Aaron Ekblad Bio, Birthday, Birthsign, Birthplace, Height and Profession

Aaron Ekblad was born on February 7, 1996, in Windsor, Canada. He is a professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a defenseman for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Ekblad stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and weighs around 216 pounds (98 kg). Ekblad began his hockey career at a young age, playing for the Sun County Panthers in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA). His exceptional skills and talent quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading him to be selected first overall in the 2011 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection Draft by the Barrie Colts. During his time with the Barrie Colts, Ekblad showcased his remarkable abilities on the ice, earning him numerous accolades and recognition. In the 2011-2012 season, he was named the OHL Rookie of the Year, becoming the first defenseman to win the award in over 20 years. He continued to excel in the following seasons, earning the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman in both 2013 and 2014. Ekblad's outstanding performance in the OHL led to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers. This made him the first defenseman since 2006 to be chosen as the top pick in the draft. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team and winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie. Throughout his NHL career, Ekblad has consistently proven himself as a reliable and skilled defenseman. He has been a key player for the Florida Panthers, contributing both offensively and defensively. Ekblad's powerful shot and ability to read the game have made him a threat on the power play, while his physicality and defensive prowess have solidified his role as a shutdown defenseman. In addition to his success at the professional level, Ekblad has also represented Canada internationally. He has competed in various tournaments, including the IIHF World Junior Championship and the IIHF World Championship, where he helped Canada win gold medals in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Off the ice, Ekblad is known for his dedication and professionalism. He is highly regarded for his leadership qualities and has served as an alternate captain for the Florida Panthers. Despite facing some injuries throughout