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Robyn Regehr
Robyn Regehr
Robyn Regehr
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Robyn Regehr (born April 19, 1980) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He was a first-round draft pick of the Colorado Avalanche, selected 19th overall at the 1998 NHL entry draft, but was traded to the Calgary Flames prior to the start of his professional career, and has also played for the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings in an NHL career that has spanned 1,089 games. Regehr won his first Stanley Cup in 2014 with the Kings, his 15th year in the NHL. He was a member of the Canadian team at the 2006 Winter Olympics, and has won silver medals at the World Junior and Senior championships, as well as the championship at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Key Information

Regehr was born in Brazil and spent his early childhood in Indonesia before his parents settled back in Canada. At 19, he was the youngest nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in NHL history after he made his debut less than four months after suffering two broken legs in a serious automobile accident. He is best known for his strong defence and physical ability. His younger brother Richie briefly played with him on the Flames. Regehr announced his retirement from the NHL on April 11, 2015.

Early life

[edit]

Regehr was born in Recife, Brazil, the second son of Canadian Mennonite missionaries Ron and Edith Regehr.[1] Regehr only lived in Brazil for the first nine months of his life.[2] From three to seven years old he lived in Indonesia,[3] where his younger brother, Richie was born.[4] He also has an older brother and a sister.[5] The family finally settled back in Canada, at Rosthern, Saskatchewan, around the time he turned seven.[6] Regehr quickly picked up the game of hockey, but was held back in his first year of minor hockey as he was starting the game three years behind other kids his age. He helped his father operate the natural surface ice rink in Rosthern, often spending hours manually preparing the ice.[7]

Despite being born in Brazil, Regehr cannot speak Portuguese and has very few connections with the country. He declared himself a fan of football and the Brazilian soccer team, and has expressed interest in returning to visit his country of birth.[8]

Playing career

[edit]

Junior

[edit]

The Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) selected Regehr with their first pick, 17th overall, in the 1995 WHL Bantam Draft.[9] He played as a 15-year-old with the Prince Albert Mintos of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League where he was named the team's top defenceman.[3] He then joined the Blazers for the 1996–97 WHL season.[10] Two years later, the Colorado Avalanche drafted him in the first round, 19th overall, at the 1998 NHL entry draft.[11] Regehr broke out following the draft, scoring 12 goals and 32 points in 1998–99,[10] and helped the Blazers reach the WHL championship where they lost to the Calgary Hitmen.[12] He was named a Western Conference All-Star by the WHL and a third-team All-Star by the Canadian Hockey League,[13] and represented Canada at the 1999 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, winning a silver medal.[14]

Late in that season, the Calgary Flames dealt all-star forward Theoren Fleury, along with Chris Dingman, to the Avalanche for Rene Corbet, Wade Belak, a draft pick and their choice of a prospect from a list provided by Colorado.[15] Impressed with his defensive potential, the Flames later chose Regehr to complete that trade.[3] His professional career nearly ended before it started, as he was seriously injured in an automobile accident near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on July 4, 1999. Regehr, who was driving home from a summer trip with his elder brother Dinho (Ronald) and two female friends, was struck head-on by another vehicle that crossed into his path.[16] He suffered two broken legs in the crash that killed two people in the other vehicle.[17] Doctors initially feared that he would never play hockey again.[3]

National Hockey League

[edit]

Calgary Flames

[edit]

Following operations to repair the damage to Regehr's legs, doctors gained optimism, but expected he would be unable to skate before the end of the year.[3] He far exceeded doctors' expectations; he was skating by the beginning of September and was back playing hockey less than four months following the accident.[3][18] He played a five-game conditioning stint with the Saint John Flames of the American Hockey League in late October before being recalled by the Flames on October 28, 1999.[18] That night, he made his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators and was praised by his coach, Brian Sutter, for playing a mistake free game.[3] He scored his first NHL goal on November 10 against the San Jose Sharks.[12] Regehr played 57 games for the Flames in 1999–2000, scoring five goals and 12 points.[10] He was the Flames nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which recognizes perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. At the age of 19, he was the youngest nominee in NHL history.[12] The Flames also presented him with the Ralph T. Scurfield Humanitarian Award in honor of his perseverance.[19]

