Nigel Dawes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nigel Dawes
Dawes with the Adler Mannheim in 2022
Born	(1985-02-09) February 9, 1985 (age 40) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Height	5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight	200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb)
Position	Left wing
Shot	Left
Played for	New York Rangers Phoenix Coyotes Calgary Flames Atlanta Thrashers Montreal Canadiens Barys Astana Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg Ak Bars Kazan Adler Mannheim
National team	Kazakhstan
NHL Draft	149th overall, 2003 New York Rangers
Playing career	2004–2023

Nigel Alexander Dawes (born February 9, 1985) is a former professional ice hockey player. He was a winger, which means he played on the sides of the ice, helping to score goals. Nigel is from both Kazakhstan and Canada.

He played 212 games over five seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for famous teams like the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens. After leaving the NHL, Dawes became known as an amazing goal scorer, or "sniper," in Europe. He played mostly in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He scored 267 goals and earned 505 points in 543 KHL games. This made him one of the top scorers in KHL history.

Dawes also played for the Kootenay Ice in junior hockey. With them, he helped win the 2002 Memorial Cup. He also won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Later in his career, he played for the Kazakhstan national team.

Nigel Dawes' Hockey Journey

Nigel Dawes started his hockey journey playing junior ice hockey for the Kootenay Ice. This team is part of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In his very first year, the Ice won the 2002 Memorial Cup. This is a big championship for junior hockey teams in Canada.

Dawes got even better in his next two seasons. For the 2003–04 WHL season, he was named a top player in his conference. He also won the Brad Hornung Trophy for being the most sportsmanlike player. He was also named the Kootenay Ice's most valuable player.

Joining the NHL

Dawes with the Rangers

The New York Rangers picked Dawes in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 149th player chosen overall. After playing three seasons in junior hockey, the Rangers signed him to his first professional contract. He was 19 years old at the time.

Dawes played one more season with the Kootenay Ice. He was recognized as a top player in the WHL. He then started playing professionally in the American Hockey League (AHL). Dawes ended his time with the Kootenay Ice as their all-time leading goal scorer. He had 159 goals in 245 games.

First NHL Goal and Playoffs

Dawes scored his very first NHL goal on October 21, 2006. It was against the Toronto Maple Leafs. After playing a few games, he was sent to play with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. He returned to the Rangers for their last playoff game in 2007. This was his first NHL playoff game.

In the 2007–08 season, Dawes got his first NHL assist. He became a good player for the Rangers in shootouts. He scored four times out of seven attempts in shootouts. He even played on the second line for the Rangers during that season.

Moving to Other NHL Teams

On July 16, 2008, Dawes signed a new contract with the Rangers. In March 2009, he was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes. Later, in July 2009, the Calgary Flames picked him up.

In September 2010, Dawes signed a contract with the Atlanta Thrashers. He was traded again in February 2011 to the Montreal Canadiens.

Playing in Europe

On May 31, 2011, Dawes decided to leave the NHL. He signed a contract to play for Barys Astana in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This team is based in Kazakhstan. He played for them until the 2017–18 season.

In July 2020, Dawes, who was one of the top scorers in KHL history, signed with Ak Bars Kazan. On June 11, 2021, Dawes signed a two-year contract with Adler Mannheim in Germany. After 17 years of playing professional hockey, Dawes announced his retirement in 2023 due to injuries.

International Hockey for Nigel Dawes

Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing  Canada
World Junior Championships
Silver	2004 Finland
Gold	2005 USA

Nigel Dawes played for Canada in the 2004 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He won a silver medal in 2004 and a gold medal in 2005. In 2004, Dawes was a top player, scoring six goals and five assists in six games. He was even named Canada's player of the game in the gold medal match.

Later, on March 24, 2016, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) allowed Dawes to play for Kazakhstan. He, along with two other players, became citizens of Kazakhstan. This made them eligible to play for the country's national team.

Nigel Dawes' Personal Life

Nigel Dawes was born in Winnipeg, Canada. His mother is Canadian, and his father is Jamaican.

Awards and Honours

Images for kids

• 

  Dawes with the Rangers