 Finland Olympics 4 0 1 1 2

Finland WC-A 9 1 2 3 82003 Finland WC-A 7 2 5 7 22004 2nd Finland W-Cup 6 1 5 6 22005 Finland WC-A 6 2 1 3 6

Finland

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• 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 theirsecond medal (bronze) in the history of the event.

• Named to U.S. team for the 1994 WorldChampionship, but did not attend due to previ-ous commitment.

• Was assistant captain with American team thatwon World Cup of Hockey in 1996. Lists this tournament as his greatest international hockey experience.

• Was tournament’s top goal scorer with 5 at the2004 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 adoptedthe “no red line” rule this season.)

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Did you know that…• He and Scott Lachance are the last teenagers to have

played for the U.S. men's hockey team at an OlympicGames (Albertville, 1992). Prior to 1992, several promi-nent 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 (age19) in 1984.

• Nickname Walt was given to him by Ed Olczyk becauseof former NHLer Walt Tkaczuk.

• Became first American-born player to lead NHL ingoals with a career-high 52 in 1996-97. Joined KevinStevens, Brendan Shanahan and Gary Roberts as onlyplayers in NHL history to top 50 goals and 200 PIM inone 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 RockyThompson.

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with John F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Jr.and Masters golf chairman Hootie Johnson.

Career Accomplishments…• Drafted directly out of high school. Spent one season

(1990–91) with Boston University and helped themreach 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 inscoring (41-40-81) and won team MVP honors in1993–94. His 22 power-play goals ranked fifth in NHL.

• Established career highs in assists (48) and points (98)in 1995–96. Finished season tied for seventh in NHLgoal scoring (50). Scored a career-high 52 goals in1996–97.

• Established career high with plus/minus total of +22 in1998–99.

• Tied for 12th in NHL with 75 points (38G, 37A) in2001–02. 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, was19th in NHL in points, tenth in goals. His 18 power-playgoals were one behind Rick Nash for NHL lead.

When I was young…• First hockey team was with East Boston Youth Hockey.• Favorite team growing up was the Boston Bruins.• Favorite player was Bruins star Cam Neely.

Family Connections… • 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.

TKACHUK, KEITH(kuh-CHUK, KEETH)

ST. LOUIS BLUESLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 231 LBS./105 KG

BORN, MELROSE, MA, MARCH 28, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1988-89 Malden Cath. High-MA 21 30 16 46 .... .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Malden Cath. High-MA 6 12 14 26 .... .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Boston University H-East 36 17 23 40 70 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 United States Nat-Tm 45 10 10 20 141 .... .... .... .... ....

Winnipeg NHL 17 3 5 8 28 7 3 0 3 301992-93 Winnipeg NHL 83 28 23 51 201 6 4 0 4 141993-94 Winnipeg NHL 84 41 40 81 255 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Winnipeg NHL 48 22 29 51 152 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Winnipeg NHL 76 50 48 98 156 6 1 2 3 221996-97 Phoenix NHL 81 *52 34 86 228 7 6 0 6 71997-98 Phoenix NHL 69 40 26 66 147 6 3 3 6 101998-99 Phoenix NHL 68 36 32 68 151 7 1 3 4 1399-2000 Phoenix NHL 50 22 21 43 82 5 1 1 2 42000-01 Phoenix NHL 64 29 42 71 108 .... .... .... .... ....

St. Louis NHL 12 6 2 8 14 15 2 7 9 202001-02 St. Louis NHL 73 38 37 75 117 10 5 5 10 182002-03 St. Louis NHL 56 31 24 55 139 7 1 3 4 142003-04 St. Louis NHL 75 33 38 71 83 5 0 2 2 102004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 856 431 401 832 1861 81 27 26 53 162Winnipeg's 1st choice, 19th overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.NHL Second All-Star Team (1995, 1998)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1997, 1998, 1999, 2004)Transferred to Phoenix after Winnipeg franchise relocated, July 1, 1996.Traded to St. Louis by Phoenix for Michal Handzus, LadislavNagy, the rights to Jeff Taffe and St. Louis' 1st round choice (Ben Eager) in 2002 Entry Draft, March 13, 2001.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 United States WJC-A 7 6 3 9 121992 B United States WJC-A 7 3 4 7 6

United States Olympics 8 1 1 2 121996 1st United States W-Cup 7 5 1 6 441998 United States Olympics 4 0 2 2 62002 S United States Olympics 5 2 0 2 22004 United States W-Cup 5 *5 1 6 *23

U.S.A.

211

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Family Connections… • Thanks his father for being his greatest influence

in hockey, and for teaching him how to skate, tolove the game, and for giving him the opportuni-ty to play.

• His father is the person he admires most “for mak-ing sacrifices for his family and kids, and for beinga very selfless person.”

• Will call his parents first if Canada wins gold, pro-viding his wife is there with him.

Wearing the Maple Leaf…• 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 CanadianOlympians Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are gymnastics and boxing at the Summer

Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Be your best and have fun, therefore you can’t have regrets.”

Did you know that…• 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 FinnishOlympian Miikka Kiprusoff posted a 1.69 mark in2003–04.)

• 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 inSault Ste. Marie. Is also the spokesperson for the Stars’‘Stick with Reading’ program.

• Favorite NHL arena is Madison Square Garden“because of the mystique.”

• Other favorites include:“Seinfeld” (TV show),“Armageddon” (movie), Al Pacino (actor) and GeorgeStrait (musician). If he could be any cartoon character,it would be Elastic Man “because it would mean hav-ing 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 magichappen.”

Career Accomplishments…• Took Michigan to the NCAA Final Four in each of his

four seasons at the school, winning the championshipin 1996 and 1998. Won a record nine NCAA tourna-ment games (against two losses) in his career, and isthe only goalie with two career shutouts.

• Was IHL rookie of the year in his first pro season of1998–99. In his second year, set an IHL record with ashutout streak of 282:30 from Mar. 18 to Apr. 1, 2000.

• Led NHL in goals-against average (1.90) and save per-centage (.925) as a rookie in 2000–01.

• Led in average (1.72) and save percentage (.932) againin 2002–03. Save percentage was second lowest sincestat was first kept for individual goalies in 1976–77.(Dominik Hasek, .937 in 1998–99). Finished second invoting to fellow 2006 Canadian Olympian MartinBrodeur 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 inshutouts, 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

Cloutier in bantam, and with the Flames’ SheanDonovan in peewee.

• Lists his midget coach Abbie Carricato as his favoritecoach “because he brought me to the next level.”

TURCO, MARTY(TUHR-koh, MAHR-tee)

DALLAS STARSGOALTENDER. CATCHES LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 183 LBS./83 KG

BORN, SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT., AUGUST 13, 1975.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1993-94 Cambridge OJHL-B 34 19 10 3 1973 114 0 3.47 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 U. of Michigan CCHA 37 *27 7 1 2063 95 1 2.76 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 U. of Michigan CCHA *42 *34 7 1 *2335 84 *5 *2.16 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 U. of Michigan CCHA *41 *33 4 4 *2296 87 *4 *2.27 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 U. of Michigan CCHA *45 *33 10 1 *2640 95 4 2.16 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Michigan IHL 54 24 17 10 3127 136 1 2.61 5 2 3 300 14 0 2.8099-2000 Michigan IHL 60 23 27 *7 3399 139 *7 2.45 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Dallas NHL 26 13 6 1 1266 40 3*1.90 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Dallas NHL 31 15 6 2 1519 53 2 2.09 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Dallas NHL 55 31 10 10 3203 92 7*1.72 12 6 6 798 25 0 1.882003-04 Dallas NHL 73 37 21 13 4359 144 9 1.98 5 1 4 325 18 0 3.322004-05 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) •NHL Second All-Star Team (2003)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2003, 2004) Signed as a free agent by Djurgarden (Sweden), November 13, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg2002 Canada WC-A 3 2 1 .... 166 5 1 1.812005 S Canada WC-A DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER

Canada

212

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• 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 pass-

es.… Fedor has the strength to play against thebigger, stronger opponent physically and handlehimself.…Played strong and smart.” — DonMaloney, New York Rangers scout.

Did you know that…• He still ranks as an NHL rookie in 2005–06 because he

played just 25 games in 2003–04.

Career Accomplishments…• Made his North American debut playing junior hockey

with Guelph (OHL) in 2001–02. Tied for third amongOHL defensemen, tied for sixth among OHL rookies, inscoring (19-40-59).

• Went to training camp with the Rangers in 2002before 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 OlympianRoberto Luongo.

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.

Playing for Russia…• First international tournament was with the Russian

Under-17 team at the European Youth Olympic Days inthe Czech Republic in February of 2000.

• Has won gold medals at the 2001 World Under-18Championship and at the World Junior Championshipin 2002 and 2003.

• Was a teammate of fellow 2006 Russian Olympian IlyaKovalchuk at the 2001 WJ18.

• Was a teammate of fellow 2006 Russian OlympiansAlexander Frolov and Anton Volchenkov at the 2002WJC and Alexander Ovechkin at the 2003 WJC.

• Played at the 2004–05 Rosno Cup with fellow 2006Russian Olympians Ilya Bryzgalov, Pavel Datsyuk, IlyaKovalchuk and Alexei Kovalev, and at the Sweden Cupwith fellow 2006 Russian Olympians MaximAfinogenov, Alexander Frolov, Datsyuk, and Kovalchukbut missed the 2005 World Championship due to aninjury.

TYUTIN, FEDOR(TYOO-tihn, feh-DUHR)

NEW YORK RANGERSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’2”/188 CM 210 LBS./95 KG

BORN, IZHEVSK, USSR, JULY 19, 1983.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1998-99 Magnitogorsk 2 Russia-4 7 0 1 1 2 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Izhevsk 2 Russia-3 38 11 8 19 68 .... .... .... .... ....

Izhevsk Russia-2 10 0 1 1 12 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 St. Petersburg Russia 34 2 4 6 20 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Guelph OHL 53 19 40 59 54 9 2 8 10 82002-03 St. Petersburg Russia 10 1 1 2 16 .... .... .... .... ....

Kazan Russia 10 0 0 0 8 5 0 0 0 42003-04 NY Rangers NHL 25 2 5 7 14 .... .... .... .... ....

Hartford AHL 43 5 9 14 50 16 0 5 5 182004-05 Hartford AHL 13 2 1 3 10 .... .... .... .... ....

St. Petersburg Russia 35 5 3 8 24 .... .... .... .... ....NHL Totals 25 2 5 7 14 .... .... .... .... ....

NY Rangers' 2nd choice, 40th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.Signed as a free agent by St. Petersburg (Russia), November 11, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2001 G Russia WJ18-A 6 1 4 5 182002 G Russia WJC-A 7 1 0 1 22003 G Russia WJC-A 6 0 3 3 12

Russia

213

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Finland…• First played for his country in on an Under-18

team in an exhibition against Swedish Under-18sin November of 1997.“It was nice to get noticedand play for my great country.”

• Was named to All-Star Team at the 1998 VikingCup tournament in Camrose, Alberta. Won a silvermedal at the 1998 European JuniorChampionship.

• Was the youngest member of Finland’s silvermedal winners at the 2001 World Championship.

• Tied for eighth in team scoring with 4 assists atthe 2003 World Championship.

• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, wherethe Finns won the European pool and reachedfinals against Team Canada. He lists this tourna-ment as his greatest international experience.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Just have fun and enjoy it while you can!”

Did you know that…• 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 basket-ball. He is a big fan of the National BasketballAssociation.

• The people he admires most are “all of the great musi-cians because they create a lot of good energy.” (Hisfirst job was working at his grandfather’s music store.)

• If he could have dinner with any three people, theywould be with musicians Jim Morrison, Elvis Presleyand Freddie Mercury.

• His favorite musician is guitar legend Dave Mustaine.Other favorites are “The Simpsons” (TV show) and“Forrest Gump” (movie).

Career Accomplishments…• Played junior hockey in Jokerit Helsinki system before

reaching the elite league in 1998–99. Helped Jokeritreach playoff finals against TPS Turku in 1999–2000.

• Was one of only seven NHL rookies to play as many as80 games in 2000–01. He missed the first game of theseason for Phoenix as a healthy scratch, then played all81 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), take-aways (87) and average ice time (19:09).

• Played in 149 consecutive games from October 7, 2000to March 17, 2002.

• Ranked third on Phoenix in 2002–03 in hits (173) andblocked shots (88) and fourth in average ice time(20:12). Tied all-time franchise single game high with10 hits vs. St. Louis, Apr. 1, 2003. Represented Phoenixin NHL YoungStars Game as part of 2003 NHL All-StarWeekend.

• Led all Avalanche defensemen with 25:09 in ice timethird game of the 2004 Western ConferenceQuarterfinals at Dallas on Apr. 12. Posted his first careerplayoff point with an assist during fifth game of theseries.

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 werenine and 10 years old.

• Favorite team growing up was Jokerit (whom he laterplayed for).

• As a boy, his team sold Coca-Cola at the local rink toraise money and he got to watch all of the Jokerithome games.

• Favorite player growing up was Finnish NHL star JariKurri.

Family Connections… • Lists his brother Jarkko as having had the most influ-

ence on his career.“I have always looked up to him.”• Found out from his father back home in Finland that

he had made the 2002 Olympic team before he heardabout it from Finnish coach Hannu Aravirta.

• Will call his parents first if Finland wins gold in Torino.

VAANANEN, OSSI(VAN-ih-nehn, AW-see)

COLORADO AVALANCHEDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’4”/193 CM 215 LBS./98 KG

BORN, VANTAA, FINLAND, AUGUST 18, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1995-96 Jokerit U18 Fin-U18 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 01996-97 Jokerit Jr. Finland-Jr. 17 1 2 3 43 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Jokerit Jr. Finland-Jr. 31 0 6 6 24 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Jokerit Jr. Finland-Jr. 12 1 6 7 16 .... .... .... .... ....

Jokerit EuroHL 5 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 2Jokerit Finland 48 0 1 1 42 3 0 1 1 2

99-2000 Jokerit Finland 49 1 6 7 46 11 1 1 2 22000-01 Phoenix NHL 81 4 12 16 90 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Phoenix NHL 76 2 12 14 74 5 0 0 0 62002-03 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 182004-05 Jokerit Finland 28 2 2 4 30 12 0 0 0 26

NHL Totals 303 10 35 45 335 16 0 1 1 24Phoenix'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1998 S Finland EJC-A 6 0 0 0 201999 Finland WJC-A 6 0 2 2 82000 Finland WJC-A 7 0 0 0 162001 S Finland WC-A 9 0 2 2 162002 Finland Olympics 2 0 1 1 02003 Finland WC-A 7 0 4 4 82004 2nd Finland W-Cup 4 1 2 3 02005 Finland WC-A 7 0 1 1 8

Finland

214

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for 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 win-

ning gold at the 2002 Worlds in Sweden.• Won gold with Slovak team at 1994 European

Junior Championship (Pool-C). Won silver at 1995World Juniors (Pool-B) and earned All-Star recog-nition. Was second on team’s overall scoring list(1-6-7) as Slovaks earned promotion to Pool-A

• Captained Slovak team at 1996 World JuniorChampionships and was tied for team scoringlead (1-5-6). Also played at 1996 WorldChampionship and 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

• Led all defensemen, ranked second overall intournament, with 6 assists at 2000 Worlds.

• Trailed only teammates Ziggy Palffy and fellow 2006 Slovak Olympian JozefStumpel in tournament scoring (4-18-12), ranking first among defensemen, in2003.

• 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 technicalhockey and do more with the puck.”

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard, have discipline and play with heart.”

Did you know that…• He made his elite league debut with Slovan Bratislava

in 1994–95 at age 18. Helped Bratislava win regular-season and playoff title in 1997–98. Won regular-sea-son title again in 1998–99. Won playoff championshipagain in 1999–2000.

• Wears #17 “because it’s my lucky number.” Admits thathe’s superstitious.

• Most memorable games he has played were the play-off games between Los Angeles and Detroit in hisrookie season.

• Most memorable game watched was the 1987 CanadaCup 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 anythree people it would be with Michael Jordan, LanceArmstrong and Michael Schumacher “because they arethe best sportsmen in the world.”

• “The Jerry Springer Show” is his favorite TV show.Favorite movies are “Man on Fire,”“City of Angels,”“TheShawshank Redemption” and “Meet Joe Black.” Favoriteactors are Denzel Washington and Nicolas Cage.Favorite musician is Robbie Williams. Favorite cartooncharacter is Hercules.

• Nickname is Visna because of his surname.“In mynative language it’s ‘Black Cherry’.”

Career Accomplishments…• Was league’s third-leading scorer among defensemen

(11-12-23) as an 18-year-old in 1994–95. As 20-year-oldin 1996–97, led club in goals by defensemen (11) andfinished second in scoring with 23 points.

• Led all defensemen in scoring (21-24-45) in Slovakianelite league in 1999–2000.

• Led all rookie NHL defensemen in scoring (7-32-39)and ranked fourth overall among all rookies in2000–01. Ranked second among rookies with 32assists. Selected to NHL’s All-Rookie Team. NamedKings “Best Newcomer” in vote by local media. Missed12 games with knee injury and 11 due to back injuryin 2002-03, but established career high with 8 goals injust 57 games. Had first career 2-goal game at Atlantaon Oct. 29, 2002.

• Missed a quarter of the season due to injuries in2002–03 and 2003–04, but still scored career-high 8goals each year. Averaged career-best 24:02 of ice timein 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.”

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as his biggest influences in hockey.

“They pushed me, took care of me and supported meall of the time.”

• Will call his girlfriend and his parents first if Slovakiawins gold in Torino.

VISNOVSKY, LUBOMIR(vihsh-NAWV-skee, LOO-boh-mihr)

LOS ANGELES KINGSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’10”/178 CM 188 LBS./85 KG

BORN, TOPOLCANY, CZECH., AUGUST 11, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1994-95 Bratislava Slovakia 36 11 12 23 10 9 1 3 4 21995-96 Bratislava Slovakia 35 8 6 14 22 13 1 5 6 21996-97 Bratislava Slovakia 44 11 12 23 .... 2 0 1 1 ....

Bratislava EuroHL 6 3 1 4 2 2 0 0 0 61997-98 Bratislava Slovakia 36 7 9 16 16 11 2 4 6 8

Bratislava EuroHL 6 1 0 1 4 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Bratislava Slovakia 40 9 10 19 31 10 5 5 10 0

Bratislava EuroHL 6 0 3 3 4 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Bratislava Slovakia 52 21 24 45 38 8 5 3 8 162000-01 Los Angeles NHL 81 7 32 39 36 8 0 0 0 02001-02 Los Angeles NHL 72 4 17 21 14 4 0 1 1 02002-03 Los Angeles NHL 57 8 16 24 28 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Los Angeles NHL 58 8 21 29 26 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Bratislava Slovakia 43 13 25 38 40 14 2 10 12 10

NHL Totals 268 27 86 113 104 12 0 1 1 0Los Angeles' 4th choice, 118th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.NHL All-Rookie Team (2001) Signed as a free agent by Bratislava (Slovakia), September 27, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 G Slovakia EJC-C 6 2 3 5 51995 S Slovakia WJC-B 7 1 6 7 41996 Slovakia WJC-A 6 1 5 6 4

Slovakia WC-A 5 0 1 1 41996 Slovakia W-Cup 1 0 0 0 01997 Slovakia WC-A 8 0 1 1 41998 Slovakia Olympics 3 0 0 0 21999 Slovakia WC-A 6 0 2 2 62000 S Slovakia WC-A 9 0 6 6 22002 Slovakia Olympics 3 1 2 3 0

G Slovakia WC-A 5 2 1 3 22003 B Slovakia WC-A 9 4 8 12 22004 Slovakia W-Cup 4 0 0 0 62005 Slovakia WC-A 7 2 6 8 0

Slovakia

215

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• Won bronze medal at 1994 European Junior

Championship. Was named Best Goaltender andvoted 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 victo-ry in 2005 as his greatest international hockeymoment.

• Finished second to Andrei Mezin of Belarus ingoals-against average (1.08) and save percentage(.953), tied with Mezin and 2006 Latvian OlympianArturs Irbe for first in shutouts (2), at 2005 WorldChampionship. Was named Best Goaltender.

• Was second to 2006 Slovak Olympian Jan Lasak ingoals-against average (1.14) and save percentage(.944) at 2004 tournament. Tied for second with 2006 Swiss Olympian MartinGerber with 2 shutouts (Lasak had 4).

