Anthony Stewart Ice Hockey

Anthony Stewart (born 5 January 1985) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who competed in the National Hockey League (NHL), American Hockey League (AHL), and Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). A power forward known for his physical style and two-way play, Stewart was selected in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and represented Canada at multiple international junior tournaments. He is the elder brother of former NHL forward Chris Stewart.

Early Life and Background

Anthony Stewart was born in LaSalle, Quebec, and is the eldest of seven children born to Norman and Sue Stewart. His father immigrated to Canada from Jamaica in 1974, working primarily in seasonal labour, while his mother remained at home to raise the family. The family relocated to Toronto shortly after Stewart’s birth.
During Stewart’s childhood, the family experienced significant financial hardship and were at one point evicted from their home, moving into subsidised housing in Scarborough, Toronto. Despite these challenges, Stewart began skating at the age of four and playing organised hockey at five. Community support played a vital role in his development; notably, a fellow hockey parent, Bob Ziemendorf, provided transportation, financial assistance, and eventually housed Stewart for more than a year. Stewart later credited this support as crucial to his eventual professional career.

Minor Hockey and Junior Career

Stewart played minor hockey with the North York Canadians, where his talent led to his playing expenses being personally subsidised by the organisation’s leadership. With Stewart on the roster, the team won three All-Ontario championships, and he also participated in the 1999 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
Following his minor hockey success, Stewart was selected in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Draft by the Kingston Frontenacs. In his rookie OHL season, he recorded 19 goals and 43 points, improving to 38 goals and 70 points in the 2002–03 season. He was named captain of the Frontenacs and entered the 2003 NHL Entry Draft ranked among the top North American prospects.

NHL Draft and Development

The Florida Panthers selected Stewart 25th overall in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He returned to Kingston for further development, scoring a career-high 35 goals during the 2003–04 OHL season and leading the team in scoring in his final junior year. After Kingston failed to qualify for the playoffs, Stewart made his professional debut with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL.

Professional Playing Career

Stewart began the 2005–06 season with the Rochester Americans (AHL) before making his NHL debut with Florida on 18 October 2005 against the New Jersey Devils, recording his first NHL point with an assist. Two days later, he scored his first NHL goal against the Washington Capitals. His season was cut short after a wrist injury required surgery.
Over the next several seasons, Stewart divided time between the NHL and AHL. He played 59 games for Florida during the 2008–09 season, marking the first time he did not appear in the minor leagues. He left the Panthers as a free agent and signed with the Atlanta Thrashers, spending time with both the NHL club and their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.
Stewart enjoyed his most productive NHL season in 2010–11, playing a full schedule with Atlanta and recording his first career hat trick against the Anaheim Ducks. Following the relocation of the Thrashers to Winnipeg, Stewart became an unrestricted free agent and signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2011.
After one season with Carolina, Stewart was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, though he spent most of the year in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs. He later signed a professional tryout with the San Jose Sharks but did not secure a contract.

International and European Career

In 2013, Stewart moved to Europe, signing with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg of the KHL, followed by stints with HC Fribourg-Gottéron and Rapperswil-Jona Lakers in Switzerland’s top league. He returned to the KHL in 2014 on a trial contract with Medveščak Zagreb, after which he was released, marking the conclusion of his professional playing career.

International Play

Stewart represented Canada extensively at the junior level. He was a leading scorer for Canada at the 2003 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, helping the team win gold. He also competed in the 2004 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, where Canada earned silver and Stewart tied for the tournament lead in points, and the 2005 World Junior Championship, where he won gold.
Additionally, Stewart represented the OHL in the Canada–Russia Challenge, contributing to undefeated Canadian teams that won the series in consecutive years.