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'''Christian Ehrhoff''' (born July 6, 1982) is a German professional [[ice hockey]] [[defenceman (ice hockey)|defenceman]] currently playing for the [[Vancouver Canucks]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL). He is known primarily as an offensive defenceman with strong skating and shooting abilities.<ref name=rave/>
'''Christian Ehrhoff''' (born July 6, 1982) is a German professional [[ice hockey]] [[defenseman (ice hockey)|defenseman]] currently playing for the [[Vancouver Canucks]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL). He is known primarily as an offensive defenseman with strong skating and shooting abilities.<ref name=rave/>


Before playing in the NHL, Ehrhoff spent several years playing professionally in Germany, starting with [[EV Duisburg]] of the third-tier [[Oberliga (ice hockey)|Oberliga]] and the [[Krefeld Pinguine|Krefeld Penguins]] of the premiere [[Deutsche Eishockey Liga]] (DEL). He spent three years with Krefeld, winning the [[German champions (ice hockey)|German championship]] in 2003. Selected 106th overall by the [[San Jose Sharks]] in the [[2001 NHL Entry Draft]], Ehrhoff moved to North America for the [[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04 season]]. He spent one-and-a-half seasons with the [[Cleveland Barons (2001–2006)|Cleveland Barons]], the Sharks' [[American Hockey League]] (AHL) affiliate, before joining San Jose on a full-time basis for [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06]]. After being traded to the Canucks in August 2009, he won two consecutive [[Babe Pratt Trophy|Babe Pratt Trophies]] as the team's top defenceman. Internationally, Ehrhoff has played for the [[Germany men's national ice hockey team|German national team]] in numerous tournaments, including three [[Winter Olympics]], four [[Ice Hockey World Championships|World Championships]] and a [[World Cup of Hockey|World Cup]].
Before playing in the NHL, Ehrhoff spent several years playing professionally in Germany, starting with [[EV Duisburg]] of the third-tier [[Oberliga (ice hockey)|Oberliga]] and the [[Krefeld Pinguine|Krefeld Penguins]] of the premiere [[Deutsche Eishockey Liga]] (DEL). He spent three years with Krefeld, winning the [[German champions (ice hockey)|German championship]] in 2003. Selected 106th overall by the [[San Jose Sharks]] in the [[2001 NHL Entry Draft]], Ehrhoff moved to North America for the [[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04 season]]. He spent one-and-a-half seasons with the [[Cleveland Barons (2001–2006)|Cleveland Barons]], the Sharks' [[American Hockey League]] (AHL) affiliate, before joining San Jose on a full-time basis for [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06]]. After being traded to the Canucks in August 2009, he won two consecutive [[Babe Pratt Trophy|Babe Pratt Trophies]] as the team's top defenseman. Internationally, Ehrhoff has played for the [[Germany men's national ice hockey team|German national team]] in numerous tournaments, including three [[Winter Olympics]], four [[Ice Hockey World Championships|World Championships]] and a [[World Cup of Hockey|World Cup]].


==Early life==
==Early life==
Ehrhoff was born and raised in [[Moers]], a city on the left bank of the [[Rhine]]. His father, Achim,<ref name="New Accent"/> is a [[drummer]] in a [[music ensemble|band]].<ref name=journey/> Ehrhoff first played hockey at the age of six,<ref name=journey>{{citenews|title=My Journey to the NHL|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=522407|accessdate=2010-06-09|date=2010-02-23|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]}}</ref> deciding to play the sport after watching an NHL game on television.<ref>{{Citenews|title=Canucks: Christian Ehrhoff is everything Mathieu Schneider isn't|url=http://www.canada.com/sports/Canucks+Christian+Ehrhoff+everything+Mathieu+Schneider/2398149/story.html|accessdate=2010-06-09|date=2010-01-02|publisher=''[[Vancouver Sun]]''|author=Iain MacIntyre}}</ref> As his hometown did not have a hockey program, he played [[minor ice hockey|minor hockey]] 20 kilometres away in the [[Krefeld Pinguine|Krefeld Penguins]]' system.<ref name="New Accent"/> He won a national championship with the club around the age of 12; Ehrhoff has recalled scoring in the final on a [[penalty shot (ice hockey)|penalty shot]].<ref name=journey/> Following the NHL growing up, Ehrhoff has singled out [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Pavel Bure]] and [[Uwe Krupp]] as his childhood heroes.<ref name=journey/> He was inspired to play in the style of an offensive defenceman after watching a video of [[Bobby Orr]] as a 10-year-old.<ref name="New Accent"/>
Ehrhoff was born and raised in [[Moers]], a city on the left bank of the [[Rhine]]. His father, Achim,<ref name="New Accent"/> is a [[drummer]] in a [[music ensemble|band]].<ref name=journey/> Ehrhoff first played hockey at the age of six,<ref name=journey>{{citenews|title=My Journey to the NHL|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=522407|accessdate=2010-06-09|date=2010-02-23|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]}}</ref> deciding to play the sport after watching an NHL game on television.<ref>{{Citenews|title=Canucks: Christian Ehrhoff is everything Mathieu Schneider isn't|url=http://www.canada.com/sports/Canucks+Christian+Ehrhoff+everything+Mathieu+Schneider/2398149/story.html|accessdate=2010-06-09|date=2010-01-02|publisher=''[[Vancouver Sun]]''|author=Iain MacIntyre}}</ref> As his hometown did not have a hockey program, he played [[minor ice hockey|minor hockey]] 20 kilometres away in the [[Krefeld Pinguine|Krefeld Penguins]]' system.<ref name="New Accent"/> He won a national championship with the club around the age of 12; Ehrhoff has recalled scoring in the final on a [[penalty shot (ice hockey)|penalty shot]].<ref name=journey/> Following the NHL growing up, Ehrhoff has singled out [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Pavel Bure]] and [[Uwe Krupp]] as his childhood heroes.<ref name=journey/> He was inspired to play in the style of an offensive defenseman after watching a video of [[Bobby Orr]] as a 10-year-old.<ref name="New Accent"/>


