Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Encyclopedia
Ryan Jeremy Noel Nugent-Hopkins (born April 12, 1993) is a Canadian
ice hockey
centre
for the Edmonton Oilers
of the National Hockey League
. He was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
.
(WHL) Bantam Draft by the Red Deer Rebels
. In 2007 and 2008, he played in the Western Canada Bantam Championships. The Burnaby Winter Club Bruins captured the gold medal in 2007 and the silver medal in 2008. Nugent-Hopkins was named the tournament MVP in 2008. After being drafted, Nugent-Hopkins played midget hockey for the Vancouver NW Giants during the 2008–09 season. During the 2008 Mac's AAA midget hockey tournament
, Nugent-Hopkins was named the Tournament MVP and earned a spot on the All-Star Team. Nugent-Hopkins was named the 2008 BC Minor Hockey Player of the Year, in recognition of his sportsmanship, leadership and hockey skill.
. He played in five games, scoring two goals and adding four assists. During the 2009–10 WHL season
, Nugent-Hopkins played in 67 games, scoring 24 goals and adding 41 assists. He was awarded the WHL rookie of the year award
. He was a finalist for the CHL rookie of the year
but lost to Matt Puempel
of the Peterborough Petes
.
In their pre-season rankings for the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft
, the International Scouting Service ranked Nugent-Hopkins sixth overall, the second highest WHL player after Vancouver Giants
defenceman David Musil
. E.J. McGuire, the director of the NHL Central Scouting Bureau
said of Nugent-Hopkins: "He's got great skill and a knack for offense," while Cam Moon, the Rebels play-by-play announcer called him the best player the team had ever seen.
by representing Team Pacific at the 2010 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. He finished the tournament with one goal and four assists in five games. Team Pacific finished the tournament in fifth place. He had the chance to represent Canada at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament
held in Slovakia during the summer. He served as an alternate captain on the team, and scored the game winning goal in the gold medal game against the United States. Nugent-Hopkins finished the tournament as Canada's leading scorer with five goals and two assists in five games. He was also selected to play for the WHL team in the 2010 Subway Super Series. During the 2010–11 season, Nugent-Hopkins was invited to try out at Canada’s 2011 National Junior Team selection camp, but was amongst the final players cut.
by the Edmonton Oilers
. On July 2, 2011, he agreed to terms with the Oilers on a three-year NHL entry level contract. He played his first game for the Oilers in the team's first game of the 2011–12 season, a shootout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins
. Nugent-Hopkins scored the game-tying goal with less than 5 minutes remaining against Brent Johnson
for the only Oilers tally in regulation. He also blocked two shots and was named the game's third star by sportswriters and broadcasters. In his third NHL game on October 15, 2011, he scored his first NHL hat trick
in a losing cause against the Vancouver Canucks
. On October 28, 2011, it was made official that Nugent-Hopkins would remain with the Oilers for the rest of his rookie season. Hopkins was named the Rookie of the month for October. On November 19, 2011 he recorded five assists against the Chicago Blackhawks
, with a final score of 9-2.
He was born in Burnaby, British Columbia
and attended Suncrest Elementary School, and Burnaby North Secondary School
, where he participated in the school's hockey academy
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
centre
Centre (ice hockey)
The centre in ice hockey is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play is the middle of the ice, away from the side boards. Centres have more flexibility in their positioning and are expected to cover more ice surface than any other player...
for the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
. He was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
2011 NHL Entry Draft
The 2011 NHL Entry Draft was the 49th NHL Entry Draft. It was held on June 24–25, 2011, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was the first time the Draft was held in the state of Minnesota since the Minnesota North Stars hosted the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.The top three picks consisted...
.
Hockey career
He played most of his minor hockey for the Burnaby Winter Club in his hometown, while attending Burnaby North Secondary. In 2005, he led his team to a quarter-final berth in the annual Quebec Pee-Wee Tournament, and later in the season captured a provincial championship. He was the captain of the Burnaby Winter Club Bruins when he was drafted first overall in the 2008 Western Hockey LeagueWestern Hockey League
The Western Hockey League is a major junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that constitute the Canadian Hockey League as the highest level of junior hockey in Canada...
(WHL) Bantam Draft by the Red Deer Rebels
Red Deer Rebels
The Red Deer Rebels are a Western Hockey League junior ice hockey team based in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. They play their home games at the ENMAX Centrium....