• Played all five games in goal for Czech team at 2004 World Cup of Hockey, losingovertime decision to Team Canada in semifinals.

• Favorite international ice hockey rule is the big ice surface.

Olympic Connections…• 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.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “You must work hard to get there.”

Did you know that…• His nickname is Voky.• Created the “Fed by a Pred” event in September of

2003 with proceeds benefiting the PredatorsFoundation.

• Hobbies include sports, music, cars, bikes and playingtennis.

• Would choose to be Superman if he could be any car-toon character.

• Other favorites include “Seinfeld” (TV show),“Man onFire” and “Good Will Hunting” (movies), Robert DeNiro(actor) and U2 (music group).

Career Accomplishments…• 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 vic-tory over Detroit on Dec. 23. Runner-up for NHL Rookieof the Month award for December 1998. Posted firstshutout of career and first in Predators history on Jan.15, 1999 vs. Phoenix (31 saves).

• Ranked second among NHL rookie goaltenders with12 wins and tied for first with 37 games played in1998–99.

• Became first Predator to earn NHL Player of the Weekhonors after posting 3–0–0 record, 1 shutout, 1.33 aver-age and .960 save percentage during week of Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2000.

• In 2002–03, ranked third in NHL in games played (69),tied for eighth in average (2.20), and tied for tenth insave percentage (.918). Played in 57 of Nashville’s last58 games, including starting last 38 games of season.Faced five penalty shots during season, tying modern-era NHL record.

• Established new career high and franchise record, wastied for third in the NHL, with 34 wins in 2003–04. Tiedfor second in NHL in games played (73), ranked fourthin minutes (4,221), third in shots faced (1,958).Recorded franchise’s first playoff shutout when hestopped 41 shots to beat Detroit 3-0 in fourth game ofWestern Conference Quarterfinals. Was named toWestern 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.

Family Connections… • 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.

VOKOUN, TOMAS(voh-KOON, TAW-mas)

NASHVILLE PREDATORSGOALTENDER. CATCHES RIGHT. 6’0”/183 CM 195 LBS./88 KG

BORN, KARLOVY VARY, CZECH., JULY 2, 1976.

Season Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1993-94 Kladno CzRep 1 0 0 0 20 2 0 6.01 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Kladno CzRep 26 .... .... .... 1368 70 .... 3.07 5 .... .... 240 19 .... 4.751995-96 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 4.091996-97 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 3.2299-2000 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 2.022004-05 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 3.51NHL 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)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2004)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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg1994 B Czech Republic EJC-A 5 .... .... .... 300 11 .... 2.201996 Czech Republic WJC-A 6 2 2 2 356 21 1 3.542003 Czech Republic WC-A 7 .... .... .... 389 14 1 2.162004 Czech Republic WC-A 6 *5 1 0 370 7 2 1.142004 Czech Republic W-Cup 5 2 3 0 302 15 0 2.982005 G Czech Republic WC-A 8 *7 1 0 499 9 *2 1.08

Czech Republic

216

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Russia…• 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 cap-tain, and named to tournament’s Second All-StarTeam. Only goal at the tournament was winner in5–4 win victory over Canada in final. This is hisgreatest international hockey memory.

• Played at 2002 World Championships, where Russiaearned silver, losing the final to Slovakia.

• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, butmissed three games due to an ankle injury.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is alpine skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Work hard every day, and be happy in what you do.”

Did you know that…• 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 hehas played.

• Favorite hobby and summer activity is to go on vaca-tion and travel around the world.

• Favorite NHL arenas are the Corel Centre in Ottawa“because of the great fans” and the Rexall Place inEdmonton “for the good ice.”

• Favorite TV show is “The Simpsons.” Favorite movie is“Scary Movie.” Favorite actor is Al Pacino. Would like tobe Batman if he could be any superhero.

Career Accomplishments…• His 4 goals and 16 assists for Krylja Sovetov in 2001–02

placed him fourth in team scoring and best amongdefensemen.

• Recorded first NHL points (2A) and first multipointgame vs. Carolina on Oct. 23. Scored first goal atBoston on Dec. 12 .

• Played for Eastern Conference Young Stars team at2002 All-Star Weekend and scored a goal.

• Missed 52 games due to surgery for torn labrum inright shoulder in 2003–04.

• Tied Binghamton (AHL) franchise record with fourassists in a game vs. Philadelphia Phantoms on March30, 2005. Played in the AHL All-Star Game. Tied 2006German Olympian Christoph Schubert for second onteam in plus/minus (+24) behind 2006 CanadianOlympian 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 child-hood.

Family Connections… • His father is an inspirational influence, having won 13

championships with the Central Red Army. (He alsoplayed in the 1975 New Year’s Eve game vs. theMontreal Canadiens.)

• Will call his mother and wife first if Russia wins gold atTorino.

VOLCHENKOV, ANTON(vohl-chen-KAHF, AN-tawn)

OTTAWA SENATORSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 227 LBS./103 KG

BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, FEBRUARY 25, 1982.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM99-2000 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 292002-03 Ottawa NHL 57 3 13 16 40 17 1 1 2 42003-04 Ottawa NHL 19 1 2 3 8 5 0 0 0 62004-05 Binghamton AHL 69 10 35 45 62 6 0 3 3 0

NHL Totals 76 4 15 19 48 22 1 1 2 10Ottawa'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 S Russia WJ18-A 6 1 0 1 62001 Russia WJC-A 7 0 4 4 62002 G Russia WJC-A 7 1 3 4 6

S Russia WC-A 9 0 0 0 02004 Russia W-Cup 1 0 0 0 0

Russia

217

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• First represented the Czech Republic at age 16.

Won a gold medal at the 1992 European JuniorChampionship. Led the tournament in scoring (6-8-14), was named Best Forward and selected tothe All-Star Team.

• Won bronze at 1993 EJC and led tournament inscoring (7-5-12).

• Won bronze medal at the 1993 World JuniorChampionship. Finished third in scoring (6-9-15)behind 2006 Swedish Olympians Peter Forsbergand 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 themost 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, inscoring (4-6-10) in 2000.

• Played at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and was second on team to MartinHavlat in plus/minus (+5).

• Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice surface.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are tennis and soccer at the Summer Games.

Did you know that…• He scored the game-winning goal in a 1–0 victory over

Vsetin to give Sparta Praha a 3–0 sweep of 2000 play-off championship. His next goal came in his first NHLgame as a member of the expansion Columbus BlueJackets on Oct. 7, 2000.

• During the 2000–01 NHL season, he became the firstrookie in history to score two goals on penalty shots.

• The most memorable game he has watched was the1987 Canada Cup Final between Canada and theUSSR.

• His hobbies are tennis and soccer.• His favorite sports team is Real Madrid. His favorite ath-

lete 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.

Career Accomplishments…• Spent the 1994–95 season with Edmonton’s Cape

Breton (AHL) farm club and ranked fifth among AHLrookies in scoring (23-38-61).

• Returned to Europe for the next five seasons. HelpedSparta Praha finish first in regular season in 1995–96.Ranked ninth in the league in assists (29), 14th inpoints (49) in 1996–97.

• Led MoDo in Sweden in scoring (16-21-37) in 1997–98,but returned to Sparta Praha in 1998–99. Establishedcareer 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) in1999–2000. Was third in league in plus/minus (+43).Led Sparta Praha to both regular-season and playoffchampionships.

• Finished the 2000–01 NHL season among the top 10 infive rookie categories. Was tenth in goals (13) andpoints (32), eighth in power-play points (5-7-12), sev-enth in shots (125).

• Scored 20 goals in 2002–03 and set Blue Jacketsrecord in plus/minus at +20.

• Was second on the Blue Jackets behind 2006 CanadianOlympian Rick Nash in goals (22) and points (53) in2003–04. Led the team with 31 assists. Establishedcareer highs in goals, assists and points.

• Finished sixth in the Czech league in scoring (12-34-46) 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

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.

VYBORNY, DAVID(vih-BOHR-nee, DAY-vihd)

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’10”/178 CM 189 LBS./86 KG

BORN, JIHLAVA, CZECH., JUNE 2, 1975.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1991-92 Sparta Czech 32 6 9 15 2 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Sparta Czech 52 20 24 44 .... .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Sparta CzRep 44 15 20 35 0 6 4 7 11 01994-95 Cape Breton AHL 76 23 38 61 30 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Sparta CzRep 40 12 18 30 .... 12 6 5 11 ....1996-97 Sparta CzRep 47 20 29 49 14 10 7 7 14 61997-98 MoDo Sweden 45 16 21 37 34 9 0 2 2 21998-99 Sparta CzRep 52 24 *46 *70 22 8 1 3 4 ....99-2000 Sparta CzRep 50 25 38 63 30 9 3 *8 *11 42000-01 Columbus NHL 79 13 19 32 22 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Columbus NHL 75 13 18 31 6 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Columbus NHL 79 20 26 46 16 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Columbus NHL 82 22 31 53 40 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 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 byColumbus, June 8, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Sparta (CzRep), August 9, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1992 G Czechoslovakia EJC-A 6 6 8 *14 01993 B Czech Republic EJC-A 6 7 5 *12 0

B Czech Republic WJC-A 7 6 9 15 121994 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 2 5 7 61996 G Czech Republic WC-A 8 2 2 4 41997 B Czech Republic WC-A 9 2 1 3 21998 B Czech Republic WC-A 9 2 4 6 01999 G Czech Republic WC-A 12 4 4 8 6

G Czech Republic WC-A 12 4 4 8 62000 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 4 6 10 62001 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 2 0 2 42002 Czech Republic WC-A 7 1 3 4 162003 Czech Republic WC-A 9 4 1 5 82004 Czech Republic WC-A 7 1 1 2 02004 Czech Republic W-Cup 5 0 0 0 22005 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 1 3 4 8

Czech Republic

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LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Returned to the World Championships in 2005despite playing just seven games during the2004–05 season. Tied fellow 2006 U.S. OlympianErik Cole for the team lead with 5 assists. Tied Cole,Brett Hauer and fellow 2006 Olympian MikeKnuble for the team lead in points (6).

Olympic Connections…• 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 everwatched. Team USA’s two victories over Russia atthe 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics rank among hisfavorite international moments along with the1996 win over Canada at the World Cup of Hockey.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “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.

Did you know that…• 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 greatwork ethic.”

• The people he admires most are “my fellow country-men who fight for our freedom.”

• Hobbies are baseball and golfing. If he could have din-ner with any three people it would be with TigerWoods, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

• His favorite TV show is “Seinfeld.” His favorite band isPearl Jam. Favorite cartoon character is Superman.“He’s the best.”

• Nickname is Weigher.

Career Accomplishments…• 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 fullseason in Edmonton in 1993–94. Set a franchise recordfor the most games played in a single season with 84

• Established career highs in assists (79) and points (104)in 1995–96. Ranked 11th in NHL scoring and was tiedfor 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 fourthin 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, WayneGretzky and Pat LaFontaine.

Family Connections… • 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 shareit.”

Wearing the Stars and Stripes…• First played for his country at the 1991 World Junior

Championship in Saskatoon.“I realized what an honorit truly was.”

• Was the 1991 WJC top scorer (5-14-19), beating outEric Lindros of Canada and 2006 Russian Olympic bossPavel Bure. His 19 points are the most ever scored byan American at one WJC tournament.

• Finished third in scoring (3-4-7) when Team USA wonthe World Cup of Hockey in 1996.

WEIGHT, DOUG(WAYT, DUHG)

ST. LOUIS BLUESCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 200 LBS./91 KG

BORN, WARREN, MI, JANUARY 21, 1971.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1988-89 Bloomfield NAHL 34 26 53 79 105 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Lake Superior CCHA 46 21 48 69 44 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Lake Superior CCHA 42 29 46 75 86 .... .... .... .... ....

NY Rangers NHL .... .... .... .... .... 1 0 0 0 01991-92 NY Rangers NHL 53 8 22 30 23 7 2 2 4 0

Binghamton AHL 9 3 14 17 2 4 1 4 5 61992-93 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 81997-98 Edmonton NHL 79 26 44 70 69 12 2 7 9 141998-99 Edmonton NHL 43 6 31 37 12 4 1 1 2 1599-2000 Edmonton NHL 77 21 51 72 54 5 3 2 5 42000-01 Edmonton NHL 82 25 65 90 91 6 1 5 6 172001-02 St. Louis NHL 61 15 34 49 40 10 1 1 2 42002-03 St. Louis NHL 70 15 52 67 52 7 5 8 13 22003-04 St. Louis NHL 75 14 51 65 37 5 2 1 3 62004-05 Frankfurt Germany 7 6 9 15 26 11 2 10 12 8

NHL Totals 912 224 604 828 734 69 20 35 55 70NY Rangers' 2nd choice, 34th overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.CCHA First All-Star Team (1991) • NCAA West Second All-American Team (1991)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1996, 1998, 2001, 2003)Traded to Edmonton by NY Rangers for Esa Tikkanen, March 17, 1993.Traded to St. Louis by Edmonton with Michel Riesen forMarty Reasoner, Jochen Hecht and Jan Horacek, July 1, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Frankfurt (Germany), February 11, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 United States WJC-A 7 5 *14 19 41993 United States WC-A 6 0 6 6 121994 United States WC-A 8 0 4 4 161996 1st United States W-Cup 7 3 4 7 121998 United States Olympics 4 0 2 2 22002 S United States Olympics 6 0 3 3 42004 United States W-Cup 5 1 0 1 42005 United States WC-A 7 1 5 6 0

U.S.A.

219

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Played for Russia at both the 1993 World JuniorChampionship and the World Championship, win-ning gold at the World Championship.

• Was a teammate of fellow 2006 Russian OlympianNikolai Khabibulin at both World JuniorChampionship tournaments, as well as DariusKasparaitis and Alex Kovalev in 1992, and SergeiGonchar and Viktor Kozlov in 1993.

• Was third on Russian team in scoring (2-3-5) at2001 World Championship.

• Tied for team lead in scoring (1-2-3) at the 2004World Cup of Hockey.

Olympic Connections…• 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 hehas played. He tied for fourth in scoring (3-3-6) at the tournament as Russia wona silver medal. He won a bronze medal at Salt Lake City in 2002.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is basketball at the Summer Games.

Did you know that…• 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.”

Career Accomplishments…• Was the only rookie to play in the 1994 NHL All-Star

Game. Led NHL rookies in assists (49) and finished sec-ond in points (79) in 1993–94. Led Ottawa in scoringand was named team MVP.

• Team scoring leader (21-23-44 in 47 games) in1994–95.

• Led team in goals (35) and points (75) as Ottawareached 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. Wasrunner-up behind 2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir Jagrin Hart Trophy voting (NHL MVP). Won team MVPaward for fourth time.

• Led team in scoring (40-48-88) in 2000–01 as Ottawaset what were then club records with 48 wins and 109points. His 40 goals were tied for tenth in NHL, 88points were tied for 11th. Tied for second in NHL with10 game-winning goals. Also ranked among NHL lead-ers with 13 power-play goals and 263 shots.

• Traded to NY Islanders after 2000–01 season andsigned a then-record contract ($87.5 million over 10years). 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-playgoals.

• Led Islanders with 65 points, 39 assists and 14 power-play goals in 2002–03. Scored 4 goals in a game atChicago 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.• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 Russian

Olympian Nikolai Khabibulin.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

on his career.• Will call his parents first if Russia wins gold in Torino.

Playing for Russia…• Won a silver medal with the Soviet team at the 1991

European Junior Championships.• Won gold medal with CIS (Commonwealth of

Independent States) at the 1992 World JuniorChampionship.

YASHIN, ALEXEI(YAH-shin, al-EHX-ay)

NEW YORK ISLANDERSCENTER. SHOOTS RIGHT. 6’3”/191 CM 225 LBS./102 KG

BORN, SVERDLOVSK, USSR, NOVEMBER 5, 1973.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1990-91 Sverdlovsk USSR 26 2 1 3 10 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Dynamo Moscow CIS 35 7 5 12 19 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Dynamo Moscow CIS 27 10 12 22 18 10 7 3 10 181993-94 Ottawa NHL 83 30 49 79 22 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 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 21997-98 Ottawa NHL 82 33 39 72 24 11 5 3 8 81998-99 Ottawa NHL 82 44 50 94 54 4 0 0 0 1099-2000 Ottawa NHL DID NOT PLAY – SUSPENDED2000-01 Ottawa NHL 82 40 48 88 30 4 0 1 1 02001-02 NY Islanders NHL 78 32 43 75 25 7 3 4 7 22002-03 NY Islanders NHL 81 26 39 65 32 5 2 2 4 22003-04 NY Islanders NHL 47 15 19 34 10 5 0 1 1 02004-05 Yaroslavl Russia 10 3 3 6 14 9 3 7 10 10

NHL Totals 710 291 374 665 289 43 11 16 27 24Ottawa's 1st choice, 2nd overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.CIS First All-Star Team (1993) • NHL Second All-Star Team (1999)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1994, 1999, 2002)• Suspended for entire 1999-2000 season by Ottawa for refusing to report to team, November 9, 1999. • Independent arbitratorruled that Yashin was eligible to play for Team Russia at 2000 World Hockey Championships. • Traded to NY Islanders by Ottawa forBill Muckalt, Zdeno Chara and NY Islanders' 1st round choice (Jason Spezza) in 2001 Entry Draft, June 23, 2001. Signed as a freeagent by Yaroslavl (Russia), February 14, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 S USSR EJC-A 5 1 3 4 21992 G Russia WJC-A 7 4 2 6 21993 Russia WJC-A 3 1 0 1 4

G Russia WC-A 8 2 1 3 51994 Russia WC-A 5 1 2 3 81996 Russia WC-A 8 4 5 9 41996 Russia W-Cup 5 0 2 2 61997 Russia WC-A 5 3 0 3 121998 S Russia Olympics 6 3 3 6 01999 Russia WC-A 6 *8 1 9 62000 Russia WC-A 5 1 1 2 82001 Russia WC-A 7 2 3 5 62002 B Russia Olympics 6 1 1 2 02004 Russia WC-A 6 1 2 3 22004 Russia W-Cup 4 1 2 3 42005 B Russia WC-A 9 2 1 3 8

Russia

220

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Slovakia…• 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 andat 1996 World Cup of Hockey. Lists the inauguralWorld Cup tourney as his greatest internationalexperience.

• Was fifth on the team in scoring (5-3-8) behindZiggy Palffy and 2006 Slovak Olympians JozefStumpel, Lubomir Visnovsky and Miroslav Satanwhen Slovakia won bronze at the 2003 WorldChampionship. Ranked 13th overall in tournamentscoring.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the big ice.

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sport of interest is cross country skiing.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Just have fun.”

Did you know that…• 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 andAngelina Jolie. Favorite band is U2.

Career Accomplishments…• Made his debut in North America with the Portland

Winter Hawks of the WHL in 1994–95. Led team ingoals (35) and points (86), ranked second in assists(51).

• Moved from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine whenhe was promoted to Pirates (AHL) after the 1995–96WHL season. Had one goal and one assist in first AHLgame. Called up to Washington on Apr. 12, 1996 andmade his NHL debut in the final game of season.Returned to Portland and reached the 1996 CalderCup Final.

• First full NHL season was 1997-98. Finished amongNHL rookie scoring leaders with 17 goals and 26points.

• 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 in1997–98. Led Canadiens in goals, ranked second to2006 Finnish Olympian Saku Koivu with 50 points.

• Led Canadiens in 2003–04 with 26 goals, 9 game-win-ning goals and 218 shots on goal. His 24 assists werenew career high and his 50 points tied career best ofprevious season.

• Helped Zvolen to a first-place tie with Slovan Bratislavain the 2004–05 Slovak league. Was team’s top playoffscorer (9-10-19) as Zvolen reached playoff final but lostto Bratislava.

When I was young…• First hockey team played for was Banksa Bystrica.• Favorite team growing up was the Calgary Flames.• 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 playerhe patterns his game after.

• Was childhood friends with fellow 2006 SlovakOlympians Ivan Majesky of Washington and MichalHandzus of Philadelphia, as well as Vladimir Orszagh ofSt. Louis.

