Elk Point's Hockey Stars Have Yet to Cross Sticks

Elk Point, Alberta - population 1400 - is the hometown of 2 NHL players: Dallas Stars defenseman #44 Sheldon Souray and Columbus Blue Jackets forward #17 Mark Letestu. It is impressive that such a small town has produced 2 of the approx. 800 current NHL players, but what's strange is, the 2 have never played against each other (or with each other) in their professional careers. 

Mark spent the first three years of his pro career in the AHL before making the jump to the NHL last season, which Sheldon spent in the AHL after several years in the NHL. This year both players were finally in the same league, but a series of events ensured that they never met on the ice again this year.

Mark began the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, so he missed the first CBJ VS. DAL game, then was traded to Columbus prior to the first PIT VS. DAL game. When the second CBJ VS. DAL game rolled around, Sheldon was out of the line-up with an ankle injury. Mark missed the final CBJ VS. DAL game of the year with a broken hand.

Barring a trade or a string of miracles propelling both teams to the Stanley Cup final, the 2011-12 NHL season will end without Elk Point's 2 stars ever crossing sticks. Looks like fans of "Wonder Bomb" and "Marksman" will just have to wait for next season to see which Elk Point native is victorious.