At the age of 16, he considered moving to North America to further his hockey career in the [[junior ice hockey|major junior]] [[Canadian Hockey League]], but his father, Achim, had developed [[Hodgkin's lymphoma]] at the time.<ref name="New Accent"/><ref name="2007–08 Media Guide">{{cite book|editor=Khing, Tony|title=2007–08 San Jose Sharks Media Guide|year=2007|publisher=SVS&E Publishing|location=San Jose|page=47}}</ref> Ehrhoff consequently decided to stay in Germany and continued in Krefeld's system at the junior level; his father eventually overcame the cancer.<ref name="New Accent">{{cite news|last=Pap|first=Elliott|title=Ehrhoff brings new accent to Canucks|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Ehrhoff+brings+accent+Canucks/2262488/story.html|work=[[Vancouver Sun]]|location=Vancouver|date=2009-11-26|accessdate=2009-12-11}}</ref>
At the age of 16, he considered moving to North America to further his hockey career in the [[junior ice hockey|major junior]] [[Canadian Hockey League]], but his father, Achim, had developed [[Hodgkin's lymphoma]] at the time.<ref name="New Accent"/><ref name="2007–08 Media Guide">{{cite book|editor=Khing, Tony|title=2007–08 San Jose Sharks Media Guide|year=2007|publisher=SVS&E Publishing|location=San Jose|page=47}}</ref> Ehrhoff consequently decided to stay in Germany and continued in Krefeld's system at the junior level; his father eventually overcame the cancer.<ref name="New Accent">{{cite news|last=Pap|first=Elliott|title=Ehrhoff brings new accent to Canucks|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Ehrhoff+brings+accent+Canucks/2262488/story.html|work=[[Vancouver Sun]]|location=Vancouver|date=2009-11-26|accessdate=2009-12-11}}</ref>
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Ehrhoff was often a [[wiktionary:scratch|healthy scratch]] with the Sharks during his rookie season<ref>{{citenews|title=Special teams display modicum of improvement|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-02-20/sports/17414040_1_power-play-six-sharks-patrick-marleau|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2004-02-20|publisher=''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''|author=Ross McKeon}}</ref><ref>{{citenews|title=Powerplay problems cost Sharks|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2004/01/23/SPGGO4GCN51.DTL|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2004-01-23|publisher=''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''|author=Ross McKeon}}</ref> and spent time with their [[American Hockey League|AHL]] affiliate, the [[Cleveland Barons (2001-2006)|Cleveland Barons]]. In 41 games with the Sharks during the [[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04 season]], Ehrhoff recorded 12 points in 41 games. In the 27 games he played for the Barons, he notched 14 points. He began asserting himself early in his NHL career as an excellent skater with offensive capabilities.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Sharks: Interview with Christian Ehrhoff|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/6316/sharks_interview_with_christian_ehrhoff/|accessdate=2009-08-29|publisher=HockeysFuture.com}}</ref> Ehrhoff then played a full season with the Barons in [[2004–05 AHL season|2004–05]] due to the [[2004–05 NHL lockout|NHL lockout]], tallying 35 points in 79 games. He was chosen to represent PlanetUSA in the 2005 [[AHL All-Star Game]] in [[Manchester, New Hampshire]].<ref>{{Citenews|title=Ehrhoff Selected To All-Star Game|url=http://news.google.ca/archivesearch?q=christian+ehrhoff&num=10&as_price=p1&as_ldate=2004&as_hdate=2005&sugg=d&scoring=a&hl=en&ned=ca&sa=N&start=20|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2005-01-27|publisher=OurSports Central}}</ref>
Ehrhoff was often a [[wiktionary:scratch|healthy scratch]] with the Sharks during his rookie season<ref>{{citenews|title=Special teams display modicum of improvement|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-02-20/sports/17414040_1_power-play-six-sharks-patrick-marleau|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2004-02-20|publisher=''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''|author=Ross McKeon}}</ref><ref>{{citenews|title=Powerplay problems cost Sharks|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2004/01/23/SPGGO4GCN51.DTL|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2004-01-23|publisher=''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''|author=Ross McKeon}}</ref> and spent time with their [[American Hockey League|AHL]] affiliate, the [[Cleveland Barons (2001-2006)|Cleveland Barons]]. In 41 games with the Sharks during the [[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04 season]], Ehrhoff recorded 12 points in 41 games. In the 27 games he played for the Barons, he notched 14 points. He began asserting himself early in his NHL career as an excellent skater with offensive capabilities.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Sharks: Interview with Christian Ehrhoff|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/6316/sharks_interview_with_christian_ehrhoff/|accessdate=2009-08-29|publisher=HockeysFuture.com}}</ref> Ehrhoff then played a full season with the Barons in [[2004–05 AHL season|2004–05]] due to the [[2004–05 NHL lockout|NHL lockout]], tallying 35 points in 79 games. He was chosen to represent PlanetUSA in the 2005 [[AHL All-Star Game]] in [[Manchester, New Hampshire]].<ref>{{Citenews|title=Ehrhoff Selected To All-Star Game|url=http://news.google.ca/archivesearch?q=christian+ehrhoff&num=10&as_price=p1&as_ldate=2004&as_hdate=2005&sugg=d&scoring=a&hl=en&ned=ca&sa=N&start=20|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2005-01-27|publisher=OurSports Central}}</ref>


Returning to the Sharks in [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06]], Ehrhoff recorded a 23-point campaign. He began earning more ice time near the end of the season as he improved his defensive play.<ref name=rounding>{{citenews|title=Ehrhoff's game rounding into form|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2006-03-03/sports/17287782_1_christian-ehrhoff-sharks-defense-tom-preissing|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2006-03-03|publisher=''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''|author=Ross McKeon}}</ref> On April 13, 2006, he scored the [[game winning goal|game-winning]] [[overtime (ice hockey)|overtime]] goal against the [[Vancouver Canucks]] for the Sharks to clinch a [[Stanley Cup playoffs|playoff]] berth.<ref name=clinches>{{citenews|title=Sharks in playoffs / Ehrhoff's goal wins it in OT, clinches berth|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2006-04-13/sports/17291470_1_christian-ehrhoff-scott-hannan-sharks|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2006-04-13|publisher=''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''|author=Ross McKeon}}</ref> San Jose had been eight points out of a playoff spot with a month and a half remaining in the season.<ref name=clinches/> Ehrhoff added eight points over 11 post-season games – first among team defencemen<ref>{{citeweb|title=Player Stats - 2005-2006 - San Jose Sharks - Total Points|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20063SANSASAll&sort=points&viewName=summary|accessdate=2010-06-16|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]}}</ref> – in his first Stanley Cup playoffs as the Sharks were eliminated in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers.<ref>{{citenews|title=Game 6: Oilers 2, Sharks 0|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/archives/article825729.ece|accessdate=2010-06-09|date=2006-05-18|publisher=''[[Globe and Mail]]''|author=Allan Maki}}</ref> He then signed a two-year contract worth [[US Dollar|US$]]1.7 million in the off-season.<ref name=nhlpa/>
Returning to the Sharks in [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06]], Ehrhoff recorded a 23-point campaign. He began earning more ice time near the end of the season as he improved his defensive play.<ref name=rounding>{{citenews|title=Ehrhoff's game rounding into form|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2006-03-03/sports/17287782_1_christian-ehrhoff-sharks-defense-tom-preissing|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2006-03-03|publisher=''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''|author=Ross McKeon}}</ref> On April 13, 2006, he scored the [[game winning goal|game-winning]] [[overtime (ice hockey)|overtime]] goal against the [[Vancouver Canucks]] for the Sharks to clinch a [[Stanley Cup playoffs|playoff]] berth.<ref name=clinches>{{citenews|title=Sharks in playoffs / Ehrhoff's goal wins it in OT, clinches berth|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2006-04-13/sports/17291470_1_christian-ehrhoff-scott-hannan-sharks|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2006-04-13|publisher=''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''|author=Ross McKeon}}</ref> San Jose had been eight points out of a playoff spot with a month and a half remaining in the season.<ref name=clinches/> Ehrhoff added eight points over 11 post-season games – first among team defensemen<ref>{{citeweb|title=Player Stats - 2005-2006 - San Jose Sharks - Total Points|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20063SANSASAll&sort=points&viewName=summary|accessdate=2010-06-16|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]}}</ref> – in his first Stanley Cup playoffs as the Sharks were eliminated in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers.<ref>{{citenews|title=Game 6: Oilers 2, Sharks 0|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/archives/article825729.ece|accessdate=2010-06-09|date=2006-05-18|publisher=''[[Globe and Mail]]''|author=Allan Maki}}</ref> He then signed a two-year contract worth [[US Dollar|US$]]1.7 million in the off-season.<ref name=nhlpa/>