. In 2007 and 2008, he played in the Western Canada Bantam Championships. The Burnaby Winter Club Bruins captured the gold medal in 2007 and the silver medal in 2008. Nugent-Hopkins was named the tournament MVP in 2008. After being drafted, Nugent-Hopkins played midget hockey for the Vancouver NW Giants during the 2008–09 season. During the 2008 Mac's AAA midget hockey tournament
Mac's AAA midget hockey tournament
thumb|right|The Calgary Buffaloes celebrate after winning the 2008 championship.The Mac's World Invitational AAA Midget Hockey Tournament is a prestigious ice hockey tournament held annually for midget aged players in Calgary, Alberta, Canada...
, Nugent-Hopkins was named the Tournament MVP and earned a spot on the All-Star Team. Nugent-Hopkins was named the 2008 BC Minor Hockey Player of the Year, in recognition of his sportsmanship, leadership and hockey skill.
Junior
Nugent-Hopkins made his WHL debut with the Rebels as an underage player during the 2008–09 WHL season2008–09 WHL season
The 2008–09 WHL season was the 43rd season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 18, 2008, and ended on March 15, 2009. The WHL Playoffs commenced on March 20, 2009, and the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge series, featuring Team WHL versus the Russian Selects, took...
. He played in five games, scoring two goals and adding four assists. During the 2009–10 WHL season
2009–10 WHL season
The 2009–10 WHL season is the 44th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 17, 2009 and ended on March 14, 2010...
, Nugent-Hopkins played in 67 games, scoring 24 goals and adding 41 assists. He was awarded the WHL rookie of the year award
Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy
The Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the top rookie in the Western Hockey League.The award is named after Jim Piggott who was the founder of the WHL's Saskatoon Blades, as well as one of the first presidents of the league.- Winners :...
. He was a finalist for the CHL rookie of the year
Emms Family Award
The Emms Family Award is presented annually to the top first year player in the Ontario Hockey League.The award was donated to the OHL by Leighton "Hap" Emms, former owner of franchises in Barrie, Niagara Falls and St...
but lost to Matt Puempel
Matt Puempel
Matthew Puempel is a Canadian ice hockey left winger currently with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. Puempel was selected by the Petes with the sixth overall pick in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection. He was selected 24th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators...
of the Peterborough Petes
Peterborough Petes
The Peterborough Petes are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team has played in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, since 1956, and is the oldest continuously operating team in the league.-History:...
.
In their pre-season rankings for the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft
2011 NHL Entry Draft
The 2011 NHL Entry Draft was the 49th NHL Entry Draft. It was held on June 24–25, 2011, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was the first time the Draft was held in the state of Minnesota since the Minnesota North Stars hosted the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.The top three picks consisted...
, the International Scouting Service ranked Nugent-Hopkins sixth overall, the second highest WHL player after Vancouver Giants
Vancouver Giants
The Vancouver Giants are a major junior ice hockey team playing in the Western Hockey League . Inaugurated in 2001–02, the Giants have won one President's Cup in 2006 and one Memorial Cup in 2007 in their ten-season history...
defenceman David Musil
David Musil
David Musil a Canadian-Czech ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL. He was a first round draft pick, selected 12th overall by SKA Saint Petersburg, in the 2010 KHL Junior Draft...
. E.J. McGuire, the director of the NHL Central Scouting Bureau
NHL Central Scouting Bureau
The NHL Central Scouting Bureau or NHL Central Scouting Services is a department within the National Hockey League that ranks prospects for the NHL Entry Draft at specific times during the hockey season. Players are ranked based on how well they will translate to the professional game in the...
said of Nugent-Hopkins: "He's got great skill and a knack for offense," while Cam Moon, the Rebels play-by-play announcer called him the best player the team had ever seen.
International
Nugent-Hopkins started his experience with Hockey CanadaHockey Canada
Hockey Canada, formally known as the Canadian Hockey Association, is the national governing body of ice hockey in Canada and is a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation. Hockey Canada controls a vast majority of ice hockey in Canada, with a few exceptions...
by representing Team Pacific at the 2010 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. He finished the tournament with one goal and four assists in five games. Team Pacific finished the tournament in fifth place. He had the chance to represent Canada at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament
2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament
The 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament was an under-18 ice hockey tournament held in Břeclav, Czech Republic and Piešťany, Slovakia from August 9–14, 2010. The two venues were Alcaplast Arena in Břeclav and Patrícia Ice Arena 37 in Piešťany. Canada won the gold for the third consecutive year and...
held in Slovakia during the summer. He served as an alternate captain on the team, and scored the game winning goal in the gold medal game against the United States. Nugent-Hopkins finished the tournament as Canada's leading scorer with five goals and two assists in five games. He was also selected to play for the WHL team in the 2010 Subway Super Series. During the 2010–11 season, Nugent-Hopkins was invited to try out at Canada’s 2011 National Junior Team selection camp, but was amongst the final players cut.
