Dan Snyder (ice hockey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dan Snyder |
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| Born | February 23, 1978 Elmira, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | October 5, 2003 (aged 25) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
| Weight | 196 lb (89 kg; 14 st 0 lb) | ||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Atlanta Thrashers | ||
| NHL Draft | Undrafted | ||
| Playing career | 1999–2003 | ||
Daniel Joseph Snyder (February 23, 1978 – October 5, 2003) was a talented Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played as a centre for the Atlanta Thrashers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Dan was known for his hard work and dedication on the ice.
Even though he played in only 49 NHL games, Dan left a lasting impact. The Thrashers created an award in his honor, the Dan Snyder Memorial Award. It goes to the player who shows great perseverance and hard work for their team. When the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg, the Jets continued this tradition. Other hockey leagues, like the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), also have awards named after him.
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Dan Snyder's Hockey Journey
Dan Snyder loved hockey from a young age. He worked hard to become a professional player. His journey shows how dedication can help you achieve your dreams.
Starting in Junior Hockey
In 1994, Dan was one of the last players chosen for his hometown Junior B team, the Elmira Sugar Kings. He faced challenges at first. But after a serious talk with his coaches, Dan improved a lot. He even earned the Sugar Kings' rookie of the year award.
The next year, he tried out for the Owen Sound Platers. This was a Major junior team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Dan started slowly again, but he chose to keep trying. He ended up leading the team in scoring during exhibition games. He played four years for the Platers, scoring 75 goals and 221 points. He was also the team captain in his last two seasons.
Playing Pro Hockey
Dan was not chosen in the NHL draft. But the Atlanta Thrashers signed him as a free agent in 1999. This means they offered him a contract even though he wasn't drafted.
He played in the minor leagues first. He helped the Orlando Solar Bears win the IHL championship in 2001. Then, he helped the Chicago Wolves win the American Hockey League (AHL) championship in 2002.
Dan was called up to the NHL in the 2000–01 season. In the 2002–03 season, he scored 10 goals and four assists in 36 games for the Thrashers.
Dan Snyder's Legacy
Dan Snyder's life was cut short on October 5, 2003. He was a passenger in a car accident on September 29, 2003. His teammate, Dany Heatley, was driving. Dan was seriously injured and went into a coma. He passed away six days later.
The hockey world deeply mourned Dan's passing. The Atlanta Thrashers dedicated their next season to Dan and Dany Heatley. They wore a special patch with Dan's number 37 on their jerseys. They also painted the same logo on the ice rink boards.
The team also created The Dan Snyder Memorial Scholarship. These scholarships help three students from Dan's hometown area. In December 2003, the Thrashers played the Detroit Red Wings. Both teams wore the special patch. After the game, their jerseys were auctioned off. The money raised went to the scholarships.
Dan's parents, Graham and LuAnn Snyder, traveled across North America. They shared Dan's story and raised awareness for the Dan Snyder Memorial Foundation. This foundation provides college scholarships and supports the Elmira recreation center.
The Canadian band The Tragically Hip recorded a song called "Heaven Is a Better Place Today" in Dan's honor. It is on their album In Between Evolution.
Dan had a dream for a new sports complex in Elmira. After his death, the Dan Snyder Memorial Foundation gave $750,000 to the project. The complex opened in 2009. The main arena, where the Sugar Kings play, is named the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena. The Atlanta Thrashers even held a practice there in 2009.
Career Statistics
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1995–96 | Owen Sound Platers | OHL | 63 | 8 | 17 | 25 | 78 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| 1996–97 | Owen Sound Platers | OHL | 57 | 17 | 29 | 46 | 96 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | ||
| 1997–98 | Owen Sound Platers | OHL | 46 | 23 | 33 | 56 | 74 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 16 | ||
| 1998–99 | Owen Sound Platers | OHL | 64 | 27 | 67 | 94 | 110 | 16 | 8 | 5 | 13 | 30 | ||
| 1999–00 | Orlando Solar Bears | IHL | 71 | 12 | 13 | 25 | 123 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| 2000–01 | Orlando Solar Bears | IHL | 78 | 13 | 30 | 43 | 127 | 16 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 20 | ||
| 2000–01 | Atlanta Thrashers | NHL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2001–02 | Chicago Wolves | AHL | 56 | 11 | 24 | 35 | 115 | 22 | 7 | 10 | 17 | 25 | ||
| 2001–02 | Atlanta Thrashers | NHL | 11 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 30 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2002–03 | Atlanta Thrashers | NHL | 36 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 34 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2002–03 | Chicago Wolves | AHL | 35 | 11 | 12 | 23 | 39 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| NHL totals | 49 | 11 | 5 | 16 | 64 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
Images for kids
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The Chicago Wolves banner honoring Snyder
See also
- List of ice hockey players who died during their playing careers
