Shawn Horcoff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shawn Horcoff |
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Horcoff with the Edmonton Oilers in 2012
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| Born | September 17, 1978 Trail, British Columbia, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg; 15 st 0 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Centre | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shot | Left | ||||||||||||||||||
| Played for | Edmonton Oilers Dallas Stars Anaheim Ducks |
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| National team | .svg){kind=small} Canada |
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| NHL Draft | 99th overall, 1998 Edmonton Oilers |
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| Playing career | 2000–2016 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Shawn Paul Horcoff (born September 17, 1978) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a centre. The Edmonton Oilers chose him in the fourth round of the 1998 NHL Draft. He played for the Oilers for 11 seasons and was their team captain for three of those years. Today, he works as the assistant general manager for the Detroit Red Wings. He is also the general manager for their minor league team, the Grand Rapids Griffins.
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Shawn Horcoff's Hockey Journey
Starting in College Hockey
Shawn Horcoff began his college hockey career at Michigan State University in 1996. He played in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). In his first year, he played well and was considered for the CCHA All-Rookie Team.
He got even better in his second year, 1997–98. This strong play led to him being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1998 NHL Draft. In the 1998–99 season, Horcoff continued to improve his game. He was also named to the CCHA All-Academic Team for his good grades.
The 1999–2000 season was Horcoff's last year at Michigan State. He scored the most goals, assists, and points of his college career. He earned many important awards, including CCHA Player of the Year. He was also a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, which goes to the best player in college hockey.
While at Michigan State, Horcoff studied finance and mathematics. He earned his degree before starting his professional hockey career.
Joining the Edmonton Oilers
After college, Horcoff did not make the Edmonton Oilers team right away in 2000. He was sent to their minor league team, the Hamilton Bulldogs, in the American Hockey League (AHL). Horcoff played great in Hamilton. He led his team in scoring and was sixth in the entire AHL. He was also tied for the most points among AHL rookies.
The Oilers called Horcoff up to the NHL on December 4, 2000. On December 13, he scored his first NHL goal against the Dallas Stars. He played the rest of that season in the NHL. He also played in his first five playoff games.
Horcoff played his 100th NHL game in the 2001–02 season. He spent most of that year with the Oilers. In the 2002–03 season, Horcoff played the whole year with Edmonton. He even played in the 2003 NHL YoungStars Game. In the 2003 playoffs, he led the Oilers in goals.
In the 2003–04 season, Horcoff set new personal bests for goals, assists, and points. He was also named the Oilers' best defensive forward.
Playing During the NHL Lockout
During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Horcoff wanted to play a more offensive role. He signed a contract with Mora IK in Sweden's top league, the Elitserien. This season was a big moment for him. He became an offensive leader, finishing fourth in scoring in the league. He also played for Canada at the Ice Hockey World Championships.
Returning to the NHL
After the lockout, Horcoff came back to the NHL for the 2005–06 season. He had a huge offensive year, setting new personal bests in goals, assists, and points. For the first time, he became the team's top centre. On November 18, 2005, he tied Wayne Gretzky's team record. He assisted on four goals in one period against the Detroit Red Wings.
On January 10, 2006, Horcoff scored his first NHL hat-trick. He scored all three of the Oilers' goals in a 3–1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Horcoff was a key player for the Edmonton Oilers team that reached the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals. They lost in Game 7 to the Carolina Hurricanes. Horcoff had seven goals and 12 assists in the 2006 playoffs.
In July 2006, Horcoff signed a new three-year contract with the Oilers. After a tough 2006–07 season, he worked hard to improve. He changed his training and even had a special hockey stick made for him.
In 2008, Horcoff was chosen for the 56th NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta. He won the Fastest Skater competition there.
In February 2008, Horcoff had shoulder surgery, which ended his 2007–08 season early. On July 16, 2008, the Oilers signed him to a six-year contract extension. He played in 80 games in the 2008–09 season, scoring 17 goals and 36 assists.
On October 6, 2010, Horcoff was named the 13th captain in Edmonton Oilers' history. He took over from Ethan Moreau.
On March 3, 2011, Horcoff reached 400 career points. He had two assists in a 4–2 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The 2011–12 season was tough for Horcoff. He started strong but scored fewer points in the second half of the season.
Playing for Dallas and Anaheim
After the 2012–13 season, on July 4, 2013, the Oilers traded Horcoff to the Dallas Stars. In return, the Oilers received defenceman Philip Larsen and a draft pick.
After two seasons with the Stars, Horcoff became a free agent. On July 1, 2015, he signed a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks. On January 26, 2016, the NHL suspended Horcoff for 20 games for breaking a league rule.
After Playing Hockey
On September 16, 2016, Horcoff was named the director of player development for the Detroit Red Wings. In 2022, he became the assistant general manager for the Red Wings. He also became the general manager of their minor league team, the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Playing for Team Canada
Horcoff has played for Canada three times in international tournaments. He won gold medals at the Ice Hockey World Championships in 2003 and 2004. He also won a silver medal in 2009.
Shawn's Personal Life
Shawn Horcoff has a unique eye condition called heterochromia. This means his eyes are two different colors; one is brown and the other is green.
Horcoff is good friends with former baseball player Jason Bay. They grew up near each other in British Columbia.
Shawn Horcoff is married to his wife, Cindy. They have three children together. Although he was born in Trail, British Columbia, he grew up and went to school in Castlegar, British Columbia. His son, Will, also plays college ice hockey at Michigan.
