“Uncover the Amazing Journey of Keith Aucoin – From Undrafted to NHL Veteran” 

Entertainment or sports personalities are often born and bred with innate talent. However, some sportsmen do not follow this conventional path. One such inspirational sportsman is Keith Aucoin. He was born on November 6, 1978, in Waltham, Massachusetts, and went on to become an NHL veteran despite going undrafted.

This blog post takes its readers on a journey through Keith Aucoin’s life, from his childhood days to his stint at the NHL.

Keith Aucoin was born to Ken and Diane Aucoin. He grew up with his younger brother Brad, who is also a retired professional hockey player. Their father, Ken, played ice hockey at Boston College and also coached the Waltham High School girls’ team. Under his father’s guidance, Keith was introduced to hockey at an early age. He started skating when he was only three years old, and by the time he was five, he was already playing organized hockey.

Keith Aucoin’s impressive performance as a forward at Tabor Academy, Marion, Massachusetts, earned him several college scholarships. He chose Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, to study Physical Education and Military Science. During his four years at Norwich, Keith played for the Norwich Cadets men’s ice hockey team and set a team record of 167 career assists. In 2001, Norwich retired his No. 18 jersey.

After graduating from college, Keith Aucoin signed with the Richmond RiverDogs of the ECHL in 2001. Later, he joined the Lowell Lock Monsters of the AHL, where he had an outstanding season in 2003-04. His performance was so impressive that he was called up to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. Keith made his NHL debut on October 20, 2005, against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Although Keith Aucoin went undrafted in the 2001 draft, his passion and dedication for the sport paid off when he made it to the big league. He became known for his exceptional playmaking skills and quick thinking on the ice. Keith had a successful NHL career, playing for various teams, including the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, and St. Louis Blues.

Keith Aucoin has always been a dedicated player, and his hard work was soon recognized by the USA Hockey team. He represented the USA in various international tournaments, including the IIHF World Championship in 2007 and 2012.

Keith Aucoin officially announced his retirement from professional hockey on September 15, 2018, after a career spanning over 17 years. After hanging up his skates, Keith became an assistant coach for the Eastern Conference champion Charlotte Checkers of the AHL.

1. When did Keith Aucoin start playing hockey?

Keith Aucoin began playing organized hockey when he was only five years old.

2. What college did Keith Aucoin attend?

Keith Aucoin attended Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, to study Physical Education and Military Science.

3. What team did Keith Aucoin make his NHL debut with?

Keith Aucoin made his NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 20, 2005.

4. Which team did Keith Aucoin retire with?

Keith Aucoin retired from professional hockey, having played his final season with the HC Bolzano team in the Italian Serie A league.

5. What was Keith Aucoin’s role in the USA Hockey team?

Keith Aucoin represented the USA Hockey team in various international tournaments, including the IIHF World Championship in 2007 and 2012.

6. How long did Keith Aucoin’s professional hockey career span?

Keith Aucoin’s professional hockey career spanned over 17 years.

7. What is Keith Aucoin doing now?

Keith Aucoin is currently serving as an assistant coach for the Eastern Conference champion Charlotte Checkers of the AHL.

Keith Aucoin’s journey from being undrafted to becoming an NHL veteran is truly inspirational. His passion, dedication, and exceptional playmaking skills have made him an inspiration to aspiring sportsmen worldwide. Keith’s international career and his life after hockey continue to serve as an inspiration to many. His story shows that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. So, let us all take a cue from Keith Aucoin’s story and work towards our goals with the same passion and dedication.