Keith Ballard

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Keith Ballard
Ballard with the Vancouver Canucks in 2011
Born (1982-11-26) November 26, 1982 (age 41)
Baudette, Minnesota, U.S.
Height 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight 208 lb (94 kg; 14 st 12 lb)
Position Defense
Shot Left
Played for Phoenix Coyotes
Florida Panthers
Vancouver Canucks
Minnesota Wild
National team  United States
NHL Draft 11th overall, 2002
Buffalo Sabres
Playing career 2004–2015

Keith Galen Ballard (born November 26, 1982) is an American former professional

Phoenix Coyotes. He played his professional rookie season in 2004–05 with the Coyotes' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Utah Grizzlies, then debuted with Phoenix the following season. After three years, he was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he spent two seasons before being dealt to Vancouver at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft
.

Internationally, Ballard has represented the

2004. He has also played in two junior tournaments – the 2000 IIHF World U18 Championships and 2002 World Junior Championships
.

Playing career

Junior and college (1999–2004)

Ballard played two seasons at the

Clark Cup as league champions,[1]
scoring seven points in ten playoff games.

In 2001–02, Ballard began a three-year tenure of

national titles. Ballard scored the first goal of the NCAA final against the Maine Black Bears, helping Minnesota to a 4–3 win in overtime.[6][7]

The following year, Ballard recorded a college career-high 41 points over 45 games, fourth among NCAA defensemen and third in team scoring.

2003 NCAA Final by a 5–1 score to repeat as national champions.[8] Ballard received NCAA West Regional All-Star honors for his efforts during the tournament.[4]

Ballard was named an

Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs).[13][14] However, the Golden Gophers failed to defend their national championship, losing their regional final to Minnesota-Duluth.[15]

Ballard left the Golden Gophers seventh all-time among team defensemen with 33 goals.[16] He was also the 74th player in team history to reach 100 points,[15] which also ranked him 11th among defensemen.[16]

Phoenix Coyotes (2004–08)

Ballard was selected in the first round, 11th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. The choice was seen as a surprise by draft observers, as he was projected to be a late first-round to second-round pick.[1][17][18] Ballard himself professed the early selection to be unexpected, saying he was ready to be drafted between the 20th and 40th positions.[1] Scouting reports listed him as a puck-rushing offensive defenseman with comparisons to Phil Housley.[18] Before making his NHL debut, he was traded twice. He was initially dealt by Buffalo to the Colorado Avalanche on July 3, 2003, for Steven Reinprecht.[19] The following year, he was traded again to the Phoenix Coyotes, along with defenseman Derek Morris, for forward Chris Gratton, defenseman Ossi Väänänen and a second-round pick in the 2005 draft.[20]

Ballard signed with Phoenix a year later to an entry-level contract worth an annual $1.2 million over three years, including bonuses.

collective bargaining agreement of the time, which he received.[16]

A Caucasian ice hockey player standing relaxed on the ice. He wears a white, visored helmet and a white and orange jersey. He holds his stick on the ice lightly with one hand.
Ballard in his first season with the Panthers

Due to the NHL lockout, Ballard made his professional debut in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coyotes' minor league affiliate, the Utah Grizzlies in 2004–05. He notched two goals and 20 points over 60 games in his professional rookie campaign. As NHL resumed play the following season, Ballard played his first game with the Coyotes on October 5, 2005, against the Vancouver Canucks. He scored his first NHL goal in his debut, beating goaltender Dan Cloutier.[21] Ballard finished with 8 goals and 39 points as a rookie; both remain career highs. He led all NHL defensemen in shorthanded goals with three.[22] Ballard was sidelined for 13 games in his second NHL season due to a bone fracture in his hand, suffered while blocking a shot during a game on October 9, 2006.[23] He went on to record 27 points in 69 games. In the off-season, he was re-signed on August 29, 2007, to a two-year contract.[24] In 2007–08, Ballard recorded a career-low 21 points.

