Mike Eastwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mike Eastwood |
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| Born | July 1, 1967 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | ||
| Weight | 216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb) | ||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | Toronto Maple Leafs Winnipeg Jets Phoenix Coyotes New York Rangers St. Louis Blues Chicago Blackhawks Pittsburgh Penguins |
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| NHL Draft | 91st overall, 1987 Toronto Maple Leafs |
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| Playing career | 1991–2004 | ||
Michael Barry Eastwood, born on July 1, 1967, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played for 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). During his career, he was a part of several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
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Mike Eastwood's Hockey Journey
Early Years in Hockey
When Mike Eastwood was a kid, he played in the 1979 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. He was part of a youth hockey team from South Ottawa, showing his talent from a young age.
College and Pro Hockey Start
The Toronto Maple Leafs picked Mike Eastwood in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 91st player chosen overall. After being drafted, he played four seasons for Western Michigan University. He was a star player there, scoring 69 goals and adding 80 assists for a total of 149 points in 164 games. His best college season was his last, when he scored 29 goals and 32 assists in 42 games.
In 1991, Eastwood started playing professional hockey. It took him a couple of years to become a regular player in the NHL.
Playing for Many NHL Teams
In 1995, Mike Eastwood was traded to the Winnipeg Jets. This trade marked the beginning of a trend where he would play for many different teams throughout his career. He played a total of 783 games in the NHL. During these games, he scored 87 goals and made 149 assists, adding up to 236 points. His best season was in 1999–2000, when he scored 19 goals and had 15 assists, reaching 34 points.
Life After Playing Hockey
From Player to Radio Host
After Mike Eastwood retired from playing hockey in 2004, he stayed involved with the sport. Sports radio shows in the Ottawa area often asked him to share his thoughts on the NHL. He used to co-host post-game shows for the Ottawa Senators and even appeared in radio commercials.
Coaching the Next Generation
Today, Mike Eastwood is an Assistant Coach for the Ottawa 67's. This team plays in the Ontario Hockey League, which is a major junior hockey league. He helps young players develop their skills and learn the game.
Awards and Special Mentions
Mike Eastwood received some special awards during his college hockey career:
- He was named to the All-CCHA Second Team in the 1990-91 season.
- He was also part of the CCHA All-Tournament Team in 1991.
Family Connections in Hockey
Mike Eastwood's family also has a connection to hockey. In June 2020, his niece, Lindsay Eastwood, signed her first professional contract. She joined the Toronto Six, which was the first Canadian expansion team in the NWHL (National Women's Hockey League). Lindsay scored the first goal in the Toronto Six's history during the 2020–21 NWHL season.
