Mikkel Bødker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mikkel Bødker |
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Bødker with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2014
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| Born | 16 December 1989 Brøndby, Denmark |
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| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | ||
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg; 15 st 0 lb) | ||
| Position | Right wing | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Frölunda HC Arizona Coyotes Lukko Colorado Avalanche San Jose Sharks Ottawa Senators HC Lugano HV71 |
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| National team |  Denmark |
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| NHL Draft | 8th overall, 2008 Phoenix Coyotes |
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| Playing career | 2006–2023 | ||
Mikkel Bødker (born December 16, 1989) is a Danish former professional ice hockey player. He played as a right winger. Mikkel was chosen eighth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2008 NHL Draft. This made him the highest-drafted Danish player ever. He even appeared on the cover of the video game NHL 10 in Denmark and Norway. Mikkel Bødker retired from playing ice hockey in May 2023.
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Mikkel's Hockey Journey
Starting in Denmark and Sweden
Mikkel Bødker grew up playing hockey in Denmark. He was part of a great youth program called Rødovre SIK. In 2005, when he was 15, he moved to Frölunda HC in Sweden. There, he played for Frölunda's junior team. He had a fantastic season in 2006–07, scoring 49 points. His team won the national junior championships. Mikkel also played his first games with the men's team in the Swedish Elite League.
Playing in Canada
After his time in Sweden, Mikkel was drafted by the Kitchener Rangers. This team plays in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in Canada. He joined them for the 2007–08 season. Mikkel had a very good first year in the OHL. He scored 29 goals and 44 assists, totaling 73 points. He did even better in the playoffs, getting 35 points in 20 games. He helped the Rangers win the OHL playoff championship. In the Memorial Cup, he scored six points as his team finished second.
Joining the NHL: Arizona Coyotes
In 2008, Mikkel Bødker was picked 8th overall by the National Hockey League (NHL)'s Arizona Coyotes. He made his NHL debut in the 2008–09 season. On October 12, 2008, he scored his first NHL goal. He also played in the NHL YoungStars Game in 2009.
In the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, Mikkel played very well. He scored two game-winning goals in overtime against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Coyotes had their best playoff run ever, reaching the Western Conference Finals. They eventually lost to the Los Angeles Kings. Mikkel scored four goals and four assists during this exciting playoff run.
Due to a player lockout in the NHL, Mikkel played for Rauman Lukko in Finland for a short time. When he returned to the Coyotes, he continued to play well. In the 2013–14 season, he set new personal bests. He scored 19 goals, made 32 assists, and had 51 points in 82 games. On October 15, 2014, Mikkel scored his first career NHL hat-trick (three goals in one game). This helped the Coyotes win 7–4 against the Edmonton Oilers.
Moving to Other NHL Teams
In the 2015–16 season, Mikkel Bødker made history for the Coyotes. He became the first player to score two hat tricks in one season against the same team. Both of these hat tricks were against the Ottawa Senators. On February 29, 2016, Mikkel was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. He played 18 games with the Avalanche, scoring four goals and 12 points.
After his time with the Avalanche, Mikkel signed a four-year contract with the San Jose Sharks in July 2016. He continued to score hat tricks, getting one against the Edmonton Oilers in January 2017. In the 2017–18 season, he had a two-goal game against the Dallas Stars.
In June 2018, Mikkel was traded to the Ottawa Senators. He played for the Senators until the 2019–20 season.
Playing in Europe and Retirement
On May 19, 2020, Mikkel Bødker signed a two-year deal with HC Lugano in Switzerland. He played there for two seasons. Then, in June 2022, he signed a one-year contract with HV71 in Sweden.
Mikkel Bødker announced his retirement from professional ice hockey on May 23, 2023. He had a long and successful career.
Playing for Denmark
Mikkel Bødker's older brother, Mads Bødker, also played ice hockey. He was a defenceman for the Danish national team. The two brothers played together for the Danish junior national team. In 2007, they helped Denmark get promoted to the top division for the first time. Mikkel scored one goal in five games during that tournament.
Mikkel also played for Denmark at the 2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He was second in team scoring, with two goals and four assists in six games. He continued to represent Denmark in many international tournaments throughout his career.
Images for kids
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Bødker with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2014
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Bødker pictured during his time with the Colorado Avalanche
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Bødker playing for Lukko in 2012
