Ray Whitney (ice hockey)

Raymond D. Whitney (born May 8, 1972) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger. He played parts of 22 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Phoenix Coyotes, and Dallas Stars. Whitney was known for his fast puck movement and passing ability which earned him the the nickname "The Wizard".

Whitney is a one-time Stanley Cup champion, winning with Hurricanes in 2006. he is also a two-time All-Star, being named to the NHL ones in 2000 and 2003.

Career
Before playing in the NHL, Whitney played parts of three seasons with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He had a successful time with the Chiefs. He finished the 1990–91 season, scoring 67 goals and recording 118 assists for 185 points. He was named to the West first All-Star team and won the Bob Clarke Trophy for being the WHL's leading points scorer and the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy for WHL Player of the Year.

He helped the Chiefs during the playoffs. They defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds and Kamloops Blazers before defeating and sweeping the Lethbridge Hurricanes four games to zero to win the President's Cup. This earned them a spot in the Memorial Cup tournament. The Chiefs defeated the Drummondville Voltigeurs 5-1 in the final game to win the Memorial Cup. He had a dominating performance in the playoffs and earned the George Parsons Trophy for the most sportsmanlike at the Memorial Cup tournament.

He was drafted 23rd overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 1991 NHL entry draft. Before playing for the Sharks, Whitney played 10 games with the Kölner Haie of the Eishockey-Bundesliga (1.GBun). He scored 3 goals and recorded 6 assists for 9 points. On April 15, 1992, Whitney made his NHL debut in a 4–3 loss against the Calgary Flames. During the game, he also recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a Brian Mullen goal. On December 1, he scored his first career NHL goal against Ron Tugnutt in a 3–1 loss against the Edmonton Oilers. 

On October 1, 1997, Whitney signed a contract to join the Edmonton Oilers. He only played 9 games with the Oilers, scoring 1 goal and recording 3 assists. He was then placed on waivers by the Oilers. On November 6, 1997, Whitney was picked up off waiver by the Florida Panthers. On august 9, 2000, Whitney signed a three-year contract to stay with the Panthers.

On March 13, 2001, the Panthers traded Whitney to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a Kevyn Adams and either a 2001 or 2002 conditional draft pick. (2001 fourth-round pick). He played parts of three seasons with the Blue Jackets. 

On July 29, 2003, Whitney signed a three-year contract to join the Detroit Red Wings. He played a total of 67 games with the Red Wings, scoring 14 goals and recording 29 assists for 43 points.

On August 6, 2005, Whitney signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract to join the Carolina Hurricanes. He helped the Hurricanes when they went on a run in the playoffs. They defeated the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres. They went on to defeat the Edmonton Oilers four games to three in the Final to win the first Stanley Cup in Hurricanes franchise history. On April 13, 2007, Whitney signed a three-year, $3.5 million contract to stay with the Hurricanes. On October 21, 2009, he played in his 1,000 NHL game, picking up an assist on a Eric Staal goal in a 4–3 shootout loss against the New York Islanders.

On July 1, 2010, Whitney signed a 2-year, $3 million contract to join the Phoenix Coyotes. On March 31, 2012, he recorded his 1,000 NHL game, picking up an assist on a Radim Vrbata goal and then scoring later in a 4–0 win against the Anaheim Ducks.

On July 1, 2012, Whitney signed a 2-year, $9 million contract to join the Dallas Stars. Over his teo seasons with the Stars, Whitney scored 20 goals and recorded 41 assists for 61 points.

On January 21, 2015, Whitney announced that he was retiring from playing professional ice hockey.

References

 Other websites 

Category:1972 births
Category:Living people
Category:Canadian ice hockey left wingers
Category:Carolina Hurricanes players
Category:Columbus Blue Jackets players
Category:Dallas Stars players
Category:Detroit Red Wings players
Category:Edmonton Oilers players
Category:Florida Panthers players
Category:Ice hockey people from Alberta
Category:Kentucky Thoroughblades players
Category:Phoenix Coyotes players
Category:San Jose Sharks players
Category:Spokane Chiefs players
Category:Stanley Cup champions