Brian Gionta
Brian Gionta is the smallest player in the NHL at 5'7, 175 pounds. He was drafted 82nd overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Gionta skated for Boston College from 1997 to 2001, winning a National Championship as Eagles captain in the 2000-2001 season.
Gionta has played 310 games for New Jersey, plus 50 playoff games. He was a member of the 2002-03 Stanley Cup championship team. Gionta played for their affiliate, the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League during the 2004-2005 lockout. He was also a key part of the 2006 U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey team that competed in Torino, Italy.
Gionta is one of the Devils' most effective offensive forces despite his small stature. On March 28, 2006, Gionta became the first Devils player to reach 40 goals in a season since Patrik Elias and Alexander Mogilny each reached the mark in the 2000-2001 season. On the last game of the season, he broke Pat Verbeek's franchise record for goals in a season, finishing with 48. He also currently holds the franchise all-time power play goal scoring record in a season with 24.
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