Ben Eager facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ben Eager |
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Ben Eager in January 2012 with the Edmonton Oilers
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| Born | January 22, 1984 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb) | ||
| Position | Left wing | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Philadelphia Flyers Chicago Blackhawks Atlanta Thrashers San Jose Sharks Edmonton Oilers CSKA Moscow |
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| NHL Draft | 23rd overall, 2002 Phoenix Coyotes |
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| Playing career | 2004–2015 | ||
Benjamin Arthur Eager (born January 22, 1984) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a left winger. Ben Eager is best known for winning the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.
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Playing Career Highlights
Starting in the NHL
Ben Eager was chosen early in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. The Phoenix Coyotes picked him 23rd overall. Later, he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers. This trade also involved goaltender Sean Burke and forward Branko Radivojevič. In return, the Coyotes received centre Mike Comrie.
During the 2006–07 season, Ben Eager spent a lot of time in the penalty box. He led the entire NHL in penalty minutes, even though he played in only 63 games. That same year, his teammates voted him as the most improved player for the Flyers. He received the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy.
Joining the Blackhawks
On December 18, 2007, Ben Eager was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks sent Jim Vandermeer to the Flyers in exchange.
Ben Eager scored his first goal in the Stanley Cup playoffs on May 2, 2009. This was in Game 2 of Chicago's series against the Vancouver Canucks. His goal helped the Blackhawks win their first game against the Canucks in that series. It also tied the series at one game each.
Winning the Stanley Cup
Ben Eager scored his second playoff goal on May 31, 2010. This was during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. He scored against his old team, the Philadelphia Flyers. His goal turned out to be the winning goal, as the Blackhawks won 2–1. On June 9, 2010, Ben Eager and the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. They defeated the Flyers 4–3 in overtime during Game 6.
Later Career Teams
After winning the Stanley Cup, Ben Eager was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers on June 23, 2010. He moved with Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel, and Akim Aliu. In return, the Blackhawks received several draft picks and players.
During the 2010–11 season, Ben Eager was involved in an incident during a game. He received a major penalty and was ejected. The NHL later suspended him for four games due to this serious foul. Midway through that season, he was traded again. This time, he went to the San Jose Sharks.
On July 1, 2011, Ben Eager signed a new contract with the Edmonton Oilers. He played for them for three years.
In March 2013, the Oilers sent Ben Eager to their minor league team. This team was the Oklahoma City Barons in the American Hockey League (AHL).
After leaving the Oilers, Ben Eager played hockey in Russia. He signed a one-year contract with CSKA Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) on July 11, 2014. He returned to North America later that season. He finished his career playing for the Chicago Wolves in the AHL.
In November 2016, Ben Eager was chosen to play for the Chicago Blackhawks alumni team. This team plays in the yearly NHL Winter Classic event.
