Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Matt Carkner (Ottawa Senators)

So I think its safe for me to do an ECEC on an Ottawa Senator since we've been about a month removed from the playoff rivalry especially since the Pens season ended with a Game 7 loss to the Canadiens (I actually started this and had it planned for last week's ECEC and it didn't work out that way).

HOCKEY FACTOR:

To say that Carkner worked his way up to the top [NHL] from ground level is probably an understatement since he spent the majority of his career to this point "mucking and grinding" in the minor leagues for a total of eight years (Cleveland Barons 2001-2006, WBS Penguins 2006-2007, and Binghamton Senators 2007-2009).  But Carkner's humble beginnings were in the OHL with the Peterborough Petes for four seasons from 1997-2001 earning the OHL "Most Improved Player" award in 1998-1999.

He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2nd round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft (58th overall), was signed by the San Jose Sharks in 2001 then with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006 (winning the AHL Yanick Dupre Memorial Award - a "man of the year" award for service to his local community as chosen by the league president) then finally signed with the Ottawa Senators in July 2007.

HOTNESS FACTOR:

Carkner is a pretty big boy (SOLID) at 6'4, 231 pounds ... NICE!!  And just look at him ... he's oh, SO "pretty!"  He puts you in mind of a cross between Ryan Malone and [uh oh, Kena!] Brenden Morrow ... a TALLER Brenden Morrow ; P

And if a guy who won't shy away from dropping the gloves is your idea of sexy then Carkner is one of the sexiest ... in the 2009-2010 season alone he had a total of 24 fights (a career high throughout OHL, AHL, and NHL!)!!  And he's a pretty heavy-hitter that seeks out other heavy-hitters to throw down with who include the likes of Parros, Brashear, and Orr among others!!  At first, it looks like he's a southpaw; however, the more fights I watch of his, he's a completely ambidextrous fighter and can hit his opponent from either side!!  Take a look for yourself - its pretty kick-ass (and pretty good strategy ... when one arm gets tired, he starts hitting with the other!)!!

Carkner and his wife, Kary, along with their two boys Chase (age 4) and Corbin (age 2) made Ottawa their home after he signed with the Sens this past October.  Prior to that, the Carkner family resided two hours away in Westport, Ontario.

FUN FACTS:

• Carkner is a third cousin of former NHL defenseman Terry Carkner.
• His father, Dennis, owns and operates "D's Collision Centre" in Winchester, Ontario
• He, too, enjoys the movie "Slap Shot;" when asked by Goonblog.com how many times he's seen it, he answered, "too many" (a man after my own heart - LOVE that movie!)
• FAVORITES:
• rock band - Tragically Hip
• movie(s) - The Hangover, Old School, The Shawshank Redemption
• athlete - Tiger Woods
• meal - chicken parmigiana
• TV show - Lost
• holiday destination - anywhere tropical