Éric Dazé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Éric Dazé |
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| Born | July 2, 1975 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) | ||
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb) | ||
| Position | Winger | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Chicago Blackhawks | ||
| National team | .svg){kind=small} Canada |
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| NHL Draft | 90th overall, 1993 Chicago Blackhawks |
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| Playing career | 1994–2005 | ||
Éric Dazé, born on July 2, 1975, is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada. He was a winger who played for the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for them for eleven seasons, from 1995 to 2005.
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Playing Career Highlights
Éric Dazé started playing hockey in his home province of Quebec, Canada. He played for junior teams like the Hull Olympiques and the Beauport Harfangs. He was a very good player in junior hockey, scoring many points. However, some scouts worried he didn't like to play a very physical game, even though he was big and strong.
The Chicago Blackhawks chose Dazé in the fourth round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. This was the 90th pick overall. He quickly became a star in the NHL. In his first full season, 1995–96, he scored 30 goals. Because of this great start, he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.
Dazé continued to score at least 20 goals in most seasons until 2003. He was chosen to play in the NHL All-Star Game in 2002. This was his first time at the All-Star Game. He played incredibly well, scoring two goals and getting one assist. He was even named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game! He was the first Blackhawks player to win this award since Bobby Hull in 1971.
Fans in Chicago sometimes had mixed feelings about Dazé. He was a big player, perfect for a "power forward" role. This means a player who uses their size to get to the net and score. But Dazé often avoided the physical parts of the game, like hitting other players. Instead, he was known for his size and his excellent scoring ability. He was especially good at scoring important goals in key moments. He had a very fast wrist shot and was great at one-timers.
Battling Injuries and Retirement
Later in his career, Dazé faced serious back problems. These injuries limited how much he could play. In the 2003–04 season, he only played 19 games. He had three surgeries on his back over five years. Even after these surgeries, the pain continued.
In 2005, he tried to return to the Blackhawks. But the pain in his back was still a big problem. He played only one game that season before quietly leaving professional hockey. On March 20, 2010, Éric Dazé officially announced his retirement from the sport.
Personal Life
Éric Dazé is married to Guylaine. They met when they were in high school. They have two children together. The family lives in Hinsdale, Illinois.
Awards and Achievements
- 1994 — QMJHL First All-Star Team
- 1995 — QMJHL First All-Star Team
- 1995 — QMJHL Frank J. Selke Memorial Trophy (Most Gentlemanly Player)
- 1995 — CHL Sportsman of the Year Award
- 1996 — NHL All-Rookie Team
- 2002 — Played in NHL All-Star Game
- 2002 — NHL All-Star Game MVP
See also
- List of NHL players who spent their entire career with one franchise
