Stephen Weiss is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on April 3, 1983, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and began his hockey career playing for the Plymouth Whalers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Weiss was drafted fourth overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2002-2003 season and quickly established himself as a reliable center. He played for the Panthers for over a decade, becoming one of the team's most consistent players. He was known for his strong two-way play, his ability to win faceoffs, and his leadership on and off the ice.
In his time with the Panthers, Weiss played in over 600 games and scored over 400 points. He was named an alternate captain in 2008 and was named the team's MVP in 2010. He also represented Canada in international play, winning a gold medal at the 2003 World Junior Championships.
In 2013, Weiss signed a five-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings. However, his time in Detroit was plagued by injuries, and he struggled to find his form. He played in just 78 games over two seasons with the Red Wings, scoring just 29 points.
Weiss was bought out by the Red Wings in 2015 and became a free agent. He signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins but played in just 25 games before being placed on waivers and ultimately retiring from professional hockey.
Overall, Weiss had a successful career in the NHL, playing in over 700 games and scoring over 400 points. He was known for his consistency, leadership, and two-way play, and was a respected player both on and off the ice. While injuries may have cut his career short, Weiss will be remembered as a talented and dedicated player who gave his all to the game of hockey.
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