Regehr struggled in 2001–02, finishing with a team worst −24 plus/minus while occasionally being left out of the lineup as a healthy scratch. Unhappy with his season, he focused on improving his game. He overcame rib, abdominal and wrist injuries in 2002–03 to establish himself as a top defender with the team and earned a second Masterton Trophy nomination for his dedication.[20] The Flames rewarded him with a five-year contract extension prior to the 2003–04 season.[21] They also named him an alternate captain,[22] a position he continuously held for the remainder of his stay in Calgary.[23]

Not known for his offensive ability, Regehr ended a 100-game goal scoring drought early in the season, finishing with four for the season.[24] He set a career high with 18 points,[10] and was a key player in the Flames improbable run to the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals facing top opposition players.[25] He played the final two games of the Stanley Cup Finals despite tearing ligaments in his foot in game five.[26] His performance in the post season earned him the praise of his opponents.[25]

With the Flames in November 2006

While the 2004–05 season was cancelled due to a labor dispute, Regehr played in a European charity tour that saw NHL players form a "Worldstars" team that played ten games in seven countries in December 2004.[27] While he enjoyed the tour, Regehr stated that he was not interested in joining the many other NHL players who signed on with European teams during the lockout.[28] He was also critical of the position of the league in the lockout,[29] and took on a greater role within the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) when he succeeded Jarome Iginla as the Flames player representative following the lockout.[30]

While the NHL returned to action in 2005–06, he missed the first month of the season after suffering a knee injury in a pre-season game.[31] Doctors considered Regehr fortunate, believing that a knee brace he had been wearing prevented a more severe injury that would have seen him miss up to six months.[32] Despite missing 14 games, he set career highs in goals (6), assists (20) and points (26).[10] He continued to quietly lead the Flames defence and earned a spot on the Canadian Olympic team in 2006.[33] Regehr briefly played with his brother, Richie, who made his NHL debut with the Flames on December 29, 2005.[34] He played the full season in 2006–07, including his 500th career game on March 15, 2007, against the Dallas Stars and scored his 100th career point on March 31 against the Vancouver Canucks.[12] However, he was again forced out of the lineup due to a knee injury after only one game in the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs.[35]

Following the season, the Flames signed Regehr to another five-year contract extension worth a total of US$20-million.[36] The deal was considered to be worth less than he could have gotten as an unrestricted free agent the following year, but he chose to take less to stay in a city his family enjoyed and on a team he felt was competitive.[37] Regehr played all 82 games for the Flames in 2007–08 despite being hit in the face by the puck in a game,[38] and suffering a deep bruise on his foot while blocking a shot that was initially feared to be a broken bone.[39]

Off the ice, Regehr was named to an NHLPA committee formed in 2007 to find a replacement for ousted Executive Director Ted Saskin.[40] The union hired Paul Kelly in October 2007,[41] however he was controversially dismissed less than two years later.[42] Regehr defended the firing,[43] though he and all player representatives were criticized for how they handled Kelly's dismissal.[44]

Another knee injury ended his 2008–09 season after 75 games and left him unavailable for the playoffs.[45] He expressed his frustrations with coach Mike Keenan, who was fired by the team after failing to advance past the first round of the playoffs, criticizing Keenan's lack of structure and expressing optimism for the team's chances under a new coach.[46] After failing to score a goal in 2008–09 and the first half of the 2009–10 season, Regehr scored his first goal in 141 games on January 18, 2010, against the San Jose Sharks.[47] He finished with 2 goals and 17 points that season and matched those totals in 2010–11.[10] Upon playing his 804th game late in the season, Regehr surpassed Al MacInnis as the team's all-time leader in games played by a defenceman.[47]

Buffalo and Los Angeles

[edit]
with the Sabres in 2013

After missing the playoffs in the two previous seasons and needing to clear salary cap space to sign Alex Tanguay,[48] the Flames dealt Regehr to the Buffalo Sabres on June 25, 2011. He was sent to Buffalo, along with Aleš Kotalík and a second round selection at the 2012 NHL entry draft in exchange for Paul Byron and Chris Butler. According to Flames' general manager Jay Feaster, the deal "surprised" Regehr, who initially was unsure he would waive his no-trade clause and agree to the deal. Regehr accepted the deal after speaking with Sabres' management.[49]

In his first season with Buffalo, 2011–12, Regehr led the Sabres with 172 hits and finished second with 112 blocked shots. His one-goal on the season ended another lengthy scoring drought that lasted nearly 11 months.[47] His tenure with the Sabres ended 21 games into the 2012–13 season. In the final year of his contract and with Buffalo out of playoff contention, he was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings on April 1, 2013, in exchange for two second round draft picks.[50] The Kings acquired Regehr to add a veteran presence and aid the team's penalty kill. He appeared in 41 games during the season, split between the two teams, and recorded four assists. Shortly after the Kings reached the third round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Regehr and the team agreed to a two-year, $6 million contract extension.[51] After the Kings were eliminated from the post-season by the Chicago Blackhawks, Kings' coach Darryl Sutter revealed he had played the entire playoffs with an elbow injury that required off-season surgery to repair.[52]

In the 2013–14 season, Regehr begun his 15th year in the NHL, and played his 1,000th game on February 1, 2014, against the Philadelphia Flyers.[53] At the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Regher only played the first round against the San Jose Sharks and game 1 of the second round against the Anaheim Ducks before being sidelined with a knee injury. Once the Kings won the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals, captain Dustin Brown finished his victory lap by handing the Stanley Cup to Regehr, thanking the veteran for his off-ice presence.[54]

Following the last regular season game for the Kings and the last day of the 2014–15 regular season, Regehr announced that he would retire from professional hockey.[55]

International play

[edit]

Medal record
Representing Canada Canada
Men's ice hockey
World Championship
Silver medal – second place 2005 Austria
World Cup
Gold medal – first place 2004 World Cup of Hockey
World Junior Championship
Silver medal – second place 1999 Canada

Regehr joined the Canadian junior team for the 1999 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, playing all seven games for the silver medal winning Canadians.[14] He made his first appearance with the senior team following his rookie season in the NHL, playing six games in the 2000 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships. His emergence in the 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs earned him consideration for Canada's entry at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.[25] He was named to the team by executive director Wayne Gretzky as he looked to bring a younger team to this tournament than played at the 2002 Winter Olympics.[56] The decision worked, as Regehr and the Canadians won the championship.[10]

He played in his second world championship in 2005, where he won a silver medal after Canada lost the final to the Czech Republic 3–0.[57] The following year, he was named to the Canadian Olympic team for the 2006 Winter Olympics.[58] He recorded one assist in six games,[10] though Canada was unable to defend its 2002 gold medal, failing to medal entirely.[59] Regehr participated in team Canada's orientation camp for the 2010 Games in the hopes of earning a second opportunity to win an Olympic medal.[45]

Personal life

[edit]

Regehr married his wife Kristina in late 2007,[37] and the couple have two sons.[60] While in Calgary, they were active in the community, serving as honorary co-chairs of the Impact Foundation, an organization that aims to help kids deal with the challenges of growing up. Regehr donated $75 to the organization for every bodycheck he was credited with during the NHL season.[61] He is also active with Right to Play, an athlete driven organization that aims to improve the lives of the world's most impoverished children through sport.[62] He made a trip to Mozambique in the summer of 2008 as an ambassador to the organization,[63] and has participated in charity events for the organization.[64] The Flames named him the inaugural recipient of the J. R. "Bud" McCaig Award in 2006 in honor of his contributions to society.[19] He is an avid outdoorsman; his favorite winter activity is snowmobiling. He favours wakeboarding in the summer, and has spent time teaching kids outdoor safety.[65]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1996–97 Kamloops Blazers WHL 64 4 19 23 96 5 0 1 1 18
1997–98 Kamloops Blazers WHL 65 4 10 14 120 5 0 3 3 8
1998–99 Kamloops Blazers WHL 54 12 20 32 130 12 1 4 5 21
1999–00 Calgary Flames NHL 57 5 7 12 46 — — — — —
1999–00 Saint John Flames AHL 5 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2000–01 Calgary Flames NHL 71 1 3 4 70 — — — — —
2001–02 Calgary Flames NHL 78 2 6 8 93 — — — — —
2002–03 Calgary Flames NHL 76 0 12 12 87 — — — — —
2003–04 Calgary Flames NHL 82 4 14 18 74 26 2 7 9 20
2005–06 Calgary Flames NHL 68 6 20 26 67 7 1 3 4 6
2006–07 Calgary Flames NHL 78 2 19 21 75 1 0 0 0 0
2007–08 Calgary Flames NHL 82 5 15 20 79 7 0 2 2 2
2008–09 Calgary Flames NHL 75 0 8 8 73 — — — — —
2009–10 Calgary Flames NHL 81 2 15 17 80 — — — — —
2010–11 Calgary Flames NHL 79 2 15 17 58 — — — — —
2011–12 Buffalo Sabres NHL 76 1 4 5 56 — — — — —
2012–13 Buffalo Sabres NHL 29 0 2 2 21 — — — — —
2012–13 Los Angeles Kings NHL 12 0 2 2 2 18 0 1 1 6
2013–14 Los Angeles Kings NHL 79 3 11 14 46 8 0 2 2 7
2014–15 Los Angeles Kings NHL 67 3 10 13 45 — — — — —
NHL totals 1,089 36 163 199 972 66 3 15 18 41

