Kyle Chipchura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kyle Chipchura |
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| Born | February 19, 1986 Westlock, Alberta, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 206 lb (93 kg; 14 st 10 lb) | ||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Montreal Canadiens Anaheim Ducks Arizona Coyotes Kunlun Red Star HC Slovan Bratislava Severstal Cherepovets |
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| NHL Draft | 18th overall, 2004 Montreal Canadiens |
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| Playing career | 2006–2020 | ||
Kyle Douglas Glen Chipchura (born February 19, 1986) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a centre. Kyle was chosen early in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. He also played for the Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes.
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Kyle's Early Life
Kyle Chipchura was born in Westlock, Alberta, Canada. He started playing minor league hockey in nearby towns like Legal and Westlock. During his time playing major junior hockey, he attended R. F. Staples Secondary School and Carlton Comprehensive High School.
Kyle's Hockey Journey
Kyle began his major junior hockey career with the Prince Albert Raiders in the Western Hockey League (WHL) during the 2002–03 season. After his second season, the Montreal Canadiens picked him in the NHL Draft.
On March 25, 2006, Kyle signed a three-year contract with the Canadiens. He then joined their minor league team, the Hamilton Bulldogs, in the AHL. In the 2006–07 season, Kyle stayed with the Bulldogs. He scored 39 points in the regular season. In the playoffs, he added 6 goals and 13 points, helping Hamilton win the Calder Cup.
Kyle played his first NHL game on October 10, 2007. He scored his first NHL goal later that month, on October 20, against the Buffalo Sabres.
On December 2, 2009, Kyle was traded to the Anaheim Ducks. He found a role on the Ducks' "checking line," which focuses on stopping the other team's offense. He finished the 2009–10 season with 6 goals and 6 assists. His second season with the Ducks was tougher, as he struggled to keep a regular spot on the team. He ended up with only 2 assists in 40 games.
After leaving the Ducks, Kyle became a free agent. He signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes on July 19, 2011.
After five seasons with the Coyotes, Kyle left the NHL. He signed his first contract to play hockey outside North America. On July 17, 2016, he joined HC Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia, which plays in the KHL. In his only season with Bratislava, he played 59 games and scored 13 goals and 29 points.
On June 2, 2017, Kyle continued playing in the KHL. He moved to the Chinese team HC Kunlun Red Star. After the 2017–18 season, his scoring dropped to 11 points in 56 games. Kyle then decided to return to Slovan Bratislava. He signed another one-year deal with them on July 17, 2018.
Playing for Canada
Kyle was invited to try out for Team Canada before the 2005 World Junior Championships. Even though he was only 18, he was expected to make the team. However, he injured his Achilles tendon during practice and could not play. Canada went on to win the gold medal that year.
The next year, Kyle was invited to try out again for the 2006 World Junior Championships. He made the Canadian team. On December 16, 2005, head coach Brent Sutter named Kyle the team captain. This was a special honor, as it made Kyle only the second player drafted by the Montreal Canadiens to be captain for Team Canada at this tournament. Canada won the gold medal again that year!
Awards and Honours
| Award | Year | |
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| WHL | ||
| East Second All-Star Team | 2006 | |
Images for kids
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Chipchura playing for the Anaheim Ducks in 2009
