Bret Hedican

Hedican was born on August 10, 1970, in Saint Paul, Minnesota{{cite web |title=Bret Hedican |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9045/bret-hedican |website=eliteprospects.com |publisher=Elite Prospects |access-date=February 23, 2021}} to parents Gerald and Theresa.{{cite web |last1=Burnside |first1=Scott |title=Long Cup wait ends for Hedican |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=2550305 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=August 15, 2006}} He grew up alongside his older sister Kelly, who later married his St. Cloud State University teammate Scott Eichstadt. She began dating Eichstadt while Hedican was playing with Team USA at the 1992 Winter Olympics.{{cite web |last1=Hanson |first1=Randy |title=Hudson woman's brother helps Hurricanes win Stanley Cup |url=https://www.rivertowns.net/news/948026-hudson-womans-brother-helps-hurricanes-win-stanley-cup |website=rivertowns.net |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=July 22, 2006}}

Growing up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Hedican attended North St. Paul High School who retired his jersey number in 2006.{{cite web | url = http://www.hhof.com/HTML/exSCJ06_25.shtml | title = Bret Hedican's Day With the Stanley Cup | publisher = Hockey Hall of Fame | date = 2007-09-27 | access-date = 2007-09-27 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200120/http://www.hhof.com/HTML/exSCJ06_25.shtml | archive-date = 2007-09-27 }} During his high school career, he played four sports: hockey, football, soccer, and golf. Hedican played football in his freshman season before switching to soccer as a sophomore and junior, despite never playing it before.{{cite web |last1=Hamre |first1=John |title=Bret Hedican: Making a difference |url=http://pointstreaksites.com/view/lph/news-1147/hamre-stored/bret-hedican-making-a-difference |website=pointstreaksites.com |publisher=Pointstreak Sites |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=February 25, 2015}} In his junior year, Hedican grew increasingly upset about his lack of playing time and spent the entire offseason bulking up.{{cite news |last1=Killeen |first1=Mike |title=Husky makes huge strides |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71903936/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 23, 2021 |publisher=St. Cloud Times |date=October 6, 1988|via=newspapers.com}} After expericing a growth spurt as a senior, in which he grew seven inches, he returned to football.

As a senior, Hedican started the season playing his regular position as a winger but was forced to move to defense due to numerous injuries. He proved to be successful in this position and was nominated to The Associated Press All-State team and played in the Maroon and Gold All-Star Series for high school seniors.{{cite news |last1=Killeen |first1=Mike |title=North St. Paul player commits to Huskies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71903910/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=St. Cloud Times |date=April 2, 1988|via=newspapers.com}} Although he was approached by many colleges, Hedican chose to play ice hockey for St. Cloud State University due to their scholarship offer. He later said: "It was a great opportunity to turn the program around, as they were bringing in 10 freshmen. We (his teammates) said that to each other, we stuck together and we had a good team while I was there."{{cite web |last1=Stevens |first1=Jim |title=Profile: Bret Hedican |url=https://www.hockeyplayer.com/paid/publish/printer_394.shtml |website=hockeyplayer.com |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=November 10, 2001}} Prior to committing to St. Cloud, Hedican debated whether to play major junior hockey.

Hedican was drafted 198th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. At the time of his selection, chief scout Ted Hampson compared his speed to that of a "young Paul Coffey."{{cite news |last1=Luecking |first1=Dave |title=Hedican Shows He's Fast Learner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71912118/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 25, 1992|via=newspapers.com}}

