Darby Hendrickson is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on August 28, 1972, in Richfield, Minnesota, and grew up playing hockey in the state. Hendrickson played college hockey at the University of Minnesota, where he was a standout player and helped lead the team to a national championship in 1993.
After college, Hendrickson was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, but he did not sign with the team and instead played for the United States national team in international competitions. He eventually signed with the New York Islanders in 1994 and made his NHL debut that same year.
Hendrickson played for several teams during his NHL career, including the Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota Wild, and Colorado Avalanche. He was known for his hard work and versatility, playing both center and wing positions and contributing on both offense and defense. He was also a respected leader on and off the ice, serving as an alternate captain for the Wild and Avalanche.
One of Hendrickson's most memorable moments came during the 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs, when he scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 7 of the Western Conference quarterfinals to eliminate the heavily favored Vancouver Canucks. The goal was the first playoff goal of Hendrickson's career and helped propel the Wild to the Western Conference Finals in their inaugural season.
Hendrickson retired from professional hockey in 2004 and transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the Wild from 2009 to 2016 and was part of the coaching staff that led the team to the playoffs in four consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2015. He also coached at the youth and high school levels in Minnesota and was involved in various hockey development programs.
Off the ice, Hendrickson has been active in charitable and community work, including serving as a board member for the Hendrickson Foundation, which provides hockey opportunities for people with disabilities. He has also been involved in youth mentoring programs and has spoken publicly about his struggles with depression and anxiety, advocating for mental health awareness and support.
Overall, Darby Hendrickson had a successful and impactful career in professional hockey, both as a player and a coach. He was a versatile and hardworking player who contributed to multiple teams and had a memorable playoff moment. He has also been a positive influence off the ice, using his platform to give back to the community and raise awareness for important causes.
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