Pat Verbeek

Patrick Martin Verbeek (born May 24, 1964) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current assistant general manager for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League. Verbeek played for five teams over a 20 year playing career, earning a Stanley Cup ring with the Dallas Stars in 1999. His nickname, "The Little Ball of Hate", was given to him in 1995 by Glenn Healy after fellow New York Rangers teammate Ray Ferraro was tagged as the "Big Ball of Hate".\n', ' Verbeek was selected 43rd overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. He helped the Devils to their first playoff berth in the 1987–88 season, when he scored what was a club record 46 goals until it was broken in the 2005–06 season by Brian Gionta\'s 48 goals.\n', ' On May 15, 1985, one of Verbeek\'s thumbs was cut off by an auger in a farming accident. Thanks to his father and brother his thumb was saved, and after extensive rehabilitation, Verbeek returned to hockey. He did not miss any regular-season NHL games because of the injury.\n', '