Steve Staios, renowned for his steadfast defensive play and leadership on and off the ice, was born on July 28, 1973, in Hamilton, Ontario, Staios carved out a significant career in the National Hockey League (NHL) spanning 18 seasons. He was drafted 27th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, making his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins in the 1995-96 season.
Staios went on to play for several teams, including the Vancouver Canucks, Atlanta Thrashers, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and New York Islanders. His longest tenure was with the Edmonton Oilers, where he became a fan favourite and served as an alternate captain. Known for his gritty and reliable defensive style, he was instrumental in the Oilers’ unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2006. Staios is also a two-time gold medalist, representing Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships.
Throughout his career, Staios played in over 1,000 NHL games, accumulating 220 points and earning respect for his work ethic and professionalism. After retiring in 2012, he transitioned into coaching and management, serving in various roles, including President and General Manager of the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), winning two OHL Championships in 2018 and 2022 and the Jim Gregory Award, awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League General Manager of the Year. Currently, Staios is the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Ottawa Senators.