Nhl Players That Started Hockey Late
Many NHL players have been playing the sport of hockey since they were young children. However, there are also several players who started playing hockey later in life. These players may have had other interests or simply hadn't been exposed to the sport until a later age. Yet, despite starting hockey later than most, they were able to work hard, develop their skills, and eventually earn a spot in the NHL.
1. Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas is best known for his performance in the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, where he helped the Boston Bruins win their first championship in 39 years. However, Thomas didn't start playing organized hockey until he was 13 years old. He was a standout goaltender in high school and eventually went on to play college hockey at the University of Vermont. Thomas was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques (now the Colorado Avalanche) in 1994, but didn't make his NHL debut until the 2002-03 season.
2. Scott Darling
Scott Darling is a goaltender who currently plays for the Carolina Hurricanes. He didn't start playing hockey until he was 12 years old, instead focusing on baseball and soccer. Darling was a late bloomer in hockey, but eventually caught the attention of scouts while playing for the Indiana Ice of the USHL. He went on to play college hockey at the University of Maine before signing with the Arizona Coyotes as an undrafted free agent. Darling has also played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Carolina Hurricanes throughout his NHL career.
3. Joe Pavelski
Joe Pavelski is a forward who currently plays for the Dallas Stars. He grew up playing a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, and baseball. Pavelski didn't start playing hockey until he was eight years old, but quickly fell in love with the sport. He played college hockey at the University of Wisconsin before being drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2003. Pavelski spent 13 seasons with the Sharks before signing with the Dallas Stars in 2019.
4. Dustin Byfuglien
Dustin Byfuglien is a defenseman who currently plays for the Winnipeg Jets. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling in football, baseball, and hockey. Byfuglien didn't start playing organized hockey until he was 16 years old, but quickly made up for lost time. He was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2003 and played a key role in the team's Stanley Cup victory in 2010. Byfuglien has also played for the Atlanta Thrashers and the Winnipeg Jets over the course of his NHL career.
5. Mark Giordano
Mark Giordano is a defenseman who currently plays for the Calgary Flames. He didn't start playing organized hockey until he was 14 years old, instead focusing on soccer and basketball. Giordano worked hard to catch up to his peers and eventually earned a spot on the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League. He went undrafted but signed with the Flames in 2004. Giordano has spent his entire NHL career with the Flames and was named the team's captain in 2013.
6. Devin Setoguchi
Devin Setoguchi is a retired forward who played for several NHL teams over the course of his career, including the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, and Winnipeg Jets. He didn't start playing hockey until he was nine years old, choosing to focus on other sports such as baseball and golf. Setoguchi quickly fell in love with the sport and eventually earned a spot on the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League. He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2005 and played five seasons with the team.
Conclusion
Starting hockey later in life can be a daunting challenge, but these NHL players prove that it's never too late to pursue your dreams. Through hard work, dedication, and a love for the game, these players were able to develop their skills and achieve success at the highest level. They serve as an inspiration to anyone who may be starting a new sport or hobby later in life.