Yet beyond his tough-guy image, Parros has always displayed a keen mind and big heart. A graduate of Princeton University, Parros was named one of the smartest athletes in sports earlier this year by The Sporting News. As for his charitable side, each November in recent years, he’s publicly shaved off his mustache as part of the charity event “Movember.”
Drafted by the Kings in the eighth round (No. 222 overall) in the 1999 NHL Draft, Parros instead opted to attend Princeton, where he earned an economics degree and was a three-time ECAC All-Academic team member. After college, he played parts of three seasons in the American Hockey League before making his NHL debut with the Kings in 2005-06. Parros spent six years with the Ducks, but he also played with the Avalanche, Panthers and Canadiens during his career, winning a Stanley Cup championship with the Ducks in 2007. The Ducks capitalized on Parros’ colorful personality and trademark mustache, selling “George Parros Mustaches” in the team store, with proceeds earmarked for charity.
“It’s been an honor to play in the greatest league in the world,” Parros said in a statement on the NHLPA’s website. “Thanks to the organizations I’ve had the good fortune to play for, especially to the Samueli and Molson families. I’ve had the most amazing support from all of the fans who have supported my many endeavors throughout my career, for that I am eternally grateful. A final thank you to my parents Jim and Lynne, my wife Tiffany and my children who have made this dream of mine a reality.”
As for his post-NHL plans, Parros once told The Sporting News he envisions himself as, “Most likely a business consultant. Either that or some sort of trader on an equity desk.” He and his wife, Tiffany, will live in Las Vegas with their two children.
