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Eric StaalHockey player
Date of Birth: 29.10.1984
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Hockey Career
Eric Staal was born on October 29, 1984, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. He has three brothers who are also hockey players: Jordan (Pittsburgh Penguins), Mark (New York Rangers), and Jared (Sudbury Wolves).
At the age of 16, Staal was drafted by the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He played one season with the Petes before being drafted second overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2003 NHL Draft.
NHL Career
Staal made his NHL debut with the Hurricanes in 2003-04. He quickly became one of the team's top players, scoring 102 points in his first two seasons. In 2006, he helped the Hurricanes win their first Stanley Cup championship.
Staal has been named to the NHL All-Star Game four times (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011). He also won the Hart Trophy in 2006 as the NHL's Most Valuable Player.
International Career
Staal has represented Canada internationally on numerous occasions. He was a member of the gold medal-winning team at the 2007 World Championships. He also played for Canada at the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics.
Personal Life
Staal is married to Jennifer Cormack. They have two children together.
Legal Trouble
In 2007, Staal was arrested after a bachelor party in Toronto. He was charged with assault and obstruction of justice. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of causing a disturbance and paid a $587 fine.