Florida Panthers (2008–10)

During the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Ballard was dealt (along with defenseman Nick Boynton and a second-round pick in the draft) to the Florida Panthers in exchange for forward Olli Jokinen.[25] Upon trading for Ballard, Florida head coach Jacques Martin heralded him as the club's number-two defenseman, behind Jay Bouwmeester.[25] Prior to the 2008–09 season, Ballard signed a six-year, $25.2 million contract extension with the Panthers.[26] The deal came with a season remaining on his existing contract, previously signed with the Coyotes.[26]

Ballard went on to tally 34 points during his first campaign with Florida in 2008–09. The following season, on November 30, 2009, Ballard was involved in an on-ice incident that injured his own teammate, goaltender Tomáš Vokoun. After being on the ice for a goal during a game against the Atlanta Thrashers, Ballard aimed to smash his stick in frustration against the post and mistakenly hit Vokoun in the mask. Vokoun was taken from the ice on a stretcher and suffered a cut on his ear that required stitches;[27] he missed two games before returning to the lineup.[28] Ballard, who apologized to Vokoun following the game, was not disciplined by the Panthers or the NHL. However, there has been some controversy over whether the slash to Vokoun’s head was intentional or not. [29] He went on to match his career-high eight goals and added 20 assists for 28 points in his second season with the Panthers. He also ranked third in the league in blocked shots with 201.[30] Ballard had played parts of the season with a hip injury.[31] After completing the campaign, he underwent the second hip surgery of his career in May 2010 to repair a stress fracture and remove a cyst.[31]

Vancouver Canucks (2010–13)

Ballard (left) stands with Canucks teammates Alexander Edler and Henrik Sedin.

On June 25, 2010, during the

Chris Tanev
.

Ballard continued to be used as a third-pairing defenseman in his second season with Vancouver. He missed five contests in November and December 2011 due to a back injury,[5] before sustaining a season-ending concussion on February 5, 2012. Initially undetected, the injury was caused by two separate hits during a game against the Colorado Avalanche. He remained in the lineup for the following contest before being diagnosed with the injury.[37] His season ended with 1 goal and 7 points over 47 games. His third season with the Canucks was shortened by the 2012–13 NHL lockout.[38] When the season started, Ballard was again on the Canucks' third pairing, with Tanev. Early in the season, the two were the Canucks' most consistent pairing.[39] An injury to Kevin Bieksa allowed Andrew Alberts to get into the line-up and split the Ballard–Tanev pairing. After Bieksa's return, it was Ballard who was removed from the line-up, becoming a healthy scratch.[40] In late March, Vancouver suffered several injuries up front, and to help fill the void, Ballard returned to the line-up as a forward.[41] He played three games before suffering a broken foot.[41][42] Though he was healthy by the playoffs, Vancouver opted to play Alberts and rookie Frank Corrado in their first round elimination to San Jose.[43][44] He finished the year playing in 36 games and recording 2 assists.

Minnesota Wild (2013–15)

With the salary cap decreasing in the off-season, Vancouver needed to unload salary. Ballard had two years remaining on his contract with an annual value $4.2 million. The Canucks tried to trade Ballard in an attempt to avoid using a compliance buyout on him. When that failed, the team placed him on waivers.[45] He cleared waivers before Vancouver ultimately bought him out.[44] Two days after becoming a free agent, he signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Minnesota Wild.[46]

In his second season with the Wild, Ballard was hit by the New York Islanders' Matt Martin after making a pass. The hit was delivered as Ballard turned away from Martin. Ballard's head struck a glass partition and as he fell his head bounced off the ice. He lay on the ice for a few minutes before being able to leave the ice on his own. Ballard suffered a concussion and multiple facial fractures as a result. He was taken to Regions Hospital for evaluation and observation and released the next day.[47][48] There was no penalty or suspension in result of the hit.

As a free agent in the off-season, Ballard was still suffering from post-concussion syndrome and opted to end his professional career to pursue studies in sport science at the University of Minnesota.[49]

International play


Ballard during the 2008 IIHF World Championship
Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
IIHF World Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2004 Czech Republic

Ballard made his international debut with Team USA at the 2000 IIHF World U18 Championships in Switzerland. He was named to the squad while playing in the National Under-18 Development Program for the 1999–2000 season. He contributed a goal and an assist in six games, as the United States finished in eighth place.[50] Two years later, Ballard was named to the under-20 squad for the 2001 World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic. He played in seven games, recording a goal and an assist. The United States lost in the quarterfinal to Russia and went on to place in fifth after defeating Sweden 3–2 in a consolation match.[51]

Following his third year with the

Ukraine.[54]

Three years later, Ballard began a three-year stretch of consecutive appearances at the

Sweden by a 4–2 score.[58] He contributed a goal and two assists in nine games while ranking second on the squad in plus-minus with a +3 rating and sixth among team defensemen in average ice time per game.[59]

Playing style

Ballard is a two-way defenseman, capable of contributing both offensively and defensively. Known for his hard hitting, specifically with hip checks,[60] he led his club in hits during his first five years in the NHL.[61][62][63][64][65] He is also proficient in shot-blocking.[66] Offensively, Ballard is noted as a quick and smooth skater, making him able to start plays from the defensive zone.[18] At the 2012 Canucks SuperSkills Competition, he won the fastest skater segment by circling the rink in 13.440 seconds.[67] He has a reputation as a player with intensity and a competitive edge.[9]

Personal life

Ballard was born in Baudette, Minnesota, to parents Steve and Joanne.[68] He has a sister, Jessie.[68] His family runs a fishing resort at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, founded by Ballard's grandparents in 1961.[68]

Ballard left home following his sophomore year of

fullback and linebacker playing football and finishing as Conference championship runner-up as a golfer.[1][4]

Ballard and his wife have three children.[69]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

   
Regular season
   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1999–2000 US NTDP Juniors USHL 58 12 21 33 119 — — — — —
2000–01 Omaha Lancers USHL 56 22 29 51 168 10 1 6 7 8
2001–02 Minnesota Golden Gophers WCHA 41 10 13 23 42 — — — — —
2002–03 Minnesota Golden Gophers WCHA 45 12 29 41 78 — — — — —
2003–04 Minnesota Golden Gophers WCHA 37 11 25 36 83 — — — — —
2004–05 Utah Grizzlies AHL 60 2 18 20 88 — — — — —
2005–06
Phoenix Coyotes
 NHL 82 8 31 39 99 — — — — —
2006–07 Phoenix Coyotes NHL 69 5 22 27 59 — — — — —
2007–08 Phoenix Coyotes NHL 82 6 15 21 85 — — — — —
2008–09 Florida Panthers NHL 82 6 28 34 72 — — — — —
2009–10 Florida Panthers NHL 82 8 20 28 88 — — — — —
2010–11 Vancouver Canucks NHL 65 2 5 7 53 10 0 0 0 6
2011–12 Vancouver Canucks NHL 47 1 6 7 64 4 0 1 1 2
2012–13 Vancouver Canucks NHL 36 0 2 2 29 — — — — —
2013–14 Minnesota Wild NHL 45 2 7 9 37 3 0 0 0 0
2014–15 Minnesota Wild NHL 14 0 1 1 26 — — — — —
NHL totals 604 38 137 175 612 17 0 1 1 8

International

Year Team Event Result   GP G A Pts PIM
2000
United States
 WJC18 8th 6 1 1 2 4
2002 United States
WJC
 5th 7 1 1 2 4
2004 United States WC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 8 1 0 1 2
2007 United States WC 5th 7 0 3 3 16
2008 United States WC 6th 5 0 2 2 16
2009 United States WC 4th 9 1 2 3 2
Junior totals 13 2 2 4 8
Senior totals 29 2 7 9 36

