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• Professional ice hockey winger Thomas Vanek was born in Austria and currently plays for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League.

  Vanek fractured his jaw during a February 7, 2009, game against the Ottawa Senators. He is expected to be sidelined for three-to-four weeks.ESPN.com: Sabres' Vanek Out 3-4 Weeks

• Fast Facts

  1. Born: January 19, 1984
  2. Birthplace: Baden Bei Wien, Austria
  3. Height: 6' 2"
  4. Weight: 208 lbs
  5. Rookie Year: 2005-2006
  6. Position: Left wing
  7. Shoots: Right
  8. High school: O'Gorman High School
  9. College: University of Minnesota
  10. Draft year: 2003
  11. Spouse: Ashley Karner

• NHL Career

  Vanek was drafted fifth overall in the 2003 NHL draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He joined the Sabres' American Hockey League affiliate, the Rochester Americans during the 2004-2005 NHL Lockout before making his NHL debut with the Sabres in 2005. He renewed his contract with the Sabres on July 6, 2007, signing a reported seven-year $50 million contract.

• Career Highlights

  • 2002: USHL All-Star Team
  • 2002: USHL MVP
  • 2003: WCHA All-Rookie Team
  • 2003: WCHA Rookie of the Year
  • 2003: NCAA Championship Tournament MVP
  • 2007: NHL Plus/Minus Award

• Timeline

  • 1999-2002: Sioux Falls Stampede, USHL
  • 2002-2004: Minnesota Golden Gophers, WCHA
  • 2003: Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres
  • 2004-2005: Rochester Americans, AHL
  • 2005-present: Buffalo Sabres

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Buffalo Sabres | Ryan Miller | Chris Drury | Daniel Briere | Miroslav Satan | National Hockey League | NHL Awards

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