Western Conference Hotte: Mike Ribeiro (Dallas Stars)

There's a lot of difference of opinion on this one. Is he or isn't he? Hot that is. Well, once and for all the argument is going to get dissected and discussed.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: A shootout wizard. If it's going to be a weird goal, it's probably going to have Ribero's name somewhere on the credits. He's magic, with Brenden Morrow [previously on HftL, and hush Stephanie, you know I had to link it.] When you see him you definately don't think "Hockey Player" but you probably do think "player".

Ribeiro, was drafted 45th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2nd round of the 98 Draft. On September 30, 2006, the Canadiens traded Ribeiro and a 6th round draft pick in 2008 to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Janne Niinimaa and a 5th round draft pick in 2007. The Stars definitely got the better in that deal. In the 06/07 season, he led the Dallas Stars in points scoring with 59 points. On July 12, the Dallas Stars signed Ribeiro to a one year contract worth $2.8 million for the 07/08 season. I honestly don't think he'll be leaving Dallas any time soon. During the 07/08 season on January 7, 2008, Ribeiro and the Stars agreed to a new five-year contract extension worth $25 million. Ribeiro went on to establish career highs in goals (27), assists (56) and points (83) that season and earned his first NHL All-Star game appearance. Ribeiro is known for his creative style of play, with between-the-leg passes, patient puck-handling and his ability to set up other players. Although often critiqued for his lack of toughness, it's more his style, to let an affront slide, and then sting you with a sneaky goal.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Honestly, in some respect he bears resemblance to the Pens own Max Talbot. From the snappy way he dresses. And he's got a style all his own. He's been called the "hockey pimp" the "hockey gangsta" and the "hockey playa" all, by the younger fans in Dallas. He's got that bubbly outgoing personality, that Quebecois are so well known for.

His hometown is Montreal, Quebec... Lists his favorite sport (other than hockey) as basketball [ewwww]...His favorite actress is Angelina Jolie...Is a big fan of the movie The Shawshank Redemption...His most memorable hockey moment is his first NHL game...The funniest teammate he played with is Aaron Downey...His favorite thing about the city of Dallas is the malls...Mike and his wife, Tamara, reside in Frisco with their three children - Mikael, Noah and Viktoria.

AND last but not least we have the ever loin melting "Shhhhh....."



... and I bet you thought Max Talbot, was the only French Canadian "Shhhhh". SURPRISE!!!!