Ehrhoff responded with a career-high 33 points in [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07]]. He notched a personal best three assists in one game late in the season in a 3–2 win against the [[Los Angeles Kings]] on March 27, 2007.<ref>{{citenews|title=Marleau's 2 goals help Sharks earn postseason slot|url=http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270327018|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2007-03-27|publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> San Jose were once again losers in the second round of the playoffs, being eliminated by the [[Detroit Red Wings]] in six games.<ref>{{citenews|title=Red Wings eliminate Sharks 2-0|url=http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MjA5MDA0NjQyNg==|accessdate=2010-06-16|date=2007-05-09|publisher=''Kuwait Times''|author=Associated Press}}</ref> Ehrhoff had two assists in 11 post-season games. His regular season production decreased to 22 points in the [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08 season]]. On December 28, 2007, Ehrhoff was awarded a penalty shot during a game against the [[St. Louis Blues (ice hockey)|St. Louis Blues]]; he missed against [[Manny Legace]], as the Sharks won 1–0.<ref>{{citenews|title=Sharks win eighth straight on road as Nabokov posts NHL-best 20th win|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=271228019|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2007-12-28|publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> Later in the season, he missed four games due to a lower body injury, suffered on April 6, 2008.<ref name=tsn>{{citeweb|title=Christian Ehrhoff|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=2434|accessdate=2010-06-17|publisher=[[The Sports Network]]}}</ref> After finishing as the second seed in the West, San Jose were defeated in the second round against the [[Dallas Stars]].<ref>{{Citenews|title=Turco and Dallas Stars move on after marathon victory over San Jose Sharks|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=362575|accessdate=2010-06-16|date=2008-05-05|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Canadian Press}}</ref> Ehrhoff notched five assists in 10 playoff games.
Ehrhoff responded with a career-high 33 points in [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07]]. He notched a personal best three assists in one game late in the season in a 3–2 win against the [[Los Angeles Kings]] on March 27, 2007.<ref>{{citenews|title=Marleau's 2 goals help Sharks earn postseason slot|url=http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270327018|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2007-03-27|publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> San Jose were once again losers in the second round of the playoffs, being eliminated by the [[Detroit Red Wings]] in six games.<ref>{{citenews|title=Red Wings eliminate Sharks 2-0|url=http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MjA5MDA0NjQyNg==|accessdate=2010-06-16|date=2007-05-09|publisher=''Kuwait Times''|author=Associated Press}}</ref> Ehrhoff had two assists in 11 post-season games. His regular season production decreased to 22 points in the [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08 season]]. On December 28, 2007, Ehrhoff was awarded a penalty shot during a game against the [[St. Louis Blues (ice hockey)|St. Louis Blues]]; he missed against [[Manny Legace]], as the Sharks won 1–0.<ref>{{citenews|title=Sharks win eighth straight on road as Nabokov posts NHL-best 20th win|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=271228019|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2007-12-28|publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> Later in the season, he missed four games due to a lower body injury, suffered on April 6, 2008.<ref name=tsn>{{citeweb|title=Christian Ehrhoff|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=2434|accessdate=2010-06-17|publisher=[[The Sports Network]]}}</ref> After finishing as the second seed in the West, San Jose were defeated in the second round against the [[Dallas Stars]].<ref>{{Citenews|title=Turco and Dallas Stars move on after marathon victory over San Jose Sharks|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=362575|accessdate=2010-06-16|date=2008-05-05|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Canadian Press}}</ref> Ehrhoff notched five assists in 10 playoff games.
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===Vancouver Canucks (2009–present)===
===Vancouver Canucks (2009–present)===
In the summer of 2009, Ehrhoff was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on August 28, 2009, along with defenceman [[Brad Lukowich]] in exchange for prospects [[Patrick White (ice hockey)|Patrick White]] and [[Daniel Rahimi]].<ref>{{citeweb|title=Canucks beef up defence|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Canucks+beef+defence+acquire+Christian+Ehrhoff+Brad+Lukowich+from+Sharks+sign+free+agent+Mathieu+Schneider/1940156/story.html|accessdate=2009-08-29|date=2009-08-28|publisher=''[[Vancouver Sun]]''}}</ref> The deal was done primarily to clear [[salary cap]] space in anticipation of the Sharks' acquisition of star forward [[Dany Heatley]] from the [[Ottawa Senators]].<ref name=rave>{{citeweb|title=Ehrhoff earning rave reviews on canucks defense|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=513716|accessdate=2010-01-15|date=2010-01-15|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]}}</ref> For the Canucks, Ehrhoff's acquisition addressed the need for a puck-moving defenceman to rush the puck up the ice.<ref name=rave/>
In the summer of 2009, Ehrhoff was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on August 28, 2009, along with defenseman [[Brad Lukowich]] in exchange for prospects [[Patrick White (ice hockey)|Patrick White]] and [[Daniel Rahimi]].<ref>{{citeweb|title=Canucks beef up defense|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Canucks+beef+defence+acquire+Christian+Ehrhoff+Brad+Lukowich+from+Sharks+sign+free+agent+Mathieu+Schneider/1940156/story.html|accessdate=2009-08-29|date=2009-08-28|publisher=''[[Vancouver Sun]]''}}</ref> The deal was done primarily to clear [[salary cap]] space in anticipation of the Sharks' acquisition of star forward [[Dany Heatley]] from the [[Ottawa Senators]].<ref name=rave>{{citeweb|title=Ehrhoff earning rave reviews on canucks defense|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=513716|accessdate=2010-01-15|date=2010-01-15|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]}}</ref> For the Canucks, Ehrhoff's acquisition addressed the need for a puck-moving defenseman to rush the puck up the ice.<ref name=rave/>