ZEDNIK, RICHARD(ZEHD-nihk, RIH-chuhrd)

MONTREAL CANADIENSRIGHT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 196 LBS./89 KG

BORN, BYSTRICA, CZECH., JANUARY 6, 1976.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1993-94 B. Bystrica Slovak-2 25 3 6 9 .... .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Portland WHL 65 35 51 86 89 9 5 5 10 201995-96 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 161998-99 Washington NHL 49 9 8 17 50 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Washington NHL 69 19 16 35 54 5 0 0 0 52000-01 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 62002-03 Montreal NHL 80 31 19 50 79 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Montreal NHL 81 26 24 50 63 11 3 3 6 22004-05 Zvolen Slovakia 36 15 19 34 56 17 9 10 19 12

NHL Totals 512 145 124 269 408 37 14 10 24 29Washington's 10th choice, 249th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.WHL West Second All-Star Team (1996)Traded to Montreal by Washington with Jan Bulis and Washington's 1st round choice (Alexander Perezhogin) in 2001 Entry Draftfor Trevor Linden, Dainius Zubrus and New Jersey's 2nd round choice (previously acquired, later traded to Tampa Bay – Tampa Bayselected Andreas Holmqvist) in 2001 Entry Draft, March 13, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Zvolen (Slovakia), October 7, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1993 S Slovakia EJC-C 4 8 2 10 61994 G Slovakia EJC-C 6 8 12 20 101996 Slovakia WJC-A 6 5 2 7 101996 Slovakia W-Cup 3 0 0 0 02001 Slovakia WC-A 7 2 2 4 142003 B Slovakia WC-A 9 5 3 8 62004 Slovakia W-Cup 3 0 0 0 02005 Slovakia WC-A 7 1 1 2 10

Slovakia

221

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Olympic Connections…• He lists the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics as his

greatest international experience. He was one ofonly two Swedes (Mathias Johansson) with no NHLexperience at the Games.

• Lists the 1994 Olympic gold medal game atLillehammer, where Sweden beat Canada in ashootout, as the most memorable game he haswatched

• Will call Red Wings teammate and 2006 CanadianOlympian Kris Draper first if Sweden wins gold atTorino.

• Other Olympic sports of interest are the skiingevents.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun!”

Did you know that…• 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 wake-

boarding 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 MickJagger.

Career Accomplishments…• 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’sgame-winning goal. Led all NHL rookies in 2002–03 ingoals (22) and points (44). Tied for third among rookiesin assists (22). Tied for second among rookies with 5power-play goals. Was runner-up to Barret Jackman ofSt. Louis for Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.

• Missed 19 games with a broken bone in his leg in2003–04. Scored 15 goals in just 61 games and wasseventh on Red Wings with 43 points.

• Led the Swedish elite league in scoring (19-31-50) in2004–05.

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.

Family Connections… • Lists his father as both the person with the biggest

influence on his career and the person he admiresmost.

Playing for Sweden…• First played for Team Sweden at the Four Nations tour-

nament 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

2002 World Championship.

ZETTERBERG, HENRIK(ZEH-tuhr-buhrg, HEHN-rihk)

DETROIT RED WINGSLEFT WING. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 176 LBS./80 KG

BORN, NJURUNDA, SWEDEN, OCTOBER 9, 1980.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1997-98 Timra Jr. Swe-Jr. 18 9 5 14 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Timra Sweden-2 16 1 2 3 4 4 0 1 1 01998-99 Timra Sweden-2 37 15 13 28 2 4 2 1 3 299-2000 Timra Sweden-2 32 20 14 34 20 10 10 4 14 42000-01 Timra Sweden 47 15 31 46 24 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Timra Sweden 48 10 22 32 20 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Detroit NHL 79 22 22 44 8 4 1 0 1 02003-04 Detroit NHL 61 15 28 43 14 12 2 2 4 42004-05 Timra Sweden 50 19 31 *50 24 7 6 2 8 2

NHL Totals 140 37 50 87 22 16 3 2 5 4Detroit'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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1998 G Sweden EJC-A 6 2 1 3 42000 Sweden WJC-A 7 3 2 5 82001 Sweden WJC-A 9 1 3 4 22002 Sweden Olympics 4 0 1 1 0

B Sweden WC-A 9 0 7 7 42003 S Sweden WC-A 9 3 4 7 22004 Sweden W-Cup 4 1 1 2 42005 Sweden WC-A 9 2 4 6 4

Sweden

222

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Russia…• First played for his country at the age of 15.• Played with the Soviet Union at the 1990 World

Junior Championship.• Missed 1994 World Championship due to

injuries.• Was named to the original Russian roster for the

2004 World Cup of Hockey but withdrew prior totournament.

Olympic Connections…• Is playing at his fourth Olympic Games (1992,

1998, 2002). Has won gold, silver and bronze inthe past.

• Winning gold at the 1992 Albertville Games ishis most memorable hockey moment, and the final game is the most memo-rable he has played.

• He is one of five players on the 2006 Russian Olympic team that won gold withthe former Soviet “Unified Team” at Albertville in 1992. The others are NikolaiKhabibulin, Darius Kasparaitis, Alex Kovalev and Alexei Zhitnik. He andKasparaitis, Zhitnik, Alexei Yashin and Sergei Gonchar remain from the 1998 silvermedal 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.

Did you know that…• He scored five goals in a game for the Winnipeg Jets

vs. Los Angeles on April 1, 1995. It was the NHL’s onlyfive-goal game in 1994–95. To date, only MarioLemieux (Mar. 26, 1996) and Sergei Fedorov (Dec. 26,1996) have achieved the feat since.

ª Became the first Russian player to be nominated forthe Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) in 1994–95.

• Was nicknamed Archie, after the cartoon/comic stripcharacter, 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.”

Career Accomplishments…• Had an assist in his first NHL game on Oct. 6, 1992. Had

47 assists and 72 points in 1992–93, totals that remaincareer highs.

• Finished third in the NHL in scoring (30-35-65 in 48games) behind 2006 Czech Olympian Jaromir Jagr andEric Lindros in 1994–95. His 30 goals remain a careerhigh. Selected as Jets’ MVP that season.

• Finished second on the Blackhawks in scoring behindTony Amonte in 1997–98 (21-28-49) and 1998–99 (20-41-61).

• 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 sixthamong NHL forward in average time on ice (22:19).

• Named Blackhawks captain prior to the 2002–03 sea-son. Was second on the team to Steve Sullivan with 58points, first with with 43 assists. Led Blackhawks for-wards in ice time (21:06). Ranked among NHL leaderswith 3 shorthanded goals and 5 shorthand points. LedBlackhawks in power-play points (19) and power-playassists (17).

• Missed 35 games from Oct. 16 through Dec. 29, 2003recovering from back surgery. Played his first game asa 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. Hepatterns his game after Larionov.

• Has been friends with several Russian hockey playerssince childhood.

Family Connections… • Lists his parents as having had the biggest influence

on his career.• Met his wife while playing junior hockey for her father,

Valeri Vasilijev, a former Moscow Dynamo and Sovietnational team defenseman.

ZHAMNOV, ALEX(ZHAHM-nahf, al-EHX)

BOSTON BRUINSCENTER. SHOOTS LEFT. 6’1”/185 CM 204 LBS./93 KG

BORN, MOSCOW, USSR, OCTOBER 1, 1970.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1988-89 Dynamo Moscow USSR 4 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Dynamo Moscow USSR 43 11 6 17 21 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Dynamo Moscow USSR 46 16 12 28 24 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Dynamo Moscow CIS 39 15 21 36 28 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Winnipeg NHL 68 25 47 72 58 6 0 2 2 21993-94 Winnipeg NHL 61 26 45 71 62 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Winnipeg NHL 48 30 35 65 20 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Winnipeg NHL 58 22 37 59 65 6 2 1 3 81996-97 Chicago NHL 74 20 42 62 56 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Chicago NHL 70 21 28 49 61 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Chicago NHL 76 20 41 61 50 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Chicago NHL 71 23 37 60 61 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Chicago NHL 63 13 36 49 40 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Chicago NHL 77 22 45 67 67 5 0 0 0 02002-03 Chicago NHL 74 15 43 58 70 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Chicago NHL 23 6 12 18 14 .... .... .... .... ....

Philadelphia NHL 20 5 13 18 14 18 4 10 14 82004-05 Chekhov Russia-2 24 5 22 27 20 14 7 7 14 10

NHL Totals 783 248 461 709 638 35 6 13 19 18Winnipeg's 5th choice, 77th overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.NHL Second All-Star Team (1995)Played in NHL All-Star Game (2002)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 select-ed R.J. Anderson) in 2004 Entry Draft for Jim Vandermeer, the rights to Colin Fraser and Los Angeles' 2nd round choice (previouslyacquired, Chicago selected Bryan Bickell) in 2004 Entry Draft, February 19, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Vityaz Chekhov (Russia-2), November 15, 2004. Signed as a free agent by Boston, August 4, 2005.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1990 S Soviet Union WJC-A 7 6 1 7 61991 Soviet Union Can-Cup 5 3 0 3 21992 G Russia Olympics 8 0 3 3 8

Russia WC-A 6 0 0 0 291996 Russia W-Cup 4 0 2 2 61998 S Russia Olympics 6 2 1 3 22000 Russia WC-A 5 0 1 1 02002 B Russia Olympics 6 1 0 1 4

Russia

223

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

• Was an assistant captain of the Russian team the1994 World Championship.Was named Best Defenseman at 1996 WorldChampionship.

• Was a late addition to the Russian roster for the2004 World Cup of Hockey but withdrew prior tothe tournament.

Olympic Connections…• 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 formerSoviet “Unified Team” at Albertville in 1992. Theothers are Nikolai Khabibulin, Darius Kasparaitis,Alex Kovalev and Alexei Zhamnov. He andKasparaitis, Zhamnov, Alexei Yashin and SergeiGonchar remain from the 1998 silver medal team at Nagano.

• Other Olympic sport of interest is soccer at the Summer Games.

Words of Advice to Young Players… • “Have fun doing it!”

Did you know that…• He scored the 8,000th goal in the history of the Buffalo

Sabres franchise while playing in his 500th careergame, Mar. 28, 1999.

• The most memorable hockey games he has playedwere the 1999 Stanley Cup Final between Buffalo andDallas. (He also helped Los Angeles reach the StanleyCup Final for the only time in franchise history in1993). He lists all of the other Stanley Cup Final as themost 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 thebeach.

• Other favorites are “The Tonight Show” (TV show),“Gladiator” (movie), Bruce Willis (actor) and Bon Jovi(musician).

Career Accomplishments…• 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) andpoints (52) in 1993–94. His 40 assists and 52 pointsremain career highs.

• Scored a goal on his first shot with Buffalo Sabres onFeb. 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 17power-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 in2001–02 and led Sabres defensemen in assists (33),points (34) and power-play assists (15). Was 12th inNHL in average ice time (25:36).

• Led Sabres and ranked sixth in NHL in average ice timewith career-high 26:33 in 2002–03.

• Led Sabres and ranked 11th in NHL with average icetime of 25:01 in 2003–04. Led Sabres defensemen inpenalty 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.

Family Connections… • Lists his father has having had the biggest influence

on his career. He also lists his father as his favoritecoach. (He was his first coach.)

• Will call his parents and his wife first if Russia wins goldin Torino.

Playing for Russia…• Won silver medal with Soviet team at 1990 European

Junior Championship.• Won gold at 1992 World Junior Championship.

ZHITNIK, ALEXEI(ZHIHT-nihk, al-EHX-ay)

NEW YORK ISLANDERSDEFENSE. SHOOTS LEFT. 5’11”/180 CM 215 LBS./98 KG

BORN, KIEV, USSR, OCTOBER 10, 1972.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1989-90 Kiev USSR 31 3 4 7 16 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Kiev USSR 46 1 4 5 46 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 CSKA CIS 44 2 7 9 52 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Los Angeles NHL 78 12 36 48 80 24 3 9 12 261993-94 Los Angeles NHL 81 12 40 52 101 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Los Angeles NHL 11 2 5 7 27 .... .... .... .... ....

Buffalo NHL 21 2 5 7 34 5 0 1 1 141995-96 Buffalo NHL 80 6 30 36 58 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Buffalo NHL 80 7 28 35 95 12 1 0 1 161997-98 Buffalo NHL 78 15 30 45 102 15 0 3 3 361998-99 Buffalo NHL 81 7 26 33 96 21 4 11 15 *5299-2000 Buffalo NHL 74 2 11 13 95 4 0 0 0 82000-01 Buffalo NHL 78 8 29 37 75 13 1 6 7 122001-02 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 164Los Angeles' 3rd choice, 81st overall, in 1991 Entry Draft.WC-A All-Star Team (1996) • Named Best Defenseman at WC-A (1996)Played in NHL All-Star Game (1999, 2002)Traded to Buffalo by Los Angeles with Robb Stauber, Charlie Huddy and Los Angeles' 5th round choice (Marian Menhart) in 1995Entry 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.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1990 S USSR EJC-A 6 2 2 4 21991 Soviet Union Can-Cup 5 0 0 0 41992 G Russia WJC-A 7 1 1 2 2

G Russia Olympics 8 1 0 1 0Russia WC-A 6 0 2 2 6

1994 Russia WC-A 6 1 0 1 81996 Russia WC-A 8 1 1 2 61996 Russia W-Cup 3 0 1 1 21998 S Russia Olympics 6 0 2 2 22000 Russia WC-A 6 0 1 1 22004 Russia W-Cup DID NOT PLAY

Russia

224

LEAGUE STATISTICS R e g u l a r S e a s o n P l ayo f f s

Playing for Czech Republic…• 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-

ning gold with the Czech team at the 2005 WorldChampionship. He tied fellow 2006 CzechOlympian Tomas Kaberle for club lead amongdefenseman in assists (3), tied Kaberle and fellow2006 Czech Olympian Pavel Kubina, and rankedamong the tournament leaders, in points (4). Tiedfor the tournament lead in plus/minus (+8). Wasnamed to the tournament All-Star Team.

• Favorite international hockey rule is the shootout (which was adopted by theNHL this season).

Olympic Connections…• Other Olympic sports of interest are track & field at the Summer Games.

Did you know that…• 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 andactor is Bolek Polivka.

• Favorite musical group is Linkin Park

Career Accomplishments…• 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 inthe Finnish league with 146 penalty minutes.

• Tied for second among defensemen in league with 40points and third in league for defensemen with 11goals in 2001–02. Was only member of HIFK to play inall 56 games and led team in scoring.

• Tied for fifth in Finnish league with 47 points and wassecond in league with 37 assists in 2002–03. Led HIFKin assists and tied for team lead in points.

• Collected his first NHL point in his first NHL game withan assist vs. Anaheim on Oct. 9, 2003. Scored first NHLgoal against 2006 Canadian Olympian Marty Turco ofDallas on Oct. 11. Was the sixth player in Predators his-tory to collect points in his first two games withNashville. Was one of four Predators to play in all 82regular season games. Tied for fourth among NHLdefensemen in points (53) and assists (39), tied foreighth in goals (14). Finished fourth in NHL in powerplay points (9-26-35), tied for third among NHLdefensemen in power play goals. Set new Predatorsrecords for scoring by a defenseman and power-playpoints. Tallied 5 assists in 7–3 home win over San Joseon Feb. 18, 2004, setting Predators franchise recordand tying arena record (2006 Swedish Olympian PeterForsberg, Wayne Gretzky).

• Ranked first among HIFK defensemen, sixth amongdefensemen in the Finnish elite league, in scoring (11-20-31) in 2004–05.

When I was young…• First hockey team played for was Most.• Favorite player growing up was Brian Leetch.

Family Connections… • Will call his wife first if the Czech Republic wins gold at

Torino.

ZIDLICKY, MAREK(zhihd-LIH-kee, MAIR-ehk)

NASHVILLE PREDATORSDEFENSE. SHOOTS RIGHT. 5’11”/180 CM 190 LBS./86 KG

BORN, MOST, CZECH., FEBRUARY 3, 1977.

Season Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1994-95 Kladno CzRep 30 2 2 4 38 11 1 1 2 101995-96 Kladno CzRep 37 4 5 9 74 7 1 1 2 81996-97 Kladno CzRep 49 5 16 21 60 2 0 0 0 01997-98 Kladno CzRep 51 2 13 15 121 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Kladno CzRep 50 10 12 22 94 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 HIFK Finland 47 4 16 20 66 9 3 2 5 24

HIFK EuroHL 4 2 2 4 10 1 0 0 0 02000-01 HIFK Finland 51 12 25 37 146 5 0 1 1 62001-02 HIFK Finland 56 11 29 40 107 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 HIFK Finland 54 10 37 47 79 4 0 0 0 42003-04 Nashville NHL 82 14 39 53 82 1 0 0 0 02004-05 HIFK Finland 49 11 20 31 91 5 0 3 3 14

NHL Totals 82 14 39 53 82 1 0 0 0 0NY Rangers' 6th choice, 176th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft.Traded to Nashville by NY Rangers with Rem Murray and Tomas Kloucek for Mike Dunham, December 12, 2002. Signed as a freeagent by HIFK (Finland), September 17, 2004.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTSYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1995 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 0 2 2 311997 Czech Republic WJC-A 7 0 5 5 122004 Czech Republic W-Cup 5 3 1 4 22005 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 1 3 4 18

Czech Republic

225

BARTECKO, Lubos (bahr-TESHK-oh, LOO-bohsh) SLOVAKIALeft wing. Shoots left. 5 ft. 11 in., 200 lbs. Born, Kezmarok, Czech., July 14, 1976.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1994-95 Poprad Slovakia 3 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Chicoutimi QMJHL 70 32 41 73 50 17 8 15 23 101996-97 Drummondville QMJHL 58 40 51 91 49 8 1 8 9 41997-98 Worcester AHL 34 10 12 22 24 10 4 2 6 21998-99 Poprad Slovakia 1 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....

St. Louis NHL 32 5 11 16 6 5 0 0 0 2Worcester AHL 49 14 24 38 22 .... .... .... .... ....

99-2000 St. Louis NHL 67 16 23 39 51 7 1 1 2 0Worcester AHL 12 4 7 11 4 .... .... .... .... ....

2000-01 St. Louis NHL 50 5 8 13 12 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Atlanta NHL 71 13 14 27 30 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Atlanta NHL 37 7 9 16 8 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Sparta CzRep 25 12 8 20 45 13 2 4 6 262004-05 Dynamo Moscow Russia 40 6 10 16 28 7 0 1 1 2

NHL Totals 257 46 65 111 107 12 1 1 2 2Signed as a free agent by St. Louis, October 3, 1997.Traded to Atlanta by St. Louis for Buffalo's 4th round choice(previously acquired, St. Louis selected Igor Valeyev) in 2001 Entry Draft, June 23, 2001. • Missed majority of2002-03 season recovering from wrist (November 2, 2002 vs. Florida) and groin (January 13, 2003 vs.Philadelphia) injuries. Signed as a free agent by Sparta (CzRep), November 2, 2003. Signed as a free agent byDynamo Moscow (Russia), August 24, 2004.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 Slovakia WC-A 7 2 3 5 142002 Slovakia Olympics 4 0 1 1 0

G Slovakia WC-A 9 2 2 4 22004 Slovakia WC-A 9 2 2 4 6

Slovakia W-Cup 4 0 1 1 22005 Slovakia WC-A 7 0 1 1 4

BENDA, Jan (BEHN-duh, YAHN) GERMANYCenter. Shoots right. 6 ft. 3 in., 215 lbs. Born, Reef, Belgium, March 28, 1972.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1988-89 Henry Carr OHA-B 18 0 3 3 22 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Oshawa OHA-B 44 50 80 130 24 .... .... .... .... ....

Oshawa OHL 1 0 1 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Grefrath German-2 13 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Oshawa OHL 51 4 11 15 64 16 2 4 6 191991-92 Oshawa OHL 61 12 23 35 68 7 1 1 2 121992-93 Freiburg Germany 41 6 11 17 49 9 3 3 6 121993-94 Hedos Munchen Germany 43 16 11 27 67 10 3 2 5 211994-95 Binghamton AHL 4 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Richmond ECHL 62 21 39 60 187 17 8 5 13 501995-96 Essen German-2 2 1 0 1 6 .... .... .... .... ....

