Brooks Orpik facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brooks Orpik |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Orpik with the Washington Capitals in April 2016
|
|||
| Born | September 26, 1980 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
||
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | ||
| Weight | 219 lb (99 kg; 15 st 9 lb) | ||
| Position | Defense | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Pittsburgh Penguins Washington Capitals |
||
| National team |  United States |
||
| NHL Draft | 18th overall, 2000 Pittsburgh Penguins |
||
| Playing career | 2001–2019 | ||
Richard Brooks Orpik (born September 26, 1980) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He was a defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Brooks Orpik was known as a "stay-at-home defenseman." This means he focused on defending his team's goal rather than scoring. He was also a strong leader in the locker room. Orpik won the Stanley Cup twice. He won with the Penguins in 2009 and with the Capitals in 2018. He is the only player to win the Stanley Cup with both of these rival teams.
After his playing career, Orpik became an assistant coach for the Boston College Eagles. He also works for the Washington Capitals. His job there is to help young defensemen playing for the Hershey Bears.
Contents
Brooks Orpik's Early Life
Brooks Orpik was born in San Francisco, California. This was just a few months after the U.S. "Miracle on Ice" win in 1980. Because of this famous hockey win, he was named after the American Olympic coach, Herb Brooks.
Orpik grew up in Amherst, New York, with his brother Andrew. He went to the Nichols School in Buffalo. Later, he attended Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts.
Brooks Orpik's Playing Career
College Hockey Years
Orpik played college hockey for three seasons at Boston College. He was part of the Eagles ice hockey team. During his time there, the team won the Hockey East playoff championship in 1999 and 2001. They also won the big NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship in 2001. His younger brother, Andrew, also played hockey for Boston College.
Professional Hockey Journey
Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins (2001–2014)
The Pittsburgh Penguins chose Brooks Orpik in the first round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 18th player picked overall. He started his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) in the 2001–02 season. He played for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Orpik made his NHL debut in the 2002–03 season. He played six games that year. The next year, he earned a full spot on the team. He played in 79 games, scoring one goal and nine assists.
In March 2006, Orpik was suspended for three games. This was for an illegal hit on Carolina Hurricanes player Erik Cole. Cole was injured but returned to play later that season.
In 2008, Orpik signed a new six-year contract with the Penguins. In October 2008, he was named an alternate captain. This meant he helped lead the team alongside players like Evgeni Malkin and captain Sidney Crosby.
On June 12, 2009, Orpik and the Penguins won the Stanley Cup. They beat the Detroit Red Wings in a thrilling Game 7. Orpik was the first player from California to win the Stanley Cup.
In December 2011, Orpik reached 100 career points. He got an assist on a goal by Evgeni Malkin.
In May 2013, Orpik scored his first career playoff goal. It was an overtime goal in Game 6 that helped the Penguins win their series against the New York Islanders.
In December 2013, Orpik was involved in another incident. He hit Boston Bruins player Loui Eriksson. Later, another Bruins player, Shawn Thornton, hit Orpik. Thornton was suspended for 15 games.
Joining the Washington Capitals (2014–2019)
.jpg)
On July 1, 2014, Brooks Orpik signed a five-year contract with the Washington Capitals. He joined them as a free agent.
In the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, Orpik was suspended for three games. This was for an illegal hit on Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Määttä. Määttä returned to play later in the series.
.jpg)
In April 2018, Orpik was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. This award is given to a player who shows great leadership and helps their community. In the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, Orpik scored a game-winning goal in Game 2 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals. This was against the Vegas Golden Knights. It was his first goal since February 2016.
On June 7, 2018, Orpik and the Capitals won the Stanley Cup. They beat the Golden Knights in five games. This was the first Stanley Cup win for the Capitals. It was Orpik's second Stanley Cup victory.
In June 2018, Orpik was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. This trade was made to help the Capitals manage their team salary. The Avalanche then released him, and he became a free agent. In July 2018, he signed a one-year contract to return to the Washington Capitals.
In the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, Orpik scored an overtime game-winning goal in Game 2. This gave the Capitals a 2–0 lead in their series against the Carolina Hurricanes. This was Orpik's last NHL goal. The Capitals, however, lost the series in seven games.
On June 25, 2019, Brooks Orpik announced he was retiring from professional hockey. Soon after, the Capitals hired him as a Player Development coach.
International Play for Team USA
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's ice hockey | ||
Representing the  United States |
||
| Olympic Games | ||
| Silver | 2010 Vancouver | |
In 1999, Orpik played for the United States in the 1999 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
In 2009, Orpik was invited to a special camp for USA Hockey. This camp was to prepare for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Orpik was chosen for the American team. They won a silver medal, finishing second to Canada.
Brooks Orpik's Personal Life
Brooks Orpik is married to Erin Orpik. They have two daughters together.
His teammates sometimes called him "Free Candy." This nickname came from a fan blog. It was given to him because of his serious look in a team photo.
Awards and Honors
| Award | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| NHL | ||
| Stanley Cup champion | 2009, 2018 | |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | ||
| Defensive Player of the Year | 2010 | |