Ehrhoff scored his first goal in a Canucks uniform on October 5, 2009, in a 5–3 loss to the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]].<ref>{{citeweb|title=Blue Jackets embarrass goalie Luongo, beat Canucks 5-3|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2009-10-06-canucks-blue-jackets_N.htm|accessdate=2009-10-05|date=2009-10-05|publisher=''[[USA Today]]''}}</ref> The following month, he notched his first two-goal game in the NHL, adding an assist, in a 5–2 win over the [[Colorado Avalanche]] on November 20.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Canucks explode for 4-goal 3rd period|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/11/21/sp-avalanche-canucks-game.html|accessdate=2009-11-21|date=2009-11-21|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> Late in the season, he missed two games in April 2010 due to a sprained left knee.<ref name=tsn/> Prior to the last game of the regular season against the [[Calgary Flames]], Ehrhoff was awarded the [[Babe Pratt Trophy]] as the Canucks' fan-voted best defenceman.<ref name="babe pratt">{{citenews|title=Canucks announce team awards|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/stats.htm?season=20092010|accessdate=2010-04-11|date=2010-04-10|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]}}</ref> He finished his first season in Vancouver leading all team defencemen with career-highs of 14 goals, 44 points, a +36 rating and an average ice time of 22:47 minutes per game.<ref>{{citeweb|title=2009-10 Regular Season|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/stats.htm?season=20092010|accessdate=2010-04-11|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]}}</ref> His 44 points tied [[Uwe Krupp]] for the most points by a German-born defenceman in an NHL season,<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=524829|title=The Goods: Sweet Sedins|last=Jory|first=Derek|date=2010-04-11|publisher=Canucks.com|accessdate=2010-04-11}}</ref> while his +36 rating broke the single-season team record shared by [[Pavel Bure]] and [[Marek Malik]] by one point ([[Daniel Sedin]] tied with Ehrhoff for the record in 2009–10, as well).<ref>{{citeweb|title=Career and Single-Season Leaders|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/teamstatsleaders.htm?fetchKey=00002VANAAHAll&sort=plusMinus&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonForTeam|accessdate=2011-01-11|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]}}</ref> In the subsequent [[2010 Stanley Cup playoffs|2010 playoffs]], he added seven points in 12 games. Vancouver was eliminated by the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] in the second round.<ref>{{citenews|title=Blackhawks eliminate Canucks for second straight year|url=http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=321310|accessdate=2010-06-09|date=2010-05-12|publisher=[[The Sports Network]]}}</ref>
Ehrhoff scored his first goal in a Canucks uniform on October 5, 2009, in a 5–3 loss to the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]].<ref>{{citeweb|title=Blue Jackets embarrass goalie Luongo, beat Canucks 5-3|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2009-10-06-canucks-blue-jackets_N.htm|accessdate=2009-10-05|date=2009-10-05|publisher=''[[USA Today]]''}}</ref> The following month, he notched his first two-goal game in the NHL, adding an assist, in a 5–2 win over the [[Colorado Avalanche]] on November 20.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Canucks explode for 4-goal 3rd period|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/11/21/sp-avalanche-canucks-game.html|accessdate=2009-11-21|date=2009-11-21|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> Late in the season, he missed two games in April 2010 due to a sprained left knee.<ref name=tsn/> Prior to the last game of the regular season against the [[Calgary Flames]], Ehrhoff was awarded the [[Babe Pratt Trophy]] as the Canucks' fan-voted best defenseman.<ref name="babe pratt">{{citenews|title=Canucks announce team awards|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/stats.htm?season=20092010|accessdate=2010-04-11|date=2010-04-10|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]}}</ref> He finished his first season in Vancouver leading all team defensemen with career-highs of 14 goals, 44 points, a +36 rating and an average ice time of 22:47 minutes per game.<ref>{{citeweb|title=2009-10 Regular Season|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/stats.htm?season=20092010|accessdate=2010-04-11|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]}}</ref> His 44 points tied [[Uwe Krupp]] for the most points by a German-born defenseman in an NHL season,<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=524829|title=The Goods: Sweet Sedins|last=Jory|first=Derek|date=2010-04-11|publisher=Canucks.com|accessdate=2010-04-11}}</ref> while his +36 rating broke the single-season team record shared by [[Pavel Bure]] and [[Marek Malik]] by one point ([[Daniel Sedin]] tied with Ehrhoff for the record in 2009–10, as well).<ref>{{citeweb|title=Career and Single-Season Leaders|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/teamstatsleaders.htm?fetchKey=00002VANAAHAll&sort=plusMinus&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonForTeam|accessdate=2011-01-11|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]}}</ref> In the subsequent [[2010 Stanley Cup playoffs|2010 playoffs]], he added seven points in 12 games. Vancouver was eliminated by the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] in the second round.<ref>{{citenews|title=Blackhawks eliminate Canucks for second straight year|url=http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=321310|accessdate=2010-06-09|date=2010-05-12|publisher=[[The Sports Network]]}}</ref>


