Rick Nash - the famous hockey player with strong hands and big heart

Rick Nash - an amazing hockey player and a daring striker. He rightly can be called one of the 10 unbeaten players in the world. He is not afraid to make sacrifices in order to achieve victory. Constantly striving to improve his abilities and become even stronger.

Five times he received the title of "NHL All-Star". He played in the Columbus Blue Jackets team, he was repeatedly awarded the title of "Best Scorer" and "Best Sniper". Nash represented Canada at the Winter Olympics in 2010 and 2014, winning gold in both cases.

Early life

The future famous hockey player was born on June 16, 1984 in Brampton, Ontario (Canada). At a young age, he began skating on a pond, which was near the house. As a child, Rick Nash was a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs team and simply idolized Doug Gilmour and Mats Sandin.

Organized started playing hockey with local black boys. In addition, Nash was fond of lacrosse until 15 years. Soon he remembered that it was this kind of sport that helped him develop big and strong hands, as well as such NHL stars - Shenahan and Joe Newwendick.

At 10, he joined the triple club Toronto Marlborough, which had a great influence on Rick's career. Keith Carrigan was appointed as the coach of this team. For Nash, he became a true guru who fulfilled all his wise instructions. And so far, during the off-season, old friends still meet to work on Rick's technique and skills.

Fast career growth

Carrigan coached the young star until 2000, until Nash began playing OHL for London Knights. For the season 2000-2001 he scored 31 goals and scored 66 points. He was awarded the title "Rookie of the Year".

In the next season earns 72 points. Rick Nash (hockey player) receives the title of All-Star Team OHL. In the tournament "Six Nations" in 2001 led the team of Canada, so they won a gold medal.

In 2002 Nash's cherished dream came true - he signed a contract with the Columbus Blue Jacket in the NHL. In the 2002-2003 season, he quickly became a superstar. In his first match, he scored a great goal. Then, having scored 39 points, he received the title of "Recruit of the Year". As a league newcomer, he reached the final in the tournament "Calder Trophy".

Achievements and victories

In 2003, after 30 goals left in the 2003-2004 season, Rick Nash won the Maurice Richard Trophy prize, becoming the youngest holder of this award in history.

Because of difficult disputes in the NHL joins the Davos team, which performs in the Swiss hockey league. During the 2004-2005 season, he became not only the best scorer, but also became part of the All-Star team, which played for the Spengler Cup-2004.

In 2005, Nash again returns to the NHL and signs a new contract with the Columbus Blue Jacket. In the 2005-2006 season, he misses several games due to an ankle injury. But in the end, gaining 54 points and becoming one of the best players in the NHL.

In 2008 he was appointed captain of the team. In the same year, he won the title of "Best Sniper" for the fourth time. In 2009 he is recognized as the best scorer in the history of the team.

In 2011, he took part in the All-Star match for the fifth time. Soon earns 500th point in the NHL regular championships.

In 2012, Rick Nash begins to play for the "New York Rangers", where he is also recognized as the best sniper in the team. In 2014, they reached the final of the Stanley Cup, but could not win the victory.

In 2014 he wins a gold medal at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.

Rick Nash: personal life and fun facts

The famous hockey player has a wife - Jessica Nash, who works in non-profit organizations to raise funds for cancer patients. Currently, he cooperates with the aviation company Wilssup. In 2014, the couple had their first child, the boy McLaren.

Here are some interesting facts about Rick: he loves songs Britney Spears, loves to visit different countries, respects his family and friends. But because of permanent employment, unfortunately, rarely meets with them. After his grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, he founded a charitable Canadian foundation. And now after every goal scored, he donates $ 100 for treatment of cancer patients.