Sean Avery is a Canadian professional hockey player who plays for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League.ESPN.com: Stars Send Avery to Hartford of AHL

The Dallas Stars announced on December 14, 2008, that Avery would not be returning to the team following his suspension.ESPN.com: Stars: Avery Won't Return On February 7, 2009, Avery was waived by the Dallas Stars.FanHouse: Sean Avery Clears Waivers, Could Be Headed for Hartford He was picked up by the New York Rangers on March 3, 2009, after he was placed on re-entry waivers by the Stars.ESPN.com: Rangers Take Avery Off Waivers

On December 3, 2008, Avery was suspended indefinitely for making disparaging remarks about his former girlfriends to the media. Avery made the remarks after a morning skate in Calgary, Alberta. Avery stated, "I'm really happy to be back in Calgary; I love Canada. I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about, but enjoy the game tonight."ESPN.com: Avery suspended indefinitely for comments related to ex-girlfriends(December 3, 2008)

On December 5, 2008, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced that Avery would be suspended six games for his inappropriate comments made to the media about his ex-girlfriends.ESPN.com: Avery suspended indefinitely for comments related to ex-girlfriends(December 3, 2008) Avery showed remorse for the incident stating, "I apologize for offending the great fans of the NHL, the commissioner, my teammates, my coaching staff and the Dallas Stars management and ownership. As many of you know, I like to mix it up on and off the ice from time to time, but understand that this time I took it too far." Avery also agreed to attend anger management counseling.ESPN.com: Avery recieves 6-game suspension, agrees to get counseling(December 5, 2008)

Sean Avery is widely recognized for his fiery temper and spirited play, which has made many enemies in opposing team's locker rooms. He has twice led the NHL in penalty minutes, but in his stops with the Los Angeles Kings, and the Detroit Red Wings he was valued for his effective and inspirational passion on the ice. He is also known for his off the ice activities as he was named one of People Magazine's Most Beautiful People in 2007, and has dated model Rachel Hunter and actress Elisha Cuthbert.

Sean Avery was born in Pickering, Ontario, on April 10, 1980. Before playing in the National Hockey League Avery played with the Kingston Frontenacs and Owen Sound Platers in the Ontario Hockey League.

Avery Made his NHL Pro debut in 1999 with the Detroit Red Wings. He would play with the Red Wings until he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 2003 for Mathieu Schneider. In Los Angeles, he established himself as a productive and effective NHL player. He was traded to the New York Rangers in 2007. In 2008, he suffered a ruptured spleen in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and was forced to miss the remainder of the playoffs.

• April 10, 1980: Born
• 1996: Joined the Owen Sound Platers at age 16
• 1999: Signed with the Detroit Red Wings
• 2000: Assigned to the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks
• 2001: Debuts with Detroit Red Wings
• 2002: Won the Stanley Cup Championship with the Detroit Red Wings
• 2003: Traded to the Los Angeles Kings for Mathieu Schneider
• 2004: Played for the Motor City Mechanics
• 2007: Traded to the New York Rangers
• 2008: Signs with the Dallas Stars, released by the Stars
• 2009: Claimed by the New York Rangers