Michael Cammalleri

(1982 - )

Michael Cammalleri is a Jewish Canadian professional hockey player.

Cammalleri, whose mother is Jewish, was born in Ontario and has excelled in every level of hockey he has played. While with the Bramalea Blues of the OPJHL (Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League), he recorded 191 in 87 games over a two-year span and was named OPJHL Rookie of the Year in 1997-98. Mike then entered the University of Michigan (after finishing high school in three years) and became one of the top college players in the country.

A CCHA first team All-Star and NCAA West second team All-America in 2001, Mike was the team's assistant captain and was named CCHA first team and NCAA West first team All-America in 2002. He decided to forego his senior season and completed his three-year collegiate career with 131 points in 110 games.

Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the 2002 NHL Draft (49th overall), Mike began the 2002-03 season with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL (American Hockey League). After only seven games with the Monarchs, he was called up by the Kings and on November 8, he registered his first career NHL point when he assisted on a goal by fellow Jewish player, Mathieu Schneider. Mike scored his first NHL goal eight days later.

Cammalleri played in 28 games prior to being injured at the end of January, 2003. He missed the remainder of the season after being placed on injured reserve with post-concussion symptoms. Before his injury, Cammalleri scored five points and added three assists for the Kings.

In June 2008, the Kings dealt Cammalleri to the Calgary Flames where he played one season before signing as a free agent with the Montreal Canadiens.

Sources: Jews in Sports; NHL.com; Wikipedia