Johnny Oduya facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Johnny Oduya
Oduya with the Dallas Stars in April 2016
Born	(1981-10-01) 1 October 1981 (age 43) Stockholm, Sweden
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position	Defence
Shot	Left
Played for	Djurgårdens IF Frölunda HC New Jersey Devils Atlanta Thrashers Winnipeg Jets Chicago Blackhawks Dallas Stars Ottawa Senators Philadelphia Flyers
National team	Sweden
NHL Draft	221st overall, 2001 Washington Capitals
Playing career	1999–2018

David Johnny Oduya (born October 1, 1981) is a former professional ice hockey defenceman from Sweden. A defenceman's main job is to help protect their team's goal. Oduya played in the National Hockey League (NHL) and won the Stanley Cup twice with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015.

Hockey Career

Oduya playing for the New Jersey Devils.

Starting Out in Sweden and Canada

Johnny Oduya started playing junior hockey for a team called Hammarby IF in his home country of Sweden. When he was 19, he moved to Canada to play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He played for two teams there: the Victoriaville Tigres and the Moncton Wildcats.

After one year, he returned to Sweden and played for Hammarby's professional team. He then joined a top Swedish team, Djurgårdens IF. During his time there, he was known for being a tough and aggressive player. He also played for Sweden's national team in the Euro Hockey Tour.

In 2001, the Washington Capitals of the NHL selected him in the NHL Entry Draft. However, he did not sign with them and later joined another Swedish team, Frölunda HC. There, he focused more on scoring and had a great season with 8 goals and 11 assists.

Oduya with the Winnipeg Jets in 2012.

Joining the NHL

In 2006, Oduya signed a contract with the New Jersey Devils and moved to the NHL. At first, he wasn't expected to play a lot. But when other defencemen on the team got injured, Oduya got his chance to play and did very well. He played in 76 games in his first season. His strong play earned him a spot on Sweden's team for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

On February 4, 2010, Oduya was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. He played for the team when it moved to Canada and became the Winnipeg Jets.

Winning the Stanley Cup in Chicago

Oduya celebrating the 2015 Stanley Cup win with the Chicago Blackhawks.

On February 27, 2012, Oduya was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. This move would lead to the biggest moments of his career.

In 2013, Oduya and the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup by defeating the Boston Bruins. In the final game, Oduya played a key role in the winning goal. He took a shot that bounced off another player's stick, and his teammate Dave Bolland scored to win the championship.

Two years later, in 2015, Oduya won his second Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks. They beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. This was the team's third championship in six years.

Final Years in the League

After his success in Chicago, Oduya signed with the Dallas Stars in 2015. He played there for almost two seasons before being traded back to the Blackhawks in 2017.

As a free agent, he signed with the Ottawa Senators for the 2017-18 season. Near the end of that season, he was claimed by the Philadelphia Flyers. He played only one game for the Flyers before an injury ended his season. Oduya retired from professional hockey in 2018.

Personal Life

Oduya's father was from Kenya and his mother is from Sweden. His older brother, Fredrik Oduya, was also a hockey player who was drafted into the NHL.

Awards and Honors

Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing Sweden
Winter Olympics
Silver	2014 Sochi	Silver Medal
World Championships
Bronze	2009 Kloten	Bronze Medal

See also

In Spanish: Johnny Oduya para niños

• List of ice hockey players of black African descent