International

[edit]
Year Team Event GP G A Pts PIM
1999 Canada WJC 7 0 0 0 2
2000 Canada WC 6 0 0 0 2
2004 Canada WCH 6 0 0 0 6
2005 Canada WC 9 0 0 0 4
2006 Canada OLY 6 0 1 1 2
Junior totals 7 0 0 0 2
Senior totals 27 0 1 1 16

Awards and honours

[edit]
Award Year
Junior
WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team 1998–99 [12]
CHL Third Team All-Star 1998–99 [13]
Calgary Flames team awards
Ralph T. Scurfield Humanitarian Award 1999–2000 [19]
J. R. "Bud" McCaig Award 2005–06 [19]
NHL
Stanley Cup champion 2014

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Robyn Regehr

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Robyn Regehr is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenseman who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), primarily known for his tenure with the Calgary Flames, where he established himself as a reliable, physical stay-at-home defender. Born on April 19, 1980, in Recife, Brazil, to Mennonite missionary parents, Regehr grew up in Rosthern, Saskatchewan, and was selected 19th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft before his rights were traded to the Calgary Flames later that year. Regehr made his NHL debut with the Flames on October 28, 1999, and went on to play 826 regular-season games for the team over 11 seasons (1999–2011), ranking second in franchise history for games played by a defenseman and becoming a fan favorite for his rugged style and leadership, including seven years as an alternate captain. In June 2011, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he played 105 games over two seasons, before being acquired by the Los Angeles Kings in March 2013; with the Kings, he contributed to their 2014 Stanley Cup victory, appearing in 8 playoff games during that run before sustaining an injury, and reached his 1,000th NHL game milestone on February 1, 2014. Over his entire 1,089-game NHL career, Regehr recorded 36 goals, 163 assists, and 199 points, along with 972 penalty minutes, while earning a reputation for his shot-blocking and defensive reliability, with a career plus-minus of +30. He retired following the 2014–15 season at age 35. In 2025, he was selected to the Calgary Flames' Quarter-Century First Team. Internationally, Regehr represented at multiple high-level tournaments, including earning a silver medal at the 1999 , silver medals at the 2000 and 2005 IIHF World Championships, a at the , and competing in the in , , where finished seventh. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and weighing 225 pounds (102 kg), Regehr shot left-handed and was valued for his physical presence on the blue line throughout his career.

Early life

Birth and family background

Robyn Regehr was born on April 19, 1980, in , Brazil, to Canadian Mennonite missionaries Ron and Edith Regehr, whose Christian faith led them to serve in various international locations. His father's missionary work prompted frequent family relocations during Regehr's early childhood, including a move to when he was three years old, where the family lived until he turned seven; during this period, they adapted to local customs, such as sleeping under mosquito nets and relying on simple resources like sugar cane. As the second son in a family of four children—with an older brother, a sister, and a younger brother named Richie, who was born in —the Regehrs emphasized values of service and resilience, rooted in their Mennonite heritage and global lifestyle that fostered adaptability and community focus from a young age.

Upbringing and move to Canada

In 1987, at the age of seven, Robyn Regehr and his family relocated from to Rosthern, , marking the conclusion of his parents' missionary work abroad. The move brought the family back to , settling in the small farming community where Regehr's father, Ron, had roots, allowing them to establish a stable home after years of international service. Upon arriving in Rosthern, Regehr attended local schools and integrated into the community. Despite these adjustments, he quickly developed a passion for hockey, starting at around age 6.5 or 7 on a backyard rink his father helped build and maintain, often playing his first organized games as a "hockey tot" in heavy parkas on outdoor natural ice amid freezing temperatures. This late start for a Canadian hockey player did not hinder his progress; he soon excelled in community rinks and minor leagues, building skills through youth sports that laid the foundation for his future athletic pursuits.