In his sophomore season, Hedican returned to defence, replacing Jordy Wingate who took over his center position.{{cite news |last1=Killeen |first1=Mike |title=Wingate, Hedican may switch roles |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71903996/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=St. Cloud Times |date=September 19, 1989|via=newspapers.com}} When speaking of the decision, Hedican said: "I like to skate it up and see the play in front of me. That's what I liked to do...I've basically played defense all my life." His offensive output also improved, by December he had 11 points in only 16 games.{{cite news |last1=Killeen |first1=Mike |title=Huskies' Hedican happy on defense |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71903848/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=St. Cloud Times |date=December 7, 1989|via=newspapers.com}} He later said "going to St Cloud was the best thing that happened to me because I got thrown right in there and had to learn a lot."{{cite news |title=Hedican Making Headway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71912023/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 23, 2021 |publisher=Star Tribune |date=June 28, 1991 |location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|via=newspapers.com}} At the conclusion of his junior season, Hedican had recorded 19 goals and 30 assists and was named selected for the All-WCHA First Team.{{cite news|last1=Weiner|first1=Jay|title=Circuitous route for Hedican |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71912259/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=Star Tribune |date=February 2, 1992|via=newspapers.com}} After opting out of his senior season, Hedican owned the team record for most points scored by a defenseman in a season with 48.{{cite web |title=BRET HEDICAN |url=https://scsuhuskies.com/honors/hall-of-fame/bret-hedican/195 |website=scsuhuskies.com |access-date=February 23, 2021}}

Under the tutelage of Herb Brooks, Hedican became the only Twin Cities player named to Team USA's roster for the 1992 Winter Olympics. Brooks had coached him during his time at St. Cloud. He was also placed on the Peoria Rivermen of the International Hockey League. Upon returning from the Olympics, he practised with his collegiate team while contract negotiations continued with the Blues. He did not play any games with the team in case he could not reach an agreement with the Blues, thus maintaining his collegiate eligibility.{{cite news |title=Confident Jablonski Finds Blues 'Jumping' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71903751/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=February 27, 1992 |location=is, Missouri|via=newspapers.com}} Hedican eventually signed with the Blues but missed 11 games with a broken foot due to a mistake during practice.{{cite news |last1=Wheatley |first1=Tom |title=Despite Injured Wrist, Hedican Expected To Be Ready For Finale |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71925543/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 16, 1992}} He made his NHL debut on March 27, 1992,{{cite news |title=Defenseman Murray Baron was scratched for the second successive game |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71925518/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=March 27, 1992}} and recorded his first career NHL goal in a 5–3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on April 15.

Following his first season, Hedican suffered a knee injury in September that delayed his start to the 1992–93 season. After being medically cleared to play, Hedican made his season debut on November 27 against the Vancouver Canucks in a 7–5 win. Despite not scoring, Blues coach Bob Berry praised Hedican's play for his speed and puck play.{{cite news |last1=Luecking |first1=Dave |title=Hedican's Return Is Winner For Blues |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71925574/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=November 27, 1992|via=newspapers.com}} He split his time during the season with the Rivermen in order to gain experience and practice.{{cite news |last1=Luecking |first1=Dave |title=Speedy Hedican Gets Ticket Down To Peoria |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71912180/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=February 14, 1993|via=newspapers.com}} In spite of this, he was invited to the NHL All-Star Game and placed second behind Mike Gartner in the fastest skater competition.{{cite news |last1=Beamish |first1=Mike |title=Hedican's skating draws favorable comparisons to the great Coffey |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71912524/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=The Vancouver Sun |date=October 3, 1996|via=newspapers.com}}

In his third season with the Blues, Hedican was traded to the Vancouver Canucks with Jeff Brown and Nathan LaFayette for Craig Janney, on March 21, 1994, joining the Canucks in time for their Stanley Cup run that season.{{cite news |title=Blues trade back for Janney |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-22-1994-2270061/ |access-date=February 23, 2021 |publisher=Sedalia Democrat |date=March 22, 1994|via=newspaperarchive.com}} At the time of the trade, Hedican said: "I have nothing bad to say about St. Louis. They gave me some ice time. I'm sad to leave, but Vancouver wants me."{{cite news |title=Hedi-Can |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71912685/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=March 27, 1994|via=newspapers.com}}

