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Aaron Ekblad, born on February 7, 1996, is an ice hockey defenseman who serves as the alternate captain for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Moreover, Ekblad made history when he was selected first overall in both the 2011 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) entry draft (by the Barrie Colts) and the 2014 NHL Entry Draft (by the Florida Panthers). Notably, he was granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada, allowing him to enter major junior hockey a year earlier than usual. During his stint with the Colts, he was awarded the Jack Ferguson Award, the Emma Family Award and the Max Kaminsky Trophy alongside a Frist All-Star Team selection.
He quickly made his mark in the NHL, earning a spot in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game and receiving the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie during the 2014–15 season. Ekblad's achievements extend beyond his NHL career, as he holds the record for the most games played and points scored by a defenseman in the history of the Florida Panthers franchise.
Aaron Ekblad’s Ethnicity
Aaron Ekblad has Canadian roots with Swedish ethnicity as his great-grandfather was from Sweden. Similarly, his last name "Ekblad" suggests the same.
Aaron Ekblad Nationality
Aaron Ekblad holds Canadian nationality. His parents, Dave Ekblad and Lisa Ekblad, are both Canadian citizens. Aaron also has a brother named Darien Ekblad, who played as a goaltender for various hockey teams.
Aaron Ekblad’s Hometown
Despite being born in Windsor, he grew up in Belle River, Ontario. Aaron Ekblad attended Innisdale Secondary School and was an honor roll student in the Simcoe County District School Board. During his rookie year, Ekblad lived with veteran Willie Mitchell and his wife Megan. In 2010–11, he played for the Sun County Panthers minor midget AAA team in Belle River, Ontario, where he served as captain and led the team to an alliance championship.
Aaron Ekblad Birthplace
Aaron Ekblad was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on February 7, 1996. Notably, Aaron Ekblad has represented Canada in international ice hockey competitions, achieving notable success. Ekblad played for Team Canada at the 2015 World Championships, where they clinched the gold medal with a flawless 10-0 record, marking Canada's first gold since 2007. Ekblad also contributed to Team Canada's success at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where they secured the gold medal. Furthermore, he was named to Team Canada's senior team for the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
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