Shayne Gostisbehere, a dynamic and skilled defenseman, has made a significant impact on the ice both in the NHL and on the international stage. From his early days in junior hockey to his current role with the Arizona Coyotes, Gostisbehere’s journey has been marked by impressive achievements and a commitment to excellence.
Gostisbehere’s NHL career has been a testament to his offensive prowess and defensive reliability. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012, he quickly established himself as a top-pairing defenseman, known for his ability to generate offense from the blue line while also contributing defensively.
Player Profile
Shayne Gostisbehere is a professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 20, 1993, in Margate, Florida, Gostisbehere grew up in Pembroke Pines, Florida, with his parents, Don and Tina, and his older brother, Shane.
Gostisbehere’s hockey journey began at a young age, inspired by his father, who played college hockey at Northeastern University. He developed his skills through local youth hockey programs before joining the Florida Jr. Panthers of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) in 2010.
Junior Hockey Career
Gostisbehere spent two seasons with the Florida Jr. Panthers, serving as an alternate captain in his second year. He recorded 125 points (40 goals and 85 assists) in 107 games, earning him recognition as one of the top defensemen in the EJHL.
College Hockey Career
After graduating from high school, Gostisbehere committed to play college hockey for Union College in the ECAC Hockey conference. He made an immediate impact, leading the team in scoring among defensemen with 34 points (10 goals and 24 assists) in 38 games as a freshman.
In his sophomore season, Gostisbehere was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Conference Second Team and the NCAA East Regional All-Tournament Team. He helped Union College reach the NCAA Frozen Four, where they lost to Boston College in the semifinals.
Gostisbehere’s outstanding college career culminated in his junior season, where he was named the ECAC Hockey Player of the Year and the NCAA East Regional Most Outstanding Player. He led the nation in scoring among defensemen with 65 points (18 goals and 47 assists) in 41 games, helping Union College win its first NCAA Division I National Championship.
NHL Career
Shayne Gostisbehere’s NHL journey began when he was selected 78th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2014-15 season and quickly established himself as a dynamic offensive defenseman.
Gostisbehere’s playing style is characterized by his exceptional puck-handling skills, offensive instincts, and powerful shot. He is known for his ability to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates, as well as his contributions on the power play.
Philadelphia Flyers
During his time with the Flyers, Gostisbehere emerged as a key player on their blue line. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2015-16 and helped the Flyers reach the playoffs in each of his first four seasons with the team.
Gostisbehere’s best season came in 2017-18 when he recorded 13 goals and 52 assists in 78 games. He finished the season as the Flyers’ leading scorer and was selected to the NHL All-Star Game.
Arizona Coyotes
In July 2021, Gostisbehere was traded to the Arizona Coyotes. He has continued to be a valuable contributor for the Coyotes, providing offensive support and leadership on the ice.
Throughout his NHL career, Gostisbehere has established himself as a top offensive defenseman. His ability to generate scoring chances and contribute on the power play has made him a valuable asset to both the Flyers and Coyotes.
International Play: Shayne Gostisbehere
Shayne Gostisbehere has represented the United States on multiple occasions throughout his career.
He made his international debut at the 2013 World Junior Championships, where he helped the United States win a silver medal. Gostisbehere was a key player for the United States at the tournament, leading all defensemen in scoring with three goals and five assists in seven games.
2014 World Championships
Gostisbehere also represented the United States at the 2014 World Championships, where he helped the team win a bronze medal. Gostisbehere was a key player for the United States at the tournament, scoring one goal and adding three assists in eight games.
2016 World Cup of Hockey
Gostisbehere was named to the United States team for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He played in all three of the United States’ games in the tournament, but did not record any points.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Shayne Gostisbehere has received numerous awards and accolades, both individually and as part of a team. These recognitions highlight his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport of hockey.
His awards include:
| Award | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| World Junior Ice Hockey Championships Gold Medal | 2013 | Awarded to the winning team of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. |
| Hobey Baker Award | 2015 | Presented annually to the top men’s college hockey player in the United States. |
| NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey All-American First Team | 2015 | Recognizes the top players in college hockey, as selected by the American Hockey Coaches Association. |
| NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player | 2015 | Awarded to the most outstanding player in the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four tournament. |
| Philadelphia Flyers Barry Ashbee Trophy | 2016 | Presented annually to the Flyers’ top rookie. |
| NHL All-Rookie Team | 2016 | Recognizes the top rookies in the NHL, as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. |
These awards are a testament to Gostisbehere’s talent and hard work. They have not only recognized his individual accomplishments but have also contributed to his status as one of the most promising young players in the NHL.
Injuries and Recovery
Shayne Gostisbehere has faced several injuries throughout his career, including concussions, knee injuries, and a pulmonary embolism. These injuries have had a significant impact on his playing time and overall performance.
Concussions
Gostisbehere has suffered multiple concussions, including one in 2017 that kept him out of the lineup for several weeks. Concussions can be debilitating and have long-term effects on a player’s health and career. Gostisbehere has been praised for his resilience and determination in overcoming these challenges.
Knee Injuries
Gostisbehere has also dealt with knee injuries, including a torn ACL in 2018. This injury required surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Gostisbehere missed the entire 2018-19 season due to this injury. He has since returned to action but has not yet regained his previous form.
Pulmonary Embolism, Shayne gostisbehere
In 2020, Gostisbehere was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. This condition required immediate medical attention and prevented Gostisbehere from playing for several months. He has since made a full recovery and returned to the ice.
Timeline of Injuries and Recovery Milestones
*
-*2017
Suffered a concussion that kept him out of the lineup for several weeks.
-
-*2018
Tore his ACL and missed the entire 2018-19 season.
-*2020
Diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and missed several months of play.
-*2021
Returned to action after recovering from the pulmonary embolism.
Off-Ice Impact
Beyond his on-ice accomplishments, Shayne Gostisbehere has established himself as a dedicated philanthropist and role model in the community. He is actively involved in various charitable initiatives and community outreach programs, positively impacting the lives of countless individuals.
Gostisbehere’s commitment to giving back is evident through his support of organizations such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Flyers Wives Carnival, which raises funds for local charities. He regularly visits CHOP, interacting with patients and their families, spreading joy and inspiration.
Community Outreach
Gostisbehere’s community involvement extends beyond hospital visits. He actively participates in youth hockey programs, mentoring young players and sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport. His dedication to fostering the next generation of hockey enthusiasts is a testament to his commitment to the community.
Last Recap
Gostisbehere’s international experience has further showcased his talents. As a member of Team USA, he has represented his country at the World Championships and the Winter Olympics, helping the team achieve success on the global stage.
