Chris Kontos, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, is remembered for his time in the National Hockey League (NHL) and his international play. Born on December 10, 1963, in Toronto, Ontario, Kontos began his journey in hockey at a young age, eventually leading him to the NHL.
Kontos was drafted 15th overall by the New York Rangers in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Rangers during the 1982-83 season. Over the next few years, Kontos played intermittently with the Rangers, showcasing his skills as a left winger. However, his time with the team was marked by frequent transitions between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played for the New Haven Nighthawks.
In 1986, Kontos was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. His tenure with the Penguins was brief, and he soon found himself moving again, this time to the Los Angeles Kings in 1987. It was with the Kings that Kontos began to gain more attention. During the 1988-89 season, he played a crucial role in the playoffs, scoring nine goals in eleven games. This performance was instrumental in helping the Kings advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in years.
Kontos's career took another turn when he joined the Tampa Bay Lightning for their inaugural season in 1992-93. He made an immediate impact by scoring four goals in the franchise's first-ever game, a feat that remains a highlight of his career. Kontos finished the season as the Lightning's leading goal scorer, with 27 goals in 66 games.
In addition to his NHL career, Kontos also played internationally. He represented Canada at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, where he contributed to the team's fourth-place finish. His international experience added a unique dimension to his career, allowing him to compete at a high level outside of the NHL.
After his time with the Lightning, Kontos continued to play professional hockey in Europe, including stints in the Finnish SM-liiga and the Swiss National League A. His career in Europe extended his time on the ice and allowed him to experience different styles of play.
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