Espen Knutsen

Espen Knutsen (b. January 12, 1972 in Oslo) is a Norwegian ice hockey player, and former NHL-pro. In his native Norway, Knutsen is known also under his nickname "Shampoo" (his father is a hairdresser). He is 6 feet tall (183 cm), weighs 187 lbs (85 kg), shoots left and played the centre position during his professional career.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After being drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the 10th round (204th overall) in 1990, Knutsen remained in Europe until 1997, playing for V?lerenga and the Swedish Djurg?rden. In 1996, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim traded the rights to Knutsen, and he made his debut with the Ducks in 1997. After a not very successful season (playing in part for the AHL Cincinnati Mighty Ducks) Knutsen returned to Djurg?rden, but was again drafted to play in the NHL in 2000, this time for the Columbus Blue Jackets. In a very good first season, he tallied 53 points (11 goals, 42 assists) in 66 games. Then, after being assigned to Columbus's AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, he again returned to Djurg?rden for the 2004-05 season.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Although widely considered one of the best Norwegian ice hockey players of all times, Knutsen might be best remembered for his involvement in a 2002 accident, where his shot was deflected and hit a 13-year old girl in the audience at Nationwide Arena, causing her death.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He retired due to injury in July 2005. At the news of his retirement the director of Djurg?rden called him one of the greatest players in the history of the club. After his retirement, Knutsen moved back to his native Oslo, where he lives with his family.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

January 12: January 12 is the 12th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 353 days remaining (354 in leap years)....

1972: 1972 was a leap year that started on a Saturday....

Oslo: :This article is about the capital of Norway. For other meanings of Oslo, see the disambiguation page...