Hockey career

Junior hockey

Regehr joined the of the (WHL) for the 1996–97 season, following his selection as the 17th overall pick in the 1995 WHL Bantam Draft. Over three seasons with the Blazers from 1996 to 1999, he established himself as a reliable defensive , prioritizing physical play and shot-blocking over offensive production. In 183 regular-season games, Regehr recorded 20 goals and 49 assists for 69 points, while accumulating 346 penalty minutes, reflecting his aggressive style on the blue line. During his final junior year in 1998–99, Regehr had a breakout offensive season, tallying 12 goals and 20 assists in 54 games, which earned him a spot on the WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team and the CHL Third All-Star Team. His performance helped the Blazers advance to the WHL finals, where they fell to the . Known for his size (6'3", 215 lbs) and positioning, Regehr was praised for his defensive reliability and ability to shut down opposing forwards, traits that drew NHL attention. Regehr's junior success culminated in his selection 19th overall by the in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. However, on February 28, 1999, prior to his professional debut, he was traded to the as part of a blockbuster deal that sent to Colorado, along with René Corbet, , and a second-round pick.

Calgary Flames tenure

Robyn Regehr made his NHL debut with the on October 28, 1999, during the 1999-2000 season, appearing in 57 games and recording 5 goals and 7 assists while accumulating 46 penalty minutes. Acquired by the Flames in a 1999 trade with the prior to his debut, Regehr quickly established himself as a reliable defensive presence, playing in at least 68 games each subsequent season through 2010-11. Over his 11 seasons with Calgary from 1999 to 2011, he appeared in 826 regular-season games, the fourth-most in franchise history behind (1,219), (1,086), and (949). Regehr's role expanded significantly in the early , becoming a cornerstone of ' blue line known for his physicality, shot-blocking, and penalty-killing prowess. He served as an alternate for seven seasons, starting in 2003–04 and continuing through 2010–11, a testament to his and consistency on a team often rebuilding. In total with , Regehr tallied 29 goals and 134 assists for 163 points, along with a +30 rating, prioritizing shutdown defense over offensive production. A pivotal moment in Regehr's Flames tenure came during the 2003-04 season, when he played a central role in Calgary's unexpected run to the Final. Logging an average of 26:27 ice time per game across all 26 playoff contests, Regehr contributed 2 goals and 7 assists while posting a +7 , often matched against opponents' top forwards to limit scoring chances. The ultimately fell to the in seven games, but Regehr's performance solidified his status as a franchise pillar. Following the lockout-shortened 2004-05 season, Regehr remained a steady force through the Flames' competitive years in the late 2000s, including back-to-back playoff appearances in and 2008. His durability was evident in seasons like 2007-08, where he played all 82 games despite a mid-season injury scare from a puck to the face. On June 25, 2011, after playing 79 games in the 2010-11 season, Regehr was traded to the along with Aleš Kotalík and a 2012 second-round pick in exchange for , Chris Butler, and a 2011 third-round pick.

Buffalo Sabres stint

On June 25, 2011, the Calgary Flames traded defenseman Robyn Regehr, along with forward Aleš Kotalík and a second-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Chris Butler and forward Paul Byron. The move addressed Buffalo's need for defensive stability, as the Sabres' blue line featured several young players under 25 years old. Sabres general manager Darcy Regier emphasized Regehr's value, stating, "It's not just veteran leadership. It's added size and experience." Regehr waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal, joining a Buffalo coming off a playoff appearance but seeking to reinforce its defense after losing key players in free agency. In his debut season with the Sabres during 2011–12, Regehr played 76 games, contributing 1 goal and 4 assists while logging significant minutes in a shutdown . He led the team with 172 hits and ranked second with 112 blocked shots, exemplifying his physical, stay-at-home style that anchored the young defense. His presence provided mentorship to emerging talents like and , helping stabilize pairings amid a transitional year for the franchise. The following 2012–13 season, shortened to 48 games due to a league , saw Regehr appear in 29 contests for Buffalo, recording 2 assists before his departure. However, injuries hampered his availability, including a lower-body injury sustained on January 27, 2013, against the that sidelined him for seven consecutive games. Despite the setbacks, Regehr continued to be valued for his veteran poise on a Sabres blue line still developing its identity, offering guidance during a challenging period marked by roster changes and inconsistent results.

