Brady Skjei

Brady Skjei (/ʃeɪ/ shay; born March 26, 1994) is an American ice hockey defenseman, currently playing for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Skjei was drafted by the Rangers in the first round, 28th overall of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft. Prior to joining the University of Minnesota, Skjei played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, based out of Michigan and he represents the United States in international play.

Playing career

Skjei played two seasons of high school hockey in Minnesota for the Lakeville North Panthers. In his first season with the team, he was named Rookie of the Year, and in his second he was named the team's Most Valuable Player. For his final two years of high school, Skjei played with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, based out of Michigan. He spent one season with the Under-17 team, and one with the Under-18 team. After his final season with the National Team Development Program, Skjei was selected by the New York Rangers in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. During his freshman season at the University of Minnesota, Skjei played in 36 games, recording one goal and two assists. Skjei signed a contract with the New York Rangers on April 1, 2015. He reported to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL as an Amateur Tryout to finish the 2014-15 season.

Skjei scored his first professional goal (and point) in a Calder Cup playoff game against the Providence Bruins on April 26, 2015.

He was promoted to the Rangers from Harford on December 15, 2015 after recording 2 goals and 9 assists in 27 games for the Wolf Pack to start the 2015-16 season. Injuries to various New York Rangers' defenseman increased Skjei's ice time, but he failed to score any points in the 7 regular season games he played for the team. In the playoffs, Skjei recorded 2 assists as the Rangers were eliminated in the first round in 5 games by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

International play

Skjei represents the United States in international play. His first taste of international hockey was at the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he recorded one goal and three assists in 6 games, while helping the USA to a second-place finish. In 2012, Skjei played in several tournaments with the American Under-18 team, including the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships, capturing a gold medal in the first International Ice Hockey Federation sanctioned tournament he played in. He attended the American evaluation camp in preparation for the 2013 World Junior Championship, but was not selected for the final team. Skjei was selected to the American team for the 2014 World Junior Tournament, held in Sweden.

Personal life

While attending Lakeville North High School in Minnesota, Skjei played quarterback on the varsity football team and was also a member of the golf team. His grandfather played football at the University of Minnesota.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International