Nathan Dempsey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nathan Dempsey
Born	(1974-07-14) July 14, 1974 (age 50) Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Position	Defence
Shot	Right
Played for	Toronto Maple Leafs Chicago Blackhawks Los Angeles Kings Boston Bruins Eisbären Berlin SC Bern
NHL Draft	245th overall, 1992 Toronto Maple Leafs
Playing career	1994–2008

Nathan Dempsey, born on July 14, 1974, is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada. He played as a defenceman, which is a player who helps protect their team's goal. Nathan played in 260 games in the National Hockey League (NHL), which is the top ice hockey league in North America. He played for several famous teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, and Boston Bruins.

Nathan Dempsey's Hockey Journey

Nathan Dempsey began his professional hockey journey when he was picked by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. This was a special event where NHL teams choose young players to join their clubs. Nathan was selected in the 11th round, as the 245th player overall. At the time, he was playing for the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League (WHL), a major junior league in Canada.

Time with the Maple Leafs and AHL

For most of his nine years with the Maple Leafs organization, Nathan played for their minor league team, the St. John's Maple Leafs. This team was part of the American Hockey League (AHL), which is a league where players develop their skills before moving to the NHL.

His best season in the AHL was in 2001–02. That year, he scored 61 points (goals plus assists) in 75 games for St. John's. Even though he was with the Maple Leafs for a long time, he only played 48 games for the main NHL team before he left in 2002.

Moving to Other NHL Teams

After leaving the Maple Leafs, Nathan signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in July 2002. He became a regular player on the Blackhawks' defence during the 2003–04 season. Later that season, in March 2004, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings.

During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, when there were no NHL games, Nathan played in Germany for a team called Eisbären Berlin in the DEL. He then returned to the Kings for the 2005–06 season.

In August 2006, Nathan joined his fourth NHL team, the Boston Bruins. He spent most of that year playing for their AHL team, the Providence Bruins.

Final Professional Season

Nathan Dempsey played his last professional season in Switzerland. In July 2007, he signed with SC Bern in the NLA, which is Switzerland's top hockey league.

Life After Professional Hockey

Dempsey during his time with the Kings.

Nathan Dempsey continues to be involved with hockey even after his professional career ended. At age 37, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Despite this, he still enjoys playing hockey. He also works as a coach at the Vimy Ridge Hockey Academy in Edmonton, Canada, helping young players learn and improve their skills.

Awards and Honours