Johan Hedberg
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Position | Goaltender |
Catches | Left |
Nickname(s) | Moose[1] Jo-Jo |
Height Weight |
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg/13 st 3 lb) |
NHL Team F. teams |
Atlanta Thrashers NHL Pittsburgh Penguins Vancouver Canucks Dallas Stars SEL Leksands IF |
Nationality | Sweden |
Born | May 5, 1973 , Leksand, SWE |
NHL Draft | 218th overall, 1994 Philadelphia Flyers |
Pro career | 1993 – present |
Johan "Moose" Hedberg (born May 5, 1973, in Leksand, Sweden) is a professional hockey goaltender currently with the Atlanta Thrashers of National Hockey League.
[edit] Playing career
Hedberg was drafted in the ninth round, 218th overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. Before signing in Atlanta in 2006, Hedberg played for the Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He has also played for other clubs: Leksands IF (Sweden), Baton Rouge Kingfish (ECHL), Detroit Vipers (IHL), Manitoba Moose (IHL/AHL), Kentucky Thoroughblades (AHL)
Hedberg's nickname is "Moose" or rarely but more preferably "Jo-Jo", pronounced yo-yo. When he played for Pittsburgh, the home crowds would cheer for him after a spectacular save by yelling "Moooooseeee". This was often heard incorrectly as a boo. Fans quickly nicknamed him "Moose" out of necessity - Hedberg started a game in Pittsburgh on late notice and as a result was still wearing his customized Manitoba Moose helmet which, not surprisingly, had a large moose painted across it.
On December 26, 2005, Hedberg recorded two assists in a game against the St. Louis Blues. This is the first time a Dallas Stars goalie has ever accomplished this feat, and the first time any goalie in the NHL has done it since Patrick Roy on December 29, 2000. One assist came from a pass that met Stars Captain Mike Modano at the Blues' blue line, granting him a 1-on-1 opportunity.
Hedberg signed a two year contract with Atlanta in July 2006, and has since served as backup for starter Kari Lehtonen.