In December 2010, Ehrhoff was struck in the ear by a puck during a game against the Anaheim Ducks. He left the contest with what was initially considered a [[concussion]]; however, he was later diagnosed with [[vertigo]] instead and missed three games.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canucks: Christian Ehrhoff's injury diagnosed as vertigo|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Christian+Ehrhoff+injury+diagnosed+vertigo/3989353/story.html|accessdate=2011-04-08|date=2010-12-16|work=[[The Vancouver Sun]]|author=Iain MacIntyre}}</ref><ref name=tsn/> Recording new career-highs in assists and points, Ehrhoff was awarded his second consecutive Babe Pratt Trophy.<ref name="babe pratt 2011">{{cite news|title=Canucks announce 2011 team awards|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=558674&intcmpid=van-game-post-awards|accessdate=2011-04-08|date=2011-04-07|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]}}</ref>
In December 2010, Ehrhoff was struck in the ear by a puck during a game against the Anaheim Ducks. He left the contest with what was initially considered a [[concussion]]; however, he was later diagnosed with [[vertigo]] instead and missed three games.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canucks: Christian Ehrhoff's injury diagnosed as vertigo|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Christian+Ehrhoff+injury+diagnosed+vertigo/3989353/story.html|accessdate=2011-04-08|date=2010-12-16|work=[[The Vancouver Sun]]|author=Iain MacIntyre}}</ref><ref name=tsn/> Recording new career-highs in assists and points, Ehrhoff was awarded his second consecutive Babe Pratt Trophy.<ref name="babe pratt 2011">{{cite news|title=Canucks announce 2011 team awards|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=558674&intcmpid=van-game-post-awards|accessdate=2011-04-08|date=2011-04-07|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]}}</ref>
Line 58: Line 58:
==International career==
==International career==
[[Image:Christian Ehrhoff 2010 oly 2.jpg|thumb|185px|Ehrhoff lining up for a faceoff during the [[Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics|2010 Olympics]].|alt=An ice hockey player dressed in a black and orange jersey watchfully skates in front of an opposing player who is playing the puck.]]
[[Image:Christian Ehrhoff 2010 oly 2.jpg|thumb|185px|Ehrhoff lining up for a faceoff during the [[Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics|2010 Olympics]].|alt=An ice hockey player dressed in a black and orange jersey watchfully skates in front of an opposing player who is playing the puck.]]
As a [[junior ice hockey|junior]], Ehrhoff competed for [[German Ice Hockey Federation|Germany]]'s under-18 team at the inaugural [[1999 IIHF World U18 Championships]], hosted in [[Füssen]] and [[Kaufbeuren]], Germany.<ref>{{citeweb|title=All Medalists - U18|url=http://www.iihf.com/sk/iihf-home/history/all-medallists/u18.html|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> He returned the following year for the [[2000 IIHF World U18 Championships]] in Switzerland, where Germany finished in seventh place.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Final Ranking|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/9900/W18a/9900/htm/W18A_fr.htm|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> Ehrhoff then debuted at the under-20 level in Division I<ref group=note>Division I is the highest competitive level for countries that do not qualify for the main tournament.</ref> of the [[2001 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2001 World Junior Championships]]. Hosting the tournament in the cities of Füssen and Landsberg, Germany missed a promotion to the main tournament the following year by finishing in second place behind France.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Final Ranking|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0001/W20i/0001/htm/W20I_fr.htm|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> Ehrhoff made his second appearance at the Division I level for the [[2002 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2002 World Junior Championships]] in Austria, leading all tournament defencemen with three goals and 10 points in five games.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Defensemen scoring leaders|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0102/W20I/gs/pg000010.htm|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> He helped Germany earn a promotion to the main tournament for [[2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|the following year]],<ref>{{citeweb|title=Final Ranking|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0102/W20I/gs/pg000008.htm|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> defeating Austria 7–1 in the gold medal game.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Playoff Round Position 1-4|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0102/W20I/cs/pg000006.htm|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> In both years competing in the tournament, Ehrhoff earned Top Defenceman honours.<ref>{{citeweb|title=German Draftee Situation, Part 2|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/4109/german_draftee_situation_part2/|accessdate=2009-08-29|publisher=HockeysFuture.com}}</ref>
As a [[junior ice hockey|junior]], Ehrhoff competed for [[German Ice Hockey Federation|Germany]]'s under-18 team at the inaugural [[1999 IIHF World U18 Championships]], hosted in [[Füssen]] and [[Kaufbeuren]], Germany.<ref>{{citeweb|title=All Medalists - U18|url=http://www.iihf.com/sk/iihf-home/history/all-medallists/u18.html|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> He returned the following year for the [[2000 IIHF World U18 Championships]] in Switzerland, where Germany finished in seventh place.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Final Ranking|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/9900/W18a/9900/htm/W18A_fr.htm|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> Ehrhoff then debuted at the under-20 level in Division I<ref group=note>Division I is the highest competitive level for countries that do not qualify for the main tournament.</ref> of the [[2001 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2001 World Junior Championships]]. Hosting the tournament in the cities of Füssen and Landsberg, Germany missed a promotion to the main tournament the following year by finishing in second place behind France.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Final Ranking|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0001/W20i/0001/htm/W20I_fr.htm|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> Ehrhoff made his second appearance at the Division I level for the [[2002 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2002 World Junior Championships]] in Austria, leading all tournament defensemen with three goals and 10 points in five games.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Defensemen scoring leaders|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0102/W20I/gs/pg000010.htm|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> He helped Germany earn a promotion to the main tournament for [[2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|the following year]],<ref>{{citeweb|title=Final Ranking|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0102/W20I/gs/pg000008.htm|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> defeating Austria 7–1 in the gold medal game.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Playoff Round Position 1-4|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0102/W20I/cs/pg000006.htm|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> In both years competing in the tournament, Ehrhoff earned Top Defenseman honours.<ref>{{citeweb|title=German Draftee Situation, Part 2|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/4109/german_draftee_situation_part2/|accessdate=2009-08-29|publisher=HockeysFuture.com}}</ref>


Two months after his final international junior appearance, Ehrhoff debuted with [[German national men's ice hockey team|Germany's senior team]] for the [[Ice hockey at the 2002 Winter Olympics|2002 Winter Olympics]] in [[Salt Lake City]]. He played in seven games as the second youngest player in the tournament.<ref name=olympians/> Germany was eliminated by the [[United States national men's ice hockey team|United States]] in the quarterfinal with a 5–0 shutout loss.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Results, schedule|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0102/OGM/cs/pg000003.htm|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> Later that year, he competed in the [[2002 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2002 World Championships]], scoring five points in seven games. Germany was defeated in the quarterfinal by [[Sweden national men's ice hockey team|Sweden]] 6–2.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Playoff Round|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0102/Ws/cs/pg000011.htm|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> Ehrhoff made his second World Championships appearance in [[2003 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2003]], but failed to register a point as Germany were once again losers in the quarterfinal round.<ref>{{citenews|title=Playoff Round|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0203/0203/scripts/standings/pg000166.htm|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> After his rookie season in the NHL, Ehrhoff competed for Germany in the [[2004 World Cup of Hockey|2004 World Cup]]. They lost 2–1 to [[Finland national men's ice hockey team|Finland]] in the quarterfinal.<ref>{{citeweb|title=World Cup of Hockey|url=http://proxy.espn.go.com/nhl/feature/featureStory?page=2004worldcup|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> The following year, he registered an assist in six games at the [[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2005 World Championships]]. Germany finished second-to-last in the tournament.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Final Ranking|url=http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_05/output/ws/hydra.iihf.com/data/iihf/output/xml/1000000009/IHM1000000009Z016_Final_Ranking_1_0.html|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> After failing to qualify for the quarterfinal, they won one of three games in the relegation round.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Tournament Progress|url=http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_05/output/ws/hydra.iihf.com/data/iihf/output/xml/1000000009/IHM1000000009Z412_76_1_0.html|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref>
Two months after his final international junior appearance, Ehrhoff debuted with [[German national men's ice hockey team|Germany's senior team]] for the [[Ice hockey at the 2002 Winter Olympics|2002 Winter Olympics]] in [[Salt Lake City]]. He played in seven games as the second youngest player in the tournament.<ref name=olympians/> Germany was eliminated by the [[United States national men's ice hockey team|United States]] in the quarterfinal with a 5–0 shutout loss.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Results, schedule|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0102/OGM/cs/pg000003.htm|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> Later that year, he competed in the [[2002 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2002 World Championships]], scoring five points in seven games. Germany was defeated in the quarterfinal by [[Sweden national men's ice hockey team|Sweden]] 6–2.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Playoff Round|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0102/Ws/cs/pg000011.htm|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> Ehrhoff made his second World Championships appearance in [[2003 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2003]], but failed to register a point as Germany were once again losers in the quarterfinal round.<ref>{{citenews|title=Playoff Round|url=http://www.iihf.com/hockey/x/0203/0203/scripts/standings/pg000166.htm|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> After his rookie season in the NHL, Ehrhoff competed for Germany in the [[2004 World Cup of Hockey|2004 World Cup]]. They lost 2–1 to [[Finland national men's ice hockey team|Finland]] in the quarterfinal.<ref>{{citeweb|title=World Cup of Hockey|url=http://proxy.espn.go.com/nhl/feature/featureStory?page=2004worldcup|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> The following year, he registered an assist in six games at the [[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2005 World Championships]]. Germany finished second-to-last in the tournament.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Final Ranking|url=http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_05/output/ws/hydra.iihf.com/data/iihf/output/xml/1000000009/IHM1000000009Z016_Final_Ranking_1_0.html|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref> After failing to qualify for the quarterfinal, they won one of three games in the relegation round.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Tournament Progress|url=http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_05/output/ws/hydra.iihf.com/data/iihf/output/xml/1000000009/IHM1000000009Z412_76_1_0.html|accessdate=2010-06-13|publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]]}}</ref>
Line 68: Line 68:
==Playing style==
==Playing style==
[[Image:Christian Ehrhoff and Ryan Smyth.jpg|thumb|right|Ehrhoff carrying the puck up ice from his own zone.|alt=An ice hockey player dressed in a teal and black jersey cradling the puck with his stick in mid-stride. An opposing player is in pursuit behind him.]]
[[Image:Christian Ehrhoff and Ryan Smyth.jpg|thumb|right|Ehrhoff carrying the puck up ice from his own zone.|alt=An ice hockey player dressed in a teal and black jersey cradling the puck with his stick in mid-stride. An opposing player is in pursuit behind him.]]
Ehrhoff is known as an offensive defenceman.<ref name=rave/> He has strong skating ability, which allows him to quickly carry the puck up the ice, starting plays from his team's defensive zone, as well as join offensive plays deep in the opposing team's zone.<ref name=rave/> He also possesses a hard shot, which earns him significant time on the [[power play (sport)|power play]].<ref name=rave/> Upon joining the NHL with San Jose, he had to adjust his game to be more defensive.<ref name=rounding/><ref>{{citenews|title=Ehrhoff displays his power in win|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2005-09-26/sports/17390158_1_christian-ehrhoff-sharks-patrick-marleau|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2005-09-26|publisher=''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''|author=Ross McKeon}}</ref> He gradually became counted upon more in defensive situations and has been used on the [[penalty kill]], as well.<ref name=rave/><ref name=rounding/>
Ehrhoff is known as an offensive defenseman.<ref name=rave/> He has strong skating ability, which allows him to quickly carry the puck up the ice, starting plays from his team's defensive zone, as well as join offensive plays deep in the opposing team's zone.<ref name=rave/> He also possesses a hard shot, which earns him significant time on the [[power play (sport)|power play]].<ref name=rave/> Upon joining the NHL with San Jose, he had to adjust his game to be more defensive.<ref name=rounding/><ref>{{citenews|title=Ehrhoff displays his power in win|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2005-09-26/sports/17390158_1_christian-ehrhoff-sharks-patrick-marleau|accessdate=2010-04-21|date=2005-09-26|publisher=''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''|author=Ross McKeon}}</ref> He gradually became counted upon more in defensive situations and has been used on the [[penalty kill]], as well.<ref name=rave/><ref name=rounding/>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==