Professional
On June 24, 2011, Nugent-Hopkins was selected first overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft2011 NHL Entry Draft
The 2011 NHL Entry Draft was the 49th NHL Entry Draft. It was held on June 24–25, 2011, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was the first time the Draft was held in the state of Minnesota since the Minnesota North Stars hosted the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.The top three picks consisted...
by the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
. On July 2, 2011, he agreed to terms with the Oilers on a three-year NHL entry level contract. He played his first game for the Oilers in the team's first game of the 2011–12 season, a shootout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
. Nugent-Hopkins scored the game-tying goal with less than 5 minutes remaining against Brent Johnson
Brent Johnson
Brent Johnson is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League .- Playing career :...
for the only Oilers tally in regulation. He also blocked two shots and was named the game's third star by sportswriters and broadcasters. In his third NHL game on October 15, 2011, he scored his first NHL hat trick
Hat Trick
Hat trick, hat-trick or hattrick may refer to:* hat-trick — in various sports, achieving three goals, wickets, etc. in a single match* Hattrick — online football management game** Hattrick Limited — producers of this game...
in a losing cause against the Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
. On October 28, 2011, it was made official that Nugent-Hopkins would remain with the Oilers for the rest of his rookie season. Hopkins was named the Rookie of the month for October. On November 19, 2011 he recorded five assists against the Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
, with a final score of 9-2.
Personal life
Nugent-Hopkins' parents are Roger Hopkins and Deb Nugent. He has one older brother, Adam.He was born in Burnaby, British Columbia
Burnaby, British Columbia
Burnaby is a city in British Columbia, Canada, located immediately to the east of Vancouver. It is the third-largest city in British Columbia by population, surpassed only by nearby Surrey and Vancouver....
and attended Suncrest Elementary School, and Burnaby North Secondary School
Burnaby North Secondary School
Burnaby North Secondary School is the largest secondary school in British Columbia, Canada, as well as the largest in Western Canada. It encompasses two buildings at 751 Hammarskjold Drive in Burnaby. Over 2,400 students from grades 8 to 12 attend the school. A statue of a Viking, the mascot of the...
, where he participated in the school's hockey academy
Career statistics
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 2008–09 2008–09 WHL season The 2008–09 WHL season was the 43rd season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 18, 2008, and ended on March 15, 2009. The WHL Playoffs commenced on March 20, 2009, and the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge series, featuring Team WHL versus the Russian Selects, took... |
Red Deer Rebels Red Deer Rebels The Red Deer Rebels are a Western Hockey League junior ice hockey team based in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. They play their home games at the ENMAX Centrium.... |
WHL Western Hockey League The Western Hockey League is a major junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that constitute the Canadian Hockey League as the highest level of junior hockey in Canada... |
5 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2009–10 2009–10 WHL season The 2009–10 WHL season is the 44th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 17, 2009 and ended on March 14, 2010... |
Red Deer Rebels | WHL | 67 | 24 | 41 | 65 | 28 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | ||
| 2010–11 2010–11 WHL season The 2010–11 WHL season is the 45th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 24, 2010 and ended on March 20, 2011. The 2010 Subway Super Series, featuring Team WHL versus Team Russia, took place from November 17–18, 2010.... |
Red Deer Rebels | WHL | 69 | 31 | 75 | 106 | 51 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 6 | ||
| WHL totals | 141 | 57 | 120 | 177 | 79 | 13 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 6 | ||||
Awards and honours
| Award | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | ||
| Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy The Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the top rookie in the Western Hockey League.The award is named after Jim Piggott who was the founder of the WHL's Saskatoon Blades, as well as one of the first presidents of the league.- Winners :... (WHL Rookie of the Year) |
2009–10 2009–10 WHL season The 2009–10 WHL season is the 44th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 17, 2009 and ended on March 14, 2010... |
|