1
He was born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
15 Interesting Facts About Pat Verbeek
A Stanley Cup champion and one of a few NHL players to score 500 goals, he was known for his physical play and earned the nickname "Little Ball of Hate" during his 20-year career.
Position
Right wing
Jersey
#16
Status
Retired
Teams
6
Facts
15
2
He earned a Stanley Cup ring with the Dallas Stars in 1999.
3
He is one of a few NHL players to have scored 500 career goals.
4
He played for five different teams over his 20-year NHL career.
5
He was selected 43rd overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft.
6
He made the NHL All-Star team for the first time in 1991.
7
He was named the Hartford Whalers captain in the 1991-92 season.
8
His nickname, the "Little Ball of Hate", was given to him by Glenn Healy in 1995.
9
He once scored a club record 46 goals for the New Jersey Devils, a record that stood for nearly two decades.
10
He passed the 1,000-point mark while playing for the Detroit Red Wings.
11
He is one of only four eligible players with 500 goals who is not in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
12
He was a mentor to Patrick Kane, who lived with his family in 2003 and emulated his playing style.
13
In 1985, one of his thumbs was cut off in a farming accident but was successfully reattached after extensive rehabilitation.
14
He is the only NHL player to record 40+ goals and 200+ penalty minutes in the same season three times.
15
He is the only player in NHL history to total over 500 career goals and 2500 career penalty minutes.
About Pat Verbeek
Known as the "Little Ball of Hate," he enjoyed a distinguished 20-year NHL career, playing for five different teams. He achieved the rare milestones of 500 goals and 1,000 points, earning a Stanley Cup championship with the Dallas Stars in 1999. He was also notable for his physical play, accumulating over 2,900 career penalty minutes.
Career Achievements & Milestones
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Stanley Cup Champion
1999
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NHL All-Star
1991
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NHL All-Star
1996
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500 Career Goals
1999-2000
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1,000 Career Points
1999-2000
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Pat Verbeek.
Player Info
Country: Canada
Position: Right wing
Jersey #: 16
Status: Retired
Age: 61 years old
Physical Stats
Height: 5' 9" (175 cm)
Weight: 190 lbs (86 kg)
Born: Sarnia, Ontario
Career Stats
Seasons: 20
Goals: 522
Assists: 540
Points: 1062
Teams: 6
Drafted: 1982
Round: 3rd
Teams & Career
New Jersey Devils Hartford Whalers New York Rangers Dallas Stars Detroit Red Wings Dallas Stars
Pat Verbeek played for 6 different teams during his 20 seasons career. He was originally drafted 3rd overall by the New Jersey Devils in 1982.