Brendan Frederick Shanahan was born January 23, 1969 outside of Toronto. One of four boys, the Shanahans excelled in sports, especially in lacrosse and hockey.

Brendan was drafted by the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League in 1985. After two outstanding seasons with the Knights, Shanahan was drafted second overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.

As an 18-year-old rookie, Shanahan collected 26 points in 65 games and never looked back his entire 22-year career. Shanahan would become a tremendous scorer and physical enforcer in the league. He played for the New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers.

He's a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Red Wings (1997, 1998, 2002). Shanahan also helped his home country of Canada win a gold medal at the 1994 World Championships, 2002 Winter Olympics, and a 1991 Canada Cup championship. He's a member of the elite Triple Gold Club: Those who have won a gold medal at the Olympics, World Championship and a Stanley Cup.

Shanahan is an all-time great winger and a durable one, having played 1,524 games over 22 seasons. He compiled 1325 points (25th all time), 656 goals (second most ever by left winger and 13th overall). Those number were easily good enough for him to become a member of the Hall of Fame in 2013.

He is currently the President and alternate governor for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He previously served as the director of player safety for the NHL.

Here's to you Brendan Shanahan. Happy birthday.

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