Matt Pettinger is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on October 22, 1980, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Prince George Cougars.
Pettinger was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the second round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Capitals in the 2002-2003 season and played with the team for six seasons. During his time with the Capitals, Pettinger was known for his speed and physical play, and he was a key player on the team's penalty kill unit.
In 2007, Pettinger was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, where he played for one season before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played with the Lightning for two seasons before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 2010. However, he never played a game with the Kings and was eventually released from his contract.
Throughout his NHL career, Pettinger played in a total of 479 games, scoring 76 goals and 68 assists for a total of 144 points. He also played in 23 playoff games, scoring two goals and three assists.
After his NHL career ended, Pettinger played for several years in Europe, including stints in Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom. He retired from professional hockey in 2015 and currently works as a real estate agent in his hometown of Victoria, British Columbia.
Off the ice, Pettinger was known for his charitable work and community involvement. He was a regular participant in the Capitals' annual "Better Halves" auction, which raises money for local charities, and he also worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other organizations.
Overall, Matt Pettinger had a successful career in professional hockey, playing for several NHL teams and continuing to play at a high level in Europe after his NHL career ended. He was known for his speed, physical play, and community involvement, and he remains a respected figure in the hockey world.
🏒