Kevin Bieksa

Kevin Bieksa
Bieksa at Vancouver Canucks practice in 2012.
Born	(1981-06-16) June 16, 1981 (age 35) Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	206 lb (93 kg; 14 st 10 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Right
NHL team Former teams	Anaheim Ducks Vancouver Canucks
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	151st overall, 2001 Vancouver Canucks
Playing career	2004–present

Kevin Francesco Bieksa (born June 16, 1981) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). After a three-year career in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OPJHL) with the Burlington Cougars, Bieksa was awarded a scholarship to Bowling Green State University. He was a one-time All-CCHA honourable mention during his four-year tenure with the Falcons of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). He graduated from the university with a bachelor's degree (B.A.) in finance, and was a two-time CCHA All-Academic honourable mention in 2003 and 2004.

Following his freshman year, Bieksa was selected 151st overall by the Canucks in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft and joined their minor league affiliate, the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL), upon graduating. He earned AHL All-Rookie Team honours in his first and only full season with the Moose, before joining the Canucks as a regular member in 2005–06. He is known as a physical and aggressive defenceman.

Bieksa grew up in Grimsby playing minor hockey for the local Jr. Kings program of the OMHA's Niagara District BB-E league before graduating to the Stoney Creek Warriors of the OMHA South Central AAA League. He played part of the 1997–98 season with the Stoney Creek Warriors of the OHA Golden Horseshoe Jr.B and the Jr.A Burlington Cougars before being drafted by Don Cherry and the Mississauga IceDogs in the 19th round of the 1998 OHL Draft. Bieksa wasn't signed by the Ice Dogs and pursued an NCAA scholarship three years later.