Eric Staal

Eric Craig Staal (born on 29 October 1984 in Thunder Bay, Ontario) is a Canadian ice hockey player and alternate captain of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League. He is the older brother of Jordan Staal, who is playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Marc Staal, who is playing for the New York Rangers, and Jared Staal, who was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft but is currently playing for the AHL's San Antonio Rampage.

Playing career
Staal was selected second overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, behind Number 1 pick Marc-André Fleury. He had played for the Peterborough Petes of the OHL the year before, scoring 98 points in 66 games.

He played his first season in the National Hockey League right after being drafted. In 2004, Staal played in the YoungStars game as part of the 2004 NHL All-Star festivities.

He was named NHL Offensive Player of the Week (October 23-30, 2005). On October 28, 2005, Staal had his first career hat trick against the Philadelphia Flyers. He led the Hurricanes in points during the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 28 points. Staal was fourth in voting for the Hart Trophy, which is the award for the NHL's most valuable player.

On July 1, 2006, Staal signed a three year, $13.5 million contract with the Hurricanes.

Staal made his first All-Star game appearance in 2007 NHL All-Star game in Dallas, where he scored the Eastern Conference's third goal.

He and his younger brother Jordan Staal were members of the 2007 Canadian IIHF World Championship team that won gold in a 4-2 win against Finland in Moscow.

On January 27, 2008 at the NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta, Staal recorded 2 goals and an assist. He was also awarded the MVP award for the event.

On September 11th, 2008, Staal signed a seven year, $57.75 million deal with the Hurricanes beginning in the 2009/2010 NHL season. Staal was slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1st, 2009 but signed despite having 1 year at $5 million remaining on his former contract.

On April 28, 2009, Staal capped an improbable comeback by scoring the series winning goal with 31.7 seconds remaining in the seventh game of Carolina's first round series with the New Jersey Devils.

On May 8th, 2009, Staal scored twice to earn 40 career postseason points and eclipse Ron Francis' franchise mark of 39.

He has attained the distinction of being a clutch player, as it is not uncommon for him to score goals at moments important to his teams success.

Awards and achievements

 * 2002–03: Top Draft Prospect Award (OHL)
 * 2002–03: Second All-Star Team (OHL)
 * 2002–03: First All-Star Team (CHL)
 * 2003–04: Played in the YoungStars Game (NHL)
 * 2005–06: Won Stanley Cup with Carolina Hurricanes
 * NHL All-Star Game appearances: 2007, 2008, 2009
 * 2007–08: All-Star Game MVP
 * NHL 08 cover athlete

Records

 * Most hat tricks in 2008–09 - 4
 * Carolina Hurricanes' franchise record for most hat tricks in a single season - 4 (2008–09)

International play
Played for Canada in:


 * 2007 World Championships (gold medal)
 * 2008 World Championships (silver medal)