Kyle Chipchura

Kyle Chipchura (born Kyle Douglas Glen Chipchura on February 19, 1986) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre of the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL).

He was selected in the first round, 18th overall of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens.

Playing Career
Kyle began his major junior career with the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2002–03. Following his second season with the Raiders, he was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens.

On March 25, 2006, he was signed to a three-year entry level contract by the Canadiens and joined AHL affiliate the Hamilton Bulldogs to complete the 2005–06 season.

In 2006–07, Kyle remained with the Bulldogs. After posting 39 point in the regular season, he added a further 6 goals and 13 points in the playoffs to help Hamilton capture the Calder Cup.

In the 2007–08 season, Kyle played his first NHL game on October 10, 2007. He netted his first goal later that month on October 20 against the Buffalo Sabres.

On December 2, 2009, Kyle was traded to the Anaheim Ducks for a fourth-round pick in 2011.

He found a checking line role within the Ducks and posted 6 goals and 6 games to finish out the 2009–10 season. His second season with the Ducks proved less successful, in struggling for a regular roster spot, Kyle finished with just 2 assists in 40 games.

Released by the Ducks to explore free agency, Kyle signed to a one-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes on July 19, 2011.

International Play
Kyle attended Team Canada's selection camp prior to the 2005 World Junior Championships and was expected to make the team despite being only 18 (players up to 20 years old are eligible for the tournament).

During practice with the Raiders, however, he sustained a severed Achilles tendon and was not able to be selected as a member of the gold-medal-winning Canadian team.

The following year, Kyle was invited to try out again for the 2006 World Junior Championships. After being selected for the Canadian team, he was named team captain by head coach Brent Sutter on December 16, 2005.

Personal Life
Kyle was born in Westlock, Alberta.

He played minor league hockey in nearby Legal and Westlock, and attended high school at R. F. Staples Secondary School and Carlton Comprehensive High School during his major junior career with the Prince Albert Raiders.