D. J. King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids D. J. King |
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King with the Peoria Rivermen in 2007
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| Born | June 27, 1984 Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | ||
| Weight | 230 lb (104 kg; 16 st 6 lb) | ||
| Position | Left Wing | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | St. Louis Blues Washington Capitals |
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| NHL Draft | 190th overall, 2002 St. Louis Blues |
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| Playing career | 2004–2013 | ||
Dwayne "D. J." King Jr. is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He was born on June 27, 1984, in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. D. J. King played as a left winger in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the St. Louis Blues and the Washington Capitals.
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D. J. King's Hockey Journey
D. J. King was chosen by the St. Louis Blues in the 6th round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 191st player picked overall. Before joining the professional leagues, he played junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for teams such as the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Kelowna Rockets.
Starting Professional Hockey
King spent his first two years as a professional player with teams connected to the Blues. These teams were in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the ECHL, which are minor hockey leagues. He was known as an enforcer during his career. An enforcer is a player who is very physical and often gets into fights to protect their teammates.
Making it to the NHL
D. J. King made his first appearance in the NHL during the 2006–07 NHL season. His very first NHL game was on October 5, 2006, against the San Jose Sharks. Even though he played most of that year with the Peoria Rivermen in the AHL, he was called up to play for the Blues.
He scored his first NHL goal on April 4, 2007, against the Phoenix Coyotes. He played 27 games for the Blues that season, getting two points (one goal and one assist) and spending 52 minutes in the penalty box.
Dealing with Injuries
The 2008–09 NHL season was tough for King because of a shoulder injury that ended his season early. He only played one game for the Blues that year. He came back for the 2009–10 NHL season, but another injury, a broken finger, kept him off the ice for several months. Throughout his career, D. J. King often moved between the AHL and NHL.
Moving to the Capitals
On July 28, 2010, King signed a new two-year contract with the Blues. This allowed him to be traded to the Washington Capitals in exchange for another player, Stefan Della Rovere. After his time with the Capitals, King played for the Ontario Reign in the ECHL in 2013.
King was well-known for his fighting skills throughout his hockey career, from his junior days to the NHL. He had some memorable fights against other tough players like Dion Phaneuf, Colton Orr, and Derek Boogaard.
D. J. King's Life Off the Ice
D. J. King is part of the Métis community in Canada. His younger brother, Dwight King, is also a professional hockey player. Dwight currently plays for Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
D. J. King has two sons with his longtime girlfriend, Chantal Babin. In 2015, King, along with James Norman and Jeremy Norman, became owners of Tawaw Cabins. This is a resort located in Waterhen Lake, Saskatchewan. More recently, in 2025, King started a new adventure by debuting as a chuckwagon driver at the Rangeland Derby at Calgary Stampede.
