Wade Redden: The Decorated Canadian Hockey Star

A Legacy of Excellence on the Ice

Wade Redden is a name synonymous with excellence in the world of ice hockey. As a former professional player and current development coach of the Ottawa Senators, Redden has left an indelible mark on the sport, earning numerous accolades and winning the hearts of fans across the globe.

Early Life and Junior Career

Born on June 12, 1977, in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Redden grew up in Hillmond, Saskatchewan, with his older sister Nikki and brother Bart. He began playing minor hockey with the teams at Hillmond High School and the Mid West Red Wings before joining the Lloydminster Blazers for a year. Redden's exceptional talent soon earned him a spot with the Western Hockey League's (WHL) Brandon Wheat Kings, where he played for two seasons and won the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy for WHL rookie of the year in 1994.

A Distinguished NHL Career

The New York Islanders selected Redden second overall in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, but he was traded to the Ottawa Senators before playing a single game for the Islanders. Redden spent the majority of his NHL career with the Senators, playing for 11 seasons and serving as captain from 2003 to 2006. During his time with the Senators, he earned two NHL All-Star selections and won the NHL Plus/Minus Award in 2006. Redden also played for the New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, and Boston Bruins before retiring in 2013. Redden's impressive skills on the ice extended beyond the NHL. He represented Canada in numerous international tournaments, including the World Junior Championships, where he won two gold medals in 1995 and 1996. Redden also played for the Canadian national team in the World Cup of Hockey, winning a gold medal in 2004. Throughout his career, Redden has emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. In an interview, he once said, "Hockey is a team sport, and you can't do it alone. You need to have good teammates, good coaches, and everyone working together towards a common goal." This philosophy has guided his own career and continues to inspire the young players he coaches today. Redden's personal life is marked by a strong sense of family and community. He is married to his wife, Danica, and has two children, Avery and Kennedy. In 2013, he was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the sport.

• Two-time NHL All-Star (2002, 2008)
• NHL Plus/Minus Award winner (2006)
• Gold medalist at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey
• Two-time gold medalist at the World Junior Championships (1995, 1996)
• Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy winner (1994)

Wade Redden's legacy extends beyond the hockey rink. He has inspired countless young players across Canada and around the world, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and community involvement. As a role model and development coach, Redden continues to shape the next generation of hockey stars, leaving a lasting impact on the sport he loves.

1977	Born on June 12th in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan
1994	Wins Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy for WHL rookie of the year
1995	Selected second overall by the New York Islanders in the NHL Entry Draft
1996	Traded to the Ottawa Senators
2003	Becomes captain of the Ottawa Senators
2006	Wins NHL Plus/Minus Award
2013	Retires from professional hockey and becomes development coach of the Ottawa Senators

Wade Redden's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and passion. His story inspires us to chase our dreams, to never give up, and to always strive for excellence. As Redden once said, "Hockey has given me so much, and I just want to give back to the game that has given me everything."