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Former NBA Player Greg Ostertag now plays hockey

By Charles Rahrig V

Dec 31, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Los Angeles Kings hockey sticks before the game between the Dallas Stars and the Kings at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Kings 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Los Angeles Kings hockey sticks before the game between the Dallas Stars and the Kings at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Kings 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The former Utah Jazz Center has taken up hockey after retiring from the NBA.

Greg Ostertag used to man the paint for the Utah Jazz for 11 years in the NBA. After attempting a brief comeback to the league, Ostertag has been enjoying his retirement. While many pro athletes spend their retirement golfing, Ostertag found a flame for an old childhood passion of his.

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Now, the 7-foot-2 former center has taken up another sport after retiring from the league in 2006. Ostertag plays adult league hockey twice a week in Scottsdale, Arizona where he now resides.

Seeing someone as big as Ostertag on the ice is a rarity, but Ostertag has loved playing hockey ever since he was a child in Dallas.

As a kid, Ostertag played hockey along with several other sports as he was a naturally gifted athlete.

In an interview with USA Hockey Magazine, Ostertag talked about why he took up hockey.

"“One day, I just decided to go find something to do besides playing golf every day,” says the 41-year-old Ostertag. “I was lucky to have a guy in Utah send me a pair of skates. Then I went to a rink, started skating around, and, once I got my feet under me again, I got into a league. I’ve been doing it ever since.“I don’t do it to stay in shape. I do it because it’s fun. I love playing hockey, and I love being around the guys. I’d do it five days a week if I could and if I had time.”"

Ostertag plays both forward and defense for his team. He’s able to use his size to his advantage as he sets up his teammates and provides a presence in front of the net on offense.

While Ostertag was known for his ability to block shots as a basketball player, he is now using his large frame to block shots out on the ice.

[H/T: TheBigLead]

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