Slavia CzRep 28 8 11 19 .... 7 1 5 6 ....1996-97 Sparta CzRep 49 7 21 28 61 10 1 1 2 12

Sparta Praha EuroHL 5 1 0 1 4 4 0 1 1 21997-98 Sparta CzRep 1 0 1 1 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Washington NHL 9 0 3 3 6 .... .... .... .... ....Portland AHL 62 25 29 54 90 8 0 7 7 6

1998-99 Assat Finland 52 21 22 43 139 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Jokerit Finland 52 19 28 47 99 11 2 4 6 162000-01 Jokerit Finland 52 18 26 44 56 5 0 1 1 62001-02 Kazan Russia 33 8 12 20 61 11 2 5 7 402002-03 Kazan Russia 51 14 24 38 68 5 2 0 2 62003-04 Kazan Russia 56 4 17 21 72 5 1 0 1 82004-05 Voskresensk Russia 19 2 8 10 20 .... .... .... .... ....

Cherepovets Russia 33 4 6 10 32 .... .... .... .... ....Cherepovets Russia 52 6 14 20 52 .... .... .... .... ....NHL Totals 9 0 3 3 6 .... .... .... .... ....

Signed as a free agent by Washington, October 1, 1997.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 Germany Olympics 8 0 1 1 6

Germany WC-A 5 0 0 0 241996 Germany WC-A 6 1 1 2 33

Germany W-Cup 4 2 1 3 01997 Germany WC-A 8 0 2 2 181998 Germany Olympics 4 3 0 3 81999 Germany WC-Q 3 0 2 2 2

Germany WC-B 7 1 5 6 162001 Germany WC-A 7 0 1 1 42002 Germany Olympics 7 1 0 1 2

Germany WC-A 7 1 7 8 142003 Germany WC-A 6 1 2 3 42004 Germany WC-A 6 2 0 2 0

Germany W-Cup DID NOT PLAY2005 Germany WC-A 6 1 3 4 27

BYKOV, Dmitri (BEE-kawv, dih-MEE-tree) RUSSIADefense. Shoots left. 5 ft. 10 in., 169 lbs. Born, Izhevsk, USSR, May 5, 1977.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1995-96 Samara CIS 50 1 2 3 39 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Samara Russia 44 1 6 7 20 2 0 0 0 21997-98 Togliatti Russia 9 0 1 1 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Samara Russia 27 0 5 5 14 .... .... .... .... ....Yaroslavl Russia 10 1 2 3 6 7 0 1 1 10

1998-99 Togliatti Russia 39 0 6 6 24 7 1 0 1 8Samara Russia 2 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

99-2000 Kazan Russia 35 3 8 11 18 18 0 2 2 8Kazan 2 Russia-3 3 0 1 1 4 .... .... .... .... ....

2000-01 Kazan Russia 39 3 8 11 28 4 0 1 1 42001-02 Kazan Russia 44 1 1 2 38 11 0 0 0 42002-03 Detroit NHL 71 2 10 12 43 4 0 0 0 02003-04 Kazan Russia 55 5 11 16 46 8 2 1 3 102004-05 Kazan Russia 31 2 2 4 22 4 0 0 0 0

NHL Totals 71 2 10 12 43 4 0 0 0 0Detroit's 6th choice, 258th overall, in 2001 Entry Draft. Signed as a free agent by Kazan (Russia), June 18, 2003.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1999 Russia WC-A 6 0 0 0 102002 S Russia WC-A 5 3 1 4 22004 Russia WC-A 6 0 0 0 4

CIRONE, Jason (suh-ROHN, JAY-suhn) ITALYCenter. Shoots left. 5 ft. 9 in., 185 lbs. Born,Toronto, Ont., February 21, 1971.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1986-87 Tor. Red Wings MTHL 36 53 64 117 125 .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 Cornwall OHL 53 12 11 23 41 11 1 2 3 41988-89 Cornwall OHL 64 39 44 83 67 17 19 8 27 141989-90 Cornwall OHL 32 21 43 64 56 6 4 2 6 141990-91 Cornwall OHL 40 31 29 60 66 .... .... .... .... ....

Windsor OHL 23 27 23 50 31 11 9 8 17 141991-92 Winnipeg NHL 3 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Moncton AHL 64 32 27 59 124 10 1 1 2 81992-93 Asiago Alpenliga 25 24 14 38 36 .... .... .... .... ....

Asiago Italy 16 6 5 11 18 2 1 5 6 181993-94 Cincinnati IHL 26 4 2 6 61 .... .... .... .... ....

Birmingham ECHL 11 3 3 6 45 10 8 8 16 *671994-95 Cincinnati IHL 74 22 15 37 170 9 1 1 2 141995-96 Rochester AHL 24 4 5 9 34 .... .... .... .... ....

San Diego WCHL 3 2 1 3 20 .... .... .... .... ....Los Angeles IHL 26 8 10 18 47 .... .... .... .... ....

1996-97 Long Beach IHL 11 4 3 7 14 .... .... .... .... ....Kansas City IHL 70 18 38 56 88 3 0 3 3 2

1997-98 Kansas City IHL 82 22 30 52 166 11 3 3 6 201998-99 Kansas City IHL 82 42 26 68 151 3 1 0 1 899-2000 Kansas City IHL 71 19 24 43 133 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Frankfurt Germany 51 18 17 35 138 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Asiago Italy 37 20 13 33 79 4 0 1 1 42002-03 Asiago Italy 33 16 19 35 126 .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Asiago Italy 38 30 20 50 79 12 5 6 11 162004-05 Asiago Italy 18 1 12 13 32 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 3 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....Winnipeg's 3rd choice, 46th overall, in 1989 Entry Draft.Traded to Florida by Winnipeg for Dave Tomlinson, August 3, 1993.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2004 S Italy WC-B 5 2 1 3 10

OTHER 2006 OLYMPIC PLAYERSIncludes Players & Goaltenders with Prior NHL Experience and Top Prospects

226

Di PIETRO, Paul (dee-pee-AY-troh, PAWL) SWITZERLANDCenter. Shoots right. 5 ft. 9 in., 181 lbs. Born, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., September 8, 1970.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1985-86 Soo Legion NOHA 38 33 25 58 87 .... .... .... .... ....1986-87 Sudbury OHL 49 5 11 16 13 .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 Sudbury OHL 63 25 42 67 27 .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Sudbury OHL 57 31 48 79 27 .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Sudbury OHL 66 56 63 119 57 7 3 6 9 71990-91 Fredericton AHL 78 39 31 70 38 9 5 6 11 21991-92 Montreal NHL 33 4 6 10 25 .... .... .... .... ....

Fredericton AHL 43 26 31 57 52 7 3 4 7 81992-93 ◆ Montreal NHL 29 4 13 17 14 17 8 5 13 8

Fredericton AHL 26 8 16 24 16 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Montreal NHL 70 13 20 33 37 7 2 4 6 21994-95 Montreal NHL 22 4 5 9 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Toronto NHL 12 1 1 2 6 7 1 1 2 01995-96 Toronto NHL 20 4 4 8 4 .... .... .... .... ....

St. John's AHL 2 2 2 4 0 .... .... .... .... ....Houston IHL 36 18 23 41 44 .... .... .... .... ....Las Vegas IHL 13 5 6 11 10 13 4 8 12 16

1996-97 Los Angeles NHL 6 1 0 1 6 .... .... .... .... ....Phoenix IHL 33 9 20 29 32 .... .... .... .... ....Cincinnati IHL 32 15 14 29 28 3 1 1 2 2

1997-98 Kassel Germany 48 20 32 52 16 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Ambri Swiss 45 *38 44 82 22 15 6 12 18 2299-2000 Zug Swiss 45 20 34 54 58 10 3 5 8 10

Canada Nat-Tm 4 0 3 3 0 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Zug Swiss 43 26 29 55 34 4 2 0 2 272001-02 Zug Swiss 42 20 23 43 45 6 6 3 9 42003-04 Zug Swiss 46 14 23 37 10 3 1 0 1 22004-05 Lugano Swiss 1 0 1 1 2 4 1 0 1 2

NHL Totals 192 31 49 80 96 31 11 10 21 10Montreal's 6th choice, 102nd overall, in 1990 Entry Draft.Traded to Toronto by Montreal for Phoenix's 4th round choice (previously acquired, Montreal selected Kim Staal)in 1996 Entry Draft, April 6, 1995. Signed as a free agent by Los Angeles, July 23, 1996.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2005 Switzerland WC-A 7 1 2 3 6

GOC, Sascha (GAWCH, SA-shah) GERMANYDefense. Shoots right. 6 ft. 6 in., 220 lbs. Born, Calw,West Germany, April 14, 1979.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1994-95 Schwenningen Germany 14 5 1 6 10 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Schwenningen Jr. Ger-Jr. 11 3 6 9 77 .... .... .... .... ....

Schwenningen Germany 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Schwenningen Jr. Ger-Jr. 1 1 1 2 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Schwenningen Germany 41 3 1 4 28 5 0 0 0 01997-98 Schwenningen Germany 49 5 5 10 45 .... .... .... .... ....

Schwenningen Jr. Ger-Jr. 4 1 3 4 8 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Albany AHL 55 1 12 13 24 2 0 0 0 099-2000 Albany AHL 64 9 22 31 35 5 2 0 2 62000-01 New Jersey NHL 11 0 0 0 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Albany AHL 55 10 29 39 49 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 New Jersey NHL 2 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Albany AHL 10 0 5 5 12 .... .... .... .... ....Tampa Bay NHL 9 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....Springfield AHL 36 3 9 12 30 .... .... .... .... ....

2002-03 Mannheim Germany 49 1 3 4 87 7 1 0 1 *412003-04 Mannheim Germany 46 5 12 17 58 3 0 0 0 02004-05 Mannheim Germany 39 1 4 5 67 4 0 0 0 0

NHL Totals 22 0 0 0 4 .... .... .... .... ....New Jersey's 5th choice, 159th overall, in 1997 Entry Draft.Traded to Tampa Bay by New Jersey with Josef Boumedienne and the rights to Anton But for Andrei Zyuzin,November 9, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Mannheim (Germany), April 23, 2002.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 Germany EJC-A 5 1 0 1 41997 Germany WJC-A 6 0 0 0 2

Germany EJC-A 4 0 0 0 101998 Germany WJC-A 6 0 2 2 27

Germany WC-A 5 1 2 3 82003 Germany WC-A 7 0 2 2 62004 Germany W-Cup 3 0 0 0 2

HENTUNEN, Jukka (HEHN-too-nehn, YOO-kuh) FINLANDRight wing. Shoots right. 5 ft. 10 in., 194 lbs. Born, Joroinen, Finland, May 3, 1974.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1993-94 K-Warkaus Finland-3 16 7 6 13 10 8 4 1 5 21994-95 K-Warkaus Finland-3 29 23 23 46 28 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Diskos Finland-2 43 23 18 41 14 10 5 6 11 41996-97 Hermes Finland-2 35 10 13 23 43 3 1 0 1 01997-98 Hermes Finland-2 49 19 16 35 36 3 3 3 6 01998-99 Hermes Finland-2 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

HPK Finland 41 13 21 34 32 8 1 4 5 1299-2000 HPK Finland 53 17 28 45 76 8 4 2 6 122000-01 Jokerit Finland 56 27 28 55 24 5 1 0 1 42001-02 Calgary NHL 28 2 3 5 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Saint John AHL 9 3 3 6 0 .... .... .... .... ....Nashville NHL 10 2 2 4 0 .... .... .... .... ....

2002-03 Jokerit Finland 48 11 11 22 28 10 4 2 6 02003-04 Fribourg Swiss 47 25 28 53 22 4 2 4 6 62004-05 Fribourg Swiss 44 24 20 44 46 8 5 6 11 6

NHL Totals 38 4 5 9 4 .... .... .... .... ....Calgary's 7th choice, 176th overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.Traded to Nashville by Calgary for future considerations, March 17, 2002. Signed as a free agent by Jokerit(Finland), August 13, 2002.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2001 B Finland WC-A 9 1 3 4 22004 Finland WC-A 7 3 3 6 2

2nd Finland W-Cup 6 1 1 2 22005 Finland WC-A 7 3 1 4 6

HNILICKA, Milan (huh-LEETCH-kuh, MEE-lan) CZECH REPUBLICGoaltender. Catches left. 6 ft.1 in., 190 lbs. Born, Pardubice, Czech., June 25, 1973.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1989-90 Kladno Czech 24 .... .... .... 1113 70 .... 3.77 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Kladno Czech 40 .... .... .... 2122 98 0 2.80 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Kladno Czech 38 .... .... .... 2066 128 0 3.73 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Swift Current WHL *65 *46 12 2 3679 206 2 3.36 *17 *12 5*1017 54 *2 3.191993-94 Richmond ECHL 43 18 16 5 2299 155 4 4.05 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Salt Lake IHL 8 5 1 0 378 25 0 3.97 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Denver IHL 15 9 4 1 798 47 1 3.53 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Kladno CzRep 33 .... .... .... 1959 93 1 2.84 8 .... .... 493 24 .... 2.921996-97 Kladno CzRep 48 .... .... .... 2736 120 *4 2.63 3 .... .... 151 14 0 5.561997-98 Sparta CzRep 49 .... .... .... 2847 99 .... 2.09 11 .... .... 632 31 .... 3.001998-99 Sparta CzRep *50 .... .... .... *2877 109 .... 2.27 8 .... .... 507 13 .... *1.5499-2000 NY Rangers NHL 2 0 1 0 86 5 0 3.49 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Hartford AHL 36 22 11 0 1979 71 5 *2.15 3 0 1 99 6 0 3.642000-01 Atlanta NHL 36 12 19 2 1879 105 2 3.35 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Atlanta NHL 60 13 33 10 3367 179 3 3.19 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Atlanta NHL 21 4 13 1 1097 65 0 3.56 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Chicago AHL 15 11 2 1 838 33 1 2.36 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Los Angeles NHL 2 0 1 0 80 5 0 3.75 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Manchester AHL 20 8 10 0 1022 44 1 2.58 2 0 2 127 5 0 2.372004-05 Liberec CzRep 46 .... .... .... 2740 106 5 2.32 12 .... .... 702 32 0 2.74

NHL Totals 121 29 67 13 6509 359 5 3.31 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....(NY Islanders' 4th choice, 70th overall, in 1991 Entry Draft).Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award (fewest goals against – AHL) (2000) (shared with Jean-Francois Labbe) Signed as a free agent by NY Rangers, July 15, 1999. Signed as a free agent by Atlanta, July 28, 2000.Traded toLos Angeles by Atlanta for future considerations, September 15, 2003. • Missed majority of 2003-04 seasonrecovering from finger injury suffered in game vs. Phoenix, December 31, 2003. Signed as a free agent by Liberec(CzRep), May 18, 2004.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA1990 B Czechoslovakia EJC-A STATISTICS NOT AVAILABLE1991 B Czechoslovakia WJC-A 5 4 1 0 269 14 1 3.12

B Czechoslovakia EJC-A STATISTICS NOT AVAILABLE1992 Czechoslovakia WJC-A 6 .... .... .... 329 20 .... 3.651997 B Czech Republic WC-A 1 1 0 0 60 3 0 3.001998 G Czech Republic Olympics DID NOT PLAY – SPARE GOALTENDER

B Czech Republic WC-A 8 4 1 2 430 10 2 1.391999 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 .... .... .... 429 16 1 2.242001 G Czech Republic WC-A 9 8 0 1 541 13 1 1.442005 G Czech Republic WC-A 1 1 0 0 60 0 1 0.00

Other 2006 Olympic Players

227

IGNATJEV, Victor (ihg-NYAT-ee-ehv, VIHK-tohr) LATVIADefense. Shoots left. 6 ft. 4 in., 215 lbs. Born, Riga, USSR, April 26, 1970.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1989-90 Riga USSR 40 0 0 0 26 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Riga USSR 10 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Riga CIS 22 4 5 9 22 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Kansas City IHL 64 5 16 21 68 4 1 2 3 241993-94 Kansas City IHL 67 1 24 25 123 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Oklahoma City CHL 47 11 35 46 66 .... .... .... .... ....

Denver IHL 23 2 11 13 4 17 3 8 11 81995-96 Utah IHL 73 9 29 38 67 21 3 8 11 221996-97 Long Beach IHL 82 16 53 69 112 16 3 4 7 261997-98 Long Beach IHL 71 12 33 45 102 17 3 11 14 161998-99 Pittsburgh NHL 11 0 1 1 6 1 0 0 0 299-2000 Nurnberg Germany 60 3 15 18 56 .... .... .... .... ....

Nurnberg EuroHL 4 0 3 3 22 2 0 0 0 62000-01 Leksand Sweden 39 0 1 1 32 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Cherepovets Russia 26 0 3 3 34 1 0 0 0 02003-04 Latvia WC-A 6 1 0 1 4 .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 11 0 1 1 6 1 0 0 0 2San Jose's 11th choice, 243rd overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.IHL Second All-Star Team (1997)Signed as a free agent by Pittsburgh, August 11, 1998. • Missed majority of 1998-99 season recovering fromshoulder surgery, November, 1998.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 Latvia WC-A 7 0 0 0 182001 Latvia WC-A 6 0 1 1 22002 Latvia Olympics 4 0 0 0 4

Latvia WC-A 6 0 0 0 42004 Latvia WC-A 6 1 0 1 42005 Latvia WC-A 6 0 2 2 10

Latvia Olympic Q 3 0 0 0 5

IRBE, Arturs (UHR-bay, AHR-tuhrs) LATVIAGoaltender. Catches left. 5 ft.8 in., 190 lbs. Born, Riga, Latvia, February 2, 1967.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1986-87 Riga USSR 2 .... .... .... 27 1 0 2.22 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 Riga USSR 34 .... .... .... 1870 86 4 2.76 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Riga USSR 40 .... .... .... 2460 116 4 2.83 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Riga USSR 48 .... .... .... 2880 115 2 2.40 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Riga USSR 46 .... .... .... 2713 133 5 2.94 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 San Jose NHL 13 2 6 3 645 48 0 4.47 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Kansas City IHL 32 24 7 1 1955 80 0 *2.46 *15 *12 3 914 44 0 *2.891992-93 San Jose NHL 36 7 26 0 2074 142 1 4.11 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Kansas City IHL 6 3 3 0 364 20 0 3.30 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 San Jose NHL *74 30 28 16 *4412 209 3 2.84 14 7 7 806 50 0 3.721994-95 San Jose NHL 38 14 19 3 2043 111 4 3.26 6 2 4 316 27 0 5.131995-96 San Jose NHL 22 4 12 4 1112 85 0 4.59 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Kansas City IHL 4 1 2 1 226 16 0 4.24 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Dallas NHL 35 17 12 3 1965 88 3 2.69 1 0 0 13 0 0 0.001997-98 Vancouver NHL 41 14 11 6 1999 91 2 2.73 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Carolina NHL 62 27 20 12 3643 135 6 2.22 6 2 4 408 15 0 2.2199-2000 Carolina NHL *75 34 28 9 4345 175 5 2.42 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Carolina NHL *77 37 29 9 *4406 180 6 2.45 6 2 4 360 20 0 3.332001-02 Carolina NHL 51 20 19 11 2974 126 3 2.54 18 10 81078 30 1 1.672002-03 Carolina NHL 34 7 24 2 1884 100 0 3.18 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Lowell AHL 7 3 3 1 427 21 0 2.95 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2003-04 Carolina NHL 10 5 2 1 564 23 0 2.45 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Johnstown ECHL 14 10 3 1 847 30 1 2.13 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 DID NOT PLAY

NHL Totals 568 218236 79 320661513 33 2.83 51 23 27 2981 142 1 2.86(Minnesota's 11th choice, 196th overall, in 1989 Entry Draft).Named Best Goaltender at EJC-A (1985) • USSR Rookie of the Year (1988) • Named Best Goaltender at WEC-A (1990) • IHL First All-Star Team (1992) • James Norris Memorial Trophy (fewest goals against – IHL) (1992) (shared with WadeFlaherty) • Played in NHL All-Star Game (1994, 1999)Claimed by San Jose from Minnesota in Dispersal Draft, May 30, 1991. Signed as a free agent by Dallas, August 19, 1996.Signed as a free agent by Vancouver, August 25, 1997. Signed as a free agent by Carolina, September 14, 1998.Traded toColumbus by Carolina for future considerations, June 16, 2004.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA1985 S USSR EJC-A 5 .... .... .... 300 5 .... 1.001990 G USSR WEC-A 6 4 0 1 315 5 *1 0.951996 Latvia WC-B 4 3 0 1 240 7 0 1.751997 Latvia WC-A 5 4 0 1 300 10 1 2.001998 Latvia WC-A 6 3 2 1 358 17 1 2.851999 Latvia WC-A 4 .... .... .... 238 12 0 3.022000 Latvia WC-A 7 3 3 1 420 17 0 2.432001 Latvia WC-A 6 3 2 1 360 13 2 2.172002 Latvia Olympics 1 0 1 0 60 4 0 4.002003 Latvia WC-A 3 .... .... .... 180 9 0 3.002004 Latvia WC-A 5 2 1 2 300 9 0 1.802005 Latvia WC-A 6 2 3 1 283 7 2 1.48

JONSSON, Jorgen (YAWN-suhn, YOHR-gahn) SWEDENLeft wing. Shoots left. 6 ft. , 185 lbs. Born, Angelholm, Sweden, September 29, 1972.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1989-90 Rogle Sweden-2 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 01990-91 Rogle Sweden-2 21 4 2 6 2 12 2 1 3 21991-92 Rogle Sweden-2 27 1 8 9 6 5 0 0 0 01992-93 Rogle Sweden 40 17 11 28 28 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Rogle Sweden 40 17 14 31 46 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Rogle Sweden 22 4 6 10 18 .... .... .... .... ....

