Former NHL Center Nate Thompson Brings Plenty of ‘Skills’ to New Coaching Role

The decision he made during his time playing for Anaheim Ducks to seek help and get sober was “life-changing,” he said.

Nate Thompson (44) of the Anaheim Ducks in action against the Calgary Flames in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on April 17, 2017. Derek Leung/Getty Images

Nate Thompson skated for nine NHL teams, including the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, during a 19-year professional hockey career that culminated with his retirement announcement in July.

Given that, the mere three seasons he spent with the Ducks from 2014–17 might not seem particularly noteworthy or memorable.