Ryan Getzlaf facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ryan Getzlaf
Getzlaf with the Anaheim Ducks in April 2016
Born	(1985-05-10) May 10, 1985 (age 40) Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb)
Position	Centre
Shot	Right
Played for	Anaheim Ducks
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	19th overall, 2003 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
Playing career	2005–2022

Ryan Getzlaf (born May 10, 1985) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played his entire career in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Anaheim Ducks. Ryan is the Ducks' all-time top scorer.

He was picked 19th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Getzlaf played in three NHL All-Star Games. He also helped the Ducks win the Stanley Cup in 2007. Ryan was known as a great playmaker and a strong player. He holds many Ducks records, including most games played, assists, and total points. He also leads in playoff goals, assists, and points. After retiring, Getzlaf joined the NHL's Department of Player Safety in 2024.

As a junior player, Getzlaf spent four seasons with the Calgary Hitmen. He was named a Western Hockey League (WHL) all-star twice. Ryan also played for Team Canada many times. He was part of the amazing 2005 World Junior Championship team. He also won a silver medal at the 2008 World Championship. Getzlaf is a two-time Olympian. He won gold medals with Canada at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.

Ryan Getzlaf's Early Life

Ryan Getzlaf was born on May 10, 1985, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. His parents are Steve and Susan Getzlaf. He has an older brother named Chris Getzlaf. Ryan went to Robert Usher Collegiate in Regina.

His family loved sports. Both Ryan and Chris were encouraged to play many games. They especially enjoyed hockey and Canadian football. Chris became a football player for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Ryan played football as a tailback. He also played baseball as a catcher for Saskatchewan in a national tournament. But he chose to focus on hockey when he was five years old.

Ryan Getzlaf's Hockey Journey

Junior Hockey Years

In 2000, Ryan Getzlaf was drafted by the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He was 15 years old and 5 feet 9 inches tall. By the time he joined the team at 16, he had grown six inches.

He started his junior career in the 2001–02 season. He scored 18 points in 63 games. The next season, he scored 29 goals and 68 points. This made him a top player for the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim picked him 19th overall.

The Ducks sent Getzlaf back to the Hitmen for the 2003–04 season. He had 75 points in just 49 games. He was named to the WHL's first all-star team. Because of the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Getzlaf played a fourth season in junior hockey. He was named team captain. He briefly lost the captaincy for arguing with officials. But he got it back after a few weeks. He also missed some games due to a concussion (a type of head injury). After the Hitmen's season ended, he played 10 playoff games for the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Anaheim Ducks: A Long Career (2005–2022)

Starting in the NHL and Winning the Stanley Cup

Ryan Getzlaf joined the Mighty Ducks for the 2005–06 season. He made his NHL debut on October 5, 2005. He scored his first NHL goal on October 21. He was sent to the AHL's Portland Pirates for a short time. This helped him get more playing time. He scored 33 points in 17 games for the Pirates. He then returned to Anaheim. He finished his first NHL season with 39 points in 57 games. He also had 7 points in 16 playoff games.

Getzlaf faces off with future teammate Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks in December 2009.

In his second season (2006–07), the team was renamed the Anaheim Ducks. Getzlaf played all 82 games. He scored 58 points. He also played in the YoungStars Game at the 2007 NHL All-Star Game. Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Dustin Penner formed a strong "kid line." This line helped the Ducks win the Stanley Cup in 2007. Getzlaf led the team in playoff scoring with 17 points.

Before the 2007–08 season, Getzlaf signed a five-year contract. He played in his first NHL All-Star Game in 2008. He led the Ducks with 58 assists and 82 points.

In the 2008–09 season, Getzlaf tied a team record with five assists in one game. He led the Ducks with a record 66 assists. His 91 points were the sixth-best in the NHL. He played in his second All-Star Game. The Ducks made it to the second round of the playoffs. Getzlaf set a new playoff record for the team with 14 assists.

An ankle injury limited Getzlaf to 66 games in 2009–10. He still led the Ducks with 50 assists.

Becoming Captain and Playoff Runs

Getlaf awaiting a faceoff during a game in February 2011

After Scott Niedermayer retired, Getzlaf was named the Ducks' new captain for the 2010–11 season. He was 25 years old. On December 28, 2010, he broke bones in his face after being hit by a puck. He played in 67 games that season. He had 76 points, with 57 assists. His 57 assists were fourth-best in the NHL.

Getzlaf played his 500th career game on March 12, 2012. He played all 82 games in 2011–12. He led the team with 46 assists and 57 points.

Getzlaf with the Ducks in February 2012

On March 8, 2013, Getzlaf reached his 500th career point. On the same day, he signed an eight-year contract extension. He finished the shortened season leading the team in assists (34) and points (49).

In 2013–14, Getzlaf scored a career-high 31 goals and 56 assists. He finished second in league scoring with 87 points. He was named to the NHL's second All-Star team. He was also a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player. In the 2014 playoffs, Getzlaf was injured after blocking a shot with his face. He returned for the second game but missed two more due to an injury. The Ducks won their first series but lost in the second round.