Rogle Sweden-Q 16 3 4 7 38 4 1 3 4 21995-96 Farjestad Sweden 39 11 15 26 36 8 0 4 4 61996-97 Farjestad Sweden 49 12 21 33 58 14 9 5 14 14

Farjestad EuroHL 4 2 1 3 2 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Farjestad Sweden 45 22 25 47 53 12 2 *9 11 12

Farjestad EuroHL 7 2 4 6 6 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Farjestad Sweden 48 17 24 41 44 4 0 2 2 4

Farjestad EuroHL 5 2 4 6 4 2 1 0 1 499-2000 NY Islanders NHL 68 11 17 28 16 .... .... .... .... ....

Anaheim NHL 13 1 2 3 0 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Farjestad Sweden 50 20 26 46 32 15 5 12 17 122001-02 Farjestad Sweden 50 *22 17 39 20 10 5 1 6 162002-03 Farjestad Sweden 49 16 23 39 58 14 0 4 4 22003-04 Farjestad Sweden 49 16 21 37 24 17 6 6 12 162004-05 Farjestad Sweden 50 11 21 32 38 15 4 4 8 6

NHL Totals 81 12 19 31 16 .... .... .... .... ....Calgary's 11th choice, 227th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.Brother of Kenny • Traded to NY Islanders by Calgary for Jan Hlavac, July 14, 1998.Traded to Anaheim by NYIslanders for Johan Davidsson and future considerations, March 11, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Farjestad(Sweden), May 24, 2000.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 G Sweden Olympics 6 0 0 0 0

B Sweden WC-A 7 3 2 5 41997 S Sweden WC-A 11 5 2 7 61998 Sweden Olympics 1 0 0 0 0

G Sweden WC-A 10 2 1 3 61999 B Sweden WC-A 10 3 1 4 102000 Sweden WC-A 6 0 2 2 22001 B Sweden WC-A 9 2 3 5 02002 Sweden Olympics 4 0 0 0 4

B Sweden WC-A 9 1 3 4 62003 S Sweden WC-A 9 4 2 6 142004 S Sweden WC-A 9 1 3 4 2

Sweden W-Cup 4 0 0 0 02005 Sweden WC-A 9 2 3 5 2

JONSSON, Kenny (YAWN-suhn, KEHN-nee) SWEDENDefense. Shoots left. 6 ft. 3 in., 217 lbs. Born, Angelholm, Sweden, October 6, 1974.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1991-92 Rogle Sweden-2 30 4 11 15 24 5 0 0 0 01992-93 Rogle Jr. Swe-Jr. 2 1 2 3 25 .... .... .... .... ....

Rogle Sweden 39 3 10 13 42 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Rogle Sweden 36 4 13 17 40 3 1 1 2 21994-95 Rogle Sweden 8 3 1 4 20 .... .... .... .... ....

St. John's AHL 10 2 5 7 2 .... .... .... .... ....Toronto NHL 39 2 7 9 16 4 0 0 0 0

1995-96 Toronto NHL 50 4 22 26 22 .... .... .... .... ....NY Islanders NHL 16 0 4 4 10 .... .... .... .... ....

1996-97 NY Islanders NHL 81 3 18 21 24 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 NY Islanders NHL 81 14 26 40 58 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 NY Islanders NHL 63 8 18 26 34 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 NY Islanders NHL 65 1 24 25 32 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 NY Islanders NHL 65 8 21 29 30 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 NY Islanders NHL 76 10 22 32 26 5 1 2 3 42002-03 NY Islanders NHL 71 8 18 26 24 5 0 1 1 02003-04 NY Islanders NHL 79 5 24 29 22 5 0 0 0 22004-05 Rogle Sweden-2 11 3 7 10 12 2 0 0 0 2

NHL Totals 686 63 204 267 298 19 1 3 4 6Toronto's 1st choice, 12th overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.Brother of Jorgen • WJC-A All-Star Team (1993, 1994) • Swedish elite league Rookie of the Year Award (1993) •Named Best Defenseman at WJC-A (1994) • NHL All-Rookie Team (1995)Traded to NY Islanders by Toronto with Sean Haggerty, Darby Hendrickson and Toronto's 1st round choice(Roberto Luongo) in 1997 Entry Draft for Wendel Clark, Mathieu Schneider and D.J. Smith, March 13, 1996. Signedas a free agent by Rogle (Sweden-2), December 20, 2004.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1992 S Sweden EJC-A 6 1 2 3 101993 S Sweden WJC-A 7 2 3 5 141994 S Sweden WJC-A 7 3 5 8 8

G Sweden Olympics 3 1 0 1 0B Sweden WC-A 7 0 1 1 6

1996 Sweden WC-A 6 0 1 1 8Sweden W-Cup 1 0 0 0 4

2002 Sweden Olympics 3 1 0 1 22005 Sweden WC-A 6 2 2 4 0

Other 2006 Olympic Players

228

KHARITONOV, Alexander (khar-ih-TOH-nahf, al-ehx-AN-duhr) RUSSIALeft wing. Shoots right. 5 ft. 9 in., 169 lbs. Born, Moscow, USSR, March 30, 1976.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1993-94 Vyatich Ryazan CIS-3 44 19 8 27 10 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Dynamo Moscow 2 CIS-2 Statistics not available

Dynamo Moscow CIS 10 0 0 0 4 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Dynamo Moscow 2 CIS-2 3 1 3 4 4 .... .... .... .... ....

HK Lipetsk CIS-2 64 30 22 52 44 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Dynamo Moscow 2 Russia-3 3 1 1 2 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Dynamo Moscow Russia 36 11 9 20 12 4 2 0 2 21997-98 Dynamo Moscow Russia 44 19 16 35 20 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Dynamo Moscow Russia 42 8 6 14 24 16 4 3 7 21999-00 Dynamo Moscow Russia 35 14 20 34 26 17 8 4 12 102000-01 Tampa Bay NHL 66 7 15 22 8 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 NY Islanders NHL 5 0 0 0 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Bridgeport AHL 2 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....Avangard Omsk Russia 29 2 6 8 16 4 1 0 1 2

2002-03 Avangard Omsk Russia 43 8 10 18 34 9 2 0 2 42003-04 Dynamo Moscow Russia 52 7 14 21 24 3 0 0 0 22004-05 Dynamo Moscow Russia 49 15 14 29 26 10 3 1 4 0

NHL Totals 71 7 15 22 12 .... .... .... .... ....Tampa Bay’s 3rd choice, 81st over, in 2000 Entry Draft. • Traded to NY Islanders by Tampa Bay with Keith Acton forMathieu Biron and NY Islanders’ 2nd choice in 2002 Entry Draft, June 22, 2001.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 Russia WC-A 6 2 3 5 22001 Russia WC-A 7 2 0 2 82005 Russia WC-A 8 2 0 2 4

LASAK, Jan (LA-shak, YAN) SLOVAKIAGoaltender. Catches left. 6 ft.1 in., 200 lbs. Born, Zvolen, Czech., April 10, 1979.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1996-97 Zvolen Jr. Slovak-Jr. 49 .... .... .... 2940 111 .... 2.27 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Zvolen Jr. Slovak-Jr. 48 .... .... .... 2881 119 .... 2.48 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Zilina Slovak-2 4 .... .... .... 208 12 .... 3.46 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Zvolen Jr. Slovak-Jr. 43 .... .... .... 2580 91 .... 2.12 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Zvolen Slovakia 8 .... .... .... 387 29 .... 4.50 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Hampton Roads ECHL *59 *36 17 4 *3409 145 0 2.55 10 5 5 610 28 1 2.752000-01 Milwaukee IHL 43 23 17 2 2439 106 1 2.61 3 0 1 60 5 0 4.972001-02 Nashville NHL 3 0 3 0 177 13 0 4.41 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Milwaukee AHL 34 12 18 3 1981 79 2 2.39 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Nashville NHL 3 0 1 0 90 5 0 3.33 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Milwaukee AHL 40 18 14 7 2378 113 1 2.85 6 2 4 366 19 0 3.122003-04 St. Petersburg Russia 34 .... .... .... 1990 81 0 2.44 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Pardubice CzRep 46 .... .... .... *2769 108 4 2.34 *16 .... .... *977 29 *3 *1.78

NHL Totals 6 0 4 0 267 18 0 4.04 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....(Nashville's 6th choice, 65th overall, in 1999 Entry Draft).ECHL First All-Star Team (2000) • ECHL Rookie of the Year (2000) • ECHL Goaltender of the Year (2000)Signed as a free agent by SKA St. Petersburg (Russia), November 11, 2003.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA2000 S Slovakia WC-A 4 .... .... .... 199 8 0 2.412001 Slovakia WC-A 3 .... .... .... 180 10 0 3.342002 Slovakia Olympics 2 0 1 0 94 6 0 3.81

G Slovakia WC-A 6 .... .... .... 369 14 0 2.282003 B Slovakia WC-A 6 .... .... .... 359 11 0 1.842004 Slovakia WC-A 9 *5 2 2 529 9 *3 *1.02

Slovakia W-Cup 3 0 3 0 152 12 0 4.752005 Slovakia WC-A 6 3 2 1 327 11 1 2.02

MALKIN, Evgeni (MAHL-kihn, ehv-GEH-nee) RUSSIACenter. Shoots left. 6 ft. 3 in., 186 lbs. Born, Magnitogorsk, USSR, July 31, 1986.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

2003-04 Magnitogorsk 2 Russia-3 2 1 0 1 8 .... .... .... .... ....Magnitogorsk Russia 34 3 9 12 12 .... .... .... .... ....

2004-05 Magnitogorsk 2 Russia-3 2 1 1 2 2 .... .... .... .... ....Magnitogorsk Russia 52 12 20 32 24 5 0 4 4 0

Pittsburgh's 1st choice, 2nd overall, in 2004 Entry Draft. • Named Best Forward and MVP,WJC 2006.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2003 B Russia WJ-18A 6 5 4 9 22004 Russia WJC-A 6 1 4 5 0

G Russia WJ-18A 6 4 4 8 312005 S Russia WJC-A 6 3 7 10 16

B Russia WC-A 9 0 4 4 82006 S Russia WJC-A 6 4 6 10 12

MUZZATTI, Jason (moo-ZAH-tee, JAY-suhn) ITALYGoaltender. Catches left. 6 ft.2 in., 210 lbs. Born,Toronto, Ont., February 3, 1970.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP W L T Mins GA SO Avg GP W L Mins GA SO Avg1985-86 St. Mike's B's MTJHL 11 6 3 0 517 48 0 5.57 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1986-87 St. Mike's B's OHA-B 20 10 5 2 1054 69 1 3.93 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1987-88 Michigan State CCHA 33 19 9 3 1915 109 0 3.41 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1988-89 Michigan State CCHA 42 32 9 1 2515 127 3 *3.03 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1989-90 Michigan State CCHA 33 *24 6 0 1976 99 0 3.01 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Michigan State CCHA 22 8 10 2 1204 75 1 3.74 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Salt Lake IHL 52 24 22 5 3033 167 2 3.30 4 1 3 247 18 0 4.371992-93 Canada Nat-Tm 16 6 9 0 880 53 0 3.84 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Indianapolis IHL 12 5 6 1 707 48 0 4.07 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Salt Lake IHL 13 5 6 1 747 52 0 4.18 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

1993-94 Calgary NHL 1 0 1 0 60 8 0 8.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Saint John AHL 51 26 21 3 2939 183 2 3.74 7 3 4 415 19 0 2.75

1994-95 Calgary NHL 1 0 0 0 10 0 0 0.00 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Saint John AHL 31 10 14 4 1741 101 2 3.48 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

1995-96 Hartford NHL 22 4 8 3 1013 49 1 2.90 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Springfield AHL 5 4 0 1 300 12 1 2.40 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

1996-97 Hartford NHL 31 9 13 5 1591 91 0 3.43 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 NY Rangers NHL 6 0 3 2 313 17 0 3.26 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

Hartford AHL 17 11 5 1 999 57 0 3.42 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....San Jose NHL 1 0 0 0 27 2 0 4.44 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....Kentucky AHL 7 2 3 2 430 25 0 3.49 3 0 3 153 13 0 5.07

1998-99 Eisbaren Berlin Germany 4 .... .... .... 240 12 0 3.00 3 0 3 166 14 0 5.0699-2000 Tappara Finland 41 26 9 5 2479 94 5 2.28 4 1 3 252 14 0 3.332000-01 Augsburg Germany 43 .... .... .... 2391 143 1 3.59 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Milano Italy Statistics not available2002-03 Milano Italy Statistics not available2003-04 Milano Italy 27 .... .... .... 1531 62 2 2.43 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Bolzano Italy 31 .... .... .... 1694 82 1 2.90 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....

NHL Totals 62 13 25 10 3014 167 1 3.32 .... .... .... .... .... .... ....(Calgary's 1st choice, 21st overall, in 1988 Entry Draft).CCHA Second All-Star Team (1988) • CCHA First All-Star Team (1990) • NCAA West Second All-American Team (1990)Claimed on waivers by Hartford from Calgary, October 6, 1995.Transferred to Carolina after Hartford franchiserelocated, June 25, 1997.Traded to NY Rangers by Carolina for NY Rangers' 4th round choice (Tommy Westlund)in 1998 Entry Draft, August 8, 1997.Traded to San Jose by NY Rangers for Rich Brennan, March 24, 1998. • Missedmajority of 1998-99 season recovering from heart surgery, September 1998.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA2004 S Italy WC-B 3 2 1 0 175 5 1 1.722005 G Italy WC-B 4 3 0 1 240 3 1 0.75

PANTELEEV, Grigori (pan-teh-LAY-ehv, grih-GOHR-ee) LATVIALeft wing. Shoots left. 5 ft. 9 in., 190 lbs. Born, Gastello, USSR, November 13, 1972.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1990-91 Riga USSR 23 4 1 5 4 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Riga CIS 26 4 8 12 4 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Boston NHL 39 8 6 14 12 .... .... .... .... ....

Providence AHL 39 17 30 47 22 3 0 0 0 101993-94 Boston NHL 10 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Providence AHL 55 24 26 50 20 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Boston NHL 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Providence AHL 70 20 23 43 36 13 8 11 19 61995-96 NY Islanders NHL 4 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Utah IHL 33 11 25 36 18 .... .... .... .... ....Las Vegas IHL 29 15 21 36 14 15 4 7 11 2

1996-97 San Antonio IHL 81 25 37 62 41 9 4 2 6 41997-98 San Antonio IHL 19 2 13 15 8 .... .... .... .... ....

Orlando IHL 63 27 29 56 44 17 6 9 15 21998-99 Orlando IHL 77 25 37 62 51 17 8 8 16 499-2000 Hannover Germany 67 21 30 51 63 .... .... .... .... ....2001-02 Olten Swiss-2 9 4 5 9 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Sodertalje Sweden 11 4 1 5 6 .... .... .... .... ....HK Riga 2000 EEHL 14 6 9 15 6 .... .... .... .... ....

2002-03 Pelicans Finland 40 4 9 13 12 .... .... .... .... ....HK Riga 2000 EEHL 8 3 3 6 6 .... .... .... .... ....

2003-04 HK Riga 2000 Latvia 9 3 13 16 2 7 3 8 11 6HK Riga 2000 EEHL 18 1 7 8 35 .... .... .... .... ....

2004-05 HK Riga 2000 Latvia 1 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....Arboga Sweden-2 35 12 14 26 30 .... .... .... .... ....NHL Totals 54 8 6 14 12 .... .... .... .... ....

Boston's 5th choice, 136th overall, in 1992 Entry Draft. Signed as a free agent by NY Islanders, September 20, 1995.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 Latvia WC-Q 3 1 0 1 0

Latvia WC-A 7 1 1 2 22001 Latvia WC-A 6 1 2 3 22002 Latvia Olympics 4 2 0 2 2

Latvia WC-A 6 2 0 2 02004 Latvia WC-A 7 2 2 4 02005 Latvia WC-A 6 0 2 2 4

Latvia Olympic Q 3 2 0 2 2

Other 2006 Olympic Players

229

PELTONEN, Ville (PEHL-TOH-nen, VIHL-ee) FINLANDLeft wing. Shoots left. 5 ft. 11 in., 188 lbs. Born,Vantaa, Finland, May 24, 1973.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1990-91 HIFK Jr. Finland-Jr. 36 21 16 37 16 7 2 3 5 101991-92 HIFK Jr. Finland-Jr. 37 28 23 51 28 4 0 2 2 0

HIFK Finland 6 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 HIFK Jr. Finland-Jr. 2 4 2 6 4 .... .... .... .... ....

HIFK Finland 46 13 24 37 16 4 0 2 2 21993-94 HIFK Finland 43 16 22 38 14 3 0 0 0 21994-95 HIFK Finland 45 20 16 36 16 3 0 0 0 01995-96 San Jose NHL 31 2 11 13 14 .... .... .... .... ....

Kansas City IHL 29 5 13 18 8 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 San Jose NHL 28 2 3 5 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Kentucky AHL 40 22 30 52 21 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 V.Frolunda Sweden 45 22 29 *51 44 7 4 2 6 01998-99 Nashville NHL 14 5 5 10 2 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Nashville NHL 79 6 22 28 22 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Nashville NHL 23 3 1 4 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Milwaukee IHL 53 27 33 60 26 5 2 1 3 62001-02 Jokerit Finland 30 11 18 29 8 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Jokerit Finland 49 23 19 42 14 10 4 6 10 02003-04 Lugano Swiss 48 28 44 *72 14 16 4 7 11 82004-05 Lugano Swiss 44 24 33 57 16 5 0 3 3 2

NHL Totals 175 18 42 60 40 .... .... .... .... ....San Jose's 4th choice, 58th overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.Finnish Rookie of the Year (1993) • WC-A All-Star Team (1995, 2004) • IHL Second All-Star Team (2001)Traded to Nashville by San Jose for Nashville's 5th round choice (later traded to Phoenix – Phoenix selected JoshBlackburn) in 1998 Entry Draft, June 26, 1998. • Missed majority of 1998-99 season recovering from shoulder sur-gery, December 10, 1998. Signed as a free agent by Jokerit Helsinki (Finland), April 26, 2001. Signed as a freeagent by HC Lugano (Swiss), April 9, 2003.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1991 B Finland EJC-A 5 4 4 8 21993 Finland WJC-A 7 5 6 11 201994 B Finland Olympics 8 4 3 7 0

S Finland WC-A 8 4 1 5 41995 G Finland WC-A 8 6 5 11 41996 Finland WC-A 6 3 2 5 6

Finland W-Cup 4 1 3 4 01997 Finland WC-A 7 2 2 4 01998 B Finland Olympics 6 2 1 3 6

S Finland WC-A 10 4 6 10 81999 S Finland WC-A 12 2 3 5 22000 B Finland WC-A 9 0 4 4 22003 Finland WC-A 7 3 4 7 22004 Finland WC-A 7 4 6 10 2

2nd Finland W-Cup 6 1 2 3 22005 Finland WC-A 6 1 2 3 4

STRBAK, Martin (SHTUHR-bak, MAHR-tehn) SLOVAKIADefense. Shoots left. 6 ft. 3 in., 210 lbs. Born, Presov, Czech., January 15, 1975.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1994-95 Bratislava Slovakia 26 3 4 7 10 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Bratislava Slovakia 44 4 4 8 22 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Bratislava Slovakia 38 3 2 5 24 .... .... .... .... ....