Los Angeles Kings and retirement

On April 1, 2013, the Los Angeles Kings acquired defenseman Robyn Regehr from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the Kings' second-round draft picks in 2014 and 2015. Regehr, who had waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal, joined the Kings late in the 2012–13 regular season and immediately bolstered their defensive corps with his physical, stay-at-home style. He appeared in 18 playoff games during the Kings' run to the Western Conference Finals that spring, recording one assist while providing veteran stability on the blue line. Regehr signed a two-year contract extension with the Kings during the 2013 playoffs, committing to the team through the 2014–15 season. In the 2013–14 regular season, he played 79 games, contributing three goals and 11 assists while averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time per game in a shutdown role. During the playoffs, Regehr helped anchor the Kings' defense through the first two rounds, appearing in eight games with two assists before suffering a knee injury in Game 1 of the second-round series against the on May 3, 2014, which sidelined him for the remainder of the postseason, including the Western Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Finals. Despite missing those games, Regehr remained part of the roster and became the second player to hoist the after goaltender following the Kings' 6–1 victory over the in Game 5 on June 13, 2014, marking his first and only championship in 15 NHL seasons. In his final 2014–15 season, Regehr suited up for 67 games with , tallying three goals and 10 assists while continuing to serve as a reliable penalty-killer and physical presence. On April 11, 2015, following the Kings' elimination from the playoffs, Regehr announced his from the NHL after accumulating 1,089 regular-season games and 59 playoff appearances across his with the , , and Kings. On January 11, 2016, he signed a ceremonial one-day with , the team where he had spent the first 11 years of his , allowing him to officially retire as a member of the organization during a pre-game ceremony at .

International career

World Junior Championships

Regehr represented at the 1999 IIHF World Under-20 Championship, hosted across and five other communities in from December 26, 1998, to January 5, 1999. As an 18-year-old defenseman for the host team, he helped secure a , with falling 3–2 in overtime to in the gold medal game. Regehr played in all seven tournament games, logging heavy minutes on the penalty kill and in defensive-zone starts. He finished with no goals or assists, two penalty minutes, and a +5 rating, reflecting his focus on neutralizing opponents' scoring threats. His steady, physical presence on the blueline alongside teammates like and Bryan Allen bolstered 's strong defensive structure throughout the event. Regehr's efforts at the World Juniors exemplified the perseverance that defined his early career, highlighted by his quick recovery from a serious car accident in the summer of 1999. This led to his selection as the ' nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in the , making him, at 19 years old, the youngest such nominee in league history for demonstrating dedication to hockey.

Senior international tournaments

Regehr made his debut with Canada's senior national team at the , where he contributed to the squad's finish after a 3-2 loss to in the final. His performance in that tournament, playing all six games as a 20-year-old NHL defenseman, highlighted his shutdown capabilities on the blue line. Regehr earned a gold medal with at the , appearing in all five games during the tournament hosted in . Selected following his standout defensive play in the ' run to the 2004 Final, he paired effectively with elite defensemen, including , to help limit opponents' scoring chances in a 3-0-0 round-robin record en route to the championship victory over . This success underscored his role as a reliable, physical presence on international . At the 2005 IIHF World Championship in , Regehr played a key role in 's silver medal effort, suiting up for nine games and logging heavy minutes against top lines. reached the final but fell 3-0 to the , with Regehr's defensive partnerships contributing to the team's strong group stage performance. His consistent play in these senior tournaments established him as a trusted NHL-caliber defender for Team . Regehr was selected for the Canadian roster at the in , , where he appeared in six games. Paired alongside veteran stars like in defensive rotations, he helped advance through the preliminary round before a 2-0 quarterfinal loss to resulted in a seventh-place finish. This Olympic experience capped his major senior international appearances, totaling 28 games across these elite competitions.

