Calgary Flame's Dion Phaneuf and His Hockey Career

If you're a hockey fan, especially a Calgary Flames fan, there is almost no way that you do not know who Dion Phaneuf is. Dion Phaneuf was born in Edmonton, Alberta in Canada on April 10, 1985 making him twenty-four years old. This defenseman is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 212 pounds. Dion Phaneuf's hockey career really began in the 2001-2002 season when he started playing with the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL (Western Hockey League). The WHL is one of the three leagues which makes up the CHL (Canadian Hockey League) and the CHL is the highest level of junior hockey in the entire country.

Dion Phaneuf spent quite a few seasons with the Red Deer Rebel, in fact, they were the only team that he ever played with while he was in the WHL. Dion Phaneuf was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2003, 9th overall. He was the Calgary Flame's first round pick. Although he was drafted in 2003, Dion Phaneuf remained with his team, the Red Deer Rebels, in the WHL for a couple more season (one of which was the 2004-2005 season, which was the year of the NHL Lockout). Although he is young, he is quite an amazing player and everyone has noticed. In both 2004 and 2005, Dion Phaneuf was named to the CHL First All-Star Team, which is not an easy thing to do considering this team is selected from all three leagues that make up the CHL. Also in 2004, he was named to the WHL East First All-Star Team. 2004 and 2005 were good years for Dion Phaneuf as he also won the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy both years. The Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy is awarded to the best defenseman.

After the NHL Lockout, Dion Phaneuf was called up to play with the Calgary Flames. He played all 82 of the regular season games with the Flames, which is not something that every rookie gets to do. Also in his rookie season, he became the third ever rookie to score twenty goals in a season. Since his rookie season with the Calgary Flames, his goals may have gone down slightly, but he has built up his points with his assists. In 2007, Dion Phaneuf was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game. He was again selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game in 2008. The Calgary Flames are still Dion Phaneuf's team and he is now their Alternate Captain. In 2009, he was selected to be on the cover of the very popular hockey game, NHL 09.

Dion Phaneuf is a fairly young player, and has not had much international play, but he does have some. In 2004 and 2005, he played for Team Canada in the World Junior Championships. In 2004, Team Canada won the silver medal and in 2005, Team Canada won the gold. Dion Phaneuf also played in the 2007 World Championships, in which Team Canada won gold.

ref-www.nhl.com