Kevin Bieksa

Canadian professional National Hockey League player Kevin Bieksa is a member of the Vancouver Canucks' defense.

Bieksa was drafted by the Canucks during the fifth round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, but finished his college education and continued playing for the Bowling Green State University Falcons before making his professional debut with the Canucks' American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose late in the 2003-2004 season.

Fast Facts

1. Birth date: June 16, 1981
2. Birthplace: Grimsby, Ontario
3. Position: Defense
4. Shot: Right
5. Jersey number: 3
6. Nick Names: Boom-Boom, Juice, BXA, Bieksallent

Professional Career

Bieksa played the entire 2004-2005 season with the Moose and was named to the American Hockey League 2005 All-Rookie team. After starting the next season in the AHL, Bieksa was called up by the Canucks in December 2005 and has remained a full time NHL player since.

At the conclusion of his first full NHL season in 2006-2007, Bieksa had the most points and penalty minutes of all Canucks' defensemen. He was voted breakout player of the year by the Hockey News to win the Cam Neely Award and received the Babe Pratt Trophy as the Canucks' top defenseman. During the off-season, Bieksa and the Canucks signed a three-year contract extension worth $11.25 million.

A lacerated calf muscle limited Bieksa's play to only 34 games during the 2007-2008 season.

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