Kyle Okposo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kyle Okposo |
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Okposo with the New York Islanders in January 2015
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| Born | April 16, 1988 Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. |
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| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | ||
| Weight | 216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb) | ||
| Position | Right wing | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | New York Islanders Buffalo Sabres Florida Panthers |
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| National team |  United States |
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| NHL Draft | 7th overall, 2006 New York Islanders |
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| Playing career | 2007–2024 | ||
Kyle Henry Erovre Okposo (born April 16, 1988) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He was a right winger who played for 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Kyle played for the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and Florida Panthers. The Islanders picked him seventh overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Okposo won the amazing Stanley Cup with the Panthers in 2024.
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Kyle Okposo's Hockey Journey
Early Career and College Days
Kyle Okposo started his hockey journey playing in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Des Moines Buccaneers. He had a fantastic season, winning the league's top rookie award and being named the most valuable player of the USHL playoffs. He even helped his team win the Clark Cup!
After that, Kyle went to the University of Minnesota to play college hockey. He played there until December 2007. Then, he decided to sign a professional contract with the New York Islanders.
Playing for the New York Islanders
Kyle Okposo joined the New York Islanders and played his first NHL game on March 18, 2008. Just a few days later, he scored his very first NHL goal! It was a game-winning goal against Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils.
In the 2013–14 season, Kyle really shined. He played on a line with star players like John Tavares and Thomas Vanek. That season, he scored 69 points in 71 games, which was the most points on the Islanders team! He scored his 100th career goal in October 2014. In January 2015, he had an incredible game where he scored four goals against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which was his first hat trick in the NHL.
Time with the Buffalo Sabres
On July 1, 2016, Kyle Okposo signed a seven-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres. In his first season with the Sabres, he scored 45 points and was even chosen to play in the 2017 National Hockey League All-Star Game.
Kyle faced some health challenges during his time with the Sabres, which sometimes affected his playing time. However, he made a strong comeback in the 2021–22 season, scoring 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points. This was his best season since joining the Sabres!
Before the 2022–23 season, Kyle Okposo was named the captain of the Buffalo Sabres. This is a big honor, showing he was a leader on the team. He played his 1,000th NHL game on November 14, 2023.
Winning the Stanley Cup with Florida
On March 8, 2024, Kyle Okposo was traded to the Florida Panthers. He joined his new team just in time to help them reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the second year in a row. The Panthers won the Stanley Cup in an exciting Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers! This was Kyle Okposo's first Stanley Cup Championship after playing for 17 years in the NHL. He was one of the first players to lift the cup, right after the Panthers' captain Aleksander Barkov and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
After winning the championship, Kyle Okposo announced his retirement from professional hockey on September 19, 2024.
Kyle's Life Off the Ice
Kyle Okposo's father, Kome, is from Nigeria, and his mother, Michelle, is American. Both of his parents are pharmacists.
Kyle is married and has four children. He has shared that he faced health challenges during his hockey career. He worked hard to overcome these challenges and continue playing the sport he loved.
Playing for Team USA
Kyle also represented the United States in international hockey tournaments. He played in the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championship and helped his team win a bronze medal!
| Medal record | ||
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| Representing United States |
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| Ice hockey | ||
| World Junior Championships | ||
| Bronze | 2007 Mora | |
Awards and Honors
Kyle Okposo received many awards and honors throughout his career:
| Award | Year | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| USHL | ||
| Rookie of the Year | 2006 | |
| Clark Cup playoffs MVP | 2006 | |
| First All-Star Team | 2006 | |
| All-Rookie Team | 2006 | |
| College | ||
| All-WCHA Rookie Team | 2007 | |
| All-WCHA Second Team | 2007 | |
| NHL | ||
| NHL All-Star Game | 2017 | |
| Stanley Cup champion | 2024 | |
| Bob Nystrom Award | 2010 | |
