Pack Attack: Ray Whitney

I’d like to extended a welcome to Ray Whitney to the Phoenix Coyotes and kick off the Pack Attack series.

Ray Whitney wearing the "A" with the Hurricanes. (YardBarker)

Whitney, a left wing with a right handed shot, was signed as an Unrestricted Free Agent by the Coyotes on 1 July  2010 to a two-year deal worth six million dollars. According to CapGeek the contract also contains a No Move Clause. Marking the first time that he has changed teams since the 2004-05 NHL Lockout.

Whitney is a 38 year old native of Alberta, Canada who was drafted in the first round (23rd overall) in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks. He has also played for the Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets (was team captain for the 2002-03 reason), the Detroit Red Wings, and the Carolina Hurricanes in his nearly20 year NHL career. Along the way he has played in two NHL All-Star Games (2000 and 2003) and in 2006 Whitney won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes.

With 1072 career NHL games under his belt he has totalled 869 points (324 goals and 545 assist) and 395 penalty minutes during the regular season. His post season play has seen 15 goals and 17 assist in 65 playoff games.

When it comes to International play Whitney has represented Team Canada at the 1998, 1999, 2003 and 2010 World Championships. In the 2010 IIHF World Championships held in Germany Whitney was named captain after Ryan Smyth left the tournament early due to a broken foot.

• Whitney is the only remaining player from the inaugral San Jose Sharks team from 1991-92 that is still active within the National Hockey League.
• Celebrated his 38th Birthday in Germany playing on Team Canada for the 2010 IIHF World Championship – set up 2 goals in a 5-1 victory over Italy. Happy Birthday Ray.
• Known for trying to be visible in all pre-game interviews.
• Still uses the nickname “Wizard” given to him by Jeff Rimer (former play-by-play commentator for the Florida Panthers).
• Was an Oilers stick boy with Ryan Smyth during Wayne Gretzky’s time in Edmonton