Lee Stempniak

Lee Stempniak (born February 4, 1983) is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Stempniak graduated from Saint Francis High Schoo in Athol Springs, New York in 2001, and then played his college hockey at Dartmouth College.

Early life
Stempniak lived near an ice hockey rink where he knew the owner who let him practice whenever he could. After high school he wanted to continue to play hockey but his parents wanted him to go to college. Stempniak went to the only college that showed interest in him, Dartmouth. At Dartmouth he majored in economics. He became a top player for the ice hockey team. He was named a two-time All American and team captain.

Playing career
Stempniak was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft in the 5th round (148th overall). He led the team in goals in his first full season (2006–07) with 27, while he was just 23 years of age. He and David Backes joined Jay McClement to form one of the NHL's youngest lines.

On November 24, 2008, Stempniak was traded by the Blues to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Alexander Steen and Carlo Colaiacovo. Stempniak wears number 12.

Awards

 * 2001–02: ECAC All-Rookie Team
 * 2003–04: ECAC First Team All-Conference
 * 2003–04: NCAA East First-Team All American
 * 2004–05: ECAC First Team All-Star
 * 2006–07: NHL Played in the Youngstars Game