Kris Versteeg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kris Versteeg
Versteeg with the Los Angeles Kings in April 2016
Born	(1986-05-13) May 13, 1986 (age 39) Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	176 lb (80 kg; 12 st 8 lb)
Position	Right wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Chicago Blackhawks Toronto Maple Leafs Philadelphia Flyers Florida Panthers Carolina Hurricanes Los Angeles Kings Calgary Flames Avangard Omsk Växjö Lakers Nitra
NHL Draft	134th overall, 2004 Boston Bruins
Playing career	2006–2020

Kris Versteeg (born May 13, 1986) is a Canadian entrepreneur and former professional ice hockey player. He was a skilled winger known for his speed and scoring.

During his career, Versteeg played for many teams. These include the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Calgary Flames. He also played for teams in Russia, Sweden, and Slovakia. Kris Versteeg is famous for winning the Stanley Cup twice with the Chicago Blackhawks. He won in 2010 and again in 2015.

He was first picked by the Boston Bruins in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He played in their minor league team, the Providence Bruins, before joining the Blackhawks. Versteeg made his debut in the NHL during the 2007–08 season. The next year, he was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best rookie. After helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010, he played for several other teams. He then returned to Chicago and won his second Stanley Cup in 2015.

Kris Versteeg's Hockey Journey

Starting His Career

Kris Versteeg was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2004. He was the 134th player chosen overall. Before this, he played four years in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He played for the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Kamloops Blazers, and Red Deer Rebels. He even played with future Blackhawks teammate Brent Seabrook in Lethbridge. Versteeg started his professional career in 2006. He played for the Providence Bruins, Boston's minor league team.

Joining the Chicago Blackhawks

In 2007, Versteeg was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. He played for their minor league teams, the Norfolk Admirals and Rockford IceHogs. He made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks in the 2007–08 season. He played 13 games and scored two goals and two assists.

Versteeg playing for the Blackhawks in 2009.

Versteeg played his first full season with the Blackhawks in 2008–09. On January 1, 2009, he scored the first goal in the 2009 Winter Classic. This outdoor game was held at Wrigley Field against the Detroit Red Wings. He finished the season with 22 goals and 53 points. This made him the second-highest scoring rookie. He was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the best rookie.

After his first full season, Versteeg signed a new three-year contract with the Blackhawks. In his second full NHL season, his scoring dropped a bit. However, he was a key player in the 2010 playoffs. He helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup by beating the Philadelphia Flyers.

Moving to Other Teams

After the Blackhawks won the Cup, they had to trade some players due to salary rules. Versteeg was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2010. He had a special game there, getting a "Gordie Howe hat trick." This means he scored a goal, made an assist, and got into a fight in one game.

In 2011, he was traded again, this time to the Philadelphia Flyers. He joined the team he had just helped defeat in the Stanley Cup Finals! He scored seven goals for the Flyers that season.

Later in 2011, the Flyers traded Versteeg to the Florida Panthers. He played well for the Panthers, scoring 23 goals and 31 assists in the 2011–12 season.

Versteeg during his second time with the Blackhawks in 2014.

Returning to Chicago and Second Stanley Cup

On November 14, 2013, Versteeg was traded back to the Chicago Blackhawks. He chose to wear jersey number 23 this time. On June 15, 2015, Versteeg won his second Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks. They beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in game 6 of the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals.

Later NHL Years

After his second Cup win, Versteeg was traded again. This time, he went to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2015. He quickly became an important player on their top scoring lines.

In February 2016, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He played 14 games for them and scored 5 points. The Kings lost in the first round of the playoffs that year.

In 2016, Versteeg tried to play in Switzerland but failed a medical exam. He then joined the Edmonton Oilers for their training camp. However, he decided to sign with the Calgary Flames instead. He had a good first season with the Flames, scoring 15 goals. He was especially good on the powerplay. He signed another contract with the Flames in 2017 but had a hip injury that needed surgery.

Playing Overseas and Retirement

In 2018, Versteeg signed a contract to play in Russia for Avangard Omsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He later moved to Sweden to play for Växjö Lakers.

In 2019, he returned to North America and signed with the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League (AHL). He was even named team captain. After playing only six games due to injury, he left the team. He then signed with HK Nitra in Slovakia to play with his brother Mitch. Kris Versteeg officially retired from playing hockey on April 14, 2020.

Life After Hockey

Business and Camps

Kris Versteeg and his brothers started a sports technology app called Klevr.ai in 2021. He also teamed up with fellow hockey player Devin Setoguchi to create the VersSet Skills Camp. This camp helps young hockey players aged 4 to 18 improve their skills. It's held every summer in Taber, Alberta. The camp aims to share the love of hockey and help the next generation of players.

Helping Others

Versteeg cares a lot about helping young people in sports. He raised $15,000 for Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society while on a TV show called Battle of the Blades. He dedicated this support to his best friend and his friend's community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also gave money to families in Southern Alberta to buy groceries and other important items.

Broadcasting

Versteeg is now a regular guest on sports shows. He shares his thoughts on hockey topics, from rules to player fashion. You can hear him on Sportsnet Hockey Central and Sirius XM NHL Radio.

Personal Life

Kris Versteeg was born in Lethbridge, Alberta. His parents are Marilyn and Roy, and his grandparents Morris and Joanne also helped raise him. He is married and has three children. His younger brother, Mitch, also played professional hockey.

Awards and Honours