Brent Sopel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brent Sopel |
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Sopel with the Chicago Wolves in January 2015
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| Born | January 7, 1977 Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | Vancouver Canucks New York Islanders Los Angeles Kings Chicago Blackhawks Atlanta Thrashers Montreal Canadiens Metallurg Novokuznetsk Salavat Yulaev Ufa |
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| NHL Draft | 144th overall, 1995 Vancouver Canucks |
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| Playing career | 1997–2015 | ||
Brent Bernard Sopel (born January 7, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He was a defenceman, which means he played a defensive role on the ice. Brent spent most of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was first chosen by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1995 NHL Draft. Sopel also played for other teams like the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, and Montreal Canadiens. A big highlight of his career was winning the famous Stanley Cup in 2010 with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Besides the NHL, Brent Sopel played in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia. He played for teams like Metallurg Novokuznetsk and Salavat Yulaev Ufa. He also briefly played for the American Hockey League (AHL)'s Chicago Wolves before he stopped playing professional hockey in 2015.
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Brent Sopel's Hockey Journey
Starting with the Vancouver Canucks
Brent Sopel signed his first professional contract with the Vancouver Canucks in 1996. This was less than a year after they drafted him. His coach, Marc Crawford, once told him he would never play in the NHL. But Brent proved him wrong! He scored his first NHL goal on April 10, 1999. It was against Tommy Salo of the Edmonton Oilers.
In 2002, Brent won the Fred J. Hume Award. This award is for the "Unsung Hero" of the Vancouver Canucks. The team's fan club voted for him. He also won the USA Today's NHL Player of the Week award twice in late 2001 and early 2002.
Sopel returned to the Canucks in 2007 after being traded. This happened on the NHL trade deadline day. He missed the first game of the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs because of a back injury. He hurt his back while picking up a cracker for his daughter! The Canucks won that game in a very long quadruple overtime. It was the sixth longest game in NHL history.
Time with the New York Islanders
On August 3, 2005, the Canucks traded Sopel to the New York Islanders. He signed a two-year contract with them soon after.
Winning the Stanley Cup with Chicago
Brent Sopel joined the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007. He signed a one-year contract with them. Later, in January 2008, he signed a longer contract. This kept him with the Blackhawks until the 2010–11 season.
On June 9, 2010, Brent Sopel achieved a huge dream. He won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks! This is one of the biggest trophies in hockey. A few weeks later, Sopel did something special. He brought the Stanley Cup to a parade in Chicago. He did this to honor the legacy of Brendan Burke. Brendan was the son of his former general manager, Brian Burke. Brent wanted to show support for Brendan's message of acceptance and understanding.
Moving to Atlanta and Montreal
After winning the Cup, Sopel was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers in June 2010. He played 59 games for Atlanta. Then, in February 2011, he was traded again. This time, he went to the Montreal Canadiens.
Playing in Russia: The KHL
On July 29, 2011, Brent Sopel announced a new adventure. He signed a two-year contract to play in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This league is based in Russia. He played for Metallurg Novokuznetsk.
During the 2012–13 season, he was traded to Salavat Yulaev Ufa for their playoff games. He then signed another two-year contract with Salavat Yulaev.
Final Season with the Chicago Wolves
On October 10, 2014, Sopel returned to North America. He signed with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League (AHL). After playing 29 games, Brent Sopel announced his retirement from professional hockey on February 27, 2015.
Life Off the Ice
Brent Sopel's daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia. This is a learning difference that affects reading. When he learned about her symptoms, Brent realized they sounded like his own struggles. He then found out he also had dyslexia. This experience inspired him to help others. He created the Brent Sopel Foundation. This foundation helps raise money and awareness for young people with dyslexia.
Awards and Achievements
- 2001 – NHL Player of the Week (December 31, 2001 – January 6, 2002)
- 2002 – NHL Player of the Week (January 21–27)
- 2010 – Won Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks
