Steve Ott, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent his career primarily as a gritty forward known for his aggressive playing style and ability to agitate opponents. Born on August 19, 1982, in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Ott grew up in Ontario and honed his skills in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Windsor Spitfires. His performance in the OHL caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected 25th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
Ott made his NHL debut with the Dallas Stars during the 2002-2003 season. Over the years, he became known for his role as an enforcer and agitator, often tasked with disrupting the opposing team's top players. His ability to get under the skin of his opponents made him a valuable asset to his team, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Dallas. Ott's physical style of play was complemented by his ability to contribute offensively, and he consistently put up respectable numbers for a player in his role.
During his time with the Stars, Ott developed a reputation as one of the league's most effective agitators. He was not afraid to drop the gloves and engage in fights, and his willingness to stand up for his teammates earned him respect around the league. Ott's tenacity and fearless approach to the game made him a challenging opponent, and he often drew penalties from frustrated adversaries.
In 2012, Ott was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he continued to play his trademark style of hockey. He served as the team's captain during the 2013-2014 season, demonstrating leadership qualities both on and off the ice. Despite the Sabres' struggles during his tenure, Ott remained a consistent presence and provided veteran leadership to a young team.
Ott's career took another turn in 2014 when he was traded to the St. Louis Blues. With the Blues, he continued to play a physical game and was a key component of the team's checking line. His experience and grit were valuable assets during the Blues' playoff runs, and he played an important role in the team's success during his time there.
In 2016, Ott signed with the Detroit Red Wings, bringing his veteran presence to yet another NHL team. His time with the Red Wings was relatively short, as he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens later that season. Ott's stint with the Canadiens marked the final chapter of his playing career, as he retired from professional hockey following the 2016-2017 season.
After retiring as a player, Ott transitioned to a coaching role, joining the St. Louis Blues as an assistant coach. His knowledge of the game and experience as a player provided valuable insights to the coaching staff, and he was part of the team when they won the Stanley Cup in 2019.
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