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The 37-year-old Olympic champion will play online as Mats Sundin at PokerStars. Plus he plans to make appearances at live tournaments to represent the poker brand, including at the upcoming European Poker Tour stop in Barcelona next week.

Sundin may not be well-known at the professional poker felt, but hockey fans will certainly recognize him. He began his NHL career with the Quebec Nordiques before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs.

His NHL career includes accomplishments such as being the longest-serving non-North American captain in NHL history, and he was the first Swedish player to score 500 goals.

Outside of the NHL, Sundin has represented Sweden in many international hockey events. He has won a total of seven medals playing in three Winter Olympics and five World Championships for his nation since 1992.

The former Toronto Maple Leafs captain is now an unrestricted free agent in the NHL, but he hasn't yet decided where he'd like to play or if he'd like to play at all in the upcoming season. He told media he'll decide before the season starts, but he hasn't figured out yet if he can still play at the highest level.

Taking on the poker world was a much easier decision for Sundin. He has been playing poker since his early years in the NHL and told PokerStars he is inspired by the challenge of representing the site and the opportunity to test his skills against pros at the live events and players on PokerStars.

"I have always enjoyed playing poker, and partnering with PokerStars gives me the opportunity to challenge myself and explore the full potential of my game," Sundin said.

"Learning from and playing against some of the best poker players in the world won't be easy but I believe the fighting spirit I've developed as a hockey pro will really help me at the tables."

Sundin also was excited for the challenge because it's an opportunity for him to continue his charity. He plans to donate profits earned at the poker tables to various charitable organizations.

"I am very proud to become an ambassador for PokerStars. It allows me to fulfill my personal ambition of working with charities around the world and I will be donating 100% of the money I earn from playing poker to charity," Sundin said.

"For me, the combination of excitement and challenge in poker, plus the potential to support good causes is a win-win situation."

PokerStars also considers it a win-win situation as they get a professional hockey player whose unique sporting record helps make him the perfect role model in the world of poker.

"Mats has gained worldwide recognition as a professional athlete, renowned for his dedication, focus and commitment which have earned him a place at the very top of his profession," said Michael Holmberg, PokerStars regional marketing manager Nordics.

"This profile is very similar to the qualities we witness amongst the most successful poker pros on our site and tours. Mats is a charismatic leader and champion, one that we are tremendously proud to have represent PokerStars as a brand ambassador."

Poker fans and hockey fans who want to see what Sundin brings to the poker table can check him out at PokerStars or during our live coverage of the upcoming EPT Barcelona event in the Live Tournaments section.

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