Shjon Podein is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on March 5, 1968, in Rochester, Minnesota, and grew up playing hockey in his hometown. Podein played college hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he was a standout player and helped lead the team to a national championship in 1985.
After college, Podein was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the eighth round of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. He spent several years playing in the minor leagues before making his NHL debut with the Oilers in 1993. Podein quickly established himself as a hard-working, physical player who could contribute on both offense and defense. He played for the Oilers for two seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1995.
Podein played for the Flyers for five seasons, during which time he became known as one of the team's most reliable and versatile players. He was a key member of the Flyers' "Legion of Doom" line, which also included Eric Lindros and John LeClair. Podein's hard work and dedication to the team earned him the nickname "The Grinder."
In 2000, Podein was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he played for three seasons. He was a valuable role player for the Avalanche, helping the team win the Stanley Cup in 2001. Podein's work ethic and leadership qualities were highly respected by his teammates and coaches.
After leaving the Avalanche in 2003, Podein played one more season in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues before retiring from professional hockey. Over the course of his career, he played in 699 NHL games, scoring 94 goals and 116 assists for a total of 210 points. He was also known for his physical play, racking up 1,425 penalty minutes over his career.
Since retiring from hockey, Podein has remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He founded the Podein Foundation, which provides support and resources to children and families in need. The foundation's mission is to help children develop life skills and build self-esteem through sports and other activities.
Overall, Shjon Podein had a successful career as a professional hockey player, known for his hard work, physical play, and leadership qualities. He was a valuable role player for several NHL teams and helped lead the Colorado Avalanche to a Stanley Cup championship in 2001. Since retiring from hockey, he has continued to make a positive impact on the sport and on the lives of children and families in his community.
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