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Chris Kunitz
Chris Kunitz’s journey from an undrafted prospect to one of the most decorated players in Saskatchewan hockey history is a testament to his perseverance, skill, and championship pedigree. Born and raised in Regina, Kunitz developed his game at the grassroots level in the Queen City before reaching the pinnacle of the sport multiple times.
Kunitz moved to play for the Yorkton Mallers in the Saskatchewan Male Under-18 AAA Hockey League during the 1996-97 season. Demonstrating an early knack for offence, he recorded 55 points in 43 games. He then progressed to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, where he played two seasons (1997-99) with the Melville Millionaires. His scoring ability flourished in his second year, as he notched an impressive 57 goals and 89 points in 63 games.
Despite his offensive prowess, Kunitz was overlooked in the NHL draft and took the collegiate route, joining Ferris State University of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Over four seasons (1999-2003), he became one of the top players in college hockey at the time.
Kunitz finally signed with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2003. His early professional years were spent between the NHL and the American Hockey League, but by 2006-07, he had cemented his place in the Anaheim Ducks’ lineup. That season, he played a key role in Anaheim’s first Stanley Cup victory alongside future SHHOF Inductees Ryan Getzlaf and Travis Moen.
In 2009, Kunitz was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he became an integral part of the team’s core. Later that year, he won his second Stanley Cup as Pittsburgh defeated the Detroit Red Wings in a thrilling seven-game series. In 2016, he helped the Penguins reclaim the Stanley Cup, followed by another championship title in 2017, making him a four-time champion.
After finishing his NHL career with stints in Tampa Bay and Chicago, Kunitz retired in 2019 with 295 goals and 712 points in 1,200 games.
On the international stage, Kunitz was selected to represent Team Canada at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Playing alongside his nation’s best, including future SHHOF Inductees Ryan Getzlaf and Patrick Marleau, he contributed to Canada’s memorable gold-medal-winning performance.
With four Stanley Cups and an Olympic gold medal, Kunitz stands at six-foot-even and among one of the most decorated players in Saskatchewan hockey history. His induction into the SHHOF is a fitting tribute to a career defined by resilience, leadership, and championship success.