Awards

Award Year
USHL All-Star Game 2001[3]
USHL First Team All-Star 2001[2]
NCAA national title (with Minnesota Golden Gophers
)
2003[7][8]
Rookie Team
 2001-02[5]
WCHA All-Academic Team 2002-03[4]
University of Minnesota Scholar Athlete 2002-03[4]
WCHA
Second Team
 2002-03
All-Tournament Team
2003[4][70]
WCHA
First Team
 2003-04[5]
AHCA West First-Team All-American 2003–04[5]
John Mariucci Award (Minnesota Golden Gophers MVP) 2003-04[12]
All-Tournament Team
2004[5][70]
Hobey Baker Award finalist 2004[15]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "There's More To Come: Sophomore Defenseman Keith Ballard". University of Minnesota. 2002-11-28. Archived from the original on 2020-05-24. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  2. ^ a b Steve Allspach (2001-03-30). "Muskies go to Lincoln for first two games of playoff series". Sioux City Journal. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
  3. ^ a b Jason Shaner (2001-02-01). "2001 USHL All-Star/Prospects Game". Hockey's Future. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Keith Ballard Bio". University of Minnesota. Retrieved 2010-08-22.[dead link]
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h "Keith Ballard". The Sports Network. Archived from the original on 2010-08-12. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
  6. ^ "Gophers win first national title in 23 years". ESPN. Associated Press. 2002-04-06. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  7. ^ a b "2002 NCAA Tournament". Inside College Hockey. Retrieved 2010-08-19.
  8. ^ a b "2003 NCAA Tournament". Inside College Hockey. Retrieved 2010-08-19.
  9. ^ a b "Going Insane: Junior Defenseman Keith Ballard". University of Minnesota. 2004-02-05. Retrieved 2010-08-22.[dead link]
  10. ^ "Keith Ballard and Thomas Vanek Named ACHA All-Americans". University of Minnesota. Retrieved 2004-04-06. [dead link]
  11. ^ a b "A Look Back at the Career of Keith Ballard". GopherHole.com. 2004-06-14. Archived from the original on October 15, 2007. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  12. ^ a b "Keith Ballard Named MVP of Golden Gopher Men's Hockey Team". University of Minnesota. 2004-05-07. Retrieved 2010-08-22. [dead link]
  13. ^ a b c d "Team USA stint primes Ballard for NHL". ESPN. Associated Press. 2004-06-08. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  14. ^ "Keith Ballard Named Finalist for 2004 Hobey Baker Memorial Award". University of Minnesota. 2004-03-17. Retrieved 2010-08-22. [dead link]
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  16. ^ a b c "Keith Ballard Signs with Phoenix Coyotes". University of Minnesota. 2004-06-07. Retrieved 2010-08-22.[dead link]
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  24. ^ "Coyotes re-sign Keith Ballard". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 2007-08-29. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  25. ^ a b Dan Rosen (2008-06-21). "Phoenix lands Jokinen, trades Boynton, Ballard". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  26. ^ a b "Keith Ballard commits to Panthers for $25.2M". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  27. ^ "No hard feelings after Vokoun injured by teammate's swing". The Canadian Press. The Sports Network. 2009-12-01. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  28. ^ "Tomas Vokoun". The Sports Network. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  29. ^ "Panthers' Ballard apologizes to injured teammate Vokoun". USA Today. Associated Press. 2009-12-02. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  30. ^ "Player Stats - 2009-2010 - Regular Season - All Skaters - Real-Time Stats - Blocked Shots". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
  31. ^
    The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2010-11-25.[permanent dead link
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  32. ^ "Florida Deals D Ballard To Vancouver". National Hockey League. 2010-06-25. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  33. ^ Ben Kuzma (2010-10-16). "Canucks struggle to find the mark as they bow to Kings 4–1". The Province. Retrieved 2010-11-25.[permanent dead link]
  34. ^ a b "Nothing but bad luck for Ballard". The Province. 2010-11-24. Retrieved 2010-11-25.[dead link]
