Mark Fitzpatrick facts for kids

Mark Fitzpatrick (born November 13, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) during his career. These teams included the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, and Carolina Hurricanes. Fitzpatrick is remembered for his strong will, especially after he recovered from a serious illness while playing.

Early Hockey Days

Mark Fitzpatrick started playing minor hockey in Kitimat, British Columbia. He moved there when he was ten years old. Before joining the NHL, he played for the Medicine Hat Tigers. With the Tigers, he helped his team win the Memorial Cup twice. This is a very important championship for junior hockey teams in Canada.

Joining the NHL

The Los Angeles Kings picked Fitzpatrick in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 27th player chosen overall. After one season with the Kings, he was traded to the New York Islanders in 1989. This trade involved other players, including Wayne McBean and Kelly Hrudey.

Overcoming Challenges

While playing for the Islanders, Mark Fitzpatrick faced a big challenge. He got a serious illness called Eosinophilia–myalgia syndrome. This disease affects the body's systems and can be very dangerous. He missed almost all of the 1990-91 season because of it.

However, Fitzpatrick worked hard to recover. He returned to playing hockey in February 1992. His amazing effort to come back after his illness was recognized. In 1992, he won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This award is given to a player who shows great sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Moving Teams

After his time with the Islanders, Fitzpatrick was traded again. In 1993, he went to the Quebec Nordiques. Just a few days later, the Florida Panthers picked him in the 1993 NHL Expansion Draft. This draft allowed new teams to choose players from other teams.

Fitzpatrick played five seasons with the Florida Panthers. He often served as a backup goaltender to John Vanbiesbrouck. In 1998, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played 34 games for the Lightning. Later that year, he was traded once more to the Chicago Blackhawks. He spent that season as a backup goalie for the Blackhawks.

Final Seasons and Retirement

For the 1999–2000 NHL season, Fitzpatrick moved to the Carolina Hurricanes. However, he spent most of that year playing in the International Hockey League for the Cincinnati Cyclones. He only played three games for the Hurricanes. He played one more season in the IHL for the Detroit Vipers before he retired from professional hockey in 2001.

Awards

• WHL East Second All-Star Team – 1986 & 1988