Shawn Horcoff facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shawn Horcoff
Horcoff with the Edmonton Oilers in 2012
Born	(1978-09-17) September 17, 1978 (age 46) Trail, British Columbia, Canada
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
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	99th overall, 1998 Edmonton Oilers
Playing career	2000–2016
Medal record Representing  Canada World Championships Gold 2003 Helsinki Gold 2004 Prague Silver 2009 Bern

Shawn Paul Horcoff, born on September 17, 1978, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a centre. The Edmonton Oilers picked him in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Oilers for 12 seasons and was their team captain for three years. Later in his career, he also played for the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks.

After he stopped playing, Horcoff started a career in hockey management. He is currently the assistant general manager for the Detroit Red Wings. He also serves as the general manager for their minor league team, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Shawn Horcoff's Playing Career

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 was a strong player and was considered for the CCHA All-Rookie Team.

He got even better in his second year, 1997–98. This improvement led to him being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. In the 1998–99 season, Horcoff continued to improve his skills with the Spartans. He was also named to the CCHA All-Academic Team.

The 1999–2000 season was Horcoff's last year at Michigan State. He achieved his highest scores in goals, assists, and points. He was again named to the CCHA All-Academic Team. Horcoff also won major awards, including CCHA Player of the Year. He was 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.

Time with the Edmonton Oilers

Horcoff with the Oilers in 2010.

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 very well in Hamilton. He led the team in scoring and was among the top scorers in the AHL.

The Oilers called him up to the NHL on December 4, 2000. On December 13, Horcoff 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 against the Stars.

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 entire year with Edmonton. He also played in the 2003 NHL YoungStars Game. In the 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs, Horcoff scored the most goals for the Oilers. In 2003–04, he set new personal bests for goals, assists, and points. He was also named the Oilers' best defensive forward.

During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Horcoff played for Mora IK in Sweden. This season was a big moment for him. He became an offensive leader and finished fourth in scoring in the league. He also played for Canada at the Ice Hockey World Championships.

After the lockout, Horcoff returned to the NHL in 2005–06. He had a great offensive season, setting new career highs in goals, assists, and points. 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 hat-trick in the NHL. He scored all three of the Oilers' goals in a 3–1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Horcoff was part of the Edmonton Oilers team that reached the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals. However, the Oilers 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. He worked hard in the off-season after a tough 2006–07 season. He even had a special hockey stick designed just for him.

In 2008, Horcoff was chosen for the 56th NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta. He won the Fastest Skater competition there.

Horcoff in October 2014 during his time with the Stars.

In February 2008, Horcoff had shoulder surgery, which ended his 2007–08 season. On July 16, 2008, the Oilers signed Horcoff to a six-year contract extension. He played in 80 games during 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.

In the 2011–12 season, Horcoff started strong with 20 points in 27 games. However, he only scored 14 points in his last 54 games.

Playing for Dallas and Anaheim

After the 2012–13 NHL season, the Oilers traded Horcoff to the Dallas Stars. This happened on July 4, 2013. The Oilers received defenceman Philip Larsen and a draft pick in return.

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. This was for breaking the league's rules on performance-enhancing substances.

After His Playing Career

On September 16, 2016, Shawn Horcoff was named 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 AHL team, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Playing for Team Canada

Horcoff has played for Canada three times in international tournaments. He won gold medals in 2003 and 2004 at the Ice Hockey World Championships. He also won a silver medal in 2009 at the World Championships.

Shawn Horcoff's Personal Life

Shawn Horcoff is friends with former baseball player Jason Bay. They grew up near each other in British Columbia.

Shawn Horcoff is married to Cindy, and they have three children. He was born in Trail, British Columbia, but he grew up in Castlegar, British Columbia. His son, Will, is also a college ice hockey player at Michigan. Will was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2003	Canada	WC			9	3	4	7	0
2004	Canada	WC			9	3	4	7	8
2009	Canada	WC			9	1	1	2	6
Senior totals					27	7	9	16	14

Awards and Honours