  35. ^ "Samuelsson scores twice, Canucks rout Sharks". The Sports Network. 2010-11-26. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  36. ^ "Ballard: leg feels better than expected; out with MCL sprain". The Sports Network. 2011-02-08. Retrieved 2011-02-08.
  37. ^ Pap, Elliott (2012-03-26). "Canucks' Keith Ballard 'was sleeping 16-18 hours a day' due to concussion (with video)". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on 2012-03-30. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
  38. ^ Allen, Kevin (2013-01-13). "NHL schedule released, features 48 games in 99 days". USA Today. Retrieved 2013-01-15.
  39. ^ MacIntyre, Iain (2013-02-07). "Vancouver Canucks' Keith Ballard makes all the little plays". The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2013-09-10.
  40. ^ MacIntyre, Iain (2013-03-05). "Chris Tanev's promotion has come at the cost of Keith Ballard". The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2013-09-10.
  41. ^ a b Ewen, Steve (2013-03-28). "Minor fracture in foot has Keith Ballard sidelined day to day, says Canucks coach Alain Vigneault". The Province. Retrieved 2013-05-01.
  42. ^ Pap, Elliott (2013-03-27). "Canucks' Keith Ballard's 'career' at forward nearing an end". The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2013-09-10.
  43. ^ Pap, Elliott (2013-04-30). "Canucks draw Andrew Alberts in, drop Keith Ballard out, for Game 1 vs. Sharks". The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2013-09-10.
  44. ^ a b Botchford, Jason (2013-07-03). "Canucks closing the book on Ballard by buying out his contract". The Province. Retrieved 2012-09-10.
  45. ^ Ewen, Steve (2013-07-01). "Canucks use waivers trying to avoid a Keith Ballard buyout". The Province. Retrieved 2012-09-10.
  46. ^ "Ballard agrees to terms with the Wild after buyout by Canucks". The Sports Network. 2013-07-04. Retrieved 2013-07-04.
  47. ^ "Keith Ballard injured on hit". ESPN. 2014-12-10. Retrieved 2014-12-20.
  48. ^ Halford, Mike (2014-12-10). "Ballard released from hospital with facial fractures, concussion". NBC Sports. Retrieved 2014-12-20.
  49. Minnesota Star Tribune
    . 2015-12-09. Retrieved 2015-12-09.
  50. ^ "Final Ranking". IIHF. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
  51. ^ "Play Off Round Position 1-8". IIHF. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
  52. ^ "Keith Ballard Named to United States Roster for 2004 IIHF World Championships". University of Minnesota. 2004-04-25. Retrieved 2010-08-22.[dead link]
  53. ^ "2004 IIHF World Championship". IIHF. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
  54. ^ "Game Summary" (PDF). IIHF. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
  55. ^ "Tournament Progress" (PDF). IIHF. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
  56. ^ "Player Statistics By Team" (PDF). IIHF. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
  57. ^ "Final Rankings" (PDF). IIHF. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
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  59. ^ "Player Statistics By Team" (PDF). IIHF. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
  60. ^ Mason Kelley (2009-04-07). "Ballard's big hit recalls lost art of the hip check". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  61. ^ "2005-06 - Hits". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  62. ^ "2006-07 - Hits". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  63. ^ "2007-08 - Hits". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  64. ^ "2008-09 - Hits". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  65. ^ "2009-10 - Hits". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  66. ^ "Ballard traded to Canucks in five-player swap". National Hockey League. 2010-06-25. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  67. ^ McIntyre, Gordon (2012-01-22). "Canucks flautnt their stuff at Superskills competition". The Province. Vancouver. Retrieved 2012-02-05.[permanent dead link]
  68. ^ a b c d "Inside the Panthers: Keith Ballard". National Hockey League. 2009-11-11. Retrieved 2010-08-19.
  69. ^ Jason Botchford (2010-06-28). "Ballard excited to play in big hockey market". National Post.
  70. ^ a b "WCHA Tourney History". WCHA. Archived from the original on 2014-07-02. Retrieved 2014-06-26.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Keith Ballard.
Sporting positions
Preceded by Buffalo Sabres first round draft pick
2002 		Succeeded by

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