Hedican joined the Canucks for their Stanley Cup run and recorded the teams' first goal in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals on May 31, 1994. After finishing the 1996–97 season with six goals and 23 assists in 77 games, Hedican signed a two-year contract worth just under $2 million to remain with the Canucks on October 10, 1997.{{cite news |title=Hedican Inks Contract |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71903369/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=The Province |date=October 10, 1997|via=newspapers.com}} In the first year of his contract, he led the league in short-handed assists with seven.{{cite web|url=http://www.sunmedia.ca/HockeyCanadianRosters/hedican_b.html|title=Bret Hedican|publisher=Sun Media|date = 2012-02-27 | access-date= February 27, 2012}}

Although Hedican established himself in the Canucks blueline after five seasons he was traded to the Florida Panthers with Pavel Bure, Brad Ference and Vancouver's third round choice (Robert Fried) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft for Ed Jovanovski, Dave Gagner, Mike Brown, Kevin Weekes and Florida's first round choice (Nathan Smith) in the 2000 Entry Draft, on January 17, 1999.{{cite news |last1=Pap |first1=Elliott |title=Bure Traded |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71926411/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=The Vancouver Sun |date=January 18, 1999|via=newspapers.com}} Hedican finished the season with the Panthers, recording three goals and 10 points in 25 games despite missing 16 games with an eye injury and torn groin muscle. He remained unsigned as the 1999–00 training camp approached but continued to engage in contract discussions.{{cite news |last1=Russo |first1=Michael |title=Of 3 unsigned, Hedican most likely to hold out |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71926488/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=South Florida Sun Sentinel |date=August 26, 1999|via=newspapers.com}} On November 4, 1999, Hedican was suspended three games for slashing during a game against the Ottawa Senators and was docked $25,520.{{cite news |title=2 Panthers suspended, lose pay |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71911925/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 23, 2021 |publisher=The Indianapolis Star |date=November 4, 1999|via=newspapers.com}}

File:Bret Hedican with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2008.jpg with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2008]]

Hedican was traded by the Panthers with Kevyn Adams and Tomas Malec to the Carolina Hurricanes for Sandis Ozolinsh and Byron Ritchie on January 16, 2002.{{cite web |title=HURRICANES ACQUIRE HEDICAN, ADAMS AND PROSPECT MALEC FROM FLORIDA PANTHERS |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/press-release-hurricanes-acquire-hedican-adams-and-prospect-malec-from-florida-panthers/c-472506 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=January 16, 2002}} He was reconnected with Team USA teammate David Tanabe whom he also trained with during the offseason.{{cite news |last1=Giglio |first1=J.P. |title=No need to change name plate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71903079/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 23, 2021 |publisher=The News and Observer |date=January 18, 2002|via=newspapers.com}} Hedican made his Hurricanes debut against the Montreal Canadiens the following day and scored his first goal with the team two days later against the New Jersey Devils.{{cite web |title=HURRICANES SIGN DEFENSEMAN BRET HEDICAN TO SIX-YEAR CONTRACT |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/press-release-hurricanes-sign-defenseman-bret-hedican-to-six-year-contract/c-472616 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=June 30, 2002}} During the remainder of the 2002–03 season, Hedican said: "I just want to play in the playoffs I want to work my butt off and worry about my contract at the end of this whole thing."{{cite news |last1=Decock |first1=Luke |title=Canes hope to seal deal with Hedican |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71913121/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 23, 2021 |publisher=The News and Observer |date=April 15, 2002|via=newspapers.com}} On June 30, 2002, he opted to sign a six-year contract to remain with the team instead of becoming a free agent.

On February 6, 2005, Hedican was named to Team USA's roster for the 2006 Winter Olympics as a replacement for injured defenseman Aaron Miller.{{cite web |title=BRET HEDICAN ADDED TO TEAM USA OLYMPIC SQUAD |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/bret-hedican-added-to-team-usa-olympic-squad/c-470609 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=February 6, 2006}} During the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup run, Hedican was the team's nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy as someone who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey."{{cite web |title=HEDICAN NOMINATED FOR MASTERTON TROPHY |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/hedican-nominated-for-masterton-trophy/c-470651 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=April 6, 2006}} After winning the Cup, it was revealed that Hedican tore the labrum in his right hip in Game 1 of the Cup finals. He played the remainder of the games with the aid of cortisone and pain-relief shots.{{cite news |last1=Giglio |first1=J.P. |title=Canes disclose injuries |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71912820/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 23, 2021 |publisher=The News and Observer |date=June 22, 2006|via=newspapers.com}}