Revision as of 01:38, 11 June 2011

Christian Ehrhoff
Born (1982-07-06) July 6, 1982 (age 42)
Moers, West Germany
Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight 203 lb (92 kg; 14 st 7 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams		 Vancouver Canucks
San Jose Sharks
National team  Germany
NHL draft 106th overall, 2001
San Jose Sharks
Playing career 1999–present
Website http://www.ehrhoff.com/

Christian Ehrhoff (born July 6, 1982) is a German professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is known primarily as an offensive defenseman with strong skating and shooting abilities.[1]

Before playing in the NHL, Ehrhoff spent several years playing professionally in Germany, starting with EV Duisburg of the third-tier Oberliga and the Krefeld Penguins of the premiere Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). He spent three years with Krefeld, winning the German championship in 2003. Selected 106th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Ehrhoff moved to North America for the 2003–04 season. He spent one-and-a-half seasons with the Cleveland Barons, the Sharks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, before joining San Jose on a full-time basis for 2005–06. After being traded to the Canucks in August 2009, he won two consecutive Babe Pratt Trophies as the team's top defenseman. Internationally, Ehrhoff has played for the German national team in numerous tournaments, including three Winter Olympics, four World Championships and a World Cup.

Early life

Ehrhoff was born and raised in Moers, a city on the left bank of the Rhine. His father, Achim,[2] is a drummer in a band.[3] Ehrhoff first played hockey at the age of six,[3] deciding to play the sport after watching an NHL game on television.[4] As his hometown did not have a hockey program, he played minor hockey 20 kilometres away in the Krefeld Penguins' system.[2] He won a national championship with the club around the age of 12; Ehrhoff has recalled scoring in the final on a penalty shot.[3] Following the NHL growing up, Ehrhoff has singled out Wayne Gretzky, Pavel Bure and Uwe Krupp as his childhood heroes.[3] He was inspired to play in the style of an offensive defenseman after watching a video of Bobby Orr as a 10-year-old.[2]

At the age of 16, he considered moving to North America to further his hockey career in the major junior Canadian Hockey League, but his father, Achim, had developed Hodgkin's lymphoma at the time.[2][5] Ehrhoff consequently decided to stay in Germany and continued in Krefeld's system at the junior level; his father eventually overcame the cancer.[2] [6]

Playing career

Germany (1999–2003)

After playing in the junior system of the Krefeld Penguins, Ehrhoff signed a professional contract with the team in 1999, at the age of 17.[2] He debuted in nine games with Krefeld in Germany's premiere Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), while primarily playing with EV Duisburg of the third-tier Oberliga on loan. Over the course of the season, he practiced mornings with Krefeld and evenings with Duisburg.[2] He finished his first professional season with 15 points in 41 games with Duisburg and a goal in nine games for Krefeld. The following season, he joined Krefeld full-time and had 14 points in 58 games for the team in addition to three points in six games with Duisburg. After the conclusion of the season, Ehrhoff was selected 106th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks. One of three Germans selected by the Sharks in the draft, Ehrhoff was happy to be taken by the team, as they also had another German, Marco Sturm, on their roster at the time.[2]

Ehrhoff attended the Sharks' subsequent training camp following the draft, but was returned to Germany as an early cut on September 11, 2001.[7] Continuing to play for Krefeld, he notched 24 points in 46 games. Despite impressing with his skating and offensive skills at the Sharks' 2002 training camp, he was returned to Krefeld for the second straight year.[8] After notching a German career-high 27 points in 48 games in 2002–03, Ehrhoff helped Krefeld win a German championship in his final season with the club.[8] He recorded nine points in the post-season.

