Eric Staal, a native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He began his NHL career after being drafted second overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, where he spent 12 seasons and captained the team for seven of those years.
Staal's journey into the NHL started with minor hockey in Thunder Bay and being chosen in the 2000 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection Draft by the Peterborough Petes. In his draft year, he led the Petes in scoring with impressive statistics, resulting in his selection by the Carolina Hurricanes as the second overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Staal made his NHL debut in the 2003–04 season with the Hurricanes and scored his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens on October 10, 2003. Staal's career highlights include winning the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006, earning a spot on the NHL YoungStars Game in 2004, and multiple selections to the NHL All-Star Games (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2020, and 2018). He was named the MVP of the 2008 All-Star Game.
Internationally, Staal has represented Canada at various tournaments, including the World Junior Championships, World Championships, and the Winter Olympics, earning a gold medal at the 2007 World Championships and serving as captain of the Canadian team at the 2013 World Championships. He also achieved a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Who are Eric Staal's Parents?
Eric Staal's parents are Henry and Linda Staal. They have been married for 34 years and have eight grandchildren. Henry and Linda Staal have four sons: Eric, Marc, Jordan, and Jared. All four brothers played minor hockey in Thunder Bay and went on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). Eric, Marc, and Jordan are the first trio of brothers in NHL history to record 1,000 games played. On the other hand, Jared is an assistant coach for the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL.
The Staals believe that the hard work and strong work ethic their sons developed were influenced by their involvement in the family farm. The family remains tight-knit, and they have homes next to each other on the same lake. They are dedicated to spending time together during the summer, enjoying activities like pontooning, fishing, and golf.
Who is Eric Staal’s Father?
Eric Staal's father is Henry Staal. Henry Staal, a second-generation sod farmer, and his brother Gary run a 600-acre sod farm in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They focused on growing sod for Kentucky Bluegrass. Henry Staal worked on the farm from a young age and eventually took over the family business.
Who is Eric Staal’s Mother?
Eric Staal's mother is Linda Staal. She is a stay-at-home mom. Linda Staal said that they didn't do anything special in raising their children, and they simply raised them while encouraging their love for hockey.
What nationality are Eric Staal’s Parents?
Eric Staal's parents, Henry and Linda Staal are both of Dutch descent and raised their sons on a sod farm in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. They are Dutch Canadians.
FAQs
A: Henry and Linda Staal, who have been married for 34 years, are the parents of Eric Staal and have eight grandchildren.
A: Eric Staal won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, marking a significant milestone in his career. Staal has been selected to multiple NHL All-Star Games during his career.
A: Eric Staal is the brother of Jordan Staal. Eric Staal comes from a family of NHL players. His brothers, Jordan Staal, Marc Staal, and Jared Staal, have all played in the NHL.
A: Yes, Eric Staal has represented Canada in international competitions, including the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympics.
A: One of Eric Staal's most productive seasons was in 2005-2006 when he led the NHL in scoring with 100 points and helped the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup.