Written by: Carlos Hernandez

Steve Ott: The NHL's Agitator Extraordinaire

A Career Built on Tenacity and Controversy

Steve Ott is a Canadian former professional ice hockey center and current assistant coach of the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL), known for his physical play, aggressive style, and ability to get under the skin of opponents.

Ott's 14-year playing career, spanning from 2002 to 2016, was marked by his reputation as one of the NHL's most skilled agitators, earning him the respect of fans and teammates alike, while often drawing the ire of opponents and referees.

Early Life and Career

Born on August 19, 1982, in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Ott moved to Stoney Point, Ontario, at a young age. He began playing minor hockey with the Sun County Panthers of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and the Belle River Canadiens of the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League in the mid-1990s.

Ott was selected in the second round, 41st overall, of the 1998 OHL Priority Selection by the Windsor Spitfires. He then played junior hockey for the OHL's Windsor Spitfires and had a brief spell with the Utah Grizzlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) before joining the Dallas Stars' NHL roster as a first-round draft pick (25th overall) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing Career Highlights

• Represented Canada at the 2001 World Junior Hockey Championship, helping the team win the bronze medal.
• Set a team record for penalty minutes in a season with 279 while playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL during the 2004-05 NHL lockout.
• Played in 18 playoff games for the Stars during their run to the Western Conference Finals in the 2007-08 season.
• Played for the Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, and Montreal Canadiens, in addition to the Dallas Stars, throughout his NHL career.

Controversies and Suspensions

Ott's aggressive style often landed him in trouble with the NHL, resulting in several suspensions throughout his career. Notable examples include:

• A three-game suspension in the 2007-08 season for a hit to the head of Jordan Leopold of the Colorado Avalanche.
• A one-game suspension in the 2008-09 season for an undisclosed incident.

Post-Playing Career and Legacy

After retiring from professional hockey in 2016, Ott transitioned to coaching, becoming an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues. His playing career, marked by a unique blend of physicality and skill, has earned him a legacy as one of the NHL's most memorable agitators.

Ott's impact on the game extends beyond his on-ice accomplishments, as his ability to get under the skin of opponents and draw penalties has influenced a generation of NHL players and coaches.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Ott learned and memorized offensive phrases in other languages to strategically annoy opponents on the ice in a language they could understand.
• He played in over 800 NHL games throughout his 14-year career.

Steve Ott's storied career, marked by both controversy and skill, has cemented his place as one of the NHL's most fascinating figures, and his continued involvement in the game as a coach ensures his legacy will continue to shape the sport for years to come.