San Jose Sharks (2003–09)

An ice hockey player skating in mid-stride. He holds his stick with one hand along the ice while looking to his right. He wears a teal jersey with black trim, as well as a black, visored helmet.
Ehrhoff as a member of the San Jose Sharks

With the expectation from Sharks management that Ehrhoff would join their organization either with the NHL club or in the AHL,[8] he was signed to a contract on June 22, 2003.[9] Ehrhoff made his NHL debut on October 9, 2003, against the Edmonton Oilers.[6] He recorded his first point, an assist, on November 15 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.[6] Later that month, he scored his first NHL goal, a game winner against Michael Leighton in a 3–2 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on November 26.[10] Ehrhoff was selected to play in the 2004 NHL YoungStars Game, along with teammate Jonathan Cheechoo.[11] Aftering helping the Western Conference YoungStars to a 7–3 win over the East, Ehrhoff also did colour commentary during the All-Star Game for a German telecast.[12]

Ehrhoff was often a healthy scratch with the Sharks during his rookie season[13][14] and spent time with their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Barons. In 41 games with the Sharks during the 2003–04 season, Ehrhoff recorded 12 points in 41 games. In the 27 games he played for the Barons, he notched 14 points. He began asserting himself early in his NHL career as an excellent skater with offensive capabilities.[15] Ehrhoff then played a full season with the Barons in 2004–05 due to the NHL lockout, tallying 35 points in 79 games. He was chosen to represent PlanetUSA in the 2005 AHL All-Star Game in Manchester, New Hampshire.[16]

Returning to the Sharks in 2005–06, Ehrhoff recorded a 23-point campaign. He began earning more ice time near the end of the season as he improved his defensive play.[17] On April 13, 2006, he scored the game-winning overtime goal against the Vancouver Canucks for the Sharks to clinch a playoff berth.[18] San Jose had been eight points out of a playoff spot with a month and a half remaining in the season.[18] Ehrhoff added eight points over 11 post-season games – first among team defensemen[19] – in his first Stanley Cup playoffs as the Sharks were eliminated in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers.[20] He then signed a two-year contract worth US$1.7 million in the off-season.[21]

Ehrhoff responded with a career-high 33 points in 2006–07. He notched a personal best three assists in one game late in the season in a 3–2 win against the Los Angeles Kings on March 27, 2007.[22] San Jose were once again losers in the second round of the playoffs, being eliminated by the Detroit Red Wings in six games.[23] Ehrhoff had two assists in 11 post-season games. His regular season production decreased to 22 points in the 2007–08 season. On December 28, 2007, Ehrhoff was awarded a penalty shot during a game against the St. Louis Blues; he missed against Manny Legace, as the Sharks won 1–0.[24] Later in the season, he missed four games due to a lower body injury, suffered on April 6, 2008.[25] After finishing as the second seed in the West, San Jose were defeated in the second round against the Dallas Stars.[26] Ehrhoff notched five assists in 10 playoff games.

Ehrhoff became a restricted free agent once more in July 2008 and re-signed with the Sharks to a three-year contract worth $9.3 million.[21] The following season in 2008–09, he reached the 40-point mark for the first time in his career with 42 points in 77 games. He had missed three games in March 2009 due to a lower body injury.[25] Ehrhoff's personal success coincided with a franchise year for the Sharks, who earned their first Presidents' Trophy as regular season champions in team history with 117 points.[27] In the ensuing playoffs, however, they suffered a first-round defeat to the eight-seeded Anaheim Ducks.[28] Ehrhoff was pointless in six games.

Vancouver Canucks (2009–present)

In the summer of 2009, Ehrhoff was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on August 28, 2009, along with defenseman Brad Lukowich in exchange for prospects Patrick White and Daniel Rahimi.[29] The deal was done primarily to clear salary cap space in anticipation of the Sharks' acquisition of star forward Dany Heatley from the Ottawa Senators.[1] For the Canucks, Ehrhoff's acquisition addressed the need for a puck-moving defenseman to rush the puck up the ice.[1]

Ehrhoff scored his first goal in a Canucks uniform on October 5, 2009, in a 5–3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.[30] The following month, he notched his first two-goal game in the NHL, adding an assist, in a 5–2 win over the Colorado Avalanche on November 20.[31] Late in the season, he missed two games in April 2010 due to a sprained left knee.[25] Prior to the last game of the regular season against the Calgary Flames, Ehrhoff was awarded the Babe Pratt Trophy as the Canucks' fan-voted best defenseman.[32] He finished his first season in Vancouver leading all team defensemen with career-highs of 14 goals, 44 points, a +36 rating and an average ice time of 22:47 minutes per game.[33] His 44 points tied Uwe Krupp for the most points by a German-born defenseman in an NHL season,[34] while his +36 rating broke the single-season team record shared by Pavel Bure and Marek Malik by one point (Daniel Sedin tied with Ehrhoff for the record in 2009–10, as well).[35] In the subsequent 2010 playoffs, he added seven points in 12 games. Vancouver was eliminated by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round.[36]

In December 2010, Ehrhoff was struck in the ear by a puck during a game against the Anaheim Ducks. He left the contest with what was initially considered a concussion; however, he was later diagnosed with vertigo instead and missed three games.[37][25] Recording new career-highs in assists and points, Ehrhoff was awarded his second consecutive Babe Pratt Trophy.[38]

International career

An ice hockey player dressed in a black and orange jersey watchfully skates in front of an opposing player who is playing the puck.
Ehrhoff lining up for a faceoff during the 2010 Olympics.

As a junior, Ehrhoff competed for Germany's under-18 team at the inaugural 1999 IIHF World U18 Championships, hosted in Füssen and Kaufbeuren, Germany.[39] He returned the following year for the 2000 IIHF World U18 Championships in Switzerland, where Germany finished in seventh place.[40] Ehrhoff then debuted at the under-20 level in Division I[note 1] of the 2001 World Junior Championships. Hosting the tournament in the cities of Füssen and Landsberg, Germany missed a promotion to the main tournament the following year by finishing in second place behind France.[41] Ehrhoff made his second appearance at the Division I level for the 2002 World Junior Championships in Austria, leading all tournament defensemen with three goals and 10 points in five games.[42] He helped Germany earn a promotion to the main tournament for the following year,[43] defeating Austria 7–1 in the gold medal game.[44] In both years competing in the tournament, Ehrhoff earned Top Defenseman honours.[45]

Two months after his final international junior appearance, Ehrhoff debuted with Germany's senior team for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He played in seven games as the second youngest player in the tournament.[46] Germany was eliminated by the United States in the quarterfinal with a 5–0 shutout loss.[47] Later that year, he competed in the 2002 World Championships, scoring five points in seven games. Germany was defeated in the quarterfinal by Sweden 6–2.[48] Ehrhoff made his second World Championships appearance in 2003, but failed to register a point as Germany were once again losers in the quarterfinal round.[49] After his rookie season in the NHL, Ehrhoff competed for Germany in the 2004 World Cup. They lost 2–1 to Finland in the quarterfinal.[50] The following year, he registered an assist in six games at the 2005 World Championships. Germany finished second-to-last in the tournament.[51] After failing to qualify for the quarterfinal, they won one of three games in the relegation round.[52]

On December 21, 2005, Ehrhoff was named to the German Olympic team, along with Sharks teammate Marcel Goc, for the 2006 Winter Games in Turin.[53] His lone goal of the tournament came against Canada,[46] a 5–1 loss.[54] He added an assist in the tournament for two points in five games as Germany failed to win a preliminary game, missing out on the playoff rounds.[55] Four years later, he was named to Germany's Olympic team for the 2010 Winter Games in his NHL hometown of Vancouver. He went pointless in four games, while leading his team in ice time.[56] Germany was eliminated by Canada in an 8–2 qualifier for the quarterfinal.[57]

