Shjon Podein

Shjon Podein (born March 5, 1968 in Rochester, Minnesota) is a former professional ice hockey player who played for the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues and over the course of a 699-game NHL career.

Playing career
He played with the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the WCHA. Podein was drafted after his freshman year in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, 166th overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

Podein made his professional debut in the 1990–91 season with the Cape Breton Oilers of the AHL. Shjon made his NHL debut in the 1992–93 season with the Oilers but was returned to Cape Breton, going on to win the Calder Cup. Over the next season Podein saw limited time with the big club and was signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Flyers on July 27, 1994.

With the Flyers, Podein flourished into first rate penalty-killer and checking forward. Podein played 5 seasons and over 300 games with Philadelphia, culminating in a Stanley Cup final defeat against the Detroit Red Wings in 1997.

On November 12, 1998, Podein was traded by the Flyers to the Colorado Avalanche for Keith Jones. Podein assumed his role as top penalty-killer on the Avalanche. Whilst helping Colorado capture the Stanley Cup in the 2000–01 season, Shjon also had career high in goals (15) and tied a career high 32 points. After winning game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, Shjon is often remembered for wearing his uniform for a full 25 hours after the game.

In the following 2001–02 season, Podein was traded by the Avalanche to the St. Louis Blues for Mike Keane on February 11, 2002. Shjon played his last NHL season in 2002–03 before finishing his career in Europe with Växjö Lakers Hockey and Asian team HC Nikko Icebucks.

Away from the ice, Shjon set up the "Shjon Podein Children's Foundation". Podein was noted for his immense dedication to charity work and youth hockey programs. As a result Podein was awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2001.

Awards and achievements

 * 1992–93 -AHL Calder Cup  (Cape Breton Oilers)
 * 2000–01 -NHL Stanley Cup  (Colorado Avalanche)
 * 2000–01 - NHL King Clancy Memorial Trophy

International play
Played for United States in:


 * 1993 World Championships
 * 1994 World Championships
 * 1998 World Championships