Alex Pietrangelo (born January 18th, 1990) is a Canadian hockey player who plays as a defenceman. Until season 2019-2020, Pietrangelo has played all his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues. He has been a team captain for the Blues since 2016. Pietrangelo was team captain also in 2018-19, when St. Louis Blues won the Stanley Cup. Pietrangelo has played in NHL All-Star game twice: in 2018 and 2020.

Early career

Pietrangelo played a successful minor hockey career in Greater Toronto Area. In his minor team, he played with future star players, such as Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Philip McRae and Michael Del Zotto. Pietrangelo won Ontario’s bantam championship with Toronto Jr. Canadiens in 2005.

Next year, Pietrangelo was drafted by Missisauga IceDogs of OHL league. After a successful debut season, the team moved to Niagara. The second season was a success as well and Pietrangelo raised notable interest in the NHL teams before the 2008 draft. In the entry draft, Pietrangelo was the fourth overall pick made by St. Louis Blues. Before the 2008-09 season, Pietrangelo made an entry-level deal with the Blues.

During his debut season, Pietrangelo played only eight NHL games. Instead, he played most of the season for the IceDogs. In 2009-10, he played nine NHL games during the season. For the rest of the season, Pietrangelo played in Berrie Colts of OHL league and Canada national team for World U20 Junior Championships. For the rest of the season, Pietrangelo played play-offs in AHL league team Peoria Rivermen.

Later career

Pietrangelo’s first whole season in NHL was 2010-11 and scored 43 points in 79 regular season games. Next season, he broke 50 points in regular season and played his first play-off games during the post-season. After season 2012-13, Pietrangelo signed a seven-year deal with St. Louis Blues.

Before season 2016-17, Pietrangelo was named as a team captain for the Blues. He played several solid seasons during the years. Season 2018-19 was spectacular for the Blues. The start of the season was a disappointment and head coach Mike Yeo was replaced by Craig Berube in late 2018. Blues improved their performance and finally made their way to the playoffs. In Stanley Cup finals, Blues defeated Boston Bruins in seven games.

Alex Pietrangelo’s seven-year contract is about to end after 2019-20 season and there has been a lot of speculation about his next move after becoming a free agent. No matter where he will play in the future, he still has several great years ahead of him.

International career

Pietrangelo played in U20 Junior World Championships two times, in 2009 and 2010. The team finished second in 2009 and won gold in 2010. Pietrangelo played in senior World Championship tournament next year. He was chosen in Canadian Olympic team for 2014 Olympic Games and the team won the gold medal in the tournament. Moreover, Pietrangelo was in the winning team of 2016 World Cup.

Other interesting stuff

In 2018, Pietrangelo’s wife gave birth to triplets after losing one child due to miscarriage a year earlier. Alex Pietrangelo is known for his charity & fundraising activities regarding to young people with cancer.