Tom Sestito is a former professional ice hockey player who played as a left winger. He was born on September 28, 1987, in Rome, New York, and began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Plymouth Whalers in 2004.
Sestito was known for his physicality and toughness on the ice, often engaging in fights with opposing players. He was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut with the team in 2008.
Over the course of his career, Sestito played for several NHL teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He also played in the American Hockey League (AHL) for various teams, including the Syracuse Crunch, Adirondack Phantoms, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Sestito's best season in the NHL came in 2013-2014 when he played for the Vancouver Canucks. He appeared in 77 games and recorded five goals and five assists for a total of ten points. He also had 213 penalty minutes, which was the second-highest total in the league that season.
In addition to his NHL and AHL career, Sestito also played internationally for Team USA. He represented the United States at the 2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he helped the team win a bronze medal.
Sestito's career was not without controversy, as he was suspended multiple times for on-ice incidents. In 2011, he was suspended for two games for a hit on New York Rangers player Andre Deveaux. In 2013, he was suspended for four games for boarding Detroit Red Wings player Kent Huskins.
Sestito announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2018 after playing for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL. He finished his career with 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) and 570 penalty minutes in 154 NHL games.
Overall, Tom Sestito was known for his physicality and toughness on the ice, and while his career was not without controversy, he was a respected player among his teammates and fans.
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