Michael Peca is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on March 26, 1974, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and began his hockey career playing for the Toronto Marlboros in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Peca was known for his defensive skills and was a two-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward. He was also a skilled penalty killer and was known for his physical play.
Peca was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Canucks during the 1993-94 season and played with the team for two seasons before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres.
Peca played with the Sabres for five seasons and was named team captain in 1997. He helped lead the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999, where they lost to the Dallas Stars in six games. Peca was also a member of the Canadian national team that won the gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
After his time with the Sabres, Peca played for the New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, and Columbus Blue Jackets. He retired from professional hockey in 2009.
Throughout his career, Peca was known for his leadership and was a respected player both on and off the ice. He was also involved in various charitable organizations and was named the NHL's Humanitarian of the Year in 2008.
In total, Peca played in 864 NHL games, scoring 176 goals and 465 points. He also played in 92 playoff games, scoring 20 goals and 50 points. Peca's defensive skills and leadership made him a valuable player throughout his career, and he remains a respected figure in the hockey community.
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