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 defenceman. He played for the Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). He won the famous Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010. He even helped set up the winning goal in that final game!

About Brian Campbell's Life

Growing Up and School

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

A Time of Quarantine

In 2003, Brian had to stay home for a short time. This was because someone he knew had symptoms of a serious illness called SARS. Brian and his teammate, Rhett Warrener, were kept separate to be safe. They missed three games, but neither of them got sick.

Family Life and Nickname

Brian Campbell got engaged to Lauren Miller in 2011. This happened during the NHL All-Star break. Brian's nickname is "Soupy." This is because his last name, Campbell, is the same as the famous Campbell Soup Company.

Jersey Retirement Honor

The Ottawa 67's hockey team honored Brian Campbell. They retired his jersey number during their 50th anniversary season. This means no other player on that team will wear his number again. The special ceremony happened on November 3, 2017. It took place at TD Place Arena before a game. Brian is one of only five players to have their number retired by the Ottawa 67's.

Brian Campbell's Hockey Journey

Starting in Hockey

Brian Campbell began playing minor hockey in his hometown of Strathroy. He won a championship at a young age. He also played for the Elgin-Middlesex Major Bantam Chiefs. He played with future NHL star Joe Thornton in 1993–94.

Brian was drafted by the Ottawa 67's in 1995. He played with Nick Boynton in Ottawa. Years later, they would play together again. They were teammates on the 2010 Stanley Cup-winning Chicago Blackhawks. In 1998–99, Brian won many awards in the OHL. He was named the league's Most Outstanding Player. He also won the award for the best defenceman. He was also named the Most Gentlemanly Player. That year, he helped the Ottawa 67's win the Memorial Cup.

Playing for the Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres drafted Brian Campbell in 1997. He played his first game for them in the 1999–2000 season. He wore number 51 for the team. He stayed with the Sabres until 2008. During the NHL lockout in 2004–05, he played in Finland. He played for Jokerit and won a silver medal.

In 2007, Brian was chosen for his first NHL All-Star Game. He was a top vote-getter among defencemen. He was also named an alternate captain for the Sabres in November 2007. Then, he became captain for December. 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

Brian's contract with Buffalo ended in 2008. On February 26, 2008, the Sabres traded him. He went to the San Jose Sharks. In return, Buffalo received Steve Bernier and a draft pick. The Sharks were eliminated in the playoffs that year. After the season, Brian became a free agent.

Brian played in 83 games during the 2007–08 season. This was one more than a full team schedule. It happened because he was traded from Buffalo to San Jose.

Winning the Stanley Cup with Chicago

On July 1, 2008, Brian Campbell signed a big contract. He joined the Chicago Blackhawks. He played in all 82 regular-season games in his first year. He scored 7 goals and had 45 assists. The Blackhawks made it to the Western Conference Finals that season.

On March 14, 2010, Brian got hurt during a game. He had a broken collarbone and a broken rib. He was expected to miss many weeks. But Brian worked hard to recover. He returned for Game 4 of the 2010 playoffs. His return helped the team win three games in a row. They knocked out the Nashville Predators. Before this injury, Brian had played in 388 games in a row. In the Stanley Cup Finals, Brian made a key play. He assisted on Patrick Kane's winning goal in overtime. This helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup on June 9, 2010!

Time with the Florida Panthers

During the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Brian was traded again. He went to the Florida Panthers. In his first season with Florida, he had 49 assists. He also scored 4 goals, for a total of 53 points. He only had six penalty minutes that year. This was a very low number for a defenceman. He won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for his sportsmanship. This award is given for playing well and being a gentleman.

Back to Chicago and Retirement

On July 1, 2016, Brian signed a one-year contract. He returned to play for the Chicago Blackhawks. On July 17, 2017, Brian Campbell announced he was retiring from playing hockey. But he didn't leave the Blackhawks completely! He joined their business team. He now helps with marketing and youth hockey programs.

Playing for Team Canada

Brian Campbell played for Team Canada in 1999. This was at the World Junior Championships. He was named a First Team All-Star for the tournament. After the 2012–13 season, Brian played for Team Canada again. This was his first time playing for the senior team. He played in the 2013 World Championships.

Awards and Honors