Jonathan Cheechoo

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Cheechoo was drafted by the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the 1997 OHL priority selection. In the 1998 NHL entry draft, the San Jose Sharks traded the second overall pick to the Nashville Predators for the third overall pick and the 29th overall pick, which they used to select Cheechoo. Most had predicted Cheechoo would be a later-round pick, and San Jose was criticized for picking a lackluster forward who 'skated slower forwards than most players skated backwards.' Cheechoo played for the Bulls, winning the OHL Championship in 1999. He later joined San Jose's AHL affiliate, the Kentucky Thoroughblades, in 2000–01. During the 2005–06 season, Cheechoo led the NHL with 56 goals and won the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy, becoming the first Sharks player to do so. Much of his success was augmented by the acquisition of linemate Joe Thornton. Cheechoo signed a five-year contract extension in 2006. He was traded to the Ottawa Senators in 2009, placed on waivers in 2010, and bought out. He later played in the AHL, KHL (for Medveščak Zagreb, Dinamo Minsk, and Slovan Bratislava), and was selected for the 2017 KHL All-Star game. He announced his retirement on March 6, 2018.

In Their Own Story

The arena is deafening as Cheechoo breaks away from the blue line, his skates carving deep grooves into the ice. With only seconds left on the clock and the score tied against Detroit, he receives a perfect pass near the slot. He dekes with a sharp shoulder roll, sending the defender sprawling before snapping a wrist shot that finds the top corner. The net shakes, the crowd erupts, and for a fleeting moment, San Jose feels like a true hockey powerhouse.

Reader's Guide

Cheechoo was a right winger known for his goal-scoring, particularly during the 2005–06 season when he netted 56 goals. He was not known for speed; the source notes he was criticized for skating slowly. He played a crash-and-bang style that led to minor injuries. He was defensively responsible, learning from mentors Mike Ricci and Scott Thornton.

Did You Know?

• Cheechoo was the first San Jose Sharks player to win the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy.
• He was the second aboriginal player (after Reggie Leach) to score more than 50 goals in a season.
• Cheechoo scored five goals in game seven of the 1999 OHL Final to secure the championship for the Belleville Bulls.
• He was selected for the 2017 KHL All-Star game.