Mike Modano

By leading his team, the Dallas Stars, to a Stanley Cup in 1999, Mike Modano's place as one of the National Hockey League's (NHL) best players was confirmed. Modano's leadership and on-ice abilities had previously been questioned, though he had been the first player drafted in the 1988 NHL entry draft.

Modano was born in Livonia, Michigan, on June 7, 1970, the only child of Mike and Karen Modano. Modano's father worked as a building contractor, while his mother was a housewife. Modano began playing hockey when he was nine, after his parents tried to give an outlet to his exuberant energy. His parents continued to support his interest in hockey by constructing a makeshift rink in their backyard.

When he was 16 years old, Modano moved to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada, to play junior hockey. One of his coaches was Ken Hitchcock, who would later coach him in Dallas. Modano also attended high school in Prince Albert, graduating from Carlton High. In 1988, Modano was the first pick in the NHL entry draft. Only the second American-born player so chosen, Modano was selected by the Minnesota North Stars. After the draft, Modano spent a year in the Western Hockey League (WHL) where he was named to the WHL (East) All-Star first team.