Chris Stewart (ice hockey, born 1987) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chris Stewart
Stewart with the St. Louis Blues in 2013
Born	(1987-10-30) October 30, 1987 (age 37) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	239 lb (108 kg; 17 st 1 lb)
Position	Right wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Colorado Avalanche St. Louis Blues HC Bílí Tygři Liberec Buffalo Sabres Minnesota Wild Anaheim Ducks Calgary Flames Nottingham Panthers Philadelphia Flyers
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	18th overall, 2006 Colorado Avalanche
Playing career	2007–2020

Chris Stewart (born October 30, 1987) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a forward in the National Hockey League (NHL). Chris played for teams like the Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, and Philadelphia Flyers. Before joining the NHL, he played junior hockey with the Kingston Frontenacs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Chris is also the younger brother of Anthony Stewart, who was also an NHL player.

Early Life and Hockey Dreams

Chris Stewart was the second of seven children in his family. He grew up in Toronto, Canada. Even though his family didn't have much money, Chris loved playing hockey. He was known for being very determined and tough, even when he was young. Chris and his older brother, Anthony, played for the North York Jr. Canadiens. A team representative helped pay for Chris's hockey expenses. Chris also enjoyed football and thought about playing it seriously in high school. As he grew up, Chris became good friends with another Toronto hockey player, Wayne Simmonds.

Playing Hockey: Junior Years

Starting in Junior Hockey

Before the 2004–05 season, Chris's older brother, Anthony, was the captain of the Kingston Frontenacs. Anthony asked the team's General Manager, Larry Mavety, to give Chris a chance to try out. Chris was not drafted by any team, but he made the Frontenacs team during training camp. This allowed the brothers to play together! Chris started as an energetic player who wasn't afraid to fight for the puck. He quickly showed his skill, scoring 18 goals and 30 points in 64 games during his first season.

Becoming a Star Player

In the 2005–06 season, Chris had a fantastic year. He was named an assistant captain for the Frontenacs. He scored 37 goals and 87 points in 62 games, helping Kingston reach the playoffs. The team lost in the first round, but Chris scored two goals in six playoff games.

After this great season, Chris was chosen 18th overall in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. The Colorado Avalanche picked him!

For the 2006–07 season, Chris became the new captain of the Kingston Frontenacs. He had another strong season, scoring 36 goals and 82 points in 61 games. In the playoffs, he added four goals and six points in five games.

Playing Hockey: Professional Career

Starting with the Avalanche

Stewart as a member of the Avalanche

Chris Stewart began his professional career with the Albany River Rats in the American Hockey League (AHL) at the end of the 2006–07 season. He scored his first professional goal on April 14, 2007.

In the 2007–08 season, Chris played for the Lake Erie Monsters, which was the Avalanche's AHL team. He led the team with 25 goals and had 44 points. He even scored three goals in one game (a hat-trick) on November 17, 2007!

Chris was called up to the Colorado Avalanche on December 5, 2008, to play in the NHL. He played his first NHL game that same night. On December 9, 2008, Chris scored his very first NHL goal! He also got an assist in that game. On January 21, 2009, he achieved his first "Gordie Howe hat trick." This means he scored a goal, got an assist, and had a fight all in the same game!

Success and Trades

In the 2009–10 season, Chris spent most of his time with the Avalanche. He had another Gordie Howe hat trick and his first three-point game. On March 6, 2010, Chris scored his first NHL hat trick against the St. Louis Blues. He scored two goals and then a penalty shot goal! He also had an assist, giving him a career-high four points in one game. He finished the season leading the Avalanche with 28 goals and 64 points. This helped the team make it to the playoffs. Chris scored his first playoff goal on April 14, 2010.

After that season, Chris signed a two-year contract with the Avalanche. However, on February 19, 2011, the Avalanche traded Chris to the St. Louis Blues. He had 13 goals and 30 points in 36 games with Colorado that season.

Time with the Blues and Other Teams

Chris made a big impact right away with the St. Louis Blues, scoring two goals in his first game. He finished the 2010–11 season with 15 goals and 23 points in 26 games for the Blues.

During the 2011–12 season, Chris found it a bit harder to score for the Blues. He still played in 79 games, scoring 15 goals and 30 points.

When the NHL had a lockout in 2012, Chris went to Europe to play hockey. He played for teams in Germany and the Czech Republic. He scored 20 points in just 15 games for the German team.

On February 28, 2014, the Blues traded Chris to the Buffalo Sabres. He then played for the Minnesota Wild and the Anaheim Ducks in the following years.

Later Career and Retirement

On July 1, 2016, Chris signed a two-year deal to return to the Minnesota Wild. In 2018, he was claimed by the Calgary Flames.

After playing for the Flames, Chris went to Europe again in 2018. He signed with the Nottingham Panthers in England in January 2019. He added a strong physical presence to the team, scoring 13 points in 23 games.

In 2019, Chris returned to North America and signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. He played 16 games for them.

On June 8, 2020, Chris became a founding member of the Hockey Diversity Alliance. This group works to fight against intolerance and racism in hockey. On September 27, 2020, Chris announced he was retiring from playing hockey after 13 professional seasons. He still works in hockey as a player development coach for the Flyers.

Playing for Team Canada

Chris Stewart also played for the Canadian national team at the 2011 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia. He scored two goals and had four points in seven games during the tournament.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International