Garnet Exelby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Garnet Exelby |
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Exelby with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2011
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| Born | August 16, 1981 Craik, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
| Weight | 215 lb (98 kg; 15 st 5 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Atlanta Thrashers Toronto Maple Leafs Dornbirner EC |
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| NHL Draft | 217th overall, 1999 Atlanta Thrashers |
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| Playing career | 2001–2015 | ||
John Garnet Exelby was born on August 16, 1981. He is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Garnet played as a defenceman, which is a player who helps protect their team's goal. He was known for his strong and aggressive style of play. He was also good at checking, which means stopping opponents with his body. Garnet played in the top league, the National Hockey League (NHL), for the Atlanta Thrashers and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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Garnet Exelby's Hockey Journey
Garnet Exelby started his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He played for the Saskatoon Blades in the 1998–99 season. After this, the Atlanta Thrashers picked him in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 217th player chosen overall. He continued playing in the WHL for two more seasons with the Blades and the Regina Pats.
Playing in the AHL and Winning the Calder Cup
In the 2001–02 season, Garnet played in the American Hockey League (AHL). He joined the Chicago Wolves. That year, his team won the Calder Cup, which is the championship trophy for the AHL. This was a big achievement early in his career.
Making it to the NHL
Garnet Exelby was called up to play for the Atlanta Thrashers in the NHL during the 2002–03 season. This was his chance to play in the highest level of professional hockey. He continued to play for the Thrashers for several seasons.
On July 1, 2009, Garnet was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He moved to the new team along with another player, Colin Stuart. They were traded for Pavel Kubina and Tim Stapleton.
Later Career and Playing Abroad
After his time with the Maple Leafs, Garnet became a free agent in 2010. He later signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in November 2010. He was then sent to play for their AHL team, the Rockford IceHogs.
In 2011, he signed with the Detroit Red Wings. He was expected to play for their AHL team, the Grand Rapids Griffins. The next year, in 2012, he signed with the Boston Bruins. He played as an alternate captain for their AHL team, the Providence Bruins.
Garnet also captained the Norfolk Admirals in the 2013–14 season. After not playing in the NHL since 2010, he decided to play hockey outside North America. In 2014, he signed a contract with Dornbirner EC, an Austrian team. He played 17 games there before ending his professional career in December 2014.
Career Highlights and Awards
Garnet Exelby achieved some notable things during his hockey career.
- He won the Calder Cup with the Chicago Wolves in 2002. This is the championship trophy for the AHL.
- He also received the Dan Snyder Memorial Award in 2004 while playing for the Atlanta Thrashers. This award is given to the player who best shows dedication, perseverance, and teamwork.
Images for kids
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Exelby with the Atlanta Thrashers in 2007
