Topic: Steven Stamkos

Steven Stamkos (born February 7, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Stamkos was the first overall pick in the 2006 OHL Entry Draft, from the Markham Waxers of the OMHA. Playing with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, he scored 100 goals in just two years. After a successful OHL career, Stamkos was selected first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, following the team's heavy promotion of him via their Seen Stamkos? website.

Stamkos is of Macedonian and Scottish descent. He grew up in Unionville, Ontario and played for the Markham Waxers in the Eastern AAA League of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA). During one of his seasons with the North York Canadiens, he was teammates with PK Subban. Before being drafted in the OHL, Stamkos attended Central Park Public School and Brother Andre Catholic High School in Markham, Ontario. After being drafted by Sarnia he attended Northern Collegiate Institute & Vocational School.

On July 29, 2008, Steven Stamkos signed a three-year, entry level contract with the Lightning, in which he could earn as much as $8.55 million in performance bonuses. In addition, Stamkos has a number of sponsorships, including an athlete’s agreement with Nike (terms not disclosed). He is featured in a web-only Nike commercial called Forget Everything which was released to coincide with his first game in his hometown of Unionville on October 28, 2008. He also has an endorsement deal with Tissot watches.