Shawn Belle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shawn Belle |
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![]() Belle with the Iowa Stars during the 2005-06 season
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Born | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
January 3, 1985 ||
Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
Weight | 235 lb (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb) | ||
Position | Defence | ||
Shot | Left | ||
Played for | Minnesota Wild Montreal Canadiens Edmonton Oilers Colorado Avalanche Adler Mannheim Färjestad BK Düsseldorfer EG |
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NHL Draft | 30th overall, 2003 St. Louis Blues |
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Playing career | 2005–2015 |
Shawn James Robert Belle (born January 3, 1985) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a defenceman in the National Hockey League (NHL). Shawn played for teams like the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, and Colorado Avalanche.
Contents
Shawn Belle's Hockey Journey
Early Years and Junior Hockey
When Shawn Belle was a kid, he loved playing hockey. He even played in a big tournament called the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament in 1998. His team was from Edmonton, Canada.
Shawn was a very promising player for the Tri-City Americans. This team is part of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Because he was so good, the St. Louis Blues picked him in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 30th player chosen overall!
After being drafted, Shawn stayed with the Americans for two more years. He also played for Team Canada's junior teams. He won gold medals with the U-18 team in 2003. He also played for the U-20 team in 2003 and 2004.
Turning Professional
In the 2004–2005 season, Shawn was traded to the Dallas Stars. The next year, in 2005–2006, he started his professional career. He joined the Iowa Stars, which was the Dallas Stars' minor league team. He played 45 games there.
Later that season, he was traded again to the Minnesota Wild. He then joined their minor league team, the Houston Aeros. In the 2006–2007 season, Shawn played most of his games with the Aeros. But he also got to play his first NHL games with the Minnesota Wild. He played 9 games and got one assist.
Playing in the NHL
On July 11, 2008, Shawn was traded to the Montreal Canadiens. He played two seasons within their organization.
Then, on July 13, 2010, Shawn signed a one-year contract with his hometown team, the Edmonton Oilers. But on February 28, 2011, the Oilers traded him to the Colorado Avalanche. He was traded for another defenceman named Kevin Montgomery.
Playing in Europe
After his time in the NHL, Shawn decided to play hockey in Europe. On September 10, 2011, he signed a contract with Adler Mannheim in Germany. This team plays in the DEL.
After two seasons in Germany, Shawn moved to Sweden. On June 10, 2013, he signed a one-year contract with Färjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League.
In 2014, Shawn signed with a Croatian team, KHL Medveščak Zagreb. This team plays in the Kontinental Hockey League. However, he was released from his contract before the season started because of an injury. After he recovered, Shawn returned to Germany. On November 10, 2014, he signed with Düsseldorfer EG for the rest of the season.
Retirement and Coaching
On July 23, 2015, Shawn Belle decided to stop playing professional hockey. He became an assistant coach for the Sherwood Park Crusaders. This team is part of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
Shawn Belle's Family Life
Shawn Belle's father is from Barbados. This means Shawn has Barbadian roots.
Shawn Belle's Achievements
Medal record | ||
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Representing ![]() |
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Ice hockey | ||
World Junior Championships | ||
Gold | 2005 Minnesota | |
Silver | 2004 Helsinki | |
IIHF U18 Championships | ||
Gold | 2003 Yaroslavl |