Nathan Horton is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on May 29, 1985, in Welland, Ontario, Canada. Horton began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Oshawa Generals in 2001. He played for the Generals for three seasons, during which he scored 118 goals and 238 points in 184 games.
In 2003, Horton was drafted third overall by the Florida Panthers in the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2003-04 season and played for the Panthers for six seasons. During his time with the Panthers, Horton established himself as a skilled forward and a reliable goal scorer. He scored 142 goals and 295 points in 422 games for the Panthers.
In 2010, Horton was traded to the Boston Bruins, where he played for three seasons. He was a key player in the Bruins' Stanley Cup championship run in 2011, scoring eight goals and nine assists in 21 playoff games. Horton's performance in the playoffs earned him the nickname "Big Game" and endeared him to Bruins fans.
Horton's time with the Bruins was marred by injuries, and he missed significant time due to concussions and other ailments. In 2013, he suffered a severe concussion in the Stanley Cup Finals and was unable to play in the remainder of the series. The Bruins went on to lose the series to the Chicago Blackhawks.
In 2013, Horton became a free agent and signed a seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, his time with the Blue Jackets was plagued by injuries, and he played in only 36 games over two seasons. In 2015, Horton was forced to retire due to a degenerative back condition.
Throughout his career, Horton was known for his size, strength, and scoring ability. He was a skilled power forward who could score goals and create space for his teammates. He was also a physical player who was not afraid to throw his weight around and engage in fights.
Off the ice, Horton was known for his charitable work and his involvement in the community. He was a regular participant in charity events and was known for his generosity and kindness.
In conclusion, Nathan Horton was a talented and skilled hockey player who had a successful career in the NHL. He played for three teams over the course of his career and was a key player on the Bruins' Stanley Cup championship team in 2011. Despite his injuries, Horton remained a fan favorite and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
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