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 | ||
Garnet Exelby is a Canadian ice hockey player who used to play as a defenceman. He was born on August 16, 1981. Garnet played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs. He was known for his strong and energetic style of play. He was also very good at 'checking' opponents, which means stopping them from moving the puck.
Contents
Playing Career
Starting in Junior Hockey
Garnet Exelby began his hockey journey in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He played for the Saskatoon Blades in the 1998–99 season. The WHL is a major junior league where young players develop their skills.
In 1999, the Atlanta Thrashers picked him in the NHL Entry Draft. He was chosen in the eighth round, as the 217th player overall. After being drafted, he continued to play in the WHL for two more seasons. He played for both the Saskatoon Blades and the Regina Pats.
Moving to Professional Leagues
Garnet started playing professional hockey in the 2001–02 season. He joined the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League (AHL). The AHL is a league just below the NHL. It's often where players get ready for the NHL. In his first year with the Wolves, Garnet helped them win the Calder Cup. This is a big championship trophy in the AHL.
Midway through the 2002–03 season, Garnet was called up to play for the Atlanta Thrashers. This was his chance to play in the National Hockey League (NHL), the top hockey league in North America. He played many seasons with the Thrashers.
Later Career and Other Teams
On July 1, 2009, Garnet Exelby was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played for them for one season. After that, he became a free agent, meaning he could sign with any team.
He later signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in November 2010. He was then sent to their AHL team, the Rockford IceHogs. In July 2011, he signed with the Detroit Red Wings. He played for their AHL team, the Grand Rapids Griffins.
In July 2012, Garnet signed with the Boston Bruins. He played for their AHL team, the Providence Bruins, and was even an alternate captain there. He also captained the Norfolk Admirals in the 2013–14 season.
After many years in North America, Garnet decided to play hockey overseas. In July 2014, he signed a contract with Dornbirner EC in the Austrian Hockey League. He played there for a short time before ending his professional career in 2015.
Awards and Honours
Garnet Exelby won some important awards during his hockey career:
- Calder Cup: He won this championship with the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League in 2002.
- Dan Snyder Memorial Award: He received this award from the Atlanta Thrashers in 2004. 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
