6th round pick, 63rd overall, the Puck Time Pilots select, Mr. Little Engine That Could himself...………………. RW- Martin St. Louis!!
Accolades:
6-time All Star
2-time Art Ross Trophy Winner
1-time Hart Trophy Winner
1-time Ted Lindsay Winner
3-time Lady Byng Winner (hey, hockey STILL has room for gentlemen...or at least guys who mostly stay away from stupid penalties...hehe)
1-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Lightning
From a nobody player that the Calgary Flames didn't want, to the champion he became with the Lightning, to the valued veteran he finished his career as with the Rangers, I don't think many personify "perseverance, fortitude, skill, toughness, determination, and will" quite like Marty St. Louis.
He could have easily disappeared into the night after being told he'd never be NHL material, but not only did he become a viable NHL player, but became an elite one, raised the level of any of his linemates, and proved himself valuable 5 on 5, on special teams, and in the locker room.
Very fast, and despite his height of 5'8 (I think the hockey cards were being generous there!), quite strong, and surprisingly hard to knock off the puck, while he was capable of skating circles around anyone, and delivering some big hits himself if need be.
St.Louis was always a threat on the ice sheet, and he was smart enough to know, when he drew attention, he should find an equally skilled teammate for the score.
From castoff to one of the all time greats. Martin St. Louis is the model by which many of today's smaller players should look to for inspiration when people say, "You can't do it!"