Jere Lehtinen was born on June 24, 1973, in Finland. He grew up playing hockey and quickly became skilled in the sport. As a young player, he showed immense talent and dedication, which would eventually lead him to a successful career in the NHL.
Lehtinen began his professional career playing for Kiekko-Espoo and TPS in the Finnish league. His exceptional skills on the ice caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was drafted by the Dallas Stars in 1992. He made his NHL debut in the 1995-1996 season and quickly became a key player for the team.
Throughout his 14-year career with the Dallas Stars, Lehtinen proved to be a reliable and versatile player. He was known for his defensive abilities, which earned him the Frank J. Selke Trophy three times as the NHL's top defensive forward. He was also a consistent goal scorer, tallying 243 goals and 271 assists during his time with the Stars.
One of the highlights of Lehtinen's career came in 1999 when he helped lead the Dallas Stars to a Stanley Cup Championship. His hard work and dedication on the ice were instrumental in the team's success, and he was a crucial part of the championship-winning squad.
Off the ice, Lehtinen found love and happiness with his wife, Jaana Lehtinen. The couple married in June 1998 and have three children together - twin girls named Anna and Sofia, as well as a son named Joel. Family has always been important to Lehtinen, and he cherished the time spent with his loved ones off the ice.
After retiring from professional hockey, Lehtinen remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor for young players. His dedication to the game and his leadership skills made him a valuable asset to the next generation of hockey players.
Overall, Jere Lehtinen will be remembered as a standout player who made a lasting impact on the sport of hockey. His achievements on the ice and his contributions to the Dallas Stars will always be fondly remembered by fans and teammates alike.
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