Jay McKee is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 15 years. He was born on September 8, 1977, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. McKee began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sudbury Wolves in 1993. He played for the Wolves for three seasons before being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.
McKee made his NHL debut with the Sabres in the 1995-96 season and quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. He was known for his physical play and shot-blocking abilities, which made him a valuable asset to the Sabres. McKee played for the Sabres for 10 seasons, from 1995 to 2006, and was a key member of the team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999.
In 2006, McKee signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues. He played for the Blues for two seasons before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008. McKee played for the Penguins for one season before being traded back to the Sabres in 2009. He played his final NHL season with the Sabres in 2009-10 before retiring from professional hockey.
Throughout his NHL career, McKee played in 802 games and scored 29 goals and 128 assists for a total of 157 points. He was known for his defensive prowess and was often tasked with shutting down the opposing team's top players. McKee was also a leader on and off the ice, serving as an alternate captain for the Sabres and Blues.
After retiring from professional hockey, McKee remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He founded the Jay McKee Hockey Academy, which provides training and development programs for young hockey players. McKee also worked as an assistant coach for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL and as a player development coach for the Buffalo Sabres.
In addition to his hockey career, McKee is also known for his philanthropic work. He has been involved with numerous charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House. McKee was also awarded the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2009 for his dedication to community service.
Overall, Jay McKee had a successful career as a professional hockey player, known for his defensive skills and leadership abilities. He continues to make a positive impact on the sport and the community through his coaching and philanthropic work.
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