Brian Campbell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brian Campbell
Campbell with the Florida Panthers in November 2011
Born	(1979-05-23) May 23, 1979 (age 46) Strathroy, Ontario, Canada
Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Position	Defence
Shot	Left
Played for	Buffalo Sabres Jokerit San Jose Sharks Chicago Blackhawks Florida Panthers
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	156th overall, 1997 Buffalo Sabres
Playing career	1999–2017
Medal record Representing  Canada Ice hockey World Junior Championships Silver 1999 Canada

Brian Wesley Campbell (born May 23, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He was a defenceman, which means he played a defensive role on the ice. Brian played for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). These teams included the Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers. He achieved a major victory by winning the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010. He even helped set up the winning goal in that final game!

About Brian Campbell

Brian Campbell grew up in Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. He went to elementary school and high school there. He also attended Canterbury High School in Ottawa. This was while he played for the Ottawa 67's, a junior hockey team. His parents are Ed and Lorna, and he has two brothers, Craig and Darryl. Darryl also played professional hockey for a few years.

In 2003, Brian had to stay home for a short time. This was because a relative who visited him later showed symptoms of SARS. Brian and his teammate Rhett Warrener were kept separate to be safe. Brian missed three games, but neither player ever got sick.

Brian Campbell got engaged to Lauren Miller during the 2011 NHL All-Star break. His nickname is "Soupy" because his last name, Campbell, is the same as the famous soup company.

His jersey number was retired by the Ottawa 67's on November 3, 2017. This is a big honor, meaning no other player on that team will wear his number again. Brian is only the fifth player to have his number retired by the Ottawa 67's.

Brian's Hockey Journey

Starting in Minor Hockey

Brian Campbell began playing hockey in his hometown of Strathroy, Ontario. He even won a championship at a young age. He played AAA hockey with Joe Thornton, who also became a famous NHL player. In 1994–95, Brian played for the Petrolia Jets Jr.B. team.

After that, the Ottawa 67's team drafted him. He was a third-round pick in the 1995 OHL draft. Brian played with Nick Boynton in Ottawa, and they even reunited years later on the Chicago Blackhawks.

In the 1998–99 season, Brian had an amazing year. He won several awards, including the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL's Most Outstanding Player. He also won the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the best defenceman and the William Hanley Trophy for being the most gentlemanly player. He was named the CHL Player of the Year. That season, his team, the Ottawa 67's, won the Memorial Cup championship.

Playing for the Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres drafted Brian in 1997. He played his first game for the Sabres in the 1999–2000 season. He stayed with the team until February 2008. During the NHL lockout in 2004–05, he played in Finland for a team called Jokerit. They won a silver medal in their league championships.

In 2007, Brian was chosen for his first NHL All-Star Game. He was the top vote-getter among defencemen in the Eastern Conference. He was also named an alternate captain and then captain for the Sabres in late 2007. He was selected for the All-Star Game again in 2008.

Campbell with the Chicago Blackhawks in April 2009

Moving to the San Jose Sharks

In February 2008, Brian was traded to the San Jose Sharks. This happened during the NHL trade deadline. He played the rest of the 2007–08 season with the Sharks. They made it to the Western Conference Semi-finals but were eliminated. After that season, Brian became a free agent.

Brian was one of only two players in the 2007–08 season to play 83 games. This is one more game than a full season! It happened because he was traded from Buffalo to San Jose.

Time with the Chicago Blackhawks

On July 1, 2008, Brian signed an eight-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. He played in all 82 regular-season games in the 2008–09 season. He scored 7 goals and had 45 assists, totaling 52 points. The Blackhawks made the playoffs that year for the first time since 2002. They won two playoff rounds before being eliminated.

In March 2010, Brian was injured during a game. He broke his collarbone and a rib. He missed the last 14 games of the regular season and the first three playoff games. Before this injury, Brian had played 388 games in a row! He returned for Game 4 of the playoffs. The Blackhawks went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2010. Brian assisted on Patrick Kane's winning goal in overtime of Game 6.

In October 2010, Brian got another injury, a sprained knee. He missed the first 13 games of the 2010–11 season. He still played 65 games that season. The Blackhawks lost in the first round of the 2011 playoffs.

Playing for the Florida Panthers

On June 24, 2011, Brian was traded to the Florida Panthers. In his first season with the Panthers, he had 4 goals and 49 assists. He also had very few penalty minutes, showing great sportsmanship. He won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for his excellent play and gentlemanly conduct. The Panthers made the playoffs that year for the first time since 2000.

Returning to Chicago and Retirement

On July 1, 2016, Brian signed a one-year contract to return to the Chicago Blackhawks. He played one more season with them.

On July 17, 2017, Brian Campbell announced he was retiring from playing hockey. However, he didn't leave the Blackhawks completely. He joined their business operations department. He now helps with marketing, community relations, and youth hockey programs.

Playing for Team Canada

Brian Campbell played for Team Canada at the 1999 World Junior Championships. He was named a First Team All-Star in that tournament. After the 2012–13 NHL season, Brian also played for the senior Canadian team at the 2013 World Championships.

Career Statistics Summary

Brian Campbell played a total of 1,082 games in the NHL. He scored 87 goals and had 417 assists, for a total of 504 points. He also played in 107 playoff games, scoring 9 goals and adding 35 assists.

Awards and Honors