Blake Wheeler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blake Wheeler
Wheeler with the Winnipeg Jets in 2014
Born	(1986-08-31) August 31, 1986 (age 38) Plymouth, Minnesota, U.S.
Height	6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Weight	225 lb (102 kg; 16 st 1 lb)
Position	Right wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Boston Bruins Atlanta Thrashers Winnipeg Jets EHC München New York Rangers
National team	United States
NHL Draft	5th overall, 2004 Phoenix Coyotes
Playing career	2008–2024

Blake James Wheeler (born August 31, 1986) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets, and New York Rangers. He was picked by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round of the 2004 NHL entry draft. He was the fifth player chosen overall. After not agreeing on a contract with the Coyotes, he joined the Bruins as a free agent.

Early Life and Hockey Start

Blake Wheeler was born on August 31, 1986, in Plymouth, Minnesota. His parents are Pat and Jim, and he has an older sister named Brooke. Blake grew up and went to school in Wayzata, Minnesota. When he was a young hockey player in Wayzata, he often played with older kids. This was because he was very skilled for his age.

Playing Career Highlights

Amateur Hockey Journey

Blake Wheeler first went to Wayzata High School. But he decided to move to Breck School for his last two years of high school. He did this to improve his chances of getting a hockey scholarship. In the 2002–03 season, Blake helped his Wayzata Bantam team win two big titles. They won the AA Silver Stick and the Minnesota A Bantam State title. He scored an amazing 130 points in 60 games that season.

After these wins, Blake tried out for the United States men's national junior ice hockey team. He didn't make the final team, but he returned to Breck School for his junior year. There, he scored 45 goals and 55 assists in the 2003–04 season. He also led his team to a Class A State Hockey Championship. In the final game, he scored a hat-trick (three goals).

Besides hockey, Blake also played football at Breck. He set a record for the most catches by a tight end in a championship game. After his great season, Blake decided to play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the University of Minnesota. He chose Minnesota because it was close to his family.

Blake was then picked fifth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2004 NHL entry draft. This was a surprise to some, as he was ranked 17th among North American skaters.

Blake left Breck after his junior year. He was drafted by the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League (USHL). He wanted to challenge himself against older and bigger players. He made an immediate impact, scoring two goals and an assist in his first game. Even when his team struggled, Blake kept playing well. He finished the 2004–05 USHL season leading the Gamblers with 19 goals and 28 assists for 47 points.

College Hockey Years

Wheeler played with the University of Minnesota from 2005 to 2008.

After playing for the Gamblers, Blake joined the Minnesota Golden Gophers for his first year of college. He started strong, scoring two goals and one assist in his first four games. By December, he had 10 points. He finished his first season with 23 points. The Gophers made it to the 2006 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament. However, they were upset by the Holy Cross Crusaders.

In his second year, Blake worked on becoming more physical on the ice. He studied how other players used their size. When another player left the team, Blake moved from wing to center. He played well, leading the team with nine goals and 18 points by November. He finished his sophomore season with a career-high 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points.

During the 2007 WCHA Semifinals, Blake scored his first college hat trick. This helped the Gophers win 4–2. He also scored the game-winning goal in the next game, helping the Gophers become the top seed. He was named the tournament's MVP.

Blake returned for his third season with the Gophers. He continued to be a consistent player, even though the team struggled to win games. He led the Gophers in scoring with 12 goals and 10 assists by mid-January. He finished the season with 15 goals and 19 assists. He was also named to the All-WCHA Third Team.

After four years, Blake had not signed a contract with the Coyotes. He chose to become a free agent.

Professional Hockey Career

Boston Bruins (2008–2011)

Wheeler practicing with the Boston Bruins in November 2008.

On July 1, 2008, Blake Wheeler signed with the Boston Bruins. He made the Bruins' opening night roster for the 2008–09 NHL season. Blake scored his first NHL goal in Boston's first game on October 9, 2008. On November 6, he changed his jersey number. In his first game with the new number, he scored his first NHL hat trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Because of his great start, Blake was chosen for the 2009 NHL YoungStars Game. This game features top rookies against second-year players. He scored four goals in the game and was named the Game MVP. He finished his first NHL season with 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points in 81 games. He was also second among all NHL players with a plus 36 rating.

Blake trained hard in the 2009 off-season, gaining muscle. He played his 100th NHL game on November 1, 2009. He continued to score goals and points for the Bruins. He played in all 82 games of the 2009–10 NHL season. He finished the season with 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points. In the playoffs, he scored his first playoff goal.

After the 2009–10 season, Blake signed a one-year contract with the Bruins. On February 18, 2011, Blake was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. He had 11 goals in 58 games for Boston at the time of the trade.

Atlanta Thrashers / Winnipeg Jets (2011–2023)

When Blake joined the Thrashers, he quickly made an impact. He scored 17 points in 23 games. On July 18, 2011, the Thrashers team moved and became the Winnipeg Jets. Blake signed a two-year contract with the new Jets team. In the Jets' first season (2011–12), he led the team in scoring with a career-high 64 points.

Wheeler with the Jets in November 2013

In July 2013, Blake signed a six-year contract with the Jets. On August 31, 2016, Blake Wheeler was named the new team captain of the Jets. He was chosen for his first NHL All-Star game on January 10, 2018. He finished the 2017–18 season with a career-best 91 points. He also tied for the league lead in assists with 68. On April 24, 2018, Blake was named a finalist for the Mark Messier Leadership Award.

On September 4, 2018, Blake signed another five-year contract with the Jets. On December 5, 2021, Blake played his 1,000th NHL game.

On September 16, 2022, the Jets decided to remove Blake as captain. They chose not to have a captain for the 2022–23 season. On July 1, 2023, the Jets bought out Blake's contract. Blake left the Jets as the team's all-time leader in points and assists. He was also the last player remaining from the team's time in Atlanta.

New York Rangers (2023–2024)

On July 1, 2023, Blake Wheeler signed a one-year deal with the New York Rangers as a free agent. He played 54 games for the Rangers in the 2023–24 season. He scored nine goals and 12 assists. He was placed on the injured reserve list after hurting his leg on February 15, 2024.

Blake Wheeler officially announced his retirement from professional hockey on July 16, 2025.

Personal Life

Blake Wheeler and his wife, Sam, have three children together.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Bold indicates led league

International Play

Wheeler (left) with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and John Carlson in a ceremony for American-bound Olympians to the 2014 Winter Olympics. Both Carlson and Wheeler were members of Team USA in 2014.

Blake Wheeler also played for the United States men's national ice hockey team in several international tournaments.

Awards and Honors

Blake Wheeler received several awards and honors during his hockey career.