His last few seasons in Carolina were riddled with injuries that severely limited his game play. On January 4, 2007, Jim Rutherford announced that Hedican would miss three to four weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left ring finger. At the time of his injury, Hedican recorded eight assists in 37 games and led all Hurricanes defensemen in ice time.{{cite web |title=HURRICANES' BRET HEDICAN TO UNDERGO SURGERY |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/hurricanes-bret-hedican-to-undergo-surgery/c-470851 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=January 4, 2007}} He was activated off Injured Reserve a month later on February 1 after missing 10 games.{{cite web |title=HURRICANES ACTIVATE HEDICAN FROM INJURED RESERVE |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/hurricanes-activate-hedican-from-injured-reserve/c-470870 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=February 1, 2007}} Overall, Hedican missed 32 games as a result of various ailments, including the final 16 with a hip injury. He debated retiring during the offseason but chose to return to the Hurricanes for the 2007–08 season.{{cite web |title=Hedican Works His Way Back |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/hedican-works-his-way-back/c-471216 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=October 29, 2007}} In late December, Hedican suffered a sprained right knee during a game against the Boston Bruins and was placed on Injured Reserve. At the time of his injury, he had recorded two goals and seven assists.{{cite web |title=Hurricanes place defenseman Bret Hedican on injured reserve, recall Casey Borer from Albany |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/hurricanes-place-defenseman-bret-hedican-on-injured-reserve-recall-casey-borer-from-albany/c-374980 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=January 1, 2008}}

For the 2008–09 season, his last season in the league, Hedican signed a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks.{{cite web |title=Ducks Sign Bret Hedican to 1-Year Deal |url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/ducks-sign-bret-hedican-to-1-year-deal/c-469486 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=October 23, 2008}} He played his 1000th career NHL game on November 21, 2008, against the St. Louis Blues.{{cite web |last1=Shohara |first1=Kyle |title=Blood, Sweat, Tears, But Never Doubt: Kesler Set to Play 1,000th NHL Game |url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/blood-sweat-tears-but-never-doubt-kesler-set-to-play-1000th-nhl-game/c-305453584 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=March 5, 2019}} In February, Hedican began experiencing back spasms and was forced to miss numerous games.{{cite web |last1=Vevoda |first1=Matt |title=Road to Glory? |url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/road-to-glory/c-469642 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 24, 2021 |date=March 30, 2009}}

On September 16, 2009, Hedican announced his retirement after playing in 1,039 career regular-season games and recording 294 points. Although he retired, he announced that: "I'd pay [general manager] Jimmy [Rutherford] to let me sign for a dollar and put the jersey on again."{{cite web |title=Hedican retires after 17 NHL seasons |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hedican-retires-after-17-nhl-seasons-1.856167 |website=cbc.ca |access-date=February 23, 2021 |date=September 16, 2009}}

File:Remenda, Hahn and Hedican at the San Jose Sharks Opening Night Street Rally.jpg