Bratislava EuroHL 5 0 0 0 4 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Spis. N.Ves Slovakia 33 1 1 2 18 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Bratislava Slovakia 18 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 4

Trnava Slovak-2 15 3 6 9 12 .... .... .... .... ....99-2000 Litvinov CzRep 50 3 6 9 28 .... .... .... .... ....2000-01 Vsetin CzRep 49 2 6 8 46 14 2 1 3 352001-02 Vsetin CzRep 33 8 9 17 46 .... .... .... .... ....

Yaroslavl Russia 19 1 1 2 10 9 1 2 3 82002-03 Yaroslavl Russia 27 0 6 6 28 .... .... .... .... ....

HPK Finland 20 4 9 13 68 13 2 3 5 82003-04 Los Angeles NHL 5 2 0 2 8 .... .... .... .... ....

Manchester AHL 12 0 1 1 25 .... .... .... .... ....Pittsburgh NHL 44 3 11 14 38 .... .... .... .... ....

2004-05 Kosice Slovakia 14 1 4 5 14 .... .... .... .... ....CSKA Russia 36 2 11 13 34 .... .... .... .... ....NHL Totals 49 5 11 16 46 .... .... .... .... ....

Los Angeles' 10th choice, 224th overall, in 1993 Entry Draft.Traded to Pittsburgh by Los Angeles with Sergei Anshakov for Martin Straka, November 30, 2003. Signed as a freeagent by Kosice (Slovakia), October 2, 2004. Signed as a free agent by CSKA (Russia), November 15, 2004.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 Slovakia WC-A 3 1 0 1 82001 Slovakia WC-A 6 0 1 1 62002 G Slovakia WC-A 9 0 2 2 22003 B Slovakia WC-A 9 0 7 7 122004 Slovakia WC-A 9 1 1 2 2

Slovakia W-Cup 4 0 0 0 42005 Slovakia WC-A 7 2 5 7 10

SUSHINSKY, Maxim (soo-SHIHN-skee, max-EEM) RUSSIARight wing. Shoots left. 5 ft. 8 in., 165 lbs. Born, Leningrad, USSR, July 1, 1974.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1990-91 Leningrad 2 USSR-3 8 1 0 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....Leningrad USSR 4 0 1 1 0 .... .... .... .... ....

1991-92 St. Petersburg 2 CIS-3 20 14 1 15 38 .... .... .... .... ....St. Petersburg CIS-2 45 5 3 8 16 .... .... .... .... ....

1992-93 St. Petersburg CIS 23 2 3 5 22 6 2 1 3 21993-94 St. Petersburg CIS 45 7 4 11 26 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 St. Petersburg CIS 52 11 11 22 57 3 1 0 1 61995-96 St. Petersburg CIS 49 21 15 36 43 2 0 0 0 01996-97 Omsk Russia 39 20 16 36 24 5 3 1 4 01997-98 Omsk Russia 20 6 11 17 6 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Omsk Russia 41 15 16 31 46 5 3 1 4 1099-2000 Omsk Russia 37 19 24 43 58 8 2 5 7 62000-01 Minnesota NHL 30 7 4 11 29 .... .... .... .... ....

Omsk Russia 12 5 3 8 14 13 *9 4 13 122001-02 Omsk Russia 46 19 *32 *51 60 11 *6 *11 *17 182002-03 Omsk Russia 37 15 19 34 76 12 4 4 8 22003-04 Omsk Russia 54 20 *41 *61 46 11 2 *6 *8 182004-05 Omsk Russia 50 18 *37 *55 64 11 5 7 12 24

NHL Totals 30 7 4 11 29 .... .... .... .... ....Minnesota's 4th choice, 132nd overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.Russian League All-Star Team (2000)Signed as a free agent by Avangard Omsk (Russia), January 9, 2001.International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1994 B Russia WJC-A 7 0 0 0 01999 Russia WC-A 6 1 2 3 42002 S Russia WC-A 9 3 4 7 42004 Russia WC-A 6 2 1 3 12

Russia W-Cup Did Not Play

TUZZOLINO, Tony (too-zuh-LEE-noh, TOH-nee) ITALYRight wing. Shoots right. 6 ft. 2 in., 208 lbs. Born, Buffalo, NY, October 9, 1975.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1989-90 Amherst WNYHA 29 50 95 145 .... .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Buf. Regals WNYHA 55 39 47 86 .... .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Niagara NAHL 45 19 27 46 82 .... .... .... .... ....1992-93 Niagara NAHL 50 36 41 77 134 .... .... .... .... ....1993-94 Michigan State CCHA 35 4 3 7 46 .... .... .... .... ....1994-95 Michigan State CCHA 39 9 18 27 81 .... .... .... .... ....1995-96 Michigan State CCHA 41 12 17 29 120 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Michigan State CCHA 39 14 18 32 120 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Kentucky AHL 35 9 14 23 83 .... .... .... .... ....

Anaheim NHL 1 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....Cincinnati AHL 13 3 3 6 6 .... .... .... .... ....

1998-99 Cincinnati AHL 50 4 10 14 55 .... .... .... .... ....Cleveland IHL 15 2 4 6 22 .... .... .... .... ....

99-2000 Cincinnati AHL 15 0 3 3 8 .... .... .... .... ....Huntington ECHL 20 6 13 19 43 .... .... .... .... ....Hartford AHL 32 3 8 11 41 19 2 2 4 16

2000-01 Hartford AHL 47 12 23 35 136 5 0 2 2 6NY Rangers NHL 6 0 0 0 5 .... .... .... .... ....

2001-02 Boston NHL 2 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....Providence AHL 59 10 19 29 123 1 0 0 0 0

2002-03 Louisiana ECHL 12 8 7 15 47 .... .... .... .... ....Houston AHL 50 9 6 15 92 23 4 4 8 43

2003-04 Binghamton AHL 13 1 3 4 12 .... .... .... .... ....Asiago Italy 16 6 9 15 67 12 7 3 10 30NHL Totals 9 0 0 0 7 .... .... .... .... ....

Quebec's 7th choice, 113th overall, in 1994 Entry Draft.Rights transferred to Colorado after Quebec franchise relocated, June 21, 1995. Signed as a free agent by NYIslanders, April 26, 1997.Traded to Anaheim by NY Islanders with Travis Green and Doug Houda for Joe Sacco, J.J.Daigneault and Mark Janssens, February 6, 1998. Loaned to Hartford (AHL) by Anaheim, January 25, 2000. Signedas a free agent by NY Rangers, February 9, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Boston, July 23, 2001. Signed as a freeagent by Minnesota, July 9, 2002. Signed as a free agent by Binghamton (AHL). October 10, 2003. Signed as a freeagent by HC Asiago (Italy), December 31, 2003.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIMNone

Other 2006 Olympic Players

230

USTORF, Stefan (OOS-tohrf, SHTEH-fuhn) GERMANYCenter. Shoots left. 6 ft. , 195 lbs. Born, Kaufbeuren,West Germany, January 3, 1974.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1989-90 Kaufbeuren Jr. W.Ger-Jr. 8 10 11 21 8 .... .... .... .... ....1990-91 Kaufbeuren Jr. Ger-Jr. 37 33 34 67 78 .... .... .... .... ....1991-92 Kaufbeuren Germany 41 2 22 24 46 5 2 7 9 61992-93 Kaufbeuren Germany 37 14 18 32 32 3 1 0 1 101993-94 Kaufbeuren Germany 38 10 20 30 21 3 0 0 0 41994-95 Portland AHL 63 21 38 59 51 7 1 6 7 71995-96 Washington NHL 48 7 10 17 14 5 0 0 0 0

Portland AHL 8 1 4 5 6 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Washington NHL 6 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Portland AHL 36 7 17 24 27 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Berlin Cap. Germany 45 17 23 40 54 .... .... .... .... ....1998-99 Las Vegas IHL 40 11 17 28 40 .... .... .... .... ....

Detroit IHL 14 3 7 10 11 11 4 7 11 299-2000 Cincinnati IHL 79 20 34 54 53 11 1 4 5 102000-01 Cincinnati IHL 71 19 38 57 43 5 0 6 6 42001-02 Mannheim Germany 58 15 31 46 44 12 2 2 4 102002-03 Mannheim Germany 40 13 14 27 70 4 1 1 2 22003-04 Krefeld Germany 21 1 9 10 20 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Eisbaren Berlin Germany 51 16 20 36 63 12 2 10 12 0

NHL Totals 54 7 10 17 16 5 0 0 0 0Washington's 3rd choice, 53rd overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.Signed as a free agent by Cincinnati (IHL), September 29, 1999. Signed as a free agent by Washington, July 13,2000.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1990 Germany EJC-A 6 2 3 5 61991 G Germany WJC-B 7 5 5 10 2

Germany EJC-A 5 3 4 7 41992 Germany WJC-A 5 0 2 2 4

Germany EJC-A 6 4 4 8 4Germany WC-A 6 1 1 2 0

1993 Germany WC-A 4 1 1 2 261994 Germany WJC-A 7 3 1 4 2

Germany Olympics 8 1 2 3 21996 Germany W-Cup 4 0 2 2 21998 Germany Olympics 4 0 0 0 02002 Germany Olympics 7 2 1 3 2

Germany WC-A 7 2 3 5 62004 Germany WC-A 6 1 1 2 0

Germany W-Cup 4 0 0 0 0

VASILJEVS, Herbert (vah-SEE-lee-ehf, HUHR-buhrt) LATVIARight wing. Shoots right. 5 ft. 11 in., 180 lbs. Born, Riga, Latvia, May 27, 1976.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1994-95 Krefeld Germany 42 4 5 9 24 15 1 4 5 101995-96 Guelph OHL 65 34 33 67 63 16 6 13 19 61996-97 Carolina AHL 54 13 18 31 30 .... .... .... .... ....

Port Huron ColHL 3 3 2 5 4 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 New Haven AHL 76 36 30 66 60 3 1 0 1 21998-99 Florida NHL 5 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Kentucky AHL 76 28 48 76 66 12 2 1 3 499-2000 Atlanta NHL 7 1 0 1 4 .... .... .... .... ....

Orlando IHL 73 25 35 60 60 6 2 2 4 62000-01 Atlanta NHL 21 4 5 9 14 .... .... .... .... ....

Orlando IHL 58 22 26 48 32 12 8 3 11 142001-02 Vancouver NHL 18 3 2 5 2 .... .... .... .... ....

Manitoba AHL 31 12 14 26 10 .... .... .... .... ....2002-03 Manitoba AHL 69 10 29 39 30 14 3 5 8 82003-04 Khabarovsk Russia 37 4 7 11 38 .... .... .... .... ....2004-05 Nurnberg Germany 39 15 23 38 40 6 1 2 3 6

NHL Totals 51 8 7 15 22 .... .... .... .... ....Signed as a free agent by Florida, October 3, 1996.Traded to Atlanta by Florida with Gord Murphy, DanielTjarnqvist and Ottawa's 6th round choice (previously acquired, later traded to Dallas – Dallas selected Justin Cox) in 1999 Entry Draft for Trevor Kidd, June 25, 1999. Signed as a free agent byVancouver, August 11, 2001. Signed as a free agent by Amur Khaborovsk (Russia), June 11, 2003.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM2000 Latvia WC-A 1 0 0 0 42004 Latvia WC-A 7 0 1 1 02005 Latvia WC-A 6 0 0 0 0

ZIEGLER, Thomas (ZEE-gluhr, TAW-mas) SWITZERLANDRight wing. Shoots left. 5 ft. 11 in., 174 lbs. Born, Zurich, Switz., June 9, 1978.

Regular Season PlayoffsSeason Club League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

1995-96 Zurich Swiss 10 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....1996-97 Zurich/Kusn Jr. Swiss-Jr. 34 19 11 30 .... .... .... .... .... ....

Zurich Swiss 11 0 1 1 2 .... .... .... .... ....1997-98 Zurich/Kusn Jr. Swiss-Jr. 13 9 3 12 32 .... .... .... .... ....

Zurich Swiss 25 5 4 9 22 .... .... .... .... ....Zurich Swiss 10 0 0 0 0 8 0 2 2 2

1998-99 Ambri Swiss 38 2 4 6 18 12 0 0 0 8Sierre Swiss-2 4 1 2 3 2 .... .... .... .... ....

99-2000 Ambri Swiss 45 7 7 14 24 9 1 5 6 162000-01 Tampa Bay NHL 5 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....

Detroit IHL 67 8 19 27 40 .... .... .... .... ....Swiss Nat-Tm 8 0 0 0 2 .... .... .... .... ....

2001-02 Bern Swiss 26 3 4 7 24 6 0 0 0 8Springfield AHL 3 0 1 1 4 .... .... .... .... ....

2002-03 Bern Swiss 38 4 16 20 63 12 2 4 6 352003-04 Bern Swiss 46 12 21 33 107 15 1 4 5 162004-05 Bern Swiss 32 4 9 13 59 11 1 0 1 12

NHL Totals 5 0 0 0 0 .... .... .... .... ....Tampa Bay's 10th choice, 263rd overall, in 2000 Entry Draft.

International TournamentsYear Medal National Team Event GP G A Pts PIM1996 Switzerland EJC-A 5 0 2 2 41998 B Switzerland WJC-A 7 3 1 4 22000 Switzerland WC-A 7 2 2 4 02001 Switzerland WC-A 6 0 1 1 42002 Switzerland WC-A 6 0 0 0 22004 Switzerland WC-A 7 1 3 4 202005 Switzerland WC-A 6 1 0 1 10

Switzerland Olympic Q 3 2 0 2 4

Other 2006 Olympic Players

231

INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY EVENTS

Can-Cup Canada Cup 1976, 1981, 1984, 1987, 1991EJC-A IIHF European Junior Championship, Pool AEJC-D IIHF European Junior Championship, Pool DFr-Tour NHL–Soviet Friendship TourOlympics Winter Olympic GamesOlympic Q Winter Olympic Games Qualification RoundRV-87 Rendez-Vouz ’87Super-S NHL-Soviet Super SeriesW-Cup World Cup of Hockey 1996, 2004WC-A IIHF World Championship, Pool AWC-B IIHF World Championship, Pool BWC-C IIHF World Championship, Pool CWC-C1 IIHF World Championship, Pool C, Group 1WC-Q IIHF World Championship Qualification RoundWEC IIHF World and European ChampionshipWEC-A IIHF World and European Championship, Pool AWJC-18 IIHF World Junior Championship, Under 18WJC-A IIHF World Junior Championship, Pool AWJC-B IIHF World Junior Championship, Pool BWJC-C IIHF World Junior Championship, Pool C

NOTES:• Second, third and fourth division leagues in Europe are

indicated by country name and division number (e.g. Germany-2, Austria-3, Italy -4).

• Junior B, C, and D leagues in Canada and the USA are indicated by the league name and letter (e.g. OHA-B, SJHL-C).

• European Junior leagues are indicated by country name plus “-Jr.”(e.g. Finland-Jr.) European Junior B and C teams are indicated by team name followed by “-B,”“-C” etc. (e.g. MoDo AIK-B).

• European clubs that operate additional teams in lower divisions are indicated by the team name followed by “-2” or “-3.”

NORTH AMERICAN

AND EUROPEAN LEAGUES

AHL American Hockey LeagueAJHL Alberta Junior Hockey LeaguesAlpenliga AlpenligaAustria Osterreichischer Eishockeyverband (OEHV)CCHA Central Collegiate Hockey Association CHL Central Hockey LeagueCIS Commonwealth of Independent States Czech Czechoslovakian elite leagueCzRep Czech Republic Hokeje ExtraligaECAC Eastern College Athletic ConferenceECHL East Coast Hockey LeagueEuroHL European Hockey LeagueX-Games Exhibition Games, Series or SeasonFinland Suomien Jääkiekkoliitto SM Liiga (1975 to date)Finland-Q Finland Ice Hockey League Qualification RoundFrance French National Hockey AssociationGermany Bundesliga/Deutsche Eishockey LigaGermany-Q Bundesliga/Deutsche Eishockey Liga Qualification RoundH-East Hockey EastHigh-XX High School XX = state or provinceIHL International Hockey League)Italy Italian National Hockey AssociationJapan Japanese Ice Hockey Federation MJHL Manitoba Junior Hockey LeagueMTHL Metro Toronto Hockey LeagueNat-Team National TeamsNCAA National Collegiate Athletic AssociationNOJHL Northern Ontario Junior Hockey LeagueNorway Norges Ishockey Forbund elite leagueOHL Ontario Hockey League QMJHL Quebec Major Junior Hockey LeagueSlovakia Slovakia Republic ExtraleagueSweden Svenska Ishockeyförbundet Elitserien Sweden-Q Swedish Elitserien Qualification RoundSwiss Schweizerischer EishockeyverbandUSHL United States (Jr.) Hockey League USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics WCHA Western Collegiate Hockey AssociationWHL Western Canada Major Junior Hockey League

KEY TO LEAGUE AND EVENT ABBREVIATIONSUSED IN PLAYER AND GOALTENDER DATA PANELS

AY. . . . . long A as in mateA. . . . . . short A as in catAI . . . . . nasal A as on airAH . . . . short A as in fatherAW . . . . broad A as in talkEE . . . . . long E as in meatEH . . . . short E as in getUH . . . . hollow E as in “the”AY. . . . . French long E

with acute accent as in Pathé

IH . . . . . middle E as in prettyEW . . . . EW dipthong as in few

IGH . . . . long I as in timeEE . . . . . French long I as in machineIH . . . . . short I as in pityOH . . . . long O as in noteAH . . . . short O as in hotAW . . . . broad O as in foughtOI . . . . . OI dipthong as in noiseOO . . . . long double OO as in foolUH . . . . short double O as in ouchOW . . . . OW dipthong as in howEW . . . . long U as in muleOO . . . . long U as in ruleU . . . . . middle U as in put

UH . . . . short U as in shut or hurtK. . . . . . hard C as in catS . . . . . . soft C as in ceaseSH . . . . soft CH as in machineCH . . . . hard CH or TCH as in catchZ . . . . . . hard S as in bellsS . . . . . . soft S as in sunG. . . . . . hard G as in gangJ . . . . . . soft G as in generalZH soft J as in French

version of JolietKH . . . . gutteral CH as in Scottish

version of Loch

PRONUNCIATION OF PLAYER NAMESUnited Press International phonetic style.

232

KEITH ALLAINASSISTANT COACH • USA

Born September 26, 1958, Centerville, MAKeith Allain, goaltending coach with the St. Louis Blues, has a long history of interna-tional assignments with USA Hockey. He most recently served as an assistant coachunder Carolina Hurricanes and 2006 U.S. Olympic head coach Peter Laviolette at the2005 World Championship. Allain’s extensive international coaching career includesserving as an assistant coach for the United States team that captured the champi-onship of the inaugural World Cup of Hockey in 1996 (he returned to the World Cup ofHockey with the U.S. team in 2004 as goaltending coach) and working as an assistantcoach for the 1992 U.S. Olympic hockey team which placed fourth in Albertville. Hisinvolvement with USA Hockey also includes guiding the U.S. as head coach at theWorld Junior Championship in 2001 and 2002. Allain joined St. Louis in 1998 andunder his guidance Blues netminders surrendered the fewest goals in the NHL in1999-2000, claiming the William M. Jennings Trophy. That season the Blues capturedthe Presidents’Trophy for the best regular-season record in the league. His NHL expe-rience includes serving as a scout for the Nashville Predators in 1997-98 and a four-year stint (1993 to 1997) as an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals. He beganhis coaching career as an assistant at Yale University, where as a player he ranks thirdall-time in goaltending victories.

JERGUS BACAASSISTANT COACH • SLOVAKIA

Born January 4, 1965, Liptovsky Mikulas, CzechoslovakiaStill active as a player through the 2004-05 season, Jergus Baca is new to the coach-ing staff of the Slovakian national team at the 2006 Winter Games. Selected as therookie of the year in Czechoslovakia in 1987-88 and an All-Star in each of the next twoseasons, he played just 10 games in the NHL over two seasons with the HartfordWhalers from 1990 to 1992 and returned to Europe to stay after the 1996-97 season,playing in Germany and Slovakia. His international participation includes the 1994Lillehammer Olympics with Slovakia. He represented Czechoslovakia at the WorldChampionship in 1989 (bronze) and 1990 (bronze), as well as at the 1991 Canada Cup.Baca played for Slovakia at the 1996 World Cup and at the World Championship in1997, 1998 and 2002 (gold).

