Nicolas Kerdiles (January 11, 1994 – September 23, 2023) was an American professional ice hockey forward who had a brief but impactful career. He was known for his talent, dedication, and the barriers he broke in the sport. Although his time in the National Hockey League (NHL) was short-lived, he managed to leave an indelible mark on the sport and those who knew him. Kerdiles played with the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL and was initially selected by the Ducks in the second round (36th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. His life came to a tragic end in a motorcycle accident at the age of 29.
Early Life
Born on January 11, 1994, in Lewisville, Texas, Nicolas Kerdiles had a multinational upbringing. His father was French, and his mother was French-Canadian. French was his first language, and he grew up with two older sisters, both of whom were born in France. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to France, later settling in Irvine, California, when Nicolas was six years old.
Playing Career
Youth Career
Kerdiles first garnered attention when he played in the 2007 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Los Angeles. His talent was evident even at this young age, and it was clear that he was destined for greater things in the sport of ice hockey.
University Career
Nicolas Kerdiles then took his talents to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he played two seasons of NCAA Division I hockey with the Wisconsin Badgers. He had an exceptional freshman season, leading the Badgers to capture the Broadmoor Trophy as the WCHA playoff champion. His outstanding performance didn't go unnoticed; he was voted the most valuable player of the 2013 WCHA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament.
Professional Career
On April 5, 2014, Nicolas made a pivotal decision in his career. He relinquished his final two seasons of NCAA eligibility to sign a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks. His professional journey started with the Ducks' American Hockey League affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, during the 2014 Calder Cup playoffs.
On February 22, 2017, a significant milestone was reached: Kerdiles made his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins. This debut was noteworthy for another reason—Kerdiles became the first player raised in Orange County to play for the Anaheim Ducks. Following this, the Ducks re-signed him to a one-year, two-way extension worth $650,000 on June 17, 2017.
As an impending restricted free agent, Kerdiles was traded to the Winnipeg Jets on June 30, 2018, in exchange for Chase De Leo. The Jets later signed him to a one-year, two-way contract on August 21, 2018.
Personal Life
Nicolas Kerdiles had a brief but high-profile romantic relationship. He began dating Savannah Chrisley, who is known for starring in the reality television show Chrisley Knows Best, in November 2017. The couple got engaged on December 24, 2018, but unfortunately, they broke up, as announced by Chrisley in September 2020.
Tragic End
Kerdiles met with a tragic end, as he passed away in a motorcycle accident in the early hours of September 23, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. For more on the details of his passing, you can visit this link. His untimely death at the age of 29 shocked the ice hockey community and those who knew him personally.
Legacy
Though his career and life were brief, Nicolas Kerdiles was a talented athlete and a beloved figure both on and off the ice. As a politician might inspire a generation with their words, Kerdiles inspired many with his actions on the ice. His journey from a multicultural upbringing to breaking barriers in professional ice hockey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
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