Mike Grier
Michael James Grier ( born January 5, 1975 in Detroit, Michigan ) is a retired American professional ice hockey player during his career for the Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League on the position of the right winger played. Jarome Iginla and Anson Carter Besides Grier is one of the most prominent players of African-American origin in the NHL.
- 3.1 International
Career
Grier was selected in the NHL Entry Draft in 1993 by the St. Louis Blues in the ninth round at 219th position. In the following autumn he began his college career at Boston University. His best year there he had in the Championship season 1994 /95, which earned him a nomination for both the All-Star team in the league as well as a nomination for the World Youth Championship. During his college years, the rights to Grier's NHL involvement of the St. Louis Blues were transferred together with those of Curtis Joseph for a number of high draft picks to the Edmonton Oilers.
For the 1996/97 season Grier landed a place in the squad the Oilers, where it was used regularly. Overall, he remained six years in the Canadian metropolis, reaching in two seasons, the mark of 20 goals. In addition, he was, together with Anson Carter, Sean Brown, Georges Laraque and Joaquin Gage to a record-breaking number of dark-skinned players in the team squad. Grier's time in Edmonton ended at the beginning of the 2002/03 season, when he was discharged for draft picks the second and third round of the NHL Entry Draft 2003 on the Washington Capitals to save costs and to make room for young players. The capital city were to build a playoff -grade team to the stars Jaromir Jagr and Olaf Kolzig just about. The plan of the capital, but did not go on, but this was not due to the performance Grier. After less than two seasons, he was released in March 2004 for the European Talent Jakub Klepis to the Buffalo Sabres. Because of failing to qualify the Buffalo Sabres for the playoffs Grier was nominated for Team USA to represent this at the Ice Hockey World Championship. He returned with a bronze medal in the luggage back to Buffalo. During the 2004/ 05 lockout season presented Grier hockey play, but signed for season 2005/ 06 a new one-year contract in Buffalo. At the end of a successful season for him and the team he became an Unrestricted Free Agent.
During the summer break, he received offers from eight NHL teams. Ultimately, he opted for a three-year commitment with the San Jose Sharks, where he is one of three assistant captains for the season 2007 /08. During his three years in San Jose, the striker completed from a defensive -oriented role and knew it to convince a lot of effort and willingness to run. However, management extended his contract after the 2008 /09 season not so Grier in his former club, the Buffalo Sabres found a new employer in August 2009. There, the 34 -year-old signed a one-year contract. Beginning of December 2011 declared Grier his playing career ended.
Awards and achievements
Internationally
- 2004 bronze medal at the World Championships
Career Stats
Internationally
Represented the U.S. at:
- U20 Junior World Cup in 1995
- World Cup 2004
( Key to Career statistics: Sp or GP = Games Played, T or G = goals scored, V or A = achieved assists; Pts or Pts = scored points scorer, SM or PIM = received penalty minutes, / - = Plus / Minus balance sheet; PP = scored majority gates; SH = scored shorthanded goals, GW = achieved victory gates; Play-downs/Relegation 1 )