Mike Stapleton is a former professional ice hockey player who played for various teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) and other leagues. He was born on June 10, 1966, in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, and began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sarnia Sting in 1983.
Stapleton was known for his versatility as a player, as he could play both center and wing positions. He was also known for his speed, agility, and defensive skills, which made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
In 1986, Stapleton was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks in the 1988-89 season and played with the team for four seasons. During his time with the Blackhawks, Stapleton played in 236 games and scored 38 goals and 51 assists.
After leaving the Blackhawks, Stapleton played for several other NHL teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and Nashville Predators. He also played for various minor league teams, including the Indianapolis Ice, Milwaukee Admirals, and Houston Aeros.
Stapleton's best season in the NHL was in 1995-96 when he played for the Winnipeg Jets. He scored 20 goals and 27 assists in 78 games, which was a career-high for him. He also played in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey for Team USA and helped the team win the tournament.
In addition to his NHL career, Stapleton also played internationally for Team USA in various tournaments, including the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, where he helped the team win a bronze medal. He also played in the 1991 Canada Cup and the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
Stapleton retired from professional hockey in 2001 after playing for the Houston Aeros in the International Hockey League (IHL). After his playing career, he became a coach and worked with various teams in the minor leagues, including the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago Wolves, and Indy Fuel.
Overall, Mike Stapleton had a successful hockey career, playing for various teams in the NHL and internationally. He was known for his versatility, speed, and defensive skills, which made him a valuable player to any team he played for.
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