Sheldon Souray

**Sheldon Souray** (born July 13, 1976) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played parts of 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Anaheim Ducks. Outside of the NHL, Souray has also played for Färjestad BK of the Elitserien.

Souray is a three-time All-Star, being named on in 2004, 2007, and 2009.

## Career

Before playing in the NHL, Souray played parts of three seasons with the Tri-City Americans, two seasons with the Prince George Cougars, and one season with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

He was drafted 71st overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1994 NHL entry draft. On October 17, 1997, Souray made his NHL debut in a 4–2 loss against the Ottawa Senators. On November 12, he recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a Bobby Holík goal in a 3–2 win against the New York Rangers. On December 16, Souray scored his first NHL goal against Jason Muzzatti in a 4–3 win against the New York Rangers.

On March 1, 2000, the Devils traded Souray along with Josh DeWolf and a 2001 second-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Vladimir Malakhov. He was named to the first All-Star game in 2004. That year, he also headed overseas to play for Färjestad BK of the Elitserien while the NHL entered a lockout. He returned to the Canadiens after the lockout ended. The next season, he had a productive year, scoring 12 goals and 39 points which was a career-best for him. The 2006–07 season was even better for him as he scored 26 goals and recorded 38 assists for 64 points which was another career-best. He was named to his second All-Star Game and recorded the second-hardest slapshot in the Skills Competition at 100.0 mph.

On July 12, 2007, Souray signed a five-year, $27 million contract to join the Edmonton Oilers. Although his first season with the team was filled with injuries, he did well enough the next season to be named to his third All-Star game. On October 8, 2009, Souray was checked into the boards head-first by Jarome Iginla and suffered a concussion which caused him to miss 16 games. On January 30, 2010, the Oilers played the Flames against and Souray fractured his wrist during a fight with Iginla which caused him to miss the rest of the season. Recovery did not go smoothy and Souray ended up developing a staph infection in his healing hand. Souray was not happy with the Oilers and the way they treated his recovery so he demanded a trade. In return, the Oilers responded to his demand with an angry letter of their own. On June 30, 2011, the Oilers bought out the remainder of his contract and he became a free agent.

On July 1, 2011, Souray signed a one-year, $1.65 million contract to join the Dallas Stars. On November 4, Souray scored the 100th career NHL goal against Semyon Varlamov in a 7–6 win over the Colorado Avalanche.

On July 1, 2012, Souray signed a three-year, $11 million contract to join the Anaheim Ducks.

On June 30, 2015, Souray announced that he was retiring from playing professional ice hockey.

## Personal life

Souray is of Métis descent which he is proud of.

He married American actress Angelica Bridges in 2002 and they have two daughters together. They divorced in 2007.

On February 27, 2016, Souray married American professional wrestler Kelly Kelly. They divorced in 2017. On September 12, 2021, Souray married American model Tess Annique. They have one son together.

## Infobox (ice hockey player)

- **image**: Sheldon Souray1 (cropped).jpg
- **caption**: Souray during his time with the Edmonton Oilers in September 2007
- **position**: Defenceman, Defence
- **shoots**: Left
- **birth place**: Elk Point, Alberta, Elk Point, Alberta
- **height ft**: 6
- **height in**: 4
- **weight lb**: 237
- **league**: National Hockey League, NHL
- **played for**: New Jersey Devils
Montreal Canadiens
Edmonton Oilers
Dallas Stars
Anaheim Ducks
- **ntl team**: Canada
- **draft**: 71st overall
- **draft year**: 1994
- **draft team**: New Jersey Devils
- **career start**: 1995
- **career end**: 2013