Patrick Sharp

Patrick Sharp is a Canadian professional hockey player. He was born on December 27, 1981 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Patrick Sharp played his minor hockey in Thunder Bay, playing for the Thunder Bay Flyers of the United States Hockey League. He then chose the unusual route of college hockey, playing two years with the University of Vermont. He scored 25 goals and 53 points in his two seasons in Vermont, capturing the attention of NHL scouts. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 3rd round, 95th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

Sharp joined the Flyers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms in 2002. He split his first two NHL seasons between the Flyers and the Phantoms, making his NHL debut in the 2002-03 regular season. Sharp continued with the Phantoms during the 2004-05 NHL Lockout, then returned to the Flyers as a full roster member. On December 8, 2005, the Flyers traded Sharp to the Chicago Blackhawks. Sharp had had a breakout year during the 2007-08 regular season, and secured himself a permanent roster spot. He scored 36 goals and 26 assists over 80 regular season games in his first season with the Blackhawks. Injuries shortened Sharps 2008-09 campaign with the Blackhawks, but he still managed 44 points in 61 games. He then helped them advance to the conference finals with 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in 17 games during the 2009 NHL Playoffs.

In 2009-2010, Sharp scored 25 goals and 66 points for the Blackhawks, as he emerged as a top-6 forward and potent offensive threat. He then followed up his best statistical season with 11 goals and 11 assists in 22 playoff games as the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup.