Explain Pat Maroon in 500 words
Pat Maroon, also known as "The Big Rig," is a professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing in at 225 pounds, Maroon is known for his physical style of play and ability to create space for his teammates on the ice.
Maroon was born on April 23, 1988, in St. Louis, Missouri. He began his hockey career playing for the St. Louis Bandits in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) before moving on to play college hockey at Ferris State University. After a successful collegiate career, Maroon was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the sixth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Maroon made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks in the 2011-2012 season, where he quickly established himself as a valuable player in the lineup. Known for his physicality and ability to create scoring chances, Maroon became a fan favorite in Anaheim and played a key role in the team's success during his time there.
In 2015, Maroon was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where he continued to make an impact on the ice. He played alongside star players such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, helping to create space for them and contributing offensively with his scoring touch. Maroon's time in Edmonton was highlighted by a career-best season in 2016-2017, where he scored 27 goals and 15 assists for a total of 42 points.
After his stint in Edmonton, Maroon signed with the St. Louis Blues in 2018, fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for his hometown team. His time in St. Louis was marked by success, as he played a key role in the team's run to the Stanley Cup in Maroon's physical style of play and ability to come up clutch in big moments earned him the nickname "The Big Rig" and endeared him to fans in St. Louis.
Following his Stanley Cup win with the Blues, Maroon signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning in In his first season with the team, Maroon once again proved to be a valuable asset, helping the Lightning capture the Stanley Cup in 2020. His physical play and leadership both on and off the ice were instrumental in the team's success, and he quickly became a respected veteran presence in the locker room.
In addition to his success on the ice, Maroon is also known for his philanthropic efforts off the ice. He is actively involved in charitable initiatives in both St. Louis and Tampa Bay, using his platform as a professional athlete to give back to the communities that have supported him throughout his career.
In conclusion, Pat Maroon is a talented and hardworking hockey player who has made a name for himself in the NHL with his physical style of play and ability to contribute in key moments. His success on the ice, combined with his dedication to giving back to the community, make him a respected figure both on and off the ice.