Lee Stempniak (born February 4, 1983) is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Stempniak graduated from St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, New York in 2001, and then played his college hockey at Dartmouth College.
Stempniak lived near an ice hockey rink where he knew the owner who let him practice whenever he could. After high school he wanted to continue to play hockey but his parents wanted him to go to college. Stempniak went to the only college that showed interest in him, Dartmouth. At Dartmouth he majored in economics. He became a top player for the ice hockey team. He was named a two-time All American and team captain.
Stempniak was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft in the 5th round (148th overall). He led the team in goals in his first full season (2006–07) with 27, while he was just 23 years of age. He and David Backes joined Jay McClement to form one of the NHL's youngest lines.
United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.
With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today's UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.
