Matt Calvert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matt Calvert |
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Calvert with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2014
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| Born | December 24, 1989 Brandon, Manitoba, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | ||
| Weight | 174 lb (79 kg; 12 st 6 lb) | ||
| Position | Left wing | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Columbus Blue Jackets Colorado Avalanche |
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| NHL Draft | 127th overall, 2008 Columbus Blue Jackets |
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| Playing career | 2010–2021 | ||
Matthew Dean Calvert (born December 24, 1989) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He was a left winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Matt played for two teams: the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Colorado Avalanche. The Blue Jackets picked him in the fifth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 127th player chosen overall that year.
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Matt Calvert's Hockey Journey
Starting in Junior Hockey
Matt Calvert began his hockey career in junior leagues. He played a short time for the Winkler Flyers in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). After that, he joined the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He played three seasons with the Wheat Kings.
In his second year with the team, Matt was named an alternate captain. This meant he was one of the leaders on the team.
Becoming a Team Captain
After being drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2008, Matt decided to return to the Wheat Kings. He wanted to play one more season and try to win the 2010 Memorial Cup. This big tournament was hosted by Brandon that year. For the 2009–10 season, Matt became the captain of the Wheat Kings. He was recognized as one of the best players in the Eastern Conference. He also made the Memorial Cup All-Star team.
Matt is also famous for scoring a special kind of hat-trick against the Calgary Hitmen. A hat-trick is when one player scores three goals in a single game. His was a "natural short-handed hat-trick." This means he scored three goals while his team had fewer players on the ice. He tied a WHL record for most short-handed goals in one game. He was also the only player in WHL history to score three short-handed goals in one period during the playoffs.
Playing Professionally in the NHL
With the Columbus Blue Jackets
Matt Calvert started his professional career in the 2010–11 season. He first played for the Springfield Falcons. This team was the minor league affiliate of the Blue Jackets. On January 6, 2011, Matt was called up to the NHL. He played his first NHL game two days later. Soon after, he scored his first NHL goal against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings.
On February 25, 2011, Matt scored his first NHL hat-trick. This happened in a game against the Phoenix Coyotes. It was a big moment for him and the Blue Jackets team.
Playoff Heroics
On April 19, 2014, Matt helped the Blue Jackets win their first ever Stanley Cup playoff game. He scored a short-handed goal in the second period. Then, he scored the game-winning goal in double overtime. This was a huge victory for the team against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In the 2017–18 season, Matt showed he could play many different roles for the team. He scored 9 goals and made 15 assists. He also led the team with two short-handed goals. He continued to play well in the playoffs, scoring four points in six games.
Moving to the Colorado Avalanche
On July 1, 2018, Matt Calvert became a free agent. This meant he could choose which team to play for next. He decided to leave the Blue Jackets after eight seasons. He signed a three-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche.
Retirement from Hockey
On July 22, 2021, Matt Calvert announced he was retiring from the NHL. He had to stop playing due to a career-ending injury.
Personal Life
Matt Calvert married his wife, Courtney, in 2014. They have two sons named Kasey and Beau.
Awards and Honours
| Award | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| WHL | ||
| East Second All-Star Team | 2010 | |
| CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team | 2010 | |