In the 2015 playoffs, Getzlaf tied his own record for most assists in a postseason with 14. The Ducks reached the Western Conference Finals but lost in seven games. Getzlaf was a finalist for the Mark Messier Leadership Award.

In the 2017 playoffs, Getzlaf passed Teemu Selänne for the most playoff goals in Ducks history. During the Western Conference Finals, he was fined for using inappropriate language towards an official. He later apologized, saying it was his responsibility to be careful with his words.

Final Years and Retirement

Getzlaf (right) battling with Zdeno Chara for position in front of the net in February 2019

Early in the 2017–18 season, Getzlaf broke his cheekbone after being hit by a puck. He returned after 19 games. The Ducks made the playoffs but lost in the first round. Getzlaf was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. This award recognizes leadership and community work.

On November 3, 2019, Getzlaf played his 1,000th NHL game.

During the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, Getzlaf recorded his 700th NHL assist on March 18, 2021.

On July 28, 2021, Getzlaf signed a one-year contract to stay with the Ducks. On October 31, he scored his 989th career point. This made him the Ducks' all-time leading scorer, passing Teemu Selänne. On November 16, Getzlaf scored his 1,000th career NHL point with an assist.

On April 5, 2022, Getzlaf announced he would retire at the end of the 2021–22 season. His final game was the last home game of the season for the Ducks on April 24. Before the game, the Ducks honored Getzlaf with a special ceremony. His family and the team owners joined him on the ice. The Ducks gave him a golf vacation and an off-road vehicle. Retired Ducks star Selänne drove the vehicle onto the ice. In the game, Getzlaf recorded an assist. After the game, his teammates and the opposing team congratulated him. Getzlaf gave an emotional speech to the crowd. He then took one final lap around the arena. This marked the end of his 17-year career.

Getzlaf finished his career with 282 goals, 737 assists, and 1,018 points in 1,175 games. He holds many Ducks records, including most games played, assists, and total points. He is one of only 35 players since 1980 to play their entire career with one NHL team.

Playing for Team Canada

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Winter Olympics
Gold	2010 Vancouver
Gold	2014 Sochi
World Championships
Silver	2008 Canada
Canada Cup / World Cup
Gold	2016 Toronto
World Junior Championships
Gold	2005 United States
Silver	2004 Finland
IIHF World U18 Championships
Gold	2003 Russia

Getzlaf first played for Team Canada at the 2002 World U17 Hockey Challenge. The next year, he joined the Canadian under-18 team. They won Canada's first gold medal at the U18 level.

He then played for the national junior team at the 2004 World Junior Championship. Canada won the silver medal that year.

The 2004–05 NHL lockout meant many NHL players, including Getzlaf, could play in the 2005 World Junior Championship. Many people call this Canadian team the greatest in the tournament's history. Getzlaf scored 12 points in 6 games. Canada won the gold medal by beating Russia 6–1.

Getzlaf attempts a shot against German goaltender Thomas Greiss during the 2010 Winter Olympics

Getzlaf played for the senior team at the 2008 World Championship. He led the tournament with 11 assists. Canada won the silver medal after losing to Russia in overtime. Getzlaf was chosen for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He had been injured but recovered in time to play. He scored 7 points in 7 games. Canada won the gold medal by beating the United States in overtime.

Two years later, Getzlaf was Canada's captain at the 2012 World Championship. Canada lost in the quarterfinal. Getzlaf was given a penalty for kneeing an opponent. He was very upset about the loss and his penalty.

Getzlaf returned to the Canadian team for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. His play was key to Canada winning their second straight Olympic gold medal. Canada beat Sweden 3–0 in the final game.

Ryan Getzlaf's Playing Style

Getzlaf was known as a power forward with excellent passing skills. The Hockey News called him "the complete package." He had a powerful shot and played physically. But sometimes he took unnecessary penalties. He was one of the league's best passers. He led the Ducks in assists for ten seasons in a row. He also led the team in points seven times.

He and winger Corey Perry formed a very strong scoring duo. They were often called the "twins" in Anaheim. They played together since being drafted in 2003. They won the Stanley Cup together in 2007. They also won gold medals at the World Junior Championship and the Olympics. Getzlaf was recognized for his leadership with the Ducks. He was nominated for the Mark Messier Leadership Award twice.

Ryan Getzlaf's Life Off the Ice

Ryan Getzlaf married his wife, Paige, in 2010. They have four children. He is active in the Orange County community. Getzlaf hosts an annual golf tournament for CureDuchenne. This organization works to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He also has a program with the Calgary Hitmen called "Getzlaf's Gamers." This program allows children who might not otherwise get the chance to attend games.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Bold indicates led league

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2002	Canada West	U17	7th		6	3	6	9	14
2003	Canada	WJC18			7	2	2	4	10
2004	Canada	WJC			6	3	3	6	4
2005	Canada	WJC			6	3	9	12	8
2008	Canada	WC			9	3	11	14	10
2010	Canada	OG			7	3	4	7	2
2012	Canada	WC	5th		8	2	7	9	27
2014	Canada	OG			6	1	2	3	4
2016	Canada	WCH			5	0	3	3	4
Junior totals					25	11	20	31	36
Senior totals					33	9	27	36	47

Awards and Honours

Records