Sean Avery, Canadian ice hockey player and model

Sean Christopher Avery, born on April 10, 1980, is a Canadian figure whose career trajectory has been as distinctive as it has been dynamic. Widely recognized as a former professional ice hockey player, Avery made his mark on the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily as a left wing. However, his story extends far beyond the confines of the ice rink, encompassing a significant post-retirement pivot into the creative industries.

During his tenure in the NHL, Avery donned the jerseys of several prominent franchises, including the Detroit Red Wings, the Los Angeles Kings, the New York Rangers, and the Dallas Stars. While he was a professional athlete competing at the highest level, it was his polarizing presence and a penchant for controversial and often disrespectful behavior, both during games and away from the arena, that truly cemented his public image. His playing style was famously described as "agitating," a deliberate tactic designed to get under the skin of opponents and draw penalties, though it frequently backfired on his own teams.

This reputation for being a relentless pest and a challenging personality had tangible consequences throughout his career. Avery was waived by multiple teams, a clear indication of clubs' struggles to manage his on-ice antics and off-ice conduct. Perhaps the most significant professional repercussion came when his contract was terminated by the Dallas Stars, following a highly publicized incident involving inappropriate comments made to the media. Despite these challenges, his aggressive approach also manifested in statistical anomalies; he twice led the league in penalty minutes, during the 2003–04 and 2005–06 NHL seasons, underscoring his physical and confrontational style of play.

Upon retiring from professional hockey in 2012, Avery embarked on a striking career transformation. Rather than remaining within the sports world, he transitioned full-time into the creative industry, revealing a different facet of his ambition and personality. His pursuits have been remarkably diverse, including an internship at the prestigious Vogue magazine, a foray into modeling, and a venture into the culinary world as a restaurateur. In 2017, he offered a candid look into his unconventional life through his memoir, Ice Capades: A Memoir of Fast Living and Tough Hockey, published by Blue Rider Press, which further detailed his experiences both on the ice and in his vibrant post-hockey career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sean Avery

What was Sean Avery best known for during his NHL career?

Sean Avery was primarily known for his highly controversial and agitating style of play as a left wing. While he played for several notable teams, his reputation stemmed largely from his ability to get under opponents' skin, his frequent accumulation of penalty minutes, and instances of disrespectful behavior both on and off the ice.

Which NHL teams did Sean Avery play for?

Throughout his National Hockey League career, Sean Avery played for the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, and Dallas Stars.

Why was Sean Avery considered controversial?

Avery's controversial nature stemmed from a combination of his aggressive, "agitating" playing style, which often led to penalties and confrontations, and a series of well-publicized incidents involving inappropriate comments and unsportsmanlike conduct away from the rink. These actions sometimes led to team disciplinary actions, including being waived and, notably, having his contract terminated by the Dallas Stars.

What did Sean Avery do after retiring from hockey?

After retiring from the NHL in 2012, Sean Avery made a significant career shift into the creative industry. His post-hockey endeavors include working in fashion as an intern at Vogue magazine and as a model, as well as being a former restaurateur.

Did Sean Avery write a book?

Yes, Sean Avery published his memoir titled Ice Capades: A Memoir of Fast Living and Tough Hockey in 2017. The book offers insights into his career and life experiences.