Gerald Coleman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gerald Coleman
Born	(1985-04-03) April 3, 1985 (age 40) Romeoville, Illinois, U.S.
Height	6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Weight	214 lb (97 kg; 15 st 4 lb)
Position	Goaltender
Caught	Left
Played for	Tampa Bay Lightning
NHL Draft	224th overall, 2003 Tampa Bay Lightning
Playing career	2005–2014

Gerald Coleman is an American former professional ice hockey player. He was a goaltender, which is the player who tries to stop the puck from going into the net. Gerald played for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL). Most of his career was spent in the minor leagues, especially with the Alaska Aces.

Gerald's Hockey Journey

Starting Out in Hockey

Gerald Coleman was chosen by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. This is like a special selection event where professional teams pick young players. He played for the London Knights in a league called the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

In the 2003–04 season, Gerald helped his team win the Memorial Cup. This is a big championship for junior hockey teams in Canada. He also won the Dave Pinkney Trophy for having the fewest goals scored against him.

Gerald Coleman made history as the first player from the NHL Diversity Program to be drafted and play in the NHL. This program helps bring hockey to more young people. He played his first NHL game for the Lightning in November 2005.

Moving to Different Teams

In 2007, Gerald was traded to the Anaheim Ducks. A trade means players are exchanged between teams. He then played for the Portland Pirates, which was a team in the American Hockey League (AHL). The AHL is another professional league, just below the NHL.

Later, Gerald played for several other teams. These included the Phoenix RoadRunners and the Trenton Devils in the ECHL. The ECHL is another professional hockey league. He helped the Trenton Devils have a much better season.

Success with the Alaska Aces

Gerald Coleman joined the Alaska Aces for the 2010–11 season. This is where he had a lot of success. He had a great record, winning 30 games that season.

In the playoffs, Gerald and the Aces were amazing. They won the Kelly Cup, which is the championship trophy for the ECHL. They set a playoff record with 12 wins and only 1 loss. Gerald won 11 of those games and had a very low goals-against average. He was even named Goaltender of the Year!

He continued to play well for the Aces. He helped them win their second Kelly Cup championship in 2014.

Retirement from Hockey

After his fourth season with the Alaska Aces, Gerald Coleman decided to retire. He stopped playing professional hockey on August 1, 2014. He retired because of ongoing hip injuries. He planned to study physical therapy after his hockey career.

Awards and Honors

Gerald Coleman received many awards during his hockey career: