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Braden HoltbyCanadian ice hockey goalie
Date of Birth: 16.09.1989
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Early Career
- Washington Capitals
- Breakout Season and Vezina Trophy
- Stanley Cup Champion
- Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars
- International Career
- Personal Life
Early Career
Born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada, Braden Holtby began his hockey journey with local youth teams. In 2006, he joined the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he excelled, recording 40 wins in his final season.
Washington Capitals
Holtby was selected by the Washington Capitals in the fourth round (98th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. After playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) and ECHL, he made his NHL debut with the Capitals in 2010. Impressively, he shut out the Edmonton Oilers in his first NHL start in 2011, earning him NHL Player of the Week honors.
Breakout Season and Vezina Trophy
In the 2011-12 playoffs, Holtby unexpectedly emerged as the Capitals' starting goaltender, leading them to the semifinals. His outstanding performance continued in the 2014-15 season, where he set several franchise records, including most consecutive games played (27) and most shutouts (9). For his exceptional season, he was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender.
Stanley Cup Champion
In 2018, Holtby backstopped the Capitals to the Stanley Cup championship, his first. He made a memorable save on Alex Tuch's empty-net attempt in Game 2 of the finals, which was widely hailed as the "save of the year."
Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars
After a standout tenure with the Capitals, Holtby became a free agent in 2020 and signed a two-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks. After one season in Vancouver, he was placed on waivers and bought out of his contract. In 2021, he joined the Dallas Stars on a one-year deal.
International Career
Holtby represented Canada at the 2007 World Junior Under-18 Championship, appearing in one game. He was also named to the Canadian roster for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey but did not play.
