Matt Stajan is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on December 19, 1983, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Stajan began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Belleville Bulls in 1999. He played for the Bulls for four seasons, during which he was named the team's captain and led them to the OHL championship in 2000.
In 2002, Stajan was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs in the 2003-04 season and played for the team for seven seasons. During his time with the Maple Leafs, Stajan was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions. He played as a center, left wing, and right wing and was often used on the team's penalty kill.
In 2010, Stajan was traded to the Calgary Flames in a multi-player deal. He played for the Flames for eight seasons and was named an alternate captain in 2013. During his time with the Flames, Stajan was known for his leadership and work ethic. He was also a fan favorite and was known for his involvement in the community.
Stajan retired from professional hockey in 2018 after playing in over 1,000 NHL games. He finished his career with 146 goals and 267 assists for a total of 413 points. Stajan was known for his consistency and durability, having played in at least 70 games in eight of his 14 NHL seasons.
Off the ice, Stajan was known for his philanthropy and charitable work. He and his wife, Katie, established the Matt Stajan Foundation in 2013 to support families who have experienced the loss of a child. The foundation provides financial assistance to families to help cover the costs of funeral expenses and other related expenses.
In conclusion, Matt Stajan had a successful career in the NHL, playing for two Canadian teams over the course of 14 seasons. He was known for his versatility, consistency, and leadership on and off the ice. Stajan's philanthropic work has also made a significant impact on the community, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
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