Aaron Ekblad
Aaron Ekblad (born February 7, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He currently plays for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Aaron Ekblad | |
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Ekblad during the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game on January 15, 2014 | |
Born | Windsor, ON, CAN | February 7, 1996
Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
Weight | 216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb) |
Position | Defence |
Shoots | Right |
Played for | Florida Panthers |
National team | Canada |
NHL Draft | 1st overall, 2014 Florida Panthers |
Playing career | 2014–present |
He has also played for the Team Canada junior team. He won a gold medal with them during the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.[1] He suffered a concussion in an exhibition game against the Czech Republic in December 2014.[2]
Career
Before playing in the NHL, Ekblad played 3 seasons with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was drafted with the 1st overall pick by the Florida Panthers in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.[3]
On September 3, the Panthers signed Ekblad to a three-year, entry-level contract.[4] Ekblad made the Panthers' opening night roster for the 2014–15 season.[5] He made his NHL debut on October 9 in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. During the game, Ekblad scored his first career NHL point, an assist on a Jonathan Huberdeau goal in a 3–2 overtime loss.[6] On November 1, he scored his first NHL goal against Steve Mason of the Philadelphia Flyers in a 2–1 Panthers win.[7]
On December 6, Ekblad scored a career-high three points in a 3–2 win against the Buffalo Sabres. He was given the first star of the game.[8] On January 23, 2015, he was chosen to play in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game to replace an injured Erik Johnson.[9]
On June 24, 2015, Ekblad was announced as the Calder Memorial Trophy winner.[10]
Aaron Ekblad Media
Ekblad at a community event in Barrie in June 2011, shortly after being drafted by the Barrie Colts
References
- ↑ "Canada back on top, 5-4". IIHF. Archived from the original on January 6, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ↑ "Don Cherry upset with Team Canada after Aaron Ekblad hit". CBC. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ↑ "Ekblad 'overwhelmed' after going No. 1 in Draft". NHL. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ↑ "Florida Panthers Sign No. 1 Overall Draft Pick D Aaron Ekblad". Florida Panthers. Archived from the original on November 6, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ↑ "Florida Panthers Announce Opening Night Roster". Florida Panthers. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ↑ "Hedman lifts Lightning past Panthers with OT goal". Florida Panthers. Archived from the original on September 15, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ↑ "Ekblad's first NHL goal helps Panthers edge Flyers". Florida Panthers. Archived from the original on September 15, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ↑ "Ekblad gets three points in Panthers' win vs. Sabres". Florida Panthers. Archived from the original on September 15, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ↑ "D Aaron Ekblad Named to 2015 NHL All-Star Roster". Florida Panthers. Archived from the original on October 24, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ↑ "Panthers rookie Ekblad wins Calder Trophy". NHL. Retrieved September 17, 2015.