Timothy Gabriel Stapleton is an American former professional ice hockey center. He played in the National Hockey League with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Thrashers and Winnipeg Jets between 2008 and 2012. In 2011, Stapleton scored the last goal in Thrashers' history. He is the First Player of Filipino descent to play a game in the National Hockey League.
Stapleton with the Winnipeg Jets in 2011
The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 season. They were members of the Southeast Division of the NHL's Eastern Conference, and played their home games at what is now known as State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. The Thrashers qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2006–07 season, after winning the Southeast Division, but were swept in the first round by the New York Rangers.
The Thrashers take the puck into the offensive zone against the St. Louis Blues at Philips Arena on September 22, 2007.
Banner in Philips Arena honoring the Thrashers' sole division championship in 2006–07.
The giant fire-breathing birdheads at Philips Arena, lit when the players were introduced before the game and when the Thrashers scored a goal