Bryan Bickell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bryan Bickell
Bickell with the Chicago Blackhawks in February 2012
Born	(1986-03-09) March 9, 1986 (age 39) Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	233 lb (106 kg; 16 st 9 lb)
Position	Left wing
Shot	Left
Played for	Chicago Blackhawks Orli Znojmo Carolina Hurricanes
NHL Draft	41st overall, 2004 Chicago Blackhawks
Playing career	2006–2017
Website	bickellfoundation.org

Bryan Bickell (born March 9, 1986) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a left wing for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League (NHL). Bryan is famous for winning the Stanley Cup, ice hockey's biggest prize, with the Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015. He also played a small part in their 2010 Stanley Cup win.

Bryan spent almost 10 years with the Blackhawks. Later, he was traded to the Hurricanes in 2016. Sadly, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) that same year. This health condition made him retire from playing hockey at the end of the season.

Early Life and First Steps in Hockey

Bryan Bickell was born to Bill and Anne Bickell. He grew up in Orono, Ontario, with his older sister, Ashley. Besides hockey, Bryan also loved playing baseball when he was young. He was so good that the New York Yankees even noticed him!

But Bryan chose to focus on hockey. He moved to Ottawa to play for the Ottawa 67's, a junior hockey team. Before becoming a full-time hockey player, Bryan had other jobs. He worked in construction and helped out at the Ottawa Senators' clubhouse. There, he cleaned laundry and did other tasks. He even met future Chicago Blackhawks teammates Antoine Vermette and Marián Hossa there!

Playing as a Youngster

Bryan started his hockey journey playing minor ice hockey with the Orono Leafs. Later, he played for the Central Ontario Wolves. In 2000, he even played in the famous Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.

He joined the Toronto Red Wings for his Bantam season. He was drafted by the Ottawa 67's in 2002. Bryan was part of the Toronto Red Wings team that won the Bantam All-Ontario championship. His future Blackhawks teammate Dave Bolland was also on that team.

Bryan Bickell's Professional Career

The Chicago Blackhawks picked Bryan Bickell in the second round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 41st player chosen overall.

Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks (2006–2016)

Bryan signed his first professional contract in 2006. He then started playing for the Norfolk Admirals in the American Hockey League (AHL). On April 5, 2007, Bryan made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks. He even scored his first NHL goal in that game! He played a few more games that season, scoring two goals.

In the next few years, Bryan mostly played for the Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks' AHL team. He also had a few chances to play with the Blackhawks. He faced some injuries, like a broken thumb and an eye injury, which kept him off the ice.

In 2010, Bryan was called up to the Blackhawks for the playoffs. He played in four games and helped the team win the Stanley Cup. This was the Blackhawks' first Stanley Cup win since 1961! Even though his name wasn't on the Cup that year, he was part of the team's big victory.

After that, Bryan signed a new contract to stay with the Blackhawks. The 2010–11 season was his first full year in the NHL. He had a great season, scoring 17 goals and 20 assists. He even scored his first playoff goal in 2011. However, he had to miss the final game of that playoff series due to a wrist injury.

Bickell with the Blackhawks warming up before the 2015 NHL Winter Classic

Bryan's best playoff performance came in the 2013 playoffs. He scored 9 goals and 8 assists in 23 games. In Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals, he scored the goal that tied the game. Just 17 seconds later, his teammate Dave Bolland scored the winning goal! This helped the Blackhawks win their second Stanley Cup in four seasons. Bryan's amazing play made him a possible candidate for the playoff MVP award. He later shared that he played through a knee injury during these playoffs.

After his strong performance, Bryan signed a big four-year contract with the Blackhawks. He continued to play important roles, even though he dealt with more injuries. In the 2014 playoffs, he again played very well, scoring 7 goals and 3 assists.

In the 2014–15 season, Bryan played a career-high 80 games. However, he faced health issues during the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals. He was scratched from some games but returned to help the Blackhawks win their third Stanley Cup in six seasons. This time, his name was engraved on the Cup!

During the 2015–16 season, Bryan continued to struggle with health problems. He spent most of the season playing for the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL. He only played 25 games for the Blackhawks that year.

Joining the Carolina Hurricanes and Retirement (2016–2017)

In 2016, the Blackhawks traded Bryan Bickell to the Carolina Hurricanes. This trade helped the Blackhawks manage their team salary. Bryan scored one goal in seven games for the Hurricanes. But then, his health issues returned.

On November 11, 2016, the Hurricanes announced that Bryan had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, making it hard for the body to work properly. He was placed on injured reserve to get treatment.

Bryan bravely returned to practice in January 2017. He played his final NHL game on April 9, 2017, scoring a shootout goal in a win against the Philadelphia Flyers. He finished his NHL career with 66 goals and 70 assists in 395 games. He also had 20 goals and 19 assists in 75 playoff games.

The NHL honored Bryan's career in June 2017, praising his strength in battling MS. On October 4, he signed a special one-day contract with the Blackhawks to officially retire as a Blackhawk. The team honored him at the United Center before their first game of the 2017–18 season.

Health Journey

Bryan Bickell started having health problems during the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals. He felt dizzy and missed some games. At first, he thought it was just a tooth infection. Later, it was described as "vestibular issues," which affect balance. These issues made it hard for him to play consistently in the 2015–16 season.

In November 2016, during the 2016–17 season, Bryan felt unexplained pain in his shoulder and leg. After tests, doctors diagnosed him with multiple sclerosis (MS). Bryan said, "Since the 2015 playoffs, I've been struggling to understand what was going on with my body. It felt like something wasn't right."

The Hurricanes' general manager, Ron Francis, said Bryan would take time off for treatment. Bryan did return to play a few more games in April 2017. But he soon announced his retirement to focus on his MS treatment. His journey showed great courage and determination.

Bryan's Life Off the Ice

Bryan Bickell is married and has two daughters. Bryan and his wife, Amanda, started the "Bryan & Amanda Bickell Foundation." This foundation does amazing work helping to rescue and care for abused pit bull dogs.

Awards and Honours