Sheldon Souray facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sheldon Souray
Souray with the Edmonton Oilers in September 2007
Born	(1976-07-13) July 13, 1976 (age 49) Elk Point, Alberta, Canada
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	237 lb (108 kg; 16 st 13 lb)
Position	Defence
Shot	Left
Played for	New Jersey Devils Montreal Canadiens Edmonton Oilers Hershey Bears Dallas Stars Anaheim Ducks
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	71st overall, 1994 New Jersey Devils
Playing career	1995–2013

Sheldon Souray (born July 13, 1976) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a defenceman for 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for teams like the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Anaheim Ducks. Sheldon was famous for his incredibly powerful slapshot. He once set an unofficial NHL record for the hardest shot ever recorded.

Sheldon Souray's Hockey Journey

Starting with the New Jersey Devils (1997–2000)

Before joining the NHL, Sheldon played in a junior league in Alberta. The New Jersey Devils picked him in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 71st player chosen overall. Sheldon worked hard to get into shape for the team. He made his NHL debut in the 1997–98 season.

He scored his first NHL goal on December 16, 1997. It was a powerful slapshot that helped the Devils win. Sheldon played for the Devils until 2000. He was known as a strong, physical defender with a hard shot. Then, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens.

Becoming a Star with the Montreal Canadiens (2000–2007)

Souray's uniform on display at the Canadian Museum of History.

After joining the Canadiens, Sheldon's scoring improved. He started using his powerful shot more often. In the 2000–01 season, injuries limited his playing time. He still managed to match his best scoring numbers. In 2001–02, he continued to score well despite a wrist injury. This injury kept him out for the entire 2002–03 season.

Sheldon came back strong in 2003–04. He scored an amazing 15 goals and 35 points. His powerful slapshot was back! He also played in his first NHL All-Star Game in 2004. He even tied for the hardest shot contest, hitting 102.2 mph. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, he played in Sweden. He also represented Team Canada in the 2005 World Championships.

In 2005–06, Sheldon had another good season with 12 goals and 39 points. The 2006–07 season was his best yet. He scored 26 goals, 38 assists, and 64 points. This was incredible for a defenceman! His slapshot became famous across the league. On April 5, 2007, he set a new NHL record. He scored 19 power-play goals in one season as a defenceman. He was named an All-Star starter that year. He finished third among all NHL defencemen in points.

Playing for His Favorite Team: The Edmonton Oilers (2007–2011)

In 2007, Sheldon signed a five-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. This was his favorite team growing up. His first season with the Oilers was tough due to injuries. He played only 26 games.

In 2008–09, he bounced back. He scored 23 goals and 53 points. He was named an NHL All-Star again. At the Oilers' own Skills Competition in 2009, he set an unofficial NHL record. His slapshot was clocked at 106.7 mph! This was the hardest shot recorded at the time. He even earned the nickname "Studly Wonderbomb" for his powerful shot.

Injuries returned in 2009–10. He suffered a concussion early in the season. Later, he broke his hand in a fight. He also developed a serious infection in his hand. This kept him out for the rest of the season. After this, Sheldon asked to be traded from the Oilers. He was sent to play for the Hershey Bears in the minor league. He worked hard to recover from his injuries there. In 2011, the Oilers bought out his contract. This made him a free agent.

Comeback with the Dallas Stars (2011–2012)

On July 1, 2011, Sheldon signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Stars. He had recovered from his injuries and made a great comeback. He focused more on defence but still used his powerful slapshot on the power play. On November 4, 2011, he scored his 100th NHL goal. It was a power-play slapshot, of course! He quickly earned the respect of fans in Dallas. He finished the 2011–12 season with 21 points in 64 games.

Final Season with the Anaheim Ducks (2012–2013)

On July 1, 2012, Sheldon signed with the Anaheim Ducks. In the 2012–13 season, he stayed healthy. He continued his strong defensive play. He also scored 7 goals and 10 assists in 44 games. The Ducks made it to the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs. This was his first time in the playoffs since 2006. He reached another milestone that season, getting his 300th career NHL point. Sheldon announced his retirement from hockey on June 30, 2015.

Awards and Achievements

• WHL West Second All-Star Team – 1996
• Played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2004, 2007 (starter), and 2009
• Won the Hardest Shot at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition in 2004 (tied with Adrian Aucoin)
• Won the Hardest Shot at the Edmonton Oilers Skills Competition in 2009

Records Set by Sheldon Souray

• NHL record for most power-play goals by a defenceman in one season: 19 goals in 2006–07.
• Edmonton Oilers team record for fastest two goals scored in a regular season game: 7 seconds (shared with Aleš Hemský).
• Montreal Canadiens team record for most points by a defenceman in one game: 6 points (1 goal and 5 assists).

Sheldon Souray's Life Off the Ice

Sheldon Souray was born in Elk Point, Alberta. He is of Métis descent. He has one older sister. His family moved so he could play organized sports. Sheldon is proud of his Métis heritage. He has a tattoo of a Métis Chief on his arm. He says it reminds him to be a good role model for Native and Métis children.

Sheldon was married to Angelica Bridges from 2002 to 2007. They have two daughters. In 2011, he started dating Barbie Blank, a professional wrestler known as "Kelly Kelly." They married in 2016 and later divorced in 2017. In 2020, Sheldon got engaged to Tess Annique. They married on September 12, 2021. They have one son and live in Las Vegas. Sheldon is also a co-owner of a pizzeria in Montreal.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2005	Canada	WC			9	1	1	2	6
Senior totals					9	1	1	2	6