PAVEL BUREGENERAL MANAGER • RUSSIA

Born March 31, 1971, Moscow, USSRHampered by knee injuries for much of his career and out of action entirely since the2002-03 season, Pavel Bure formally announced his retirement as a player onNovember 1, 2005. At the same time, it was announced that Bure would be the gen-eral manager of Russia’s hockey team at the 2006 Winter Olympics. Known as “TheRussian Rocket,” Bure made his NHL debut with Vancouver in 1991-92 and set a clubrookie record with 34 goals. Bure became the first Canucks player to receive a majorNHL award when he won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. In 1992-93, Burebecame the first Vancouver player to top 50 goals and 100 points in a season when hescored 60 times and added 50 assists.He led the league when he scored 60 goals againin 1993-94, then led all playoff scorers with 16 goals as the Canucks reached theStanley Cup Final before losing to the New York Rangers in seven games. He was trad-ed to the Florida Panthers on January 17, 1999, and won the Maurice Richard Trophywhen he led the NHL with 58 goals in 1999-2000. Bure was also nominated for theHart Trophy as most valuable player that year. Internationally, Bure starred on a linewith Sergei Fedorov and Alexander Mogilny on the Soviet team that won the WorldJunior Championship in 1989. He played at the World Championship in 1990 (gold),1991 (bronze) and 2000, and starred at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano. Bure scored fivegoals in the semifinal game versus Finland and led the Olympics with nine goals asRussia won a silver medal. He won bronze with the Russian team at Salt Lake City in2002.

JIM CORSIASSISTANT COACH ITALY

Born June 19, 1954, Montreal, QCA star in both soccer and hockey at Montreal’s Concordia University, Jim Corsi playedtwo seasons with the Quebec Nordiques in the World Hockey Association followed by26 games with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers in 1979-80. The next season, he began an11-year stint in Italy, playing with top professional clubs there through 1991-92. Heplayed for Italy at the World Championship eight times, six times in the B-Pool as wellas in the A-Pool in 1982 and 1983.Corsi was set to represent Italy at the 1984 SarajevoOlympics, but was ruled ineligible due to his North American professional experience.He returned to Canada in 1992 and entered the coaching ranks at the University level.He later served as a goaltending coach with Schwenningen in Germany and with theCanadian women’s national team in 1997-98. Currently, he is in his eighth season asthe Buffalo Sabres’ goaltending coach.

ANDERS ELDEBRINKASSISTANT COACH • SWEDEN

Born December 11, 1960, Kalix, SwedenAnders Eldebrink is the head coach of the Kloten Flyers of the Swiss league. Formerly,he was an assistant coach with Timra and Sodertalje of the Swedish elite league. As aplayer, Eldebrink compiled 165 games patrolling the blueline for the Swedish nation-al team. He competed at the World Championship six times between 1981 and 1990and was a member of the 1987 World Championship winning team. He also wonOlympic bronze in Calgary in 1988 and finished second with Tre Kronor at the 1984Canada Cup.Eldebrink also played in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks and QuebecNordiques from 1981 to 1983.

WAYNE FLEMINGASSOCIATE COACH • CANADA

Born July 6, 1950, Winnipeg, MBWayne Fleming returns to Team Canada from triumphs at the 2002 Salt Lake CityOlympics and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Currently in his third season as an assis-tant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers,Fleming has a wealth of experience from ama-teur, collegiate, international and professional levels.With Hockey Canada, he servedas vice president, hockey, and head coach of Canada’s national team from August 16,2000 to May 30, 2002 when he joined the Philadelphia coaching staff. He wasCanada’s head coach at the 2001 and 2002 World Championship. Previously, he servedas general manager and assistant coach of the Canadian National Olympic Programfrom 1990 to 1992 and was a member of the coaching staff that led Canada to a silvermedal at the 1992 Albertville Olympics. Fleming coached Kloten in Switzerland andLandshut in Germany during the 1996-97 season and spent four seasons coachingLeksands in the Swedish elite league (1992 to 1996). He was an assistant coach withthe Phoenix Coyotes during the 1999-2000 season, and with the New York Islandersfrom 1997 to 1999. Fleming was head coach at the University of Manitoba for nineseasons (1980 through 1987, 1988 to 1990) and led the Bisons to conference champi-onships in 1984 and 1985. He won the Father George Kehoe Memorial Award asCanadian Interuniversity Athletic Union coach of the year for 1984-85 season and wonconference coach of the year honors in 1981-82 and 1983-84.

TEAM MANAGEMENTNHL COACHES, MANAGERS AND FORMER PLAYERS WITH 2006 OLYMPIC TEAMS

233

WAYNE GRETZKYEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR • CANADA

Born January 26, 1961, Brantford, ONAs the Executive Director of the Canadian Olympic team,Wayne Gretzky has overseenevery aspect relating to the team’s on-ice performance, as he did in leading Canada togold at the 2002 Olympics and at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Gretzky’s transitionfrom the game’s greatest player into a position of management began on June 2, 2000when he was introduced as the managing partner of the Phoenix Coyotes in charge ofall hockey operations. Gretzky officially began to assume that role on February 15,2001 when Steve Ellman’s ownership group completed the purchase of the Coyotes.This season, he took over as the head coach in Phoenix. Gretzky announced his retire-ment as a player on April 16, 1999, and played his final game two days later, ending a20-year NHL career that had seen him dominate the game like no other player in his-tory. Gretzky is a four-time Stanley Cup champion who is the NHL’s all-time leader ingoals, assists and points in both the regular season and the playoffs. He also holds thesingle-season records in those categories among the 60+ NHL records he holds.Gretzky won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s scoring leader a record 10 times, and wasa nine-time winner of the Hart Trophy as the League’s most valuable player. He wasnamed to either the First or Second All-Star Team 15 times and played in 18 NHL All-Star Games.He has dominated the game since his minor hockey days in his hometownof Brantford, Ontario. Gretzky turned professional at 17 when he played in the WorldHockey Association. Internationally, he represented Canada at the World JuniorChampionship in 1978, at the World Championship in 1982, at four Canada Cup tour-naments (winning in 1984, 1987 and 1991), at the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 andat the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano.

BENGT-AKE GUSTAFSSONHEAD COACH • SWEDEN

Born March 23, 1958, Karlskoga, SwedenA nine-year NHL player with the Washington Capitals in the 1980s who went on toplay nine more years in Sweden and Austria, Bengt-Ake Gustafsson assumed the headcoaching position with the Swedish national team just prior to the 2005 WorldChampionship. Gustafsson was hired in November of 2004 in time for the Karjala Cup.He immediately resigned from his coaching position with Swedish elite club Farjestad,which he had led to the Swedish championship in 2002 and the club he played forbefore and after his nine NHL seasons. He was also the assistant coach forSwitzerland’s national team between 1997 and 2002, as well as head coach of theSwiss club Langnau. As a player, Gustafsson appeared in 117 games for Sweden. Heparticipated at the 1992 Albertville Olympics and at five World Championships, win-ning gold in 1987 and 1991, silver in 1981 and bronze in 1979. He also played at the1984 and 1987 Canada Cup tournaments. Sweden was a finalist in 1984.The highlightof his NHL career was scoring five goals against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 8,1984. Coincidentally, all five goals came against countryman Pelle Lindbergh.

MARC HABSCHEIDASSOCIATE COACH CANADA

Born March 1, 1963, Swift Current, SKFormer NHL player Marc Habscheid stepped down after four-and-a-half years as thehead coach of the Kelowna Rockets in the Western Hockey League to take a three-yearposition as head coach of Canada’s national men’s hockey team on June 23, 2004. Heguided Canada to a silver medal at the 2005 World Championship. Previously, he hadwon silver medals as head coach (2003) and assistant coach (2002) of Team Canada atthe World Junior Championship. He was also an assistant coach with the CanadianUnder-18 team that won gold at a 1999 Four Nations tournament. Habscheid, whowon a gold medal as a player at the 1982 World Junior Championship,became the firstformer player for Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence to return to the program asa member of the coaching staff. Habscheid also played at the 1992 WorldChampionship. As an NHL player, he spent 11 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers,Minnesota North Stars, Detroit Red Wings and Calgary Flames between 1981 and1992. He was coach of the year in both the WHL and Canadian Hockey League in 2002-03 and led Kelowna to the Memorial Cup tournament in 2003 and 2004, win-ning the Canadian junior championship in 2004.

KEN HITCHCOCKASSOCIATE COACH • CANADA

Born December 17, 1951, Edmonton, ABKen Hitchcock has been head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers in since 2002-03. Hepreviously had guided the Dallas Stars to the 1999 Stanley Cup championship. From1996-97 to 2000-01, he coached the Stars to five straight divisional titles. The fran-chise had never captured division crowns in consecutive years prior to Hitchcock’sarrival.Hitchcock became the fifth-fastest coach to record 200 regular-season victorieson March 12, 2000.With Philadelphia in 2002-03, he led the Flyers to their best pointtotal (107) since the 1985-86 season, and in 2003-04, he led the Flyers to the AtlanticDivision title and to the Eastern Conference final in the playoffs. In his seven full sea-sons as an NHL head coach, Hitchcock has had seven 40-win and 100-point seasonsand captured six divisional titles.With Team Canada, he was an associate coach for thegold medal victory at the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002 and for the victory at theWorld Cup of Hockey in 2004. He was also an assistant coach at the 2002 WorldChampionship. Prior to his joining the Dallas Stars, Hitchcock had served two-and-a-half seasons as head coach of the club’s minor league affiliate. From 1990 to 1993, hewas an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers. He coached the Kamloops Blazersof the Western Hockey League from 1984 to 1990 and was an assistant coach with thegold medal-winning Canadian team at the 1988 World Junior Championship.

PAUL HOLMGRENASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER • USA

Born December 2, 1955, St. Paul, MNAn assistant coach with the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team at Nagano in 1998, PaulHolmgren returns to the Olympic Games as an assistant general manager of the 2006team. Holmgren is currently in his seventh season as the assistant general manager ofthe Philadelphia Flyers. He played with the Flyers for nine seasons from 1975-76 to1983-84, before being traded to the Minnesota North Stars on February 23, 1984. Hehad 138 goals and 171 assists for 309 points in 500 games with the Flyers, and his1,600 penalty minutes rank second in club history. He retired from the NHL as a play-er in 1985. He served as an assistant coach in Philadelphia for three seasons beforebecoming the first former Flyer to be named head coach of the team. He served ashead coach from 1988-89 to 1991-92, then became coach and general manager of theHartford Whalers in 1993-94. He rejoined the Flyers organization as a scout in 1995and was named director of player personnel on August 6, 1997. He was named assis-tant general manager on June 14, 1999.

Team Management

234

TIMO JUTILATEAM LEADER • FINLAND

Born December 24, 1963, Turku, FinlandTimo Jutila, who captained Finland to its first World Championship gold medal in1985, serves as Team Leader for Finland at the 2006 Olympics, a job he has held withthe Finnish national team since 2002.Though he played just 10 games in the NHL withthe Buffalo Sabres in 1984-85, Jutila was active as a player in Europe until 1999. Hewon the Finnish national championship title five times, all with Tappara, in 1982,1984, 1986, 1987 and 1988. He was named to the Finnish league All-Star team fourtimes (1987, 1988, 1993, 1994) and was named the best defenseman in the Finnishleague in 1987. In 1995-96, he played his 16th season of elite division hockey andenjoyed the best season of his career, collecting 14 goals and 37 assists for 51 pointsin 49 games to finish seventh overall in the Finnish league in scoring and tops amongdefensemen. In 1996-97, he played for Bern in Switzerland and won a championshiptitle with his new team. Internationally, he was a veteran of three Olympics (1984,1992 and 1994) and seven World Championships. He won a silver (1981) and bronze(1982) at the World Junior Championship, silvers at the World Championship in 1992and 1994, gold in 1995 and bronze at the Lillehammer Olympics in 1994.

UWE KRUPPHEAD COACH • GERMANY

Born June 24, 1965, Cologne, West GermanyOriginally hired as an assistant coach with the German national team in the summerof 2005, Uwe Krupp suddenly found himself the head coach when American Greg Possstepped down to take a job with Adler Mannheim on December 14.Krupp has very lit-tle coaching experience,but enjoyed a lot of success as a defenseman in his NHL careerbefore injuries forced him to retire. His overtime goal, which earned the ColoradoAvalanche a 1-0 win over the Florida Panthers and the 1996 Stanley Cup title, createdmore excitement in German hockey circles than any event since West Germany won abronze medal at the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics. Krupp was only the third player fromGermany to be drafted into the NHL when he was selected by Buffalo with the 214thpick in 1983. He played with the Sabres, the Islanders, the Avalanche, the Red Wingsand the Thrashers between 1986-87 and 2002-03. Internationally, Krupp played atboth the European and World Junior Championship for West Germany in 1983 and atthe WJC again in 1984. He played at the World Championship in 1986 and 1990.Injuries kept him out of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey,but he saw action in two gamesat the 1998 Olympics in Nagano. Krupp was a member of two German league cham-pionship teams with the Cologne Sharks in 1984 and 1986.

JARI KURRIGENERAL MANAGER • FINLAND

Born May 18, 1960, Helsinki, FinlandAs general manager of the Finnish team, Jari Kurri makes his second managementappearance at the Olympic Games, having served as an assistant coach for Finland atSalt Lake City in 2002.He also served as an assistant coach at the World Championshipin 2003 and 2004, and was the general manager of the Finnish team at the 2005World Championship. He has been a member of the International Olympic Committeesince 2002. On the ice, Kurri played for Finland’s surprising gold medal-winning teamat the 1978 European Junior Championship. He played at the World JuniorChampionship in 1979 and 1980 and then represented Finland at the Olympics in LakePlacid in 1980.He also played at the Nagano Olympics in 1998,the Canada Cup in 1981and 1987 and at the World Championship in 1982, 1989, 1991 and 1994. He wonbronze medals at the 1994 World Championship and the 1998 Olympics. He playedwith the Edmonton Oilers from 1980 to 1990, then spent the 1990-91 season withMilano in Italy before returning to the NHL with Los Angeles, NY Rangers, Anaheimand Colorado from 1991 to 1998. Kurri starred alongside Wayne Gretzky in Edmonton,winning the Stanley Cup in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and then again without Gretzky in1990.He was one of the NHL’s top scorers,as well as an outstanding defensive forward,becoming the third player in NHL history to record a 70-goal season in 1984-85. Hetied the record for most goals in one playoff year with 19 in 1985 and led the NHL ingoals with 68 in 1985-86. He is the top-scoring European player in the history of theNHL with 601 goals and 797 assists for 1,398 points in 1,251 games. Kurri was induct-ed into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998, and into the Hockey Hall of Fame inToronto in 2001.

PETER LAVIOLETTEHEAD COACH • USA

Born December 7, 1964, Norwood, MAAfter coaching the U.S. team at the World Championship in 2004 and 2005 (winninga bronze medal in 2004),Carolina Hurricanes head coach Peter Laviolette is behind thebench for the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team this year. As a player, Laviolette repre-sented the United States at the 1988 Calgary Olympics and at the 1994 LillehammerGames, where he served as team captain. He also coached the United States to victo-ry in the 2003 Deutschland Cup and was an assistant coach behind Ron Wilson at the2004 World Cup of Hockey. Laviolette was named coach of the Carolina Hurricanes onDecember 15, 2003. Previously, he coached the New York Islanders in 2001-02 and2002-03, leading the Islanders to playoff berths in both seasons after the team hadmissed the postseason for seven consecutive years. Before joining the Islanders,Laviolette served as assistant coach with the Boston Bruins after spending two years(1998 to 2000) with Boston’s Providence farm club in the AHL. He won AHL Coach ofthe Year honors in 1998-99 after leading Providence to a 56-15-4 regular-seasonrecord and the Calder Cup championship. His coaching career began in 1997 as headcoach of Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL. As a player, he spent 11 years in professionalranks, but spent just 12 games in NHL with New York Rangers in 1988-89.

Team Management

235

PETER LEEASSISTANT COACH • SWITZERLAND

Born January 2, 1956, Ellesmere, EnglandPeter Lee (known in Europe as Peter John Lee) will be an assistant coach with theSwiss team at the Olympics after serving in a similar capacity for Switzerland at theWorld Championship in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Lee was a junior hockey sensation whotwice led the Ontario league in goals scored. His 81 goals for the Ottawa 67’s in 1975-76 were a record (since beaten by Ernie Gooden’s 87 goals in 1980-81), and his careermark of 215 goals still stands.He played six NHL seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguinsfrom 1977 to 1983, reaching the 30-goal plateau twice.and remained active in Europeas a player until 1997. He won four consecutive German league championships withDusseldorf from 1990 to 1993, and led he league with 31 goals in 1987-88. His coach-ing career began with the Ottawa 67’s, first as an assistant coach (1993-94) and thenas head coach (1994-95) before he returned to Europe as a player.He was a player andan assistant coach in Dusseldorf and later became a coach with Eisbaren Berlin, some-times sharing the job (including with Kent Forsberg, father of 2006 Swedish OlympianPeter Forsberg, in 1999-2000). He has also served as general manager of EisbarenBerlin since the 1997-98 season.

KEVIN LOWEASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR • CANADA

Born April 15, 1959, Lachine, QCKevin Lowe is Team Canada’s assistant executive director once again after helping leadthe Canadians to a gold medal victory at Salt Lake City in 2002 and to a championshipat the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.The first player to be drafted by the Oilers when theyentered the NHL in 1979, Lowe became general manager in Edmonton when he wasnamed to replace Glen Sather on June 9, 2000. Lowe’s appointment came one yearafter he had been named head coach of the team. During his 19-year playing careerwith Edmonton (15 seasons) and the New York Rangers (four seasons), Lowe played in1,254 regular-season games and 214 playoff games. He holds the Oilers career recordfor games played in both the regular season (1,037) and playoffs (172) and is one ofonly 27 players in NHL history to have played 1,000 games with one team. In additionto being the first draft choice in Oilers history, he also scored the club’s first goal, beat-ing Hall of Famer Tony Esposito of the Chicago Blackhawks in Edmonton’s first NHLgame on October 10, 1979. Lowe went on to win the Stanley Cup five times with theOilers (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1990) and added a sixth championship with theRangers in 1994. Internationally, Lowe represented Canada at the 1982 WorldChampionships and at the 1984 Canada Cup.

JACQUES MARTINASSOCIATE COACH • CANADA

Born October 1, 1952, St. Pascal, ONAfter building the Ottawa Senators into one of the top teams in the NHL in eight-plusseasons as the club’s head coach,Jacques Martin is currently in his first year behind thebench with the Florida Panthers.With Team Canada, Martin has served as an associatecoach with the gold medal-winning team at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and thechampionship squad at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.Martin has been nominated forthe Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year three times, winning the award in1998-99 after leading the Senators to a 103-point season and their first divisionaltitle. Martin was named coach of the Senators on January 24, 1996, joining the teamfrom the Colorado Avalanche, where he was serving as an assistant coach under 1998Canadian Olympic team coach Marc Crawford. Previously, he had spent five seasonswith the Quebec Nordiques after serving two years in Chicago as an assistant to MikeKeenan. (Keenan is currently the general manager in Florida.) Martin entered the NHLas head coach of the St. Louis Blues in 1986-87 and served two years with the team.He joined the Blues after leading the Guelph Platers of the Ontario Hockey League tothe Memorial Cup (Canadian junior hockey) championship.

MATS NASLUNDGENERAL MANAGER • SWEDEN

Born October 31, 1959, Timra, SwedenMats Naslund, one of Sweden’s most accomplished players, became the new generalmanager of the Swedish national team in the summer of 2005. Originally hired onlyfor the Ceska Pojistovna Cup in Czech Republic in September, the first of four annualtournaments that are part of the European Hockey Tour, Naslund will guide the teamthrough the 2006 Winter Olympics. Inducted in the IIHF Hall of Fame in May of 2005,Naslund enjoyed great success both in the NHL and internationally. He became thefirst European-trained player to join the Montreal Canadiens when he made his NHLdebut in 1982-83. In 1985-86, he became the first Montreal player since Guy Lafleur in1979-80 to crack the top-10 in scoring when he collected 43 goals and 67 assists for110 points. Naslund led a rookie-laden team to a surprising Stanley Cup victory thatspring and also won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanlike conduct. Internationally,he played in 173 games for the Swedish national team,participating at the 1980,1992and 1994 Olympics and at five World Championships. He was an Olympic gold medal-ist at Lillehammer in 1994 and a bronze medalist at Lake Placid in 1980. He was aWorld Champion in 1991, a silver medalist in 1981 and bronze medalist in 1979. Healso played at the 1984, 1987 and 1991 Canada Cup tournaments, helping Swedenreach the finals in 1984.

SERGEI NEMCHINOVASSISTANT COACH • RUSSIA

Born January 14, 1964, Moscow, USSRRetired as a player since 2004 and currently serving as a coach in the New YorkIslanders’ system, Sergei Nemchinov is a member of the Russian coaching staff at the2006 Olympics. The first Russian-born player to play for the New York Rangers whenhe entered the NHL in 1991-92, he scored 30 goals as a rookie and later helped theclub end a 54-year Stanley Cup drought in 1994. Nemchinov played with the Rangers,Canucks, Islanders and Devils before returning to Russia in 2002. Internationally, hewon a gold medal with the Soviet Union junior team at the 1983 and 1984 WorldJunior Championships. He played for the runner-up Soviet Union squad at the 1987Canada Cup and played for the Soviets at Rendez-Vous ’87. He won gold medals withthe Soviet Union at the 1989 and 1990 World Championships and at the 1990Goodwill Games. He won bronze at the 1991 World Championship. Nemchinov playedon the first line along with Alexander Mogilny and Sergei Fedorov on the Russianteam at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and won a silver medal at the 1998 Olympicsin Nagano.

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PAT QUINNHEAD COACH • CANADA

Born January 29, 1943, Hamilton, ONOne of the winningest coaches in NHL history with 616 victories entering the currentseason, Pat Quinn also guided Canada to its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockeyin 50 years at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. He then coached Team Canada to vic-tory again at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Since becoming head coach of the MapleLeafs on June 26, 1998, Quinn has never failed to lead Toronto into the playoffs. HisMaple Leafs teams set franchise records with 45 wins in 1998-99, 1999-2000 and2003-04 and with 103 points in 2003-04.Toronto won its first regular-season divisiontitle since 1962-63 in 1999-2000. Quinn was the runner-up to Jacques Martin for theJack Adams Award as coach of the year in 1998-99, then added the role of generalmanager to his coaching duties in Toronto. (He stepped down as Maple Leafs generalmanager in 2003-04) Prior to joining the Maple Leafs, Quinn spent 11 years at thehelm of the the Vancouver Canucks hockey operations. When he was named generalmanager, he took over a team that had endured 11 consecutive losing seasons. In1992-93, he coached the club to a record 46 wins and 101 points, and in 1994 theCanucks advanced to the Stanley Cup Final. Quinn had previously reached the StanleyCup Final as coach of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1980. He was head coach of the Flyersfrom 1978 to 1982, and later coached the Los Angeles Kings from 1984 to 1987. As aplayer, Quinn spent the 1968-69 and 1969-70 seasons with the Maple Leafs. He laterplayed with the Vancouver Canucks and the Atlanta Flames. Quinn holds a law degreefrom Widener University, Delaware School of Law.

PETER STASTNYGENERAL MANAGER, SLOVAKIA

Born September 18, 1956, Bratislava, CzechoslovakiaPeter Stastny is once again the general manager of the Slovakian Olympic hockeyteam, having previously served in that capacity at Salt Lake City in 2002.He has servedas general manager for the Slovak team at the World Championship in 2002, 2003,2004 and 2005, winning gold in 2002 and bronze in 2003, as well as at the World Cupof Hockey in 2004. As a player, Stastny starred on the Czechoslovakian national teamthat won World Championships in 1976 and 1977. He was a silver medalist in 1978and 1979. He also played at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics and was a finalist with theCzechoslovak team at the 1976 Canada Cup. On April 2, 1984, Stastny became aCanadian citizen and played for Team Canada at the 1984 Canada Cup. He joined theSlovakian national team before the 1993-94 season for an Olympic qualification tour-nament in Sheffield, England. He played for Slovakia at the 1994 LillehammerOlympics and at the 1995 World Championship (Pool-B). In league play, Stastny waswith Slovan Bratislava of Czechoslovak league from 1973 to 1980, winning theCzechoslovakian championship in 1979 and being named player of the year of in1980. He joined the NHL’s Quebec Nordiques with brother Anton in 1980-81 (MarianStastny joined the Nordiques in 1981-82) and his NHL point total in the 1980s wastopped only by Wayne Gretzky. Stastny was the top-scoring European player in NHLhistory until being surpassed by Jari Kurri.

MIKE SULLIVANASSISTANT COACH • USA

Born February 27, 1968, Marshfield, MAThe 2006 Winter Olympics mark Mike Sullivan’s first appearance in international hock-ey. He was named head coach of the Boston Bruins on June 23, 2003 and is currentlythe youngest head coach in the NHL. He led the Bruins to a first-place finish in theNortheast Division and the second-best record in the Eastern Conference with 104points in his first season behind the bench in 2003-04.His coaching career began withthe Bruins’ AHL affiliate in Providence in 2002-03. He was promoted to Boston as anassistant coach on March 20, 2003 before the AHL season was complete. Sullivanplayed four seasons at Boston University from 1986-87 through 1989-90. He wasselected by the New York Rangers 69th overall in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, but neversigned with the club. He played the 1990-91 season with San Diego of theInternational Hockey League before signing with the San Jose Sharks. He played 11seasons in the NHL with San Jose,Calgary,Boston and Phoenix before retiring after the2001-02 season.

STEVE TAMBELLINIDIRECTOR, PLAYER PERSONNEL • CANADA

Born May 14, 1958, Trail, BCIn his 15th season with the Vancouver Canucks, Steve Tambellini was promoted to vicepresident and assistant general manager in June of 2004. He was named director ofplayer personnel for the Canadian Olympic hockey team on February 8, 2001, andhelped build a gold medal team for the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. He reprises thatrole again this year after also winning the championship at the 2004 World Cup ofHockey and serving as general manager for Team Canada at the World Championshipin 2003 (gold) and 2005 (silver). A former player,Tambellini spent 10 years in the NHLafter being drafted 15th overall by the New York Islanders in 1978.He won the StanleyCup with the Islanders in 1980, and later played with the Colorado Rockies/New JerseyDevils franchise and the Calgary Flames before joining the Canucks in 1985. His lastNHL season was 1987-88, when he also spent time with the Canadian national teamand played at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. He spent the next two seasons playing inSwitzerland and Austria before returning to the Canucks in the front office in October,1990. In addition to the 1988 Olympics, Tambellini represented Canada at the WorldJunior Championship in 1978 and at the World Championship in 1981.

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HANNU VIRTAASSISTANT COACH • FINLAND

Born March 22, 1963, Turku, FinlandAn Olympic bronze medal winner as a player at Lillehammer in 1994, Hannu Virta isan assistant coach with the Finnish team at the Winter Games of 2006.He has been anassistant coach with the Finnish national team since 2003, appearing at the WorldChampionship that year and again in 2004 and 2005. His coaching career includesserving as an assistant with TPS Turku from 1998-99 to 2002-03, and as a co-coachwith Espoo beginning in 2003-04.A product of the TPS system,Virta played in the NHLwith the Buffalo Sabres from 1981-82 to 1985-86 before returning to Europe wherehe played with TPS and ZSC Zurich in Switzerland until 1997-98. He was rookie of theyear in the Finnish league in 1981-82 and won the Rautakallio Trophy (BestDefenseman) in 1986-87, 1988-89, 1989-90 and 1990-91. He won Finnish champi-onships as a player in 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1993 and as a coach in 1999, 2000 and2001. Internationally, he was an All-Star at the 1981 European Junior Championship,won a bronze medal at the 1982 World Junior Championship, silver at the 1994 WorldChampionship and gold at the 1995 World Championship. In all, he played at the World Championship seven times, at the Canada Cup in 1987 and at the World Cup ofHockey in 1996. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.

DON WADDELLGENERAL MANAGER • USA

Born August 19, 1958, Detroit, MIDon Waddell was named general manager of the Atlanta Thrashers on June 23, 1998and as the only g.m. in club history, has established a solid foundation by infusing theclub with solid veterans to support a talented young lineup.He serves as general man-ager of the U.S.Olympic hockey team as part of a long-standing relationship with USAHockey both as a player and in management. USA Hockey named him assistant gen-eral manager for the 1999 U.S. national team and general manager for the 2001 and2002 teams. He was an assistant general manager again for the 2004 team that wona bronze medal at the World Championship and was g.m. of the 2005 team. His inter-national playing experience includes helping lead the U.S. team to gold at the1983World Championship (Pool-B). He was a member of the first U.S. national junior teamat the 1977 World Junior Championship, and played at the tournament again in 1978.He came to Atlanta with more than 18 years in professional hockey as a player, coachand general manager. Previously, he built two professional minor league franchises:the San Diego Gulls and Orlando Solar Bears of the now defunct International HockeyLeague. In 1998, he won the Stanley Cup as assistant general manager of the DetroitRed Wings. As a player, he spent more than nine seasons in professional hockey, most-ly in the IHL. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1978 and spent three yearswith organization from 1980 to 1983.

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PAUL DEVORSKI – REFEREEBorn August 18, 1958, Guelph ON

Did you know …Hobbies include golf, coaching hockey and spending time with his kids •Favorite team growing up was the Chicago Blackhawks • Favorite playerwas Bobby Orr • Other Olympic sports of interest are luge, speed skatingand curling plus boxing and diving in the Summer Games.

Why I wanted to be an On-Ice Official…“I like controversy.”

NHL Career…Member of the NHLOA since September 1, 1987 • First game was NewJersey at Hartford on Oct. 14, 1989 • Had served in 895 regular-seasongames and 102 playoff games entering the 2005-06 season • Most memorable game was working alongside his brother Greg in 1993.“It wasour first game together.”

International Career…Worked the final of the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Words of Advice to Future Referees…“Play hockey for as long as you can and then get involved in officiating.”

DENNIS LARUE – REFEREEBorn July 14, 1959, Savannah GA

Did you know …Is an avid golfer who plays quite a lot of tournaments in the summer •Volunteers at Crosswalk, an agency serving homeless teenagers • Personhe admires most is U.S. Senator John McCain • Favorite team growing upwas the Boston Bruins • Favorite player was Bobby Orr • Favorite NHLarena is in San Jose.“I’ve worked quite a number of games there and thereare no better fans.” • Other Olympic sports of interest are speed skating,figure skating and ski racing, plus track and cycling at the Summer Games.

Why I wanted to be an On-Ice Official…“I was heavily involved with the USA Hockey Referee DevelopmentProgram … and was very fortunate for that to have turned into a path tothis rewarding career.”

NHL Career…Member of the NHLOA since September 1, 1989 • First game was Bostonat Quebec on Mar. 26, 1991 • Had served in 576 regular-season games and19 playoff games entering the 2005-06 season • Most memorable gamewas his first Stanley Cup playoff game “because that is the aspiration of allNHL officials.”

International Career…World Junior Championship, 1986 • World Championship, 1986 • CalgaryWinter Olympic Games, 1988 • Canada Cup, 1991 • Salt Lake City WinterOlympics, 2002 • The 1988 Calgary Olympics are his most memorableinternational experience because “as an amateur official, it was the pinna-cle of what could be achieved.”

Words of Advice to Future Referees…“Officiate as many games as you can and make sure … you really enjoy it.Officiating can be challenging and it gets harder at each level.”

DAN MAROUELLI – REFEREEBorn July 16, 1955, Edmonton AB

Did you know …He’s a proud member of the Ontario Provincial Police Auxiliary • Doescharitable work with Children’s Make a Wish, Special Olympics, Sunshinefoundation and the Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Foundation • Favoriteteam growing up was the Montreal Canadiens • Favorite player was BobbyRousseau • Favorite arena was the Montreal Forum because “it wasn’t justa hockey game there, it was a cultural experience.”• Other Olympic sportsof interest are soccer in the Summer Games.

Why I wanted to be an On-Ice Official…“I enjoyed the challenge of maintaining the integrity of the game bykeeping the playing field level.”

NHL Career…Member of the NHLOA since Sep. 1, 1982 • First game was Winnipeg vs.Detroit on Nov. 2, 1984. • Had served in 1,266 regular-season games and175 playoff games entering the 2005-06 season • Most memorable gameis Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia 92:01 overtime game on May 4, 2000.

International Career…Worked games between Russian clubs and NHL teams in 1989, 1990 and1991 • Worked games in Helsinki, Prague, Stockholm, Montreal andOttawa in 1996 World Cup of Hockey • Worked games in Prague,Stockholm and Helsinki at 2004 World Cup • Greatest international experi-ence was being asked to officiate Igor Larionov’s retirement game inMoscow in December 2004.

Words of Advice to Future Referees…“There is no substitute for total dedication and hard work.You get out ofyour career what you put into it.”

STEVE MILLER – LINESMANBorn June 22, 1972, Stratford ON

Did you know …Attends several charity golf tournaments in the offseason • Favorite teamgrowing up was the Montreal Canadiens • Favorite player was MarkMessier • Favorite NHL arenas are Florida and Tampa “because it’s warmoutside after the game.” • The person he admires most is his wife“because she is so strong mentally and keeps our family running while I’mtraveling for work.” • Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill skiingand bobsled.

Why I wanted to be a Linesman…“The job is demanding but very rewarding.When I go to work I can saythat I enjoy every second from start to finish.”

NHL Career…Member of the NHLOA since Sep. 1, 2000 • First game was Washington atAtlanta on Oct. 11, 2000. • Had served in 264 regular-season games andeight playoff games entering the 2005-06 season • Most memorablegame is his first playoff game, NY Islanders at Toronto on Apr. 18, 2002.“The game was so intense I soon found out there was no time to be nervous.”

International Career…Worked the 1997 Nagano Cup in Japan and the 1999 World JuniorChampionship in Winnipeg • Calls the 1999 WJC his greatest internation-al experience.

Words of Advice to Future Linesmen…“Dedication, perseverance and hard work.These words will help you getwhere you want to be. Also remember who you are and where you camefrom.”

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THOR NELSON – LINSEMANBorn January 6, 1968, Westminister, CA

Did you know …Works with Habitat For Humanity and local youth hockey programs. Alsovisits local schools to spend time with disabled children • Most admireshis wife for supporting him and “keeping our family running smoothlywhile I get to do this job I love.” • Favorite team growing up was theEdmonton Oilers • Favorite player was Wayne Gretzky • Favorite arena isMadison Square Garden.“The big stars always played at the Garden. As anAmerican, this is the place I always wanted to see.” • Other Olympic sportsof interest are speed skating, bobsled and ski jumping.

Why I wanted to be an On-Ice Official…“I started officiating to stay involved with the game I grew up with. Ienjoyed the challenge of working higher levels, and this eventually led toan opportunity with the NHL.”

NHL Career…Member of the NHLOA since Sep. 1, 1994 • First game was Calgary atChicago on Feb. 16, 1995. • Had served in 439 regular-season games andeight playoff games entering the 2005-06 season • Most memorablegames are his first NHL game, first NHL playoff game and the 2004 NHLAll-Star Game. Also, the 1993 USA Hockey bantam national championshipgame.

International Career…The Olympics will be his first major international tournament • Workedthe 1994 U.S. Olympic Festival gold medal game • Has also worked anexhibition game with the Moscow Dynamo.

Words of Advice to Future Referees…“Take pride in what you do.Work hard, and good things will happen.”

PIERRE RACICOT – LINSEMANBorn February 15, 1967, Verdun QC

Did you know …Is involved with the Stephane Provost Children’s Foundation to benefit thefamily of the late NHL referee who was killed in a motorcycle accident onApr. 22, 2005. • He touches the “72” on his sleeve (in honor of Provost)before every game • The person he admires most is his wife • Favoriteteam growing up was the Montreal Canadiens • Favorite player was GuyLafleur • Other Olympic sports of interest are the ski events and bobsled.

Why I wanted to be an On-Ice Official…“I didn’t. It sort of happened. I always wanted to go as far as my effort andabilities would take me.”

NHL Career…Member of the NHLOA since Sep. 1, 1993 • First game was Buffalo atPhiladelphia on Oct. 12, 1993. • Had served in 747 regular-season gamesand 44 playoff games entering the 2005-06 season • Most memorablegame was his first game at the Montreal Forum.“With all the memoriesfrom my childhood, it was an amazing feeling.”

International Career…Worked games at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey • Most memorable inter-national experience was working the semifinal at the World Cup.

Words of Advice to Future Referees…“Learn from you peers. Be receptive to advice.”

TONY SERICOLO – LINSEMANBorn July 17, 1968, Troy, NY

Did you know …Has been an instructor at USA Hockey Officials Development Camp for 11years • Participates in the Adam Oates NHL Celebrity Golf Tournament inSaratoga Springs to benefit local youth programs • Favorite player grow-ing up was Dino Ciccarelli • Favorite arena is Madison Square Garden“because of the history of the building and the excitement of New YorkCity.” • Other Olympic sports of interest are downhill skiing, short trackspeedskating and luge, plus track & field at the Summer Games.

Why I wanted to be an On-Ice Official…“After college, I knew that I wanted to stay involved in [hockey]. Since Iwas passed over by all 30 teams to play, I decided I should take the offici-ating route.”

NHL Career…Member of the NHLOA since Sept. 1, 1998 • First game was Edmonton atNY Islanders on Oct. 21, 1998. • Had served in 370 regular-season gamesentering the 2005-06 season • Most memorable game was his first NHLgame.“I worked very hard to get to the NHL level, so I will always remem-ber the first game I officiated.”

International Career…The Winter Olympic Games at Turin mark his first international experience.

Words of Advice to Future Referees…“Kids need to understand that there are many other levels of hockey thatallow individuals to showcase their talents.”

DON VAN MASSENHOVEN – REFEREEBorn July 17, 1960, Parkhill, ON

Did you know …Has raised over $200,000 for Sunshine Dreams for Kids through the DonVan Massenhoven Celebrity Baseball Game and Auction • Next to his latefather, the person he admires most is his Uncle Joe “who exemplifies hardwork, dedication to family and integrity.” • Favorite player growing up wasGuy Lafleur • Favorite arena is Madison Square Garden “because of thefans and the atmosphere it has.” • Other Olympic sports of interest aredownhill skiing and track & field in the Summer Games.

Why I wanted to be an On-Ice Official…“I always played hockey growing up, and then got into officiating asanother way to be involved.”

NHL Career…Member of the NHLOA since Jul. 15, 1992 • First game was Edmonton atBoston on Nov. 11, 1993. • Had served in 692 regular-season games and52 playoff games entering the 2005-06 season • Most memorable gamewas his first NHL game and his first NHL playoff game (Anaheim at Detroiton Apr. 23, 1999.)

International Career…Worked games at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey • Considers that tourna-ment and the 2003 Challenge Cup with the Toronto Maple Leafs inSweden/Finland to be his greatest international hockey experiences.

Words of Advice to Future Referees…“Always work hard and enjoy being involved in the game of hockey. If youenjoy the game, you will enjoy officiating it.”

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JAROME IGINLACALGARY FLAMES

CANADA

ALEXEI YASHINNEW YORK ISLANDERSRUSSIA

SCOTT NEIDERMAYER

MIGHTY DUCKS OF ANAHEIM

CANADA

MATTIAS NORSTROMLOS ANGELES KINGSSWEDEN

JOE SAKICCOLORADO AVALANCHE

CANADA MATS SUNDINTORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

SWEDEN

OLLI JOKINEN

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

FINLAND

SAKU KOIVUMONTREAL CANADIENS

FINLAND

FILIP KUBAMINNESOTA WILD • CZECH REPUBLICCAPTAIN FOR OCTOBER, 2005 MIKE MODANODALLAS STARS

USA

MARKUS NASLUND

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

SWEDEN

ADAM FOOTECOLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

CANADA

SHANE DOANPHOENIX COYOTES

CANADA

DANIEL ALFREDSSON

OTTAWA SENATORS

SWEDEN

2006 Olympians andNHL Team Captains

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