Mats

Mats Johan Sundin (born February 13, 1971, in Bromma, Sweden) is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. His Swedish nickname is "Sudden", in reference to his surname and his uncanny ability to come up with the big plays in overtime. Sundin is currently the all-time leader in overtime goals with 15, the latest coming on October 14, 2006, against the Calgary Flames; a short-handed shot from the point gave his 500th goal of his career He has represented Team Sweden at various international competitions, such as the World Cup of Hockey and the Olympic Games, and has held the position of team captain for the national squad for the better part of the last decade. Sundin is widely recognized as one of the top players in the world in these international competitions, and has added a highly impressive list of accomplishments to his credentials as a result of his outstanding performance in the 2002 Winter Olympics and 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Sundin has won three IIHF World Championships with Sweden in 1991, 1992 and 1998. Sundin finally clinched a gold medal with Team Sweden in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. A picture of his 'fighting face' when Sweden turned 1-5 into a 6-5 win over Finland during IIHF WC game has become iconic. After scoring the gold medal winning goal in Turin he stated that he didn't expect to return to the national team. Forsberg to Sundin to Lidstrom who slapped a laser into goal is by many Swedes considered the Grande Finale, thank you and good bye of the 'Golden Generation'. On August 14, 2006, Sundin stated to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that if it feels right and the 2006-07 NHL season ends early he sees a possibility to play for Sweden in the 2007 World Championship