Hedican joined NBC Sports California shortly after retiring, serving as a studio analyst and "Inside-the-Glass" reporter for select home games for the channel's San Jose Sharks coverage. In the fall of 2014, he joined the Sharks Radio Network team, and either Baker or Hedican provided color commentary alongside Dan Rusanowsky.{{cite web |title=St. Cloud State University Athletic Hall of Fame Will Induct Hedican |url=https://www.nhl.com/sharks/news/st-cloud-state-university-athletic-hall-of-fame-will-induct-hedican/c-290305836 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 24, 2021 |date=July 6, 2017}} He also called games with Randy Hahn and Jamie Baker on NBCSN and NBC Sports California before Baker retired.{{Cite web |last=Pashelka |first=Curtis |date=2017-11-12 |title=Popular Sharks television analyst taking leave of absence |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/11/11/popular-sharks-television-analyst-taking-leave-of-absence/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Pashelka |first=Curtis |date=2018-02-09 |title=Sharks broadcaster stepping away to focus on personal well-being |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/02/08/sharks-broadcaster-stepping-away-to-focus-on-personal-well-being/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Berman |first=Steve |title=Media Morsels: Sharks make broadcast adjustments, Donte Whitner shines on the new 49ers pre- and postgame panel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/520539/2018/09/14/media-morsels-sharks-make-broadcast-adjustments-donte-whitner-shines-on-the-new-49ers-pre-and-postgame-panel/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |last=Pashelka |first=Curtis |date=December 16, 2020 |title=Jamie Baker stepping away from San Jose Sharks' broadcast team |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/12/16/jamie-baker-stepping-away-from-san-jose-sharks-broadcast-team/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=The Mercury News}}

In 2014, Hedican partnered with another former Vancouver Canuck, Paul Reinhart, investing over $1 million in a sports team management start-up, RosterBot, based in Vancouver. The web-based software allowed users to set up a team, add player profiles, assign people to positions and share schedules by synchronizing them with calendars on other devices.{{cite news |last1=Halter |first1=Nick |title=Former NHL player, Minnesota native becomes Silicon Valley entrepreneur (Video) |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/sports-business/2014/10/former-nhl-player-minnesota-native-becomes-silicon.html |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=Business Journal |date=October 14, 2014}}{{cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Anwar |title=Hockey jocks join forces to kickstart RosterBot |url=https://financialpost.com/entrepreneur/hockey-jocks-join-forces-to-kickstart-rosterbot?r |access-date=February 24, 2021 |publisher=Financial Post |date=May 6, 2014}}

In late July 2024, Hedican left NBC to work as a player development analyst for the San Diego Gulls, the AHL affiliate team of the Anaheim Ducks.{{cite web |author= |title=San Diego Gulls name Bret Hedican Player Development Analyst |url=https://www.sandiegogulls.com/news/detail/san-diego-gulls-name-bret-hedican-player-development-analyst-july-30-2024 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |publisher=San Diego Gulls |date=July 30, 2024}}

Hedican has been married to figure-skater Kristi Yamaguchi since 2000. They had met at the 1992 Olympic Winter Games when both were members of the US Olympic team.{{cite news |title=MARRIAGE MADE ON ICE |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71903433/bret-hedican/ |access-date=February 23, 2021 |publisher=The Morning Call |date=July 10, 2000|via=newspapers.com}} The couple have two daughters, Keara Kiyomi (2003) and Emma Yoshiko (2005).{{cite news |title=Yamaguchi and Hedican welcome baby No. 2 |url=https://archive.triblive.com/news/yamaguchi-and-hedican-welcome-baby-no-2/ |access-date=February 23, 2021 |publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |date=November 23, 2005}}

• List of NHL players with 1000 games played

{{reflist}}

• {{icehockeystats|hockeydb=2224}}
• [http://www.alwaysdream.org AlwaysDream.org]

{{NHL on NBC}}

{{NHL on TNT}}

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Category:1970 births

Category:Living people

Category:American men's ice hockey defensemen

Category:Anaheim Ducks players

Category:Carolina Hurricanes players

Category:Florida Panthers players

Category:Ice hockey players at the 1992 Winter Olympics

Category:Ice hockey players at the 2006 Winter Olympics

Category:Olympic ice hockey players for the United States

Category:People from North St. Paul, Minnesota

Category:Ice hockey people from Ramsey County, Minnesota

Category:Peoria Rivermen (IHL) players

Category:St. Cloud State Huskies men's ice hockey players

Category:St. Louis Blues draft picks

Category:St. Louis Blues players

Category:San Jose Sharks announcers

Category:Stanley Cup champions

Category:Vancouver Canucks players

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:20th-century American sportsmen