Pat Verbeek

Patrick Verbeek
Born	Patrick Martin Verbeek (1964-05-24) May 24, 1964 Petrolia, Ontario, Canada
Occupation(s)	Professional ice hockey player (retired), NHL executive
Years active	1982–2002 (player), post-2002 (executive)
Known for	NHL player with 500 goals, Stanley Cup champion (1999), general manager of Anaheim Ducks

Patrick Martin Verbeek (born May 24, 1964) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey athlete who currently holds the position of general manager for the Anaheim Ducks in the National Hockey League (NHL). Throughout a two-decade-long career, Verbeek represented five different franchises and secured a Stanley Cup championship with the Dallas Stars in 1999. Known by the moniker "Little Ball of Hate", he stands among the select group of NHL players to have scored 500 goals, although he has yet to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Playing career

Originating from Petrolia, Ontario, Verbeek developed his early hockey skills through minor leagues before advancing to the OHA Petrolia Jets Jr.B. squad during the 1979–80 season at just 15 years old.

Chosen 43rd overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Devils to their inaugural playoff appearance in the 1987–88 season, setting a club record with 46 goals—a benchmark later eclipsed by Brian Gionta in 2005–06.

In May 1985, Verbeek endured a critical farming mishap that nearly resulted in the loss of his thumb; following extensive rehabilitation, he made a successful return to competitive play. An on-ice clash with Washington Capitals defenseman Rod Langway in April 1988 heightened divisional tensions but was ultimately deemed accidental by NHL officials.

After concluding the 1988–89 NHL season, Verbeek was traded to the Hartford Whalers, where he led the team in goal scoring and earned Most Valuable Player recognition. He received his first All-Star selection in 1991 and was appointed captain of the Whalers in 1992. After a short stint with the Rangers, he signed as a free agent with the Dallas Stars in 1996 and captured the Stanley Cup with them in 1999.

During the 1999–2000 season, Verbeek joined the Detroit Red Wings, reaching significant milestones such as surpassing 1,000 career points and 500 goals, placing him among the top 25 all-time goal scorers. He returned to Dallas for his final NHL campaign in 2001–02.

Remarkably, Verbeek remains unique as the sole NHL player to have recorded over 40 goals alongside more than 200 penalty minutes across three separate seasons.

Post-playing career

Following his retirement, Verbeek took on part-time duties as a color analyst for Detroit Red Wings road game broadcasts. He continues to hold the distinction of being the only NHL player with more than 500 goals and over 2,500 penalty minutes. In September 2006, he transitioned from broadcasting to scouting for the Red Wings. Subsequently, former teammate Steve Yzerman brought him on as assistant general manager for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The duo collaborated there before both returned to Detroit. On May 6, 2019, Verbeek was appointed assistant general manager of the Detroit Red Wings.

On February 3, 2022, Verbeek advanced to become general manager of the Anaheim Ducks.

Personal

Verbeek and his wife Dianne are parents to five children: son Kyle and daughters Stephanie, Kendall, Haley, and Georgeanne. During his tenure with Detroit, they resided in Birmingham, Michigan before relocating to Newport Beach, California. In 2003, while playing for Detroit’s Honeybaked 16U AAA hockey club, Patrick Kane lived with the Verbeek family; Kane credits Patrick Verbeek as a mentor who significantly influenced his playing approach.

Awards

• Part of one Stanley Cup championship roster: 1999 with the Dallas Stars
• Chosen for the NHL All-Star Game on two occasions: 1991 and 1996

Regular season and playoffs

... [table continues with similar data] ...

				Regular Season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1979–80	Petrolia Jets	WOHL		41	17	24	41	85		—	—	—	—	—
1980–81	Petrolia Jets	WOHL		42	44	44	88	155		—	—	—	—	—
1981–82	Sudbury Wolves	OHL		66	37	51	88	180		—	—	—	—	—
1982–83	Sudbury Wolves	OHL		61	40	67	107	184		—	—	—	—	—
1982–83	New Jersey Devils	NHL		6	3	2	5	8		—	—	—	—	—
1983–84	New Jersey Devils	NHL		79	20	27	47	158		—	—	—	—	—
NHL career totals				1,424	522	540	1,062	2,905		117	26	36	62	225

See also

• Captain (ice hockey)
• List of NHL players with 1,000 points
• List of NHL players with 500 goals
• List of NHL players with 1,000 games played
• List of NHL players with 2,000 career penalty minutes