Shortly after the Vancouver Canucks were eliminated from the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs several months later, Ehrhoff joined Germany for the 2010 World Championships.[58] Germany played as tournament host in the cities of Cologne and Mannheim. Joining his team midway through the tournament, he missed the first three games before scoring a goal and an assist in six contests.[59] Germany made it to the semifinal, where they were defeated by Russia 2–1.[60] Ehrhoff assisted on Germany's lone goal and was named his team's player of the game.[60][61] They went on to lose the bronze medal game 3–1 to Sweden.[62] Their fourth place finish marked their best placing at the World Championships since 1953 when they won silver.[59] Leading Germany in average ice time with 23:34 minutes per game, Ehrhoff was named to the Tournament All-Star Team, along with German goaltender Dennis Endras.[59]

Playing style

An ice hockey player dressed in a teal and black jersey cradling the puck with his stick in mid-stride. An opposing player is in pursuit behind him.
Ehrhoff carrying the puck up ice from his own zone.

Ehrhoff is known as an offensive defenseman.[1] He has strong skating ability, which allows him to quickly carry the puck up the ice, starting plays from his team's defensive zone, as well as join offensive plays deep in the opposing team's zone.[1] He also possesses a hard shot, which earns him significant time on the power play.[1] Upon joining the NHL with San Jose, he had to adjust his game to be more defensive.[17][63] He gradually became counted upon more in defensive situations and has been used on the penalty kill, as well.[1][17]

Personal life

Ehrhoff and his wife have a daughter named Leni born in mid-2009.[64] They live in the Vancouver neighbourhood of Coal Harbour. He has a sister, Katrin.[65]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1998–99 Krefeld Penguins Jr. GER Jr. 22 10 14 24 46 — — — — —
1999–00 EV Duisburg Oberliga 41 3 12 15 50 — — — — —
1999–00 Krefeld Penguins DEL 9 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0
2000–01 EV Duisburg Oberliga 6 1 2 3 12 — — — — —
2000–01 Krefeld Penguins DEL 58 3 11 14 73 — — — — —
2001–02 Krefeld Penguins DEL 46 7 17 24 81 3 0 0 0 2
2002–03 Krefeld Penguins DEL 48 10 17 27 54 14 3 6 9 24
2003–04 San Jose Sharks NHL 41 1 11 12 14 — — — — —
2003–04 Cleveland Barons AHL 27 4 10 14 43 9 2 6 8 11
2004–05 Cleveland Barons AHL 79 12 23 35 103 — — — — —
2005–06 San Jose Sharks NHL 64 5 18 23 32 11 2 6 8 18
2006–07 San Jose Sharks NHL 82 10 23 33 63 11 0 2 2 6
2007–08 San Jose Sharks NHL 77 1 21 22 72 10 0 5 5 14
2008–09 San Jose Sharks NHL 77 8 34 42 63 6 0 0 0 2
2009–10 Vancouver Canucks NHL 80 14 30 44 42 12 3 4 7 8
2010–11 Vancouver Canucks NHL 79 14 36 50 52
DEL totals 161 21 45 66 208 20 3 6 9 26
AHL totals 106 16 33 49 146 9 2 6 8 11
NHL totals 500 53 173 226 338 50 5 7 22 48

International statistics

Year Team Event   GP G A Pts PIM
1999 Germany U18 6 1 2 3 6
2000 Germany U18 6 0 1 1 20
2001 Germany WJC (Div I) 5 1 3 4 6
2002 Germany WJC (Div I) 5 3 7 10 10
2002 Germany Oly 7 0 0 0 8
2002 Germany WC 7 2 3 5 4
2003 Germany WC 7 0 0 0 8
2004 Germany W-Cup 4 0 0 0 2
2005 Germany WC 6 0 1 1 4
2006 Germany Oly 5 1 1 2 4
2010 Germany Oly 4 0 0 0 4
2010 Germany WC 6 1 1 2 0
Junior int'l totals 22 5 13 18 42
Senior int'l totals 46 4 6 10 34

Awards

Award Year
World Junior Division I - Top Defenceman 2001 and 2002
German championship (with Krefeld Penguins) 2003
Babe Pratt Trophy (Vancouver Canucks' best defenceman) 2010 and 2011
World Championship All-Star Team 2010

Records

Notes

  1. ^ Division I is the highest competitive level for countries that do not qualify for the main tournament.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Ehrhoff earning rave reviews on canucks defense". National Hockey League. 2010-01-15. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Pap, Elliott (2009-11-26). "Ehrhoff brings new accent to Canucks". Vancouver Sun. Vancouver. Retrieved 2009-12-11.
  3. ^ a b c d "My Journey to the NHL". National Hockey League. 2010-02-23. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
  4. ^ Iain MacIntyre (2010-01-02). "Canucks: Christian Ehrhoff is everything Mathieu Schneider isn't". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2010-06-09. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ Khing, Tony, ed. (2007). 2007–08 San Jose Sharks Media Guide. San Jose: SVS&E Publishing. p. 47.
  6. ^ a b c 2009–10 Vancouver Canucks Media Guide. Vancouver: Hemlock Printers Ltd. 2009. p. 41. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |editors= ignored (|editor= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "Transactions". New York Times. 2001-09-11. Retrieved 2010-04-21. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ a b c Ross McKeon (2003-06-23). "Sharks GM Wilson touts signing of 2001 draftees". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2010-04-21. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ "Sharks ink draftees Ehrhoff, Patzold". Sports Illustrated. 2003-06-22. Retrieved 2010-04-21. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ "San Jose unbeaten in past five games". ESPN. 2003-10-26. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  11. ^ Ross McKeon (2004-01-25). "Cheechoo, Ehrhoff among YoungStars". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2010-04-21. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ Ross McKeon (2004-02-06). "Busy weekend ahead for Cheechoo and Ehrhoff". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2010-04-21. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ Ross McKeon (2004-02-20). "Special teams display modicum of improvement". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2010-04-21. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  18. ^ a b Ross McKeon (2006-04-13). "Sharks in playoffs / Ehrhoff's goal wins it in OT, clinches berth". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2010-04-21. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ "Player Stats - 2005-2006 - San Jose Sharks - Total Points". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-06-16.
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  21. ^ a b "NHLPA Profile".
  22. ^ "Marleau's 2 goals help Sharks earn postseason slot". ESPN. 2007-03-27. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
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  24. ^ "Sharks win eighth straight on road as Nabokov posts NHL-best 20th win". ESPN. 2007-12-28. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
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  30. ^ "Blue Jackets embarrass goalie Luongo, beat Canucks 5-3". USA Today. 2009-10-05. Retrieved 2009-10-05. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  62. ^ "WHC: Czechs upset Russia for gold; Sweden takes bronze". The Sports Network. 2010-05-23. Retrieved 2010-05-25.
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  64. ^ "Ehrhoffs & Baby Back Home". National Hockey League. 2009-06-03. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
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