Below are all the things you need to know about Mike Modano’s Biography.
Introduction
Despite being in high school and playing for the Western Hockey League’s Prince Albert Raiders in Junior A hockey, Mike Modano was chosen as the top pick in the 1988 NHL draft. Throughout his 19-season career, he has exclusively played for one team, making his journey truly exceptional in today’s era.
Quick Facts About Mike Modano
Michael Thomas Modano Jr., a retired American ice hockey player, dedicated a significant portion of his career to the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars organization. In his last season in the NHL, he competed for the Detroit Red Wings in his hometown.
- Born: June 7, 1970 (age 53 years), Livonia, Michigan, United States
- Spouse: Allison Micheletti (m. 2013), Willa Ford (m. 2007–2012)
- Position: Center
- Career end: 2011
- Education: Benjamin Franklin High School
- Parents: Michael Modano, Sr., Karen Modano
- Height: 1.9 m
Mike Modano’s Family
The enigmatic tale of Mike Modano’s family captivates fans, sparking curiosity about his wife, upbringing, and children. Modano’s romantic involvement with Kerri, the sister of Todd and Jeff Nelson, began during his time with the Raiders. Despite a proposal in October 1999, their relationship came to an end in February 2000.
Singer-songwriter Willa Ford announced on November 30, 2006, that her partner Modano had proposed to her during Thanksgiving. They tied the knot on August 25, 2007, in a private ceremony in Athens, Texas, with Brett Hull and Darryl Sydor as Modano’s co-best men. Ford was asked by the NHL to blog about the Stars’ 2007 playoff run, receiving positive feedback for her writings. She also publicly supported her husband. Ford and Modano finalized their divorce in August 2012.
On September 1, 2013, Modano married Allison Micheletti, a professional golfer and the niece and daughter of former NHL players Joe Micheletti and Pat Micheletti. Together with their children Reese (born 2016) and Luca, they welcomed twins Jack and Kate in 2014 and 2016, respectively.
Mike Modano’s Hockey Career
Awards and Honors
Awards:
- East First All-Star Team (WHL) – 1989
- NHL All-Rookie Team – 1990
- NHL Second All-Star Team – 2000
- NHL All-Star Games – 1993, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003 (as the Western Conference team captain), 2004, 2007 (as the Special Ambassador), 2009
- Stanley Cup champion – 1999 (Dallas)
Records:
- Modano also holds the NHL all-time record for most points scored by a U.S. born player (1374).
- Goals by a player born in the United States (561)
- Playoff points by an American-born player, career (145)
- Games played by an American-born forward (1499)
International Competition
Mike’s development as a competitive hockey player has been significantly shaped by his participation in international competitions. Michael represented Team USA in various international events, such as the World Cup matches in 1996, 2004, and 2005, where he clinched a gold medal. He was also selected to compete in the Nagano Olympics in 1998 and the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002, contributing to the team’s silver medal win.
Tornio, Italy witnessed his most recent appearance in 2004, where he took charge of the USA Hockey team. Recognizing his unwavering commitment to his country and the sport, Modano was honored with the prestigious USA Hockey Bob Johnson Award in 2002. This esteemed accolade celebrates his exceptional performance in international ice hockey competitions.
Texas Sports Hall of Fame
Mike was selected to be a member of the Class of 2007 by the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which was made up of journalists from all around the state and was presided over by Dave Campbell of Texas Football Magazine fame.
Other inductees include Michael Irvin, a former Dallas Cowboy and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Abner Haynes of North Texas and the Dallas Texans, Ray Childress of Texas A&M and the Houston Oilers, Leta Andrews of Granbury High School’s girls basketball team, Spike Dykes of former Texas Tech football, Jim Ray Smith of Baylor and the Cleveland Browns, and Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs. The Texas Sports Hall of Fame, which is situated in Waco, Texas, recognizes exceptional people who are dedicated to influencing society via their sport.
Lady Bing Award Finalist
In the 2002-2003 season, Mike was chosen as one of the finalists for the Lady Byng Award. This prestigious award, established by the NHL, is presented each year to the player who exhibits outstanding sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and exceptional playing skills. Since its establishment in 1925, the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy has been awarded 81 times to 50 different players. The voting for the award is done by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association at the end of the season.
38th Annual Dallas All Sports Association
Mike was honored on Monday, June 23, 2003, as he received two prestigious awards at the 38th Annual Dallas All Sports Association. The first award he received was the Children’s Medical Center/Athlete Role Model Award, which recognizes athletes who dedicate themselves to supporting and inspiring young individuals. The second award he received was the Most Valuable Stars Player award. To celebrate these achievements, a banquet was held at the Fairmont Hotel’s ballroom, where Mike enjoyed a meal with other esteemed Dallas athletes.
2001-2002 Score a Goal in the Classrooms
Score A Goal in the Classroom’s “Teachers Are the True Heroes” initiative has selected Mike Modano as its honorary spokesperson for the 2001-2002 academic year. This program, in collaboration with the Dallas/Fort Worth business community, aims to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of students and educators in North Texas schools. By bringing together professionals from various sectors with dedicated teachers and administrators, Score a Goal in the Classroom strives to highlight the importance of academic achievement and honor those who excel in the classroom.
2000-2001 NHL Foundation Player Award
For all of his volunteer work, the Dallas Stars nominated Mike for the NHL Foundation Player Award in the 2000–2001 season. This honor for community service comes with a $25,000 grant that is given to a deserving organization that the winner supports. The Foundation Player Award honors an NHL player who uses the game’s fundamental principles—commitment, tenacity, and teamwork—to improve the lives of people in his community. Olaf Kolzig of the Washington Capitals received recognition for his volunteer work in 2001. Notable winners include Kelly Chase (2000), Rob Ray (1999), and Adam Graves (1998).
Tom Landry Award
Michael was given the United Cerebral Palsy Tom Landry Award of Merit in Volunteerism in 1998. Since 1989, Modano has maintained a close relationship with United Cerebral Palsy, giving the charity more than just his time and effort. Modano gave $100 to UCP for each point he scored between 1998 and 2001. In addition, from 1995 through 2001, he gave $10,000 to the organization on behalf of the Dallas Stars supporters.
That’s all there is to know about Mike Modano’s biography; if you have a query about him, please give feedback in the section below.
