Best hockey player from each state

Alaska – Scott Gomez

Alaska has had 12 NHL players. Four of them are active. However, none of Alaska’s players have come close to accomplishing what Scott Gomez did in his hockey career. While he might not be a Hall of Famer, the undersized Alaskan had a far better career than anyone could have imagined. Gomez was born in Anchorage, Alaska and even joined the Alaska Aces (ECHL) during both of the NHL lockouts.

In 1,079 career NHL games, Gomez had 181 goals and 575 assists for 756 points. He spent time with the New Jersey Devils (twice), New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, and Ottawa Senators. Gomez stands at just 5’11” and 200 pounds. However, he used his lack of size as an advantage. In his prime, he was a shifty forward.

Gomez might be remembered more positively had he suck with the Devils. He had five of his six most productive seasons with them. Even when he rejoined them in the 2014-15 season at the age of 35, Gomez had a respectable 37 points in 54 games. He won two Stanley Cups in his hockey career, both with the Devils. Gomez won the Calder Trophy in 1999-00 as the NHL’s top rookie. He announced his retirement in August of 2016.