Andrew Ference facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andrew Ference
Ference with the Edmonton Oilers in February 2014
Born	(1979-03-17) March 17, 1979 (age 46) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	184 lb (83 kg; 13 st 2 lb)
Position	Defence
Shot	Left
Played for	Pittsburgh Penguins Calgary Flames HC České Budějovice Boston Bruins Edmonton Oilers
NHL Draft	208th overall, 1997 Pittsburgh Penguins
Playing career	1999–2015
Medal record Representing  Canada Ice hockey World Junior Championships Silver 1999 Canada

Andrew James Stewart Ference (born March 17, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a defenseman for several teams in the NHL. These teams included the Pittsburgh Penguins, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Oilers. In 2011, Ference helped the Boston Bruins win the famous Stanley Cup championship. Andrew was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, a town nearby.

Andrew Ference's Hockey Journey

Starting in the WHL and Joining the Penguins

Andrew Ference started his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He played for the Portland Winterhawks. After two seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins picked him in the 1997 NHL Draft. He was the 208th player chosen overall.

Ference was not expected to be drafted. So, he sent a letter to every NHL general manager. He told them he believed he would play in the NHL. He also included his test results from the University of Alberta.

He played two more seasons with Portland. Then, he briefly played in another league before joining the Penguins in 1999.

Ference played his first NHL game on October 1, 1999. A month later, he scored his first NHL goal. He split his first season between Pittsburgh and their minor league team. He played 30 NHL games and scored 6 points.

In his second season, Ference continued to play for both teams. He made his first NHL playoffs with Pittsburgh in 2001. He played 18 games and scored 10 points. By his third NHL season, Ference became a full-time NHL player.

Playing for the Calgary Flames and the NHL Lockout

In 2003, Ference was traded to the Calgary Flames. He played 16 games for Calgary that season. The next season, he scored 16 points in 72 games. He also played 26 playoff games.

The Flames made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. They played against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Flames lost in a very close series.

The 2004–05 NHL season was canceled because of a player lockout. During this time, Ference went to play in the Czech Republic. He played for HC České Budějovice. When the NHL started again, Ference returned to the Flames. He played all 82 games that season. This was the first time he did that in his career. He scored a career-high 31 points.

Winning the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins

Ference with the Boston Bruins in January 2012.

In 2007, Ference was traded to the Boston Bruins. He scored 16 points during the 2008–09 NHL season. In 2010, he signed a new three-year contract with the Bruins.

During the 2011 playoffs, Ference was fined for a gesture he made to the crowd. He later said it was an emotional reaction after scoring a goal. Some of his teammates felt this moment helped the team.

On June 15, 2011, Ference and the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup! They beat the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.

In the 2011–12 NHL season, Ference scored a career-high six goals. He was also named an alternate captain for the team.

Returning Home to the Edmonton Oilers

On July 5, 2013, Ference signed a four-year deal. He joined his hometown team, the Edmonton Oilers. On September 29, he was named the 14th captain in Oilers history.

In 2015, Ference stepped down as captain. He became an alternate captain instead. After playing only six games in the 2015–16 NHL season, he had hip surgery. This ended his season.

On September 16, 2016, Ference announced he was retiring. He played 16 seasons in the NHL. He officially ended his career in July 2017.

Life After Playing Hockey

In 2018, Andrew Ference joined the NHL in a new role. He became the first Director of Social Impact, Growth and Fan Development. His job is to help grow hockey at the local level. He also works on community projects. He helps connect players with the league.

Andrew Ference's Personal Life

Family Life

Andrew Ference married Krista Bradford in 2002. Krista used to be a professional snowboarder. They have two daughters together.

Ference during the North End Stanley Cup parade in September 2011.

Caring for the Environment

Ference is very interested in protecting the environment. He worked with environmentalist David Suzuki. This led him to create a program for the NHL. This program helps make hockey more environmentally friendly. Over 500 players now take part. They buy carbon offset credits. This helps balance out the environmental impact of professional sports.

In 2012, National Geographic started a web series. It was called "Beyond the Puck." It showed Andrew's life as an NHL player and an "eco-warrior."

Stanley Cup Parade Fun

After the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011, Ference organized a special parade. It was in Boston's North End. This is where he lived during the hockey season.

He brought the Stanley Cup to a hospital on a bike trailer. Then, he brought the Cup to the North End. It was carried on a platform by his friends and family. They paraded through the streets. They stopped at local shops. A marching band, the Bruins Ice Girls, and the mascot Blades joined them. Hundreds of fans also came along. The parade ended with a fun dancing flash mob.

Other Interests

Ference is a big fan of the English football club Arsenal F.C.. He also likes to work out with the November Project group in Boston and Edmonton.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1999	Canada	WJC			7	1	2	3	6
Junior totals					7	1	2	3	6

Awards and honors