Personal life

Family and residence

Regehr married his wife, Kristina, in late 2007. The couple welcomed their first son, Wyatt, in 2008, followed by their second son, Shane, in 2011. Following his retirement announcement from the NHL in 2015, Regehr and his family settled in Calgary, Alberta, where they had previously resided during his long tenure with the Calgary Flames. They returned to their home in northwest Calgary in 2015 to ensure stability for their sons' schooling. Despite his high-profile career, Regehr has maintained a relatively private family life, focusing on everyday activities such as hiking and biking with his children. Regehr continues to nurture his roots, having grown up in Rosthern and owning farmland in the region that he rents out. He periodically returns to the area for family visits and to assist with local farming tasks, blending his professional past with personal heritage. Regehr co-founded Blueline Oilfield , operating from while maintaining ties to Saskatchewan farmland.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Throughout his career and beyond, Robyn Regehr has been deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly those supporting youth development and health in underprivileged communities. He has been actively involved with the Impact Society in , a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering teens through , , and health programs to help them overcome personal challenges and build resilience. As part of his commitment to the organization, Regehr pledged $75 to the Impact Society for every body check he recorded during the 2009-10 NHL season, raising significant funds while leveraging his on-ice physicality for charitable impact. Regehr has also served as an ambassador for , an international charity that uses sports and play to educate and empower children in disadvantaged areas around the world. In 2008, he traveled to as part of this role, participating in programs that promote and through athletic activities, an effort inspired by his own upbringing as the son of missionary parents in and . His involvement with extended to hosting charity events and fundraising initiatives to support the organization's global missions. Regehr has been actively engaged with the Calgary Flames Foundation, contributing to various community outreach programs focused on local youth and health causes. He co-chaired the annual Flames Alumni Masters Golf Tournament, which has raised funds for organizations like , with the 2025 event emphasizing continued community support in the area. These efforts often involved his family, including his wife and children, who joined him in participating in foundation events to amplify the charitable reach.

Post-retirement activities

Alumni roles and business ventures

Following his retirement from the NHL in 2015, Robyn Regehr became an active member of the Alumni Association, where he engages in various community-oriented initiatives. He regularly participates in charity hockey games and events, such as the Heroes Hockey Challenge organized by the Foundation, which pairs NHL alumni with Canadian Forces veterans for on-ice matchups to support military causes. As a prominent figure in the alumni group, Regehr serves as co-chair of the annual Alumni Masters Golf Tournament, an event held at Priddis Greens Golf Course that has raised over $3.2 million since its inception for organizations aiding children with , including programs for adapted bikes and equipment loans. In addition to his alumni commitments, Regehr has pursued entrepreneurial opportunities in , focusing on small businesses tied to the local energy sector. He co-founded Blueline Oilfield Rentals in 2008, a company specializing in equipment rentals for oil and gas exploration, such as heavy-weight drill pipes, and has continued to manage and expand its operations post-retirement. Regehr has also shared insights from his career through select media appearances as an alumni ambassador. In 2023, he appeared on the FN Barn Burner podcast, discussing his time with the Flames and contributions to growing the sport. The following year, in an August 2024 interview, he offered candid reflections on former Flames coach Mike Keenan, describing him as "the worst coach I've ever had in the NHL," and on ex-general manager Jay Feaster, critiquing aspects of team management during his tenure.

Recent honors and media appearances

In January 2025, Robyn Regehr was named to the ' Quarter-Century First Team, recognizing his contributions to the franchise from 2000 to 2025 as one of two defensemen selected for the honor. This accolade highlighted his 826 games played in Flames uniform over 11 seasons, underscoring his role as a foundational defenseman during that era. Regehr participated in the Calgary Flames' ceremony retiring Miikka Kiprusoff's No. 34 jersey on March 2, 2024, where he shared personal memories of their time as teammates, including Kiprusoff's on-ice communication style and off-ice humor. He joined other alumni like and in a After Hours discussion, reflecting on Kiprusoff's impact and the 2004 Final run. In 2023, Flames Nation published discussions advocating for the eventual retirement of Regehr's No. 28 jersey, citing his leadership and defensive prowess as deserving of such recognition, though no official plans have been announced as of November 2025. No roles for Regehr have been confirmed in professional hockey circles through 2025, based on current biographical and news records.

Career statistics and achievements

Regular season and playoff statistics

Robyn Regehr played 1,089 regular-season games over 15 NHL seasons with the , , and , recording 36 goals, 163 assists, 199 points, and a +30 rating. Known primarily as a shutdown defenseman, Regehr prioritized defensive responsibilities, exemplified by his career total of 760 blocked shots (tracked from the 2007–08 season onward). The following table provides a year-by-year breakdown of his regular-season performance, with blocked shots included starting from the 2007-08 when the became widely tracked in the NHL.
SeasonTeamGPGAPts+/-PIMBLK
1999-00CGY575712-246—
2000-01CGY71134-770—
2001-02CGY77268-2493—
2002-03CGY7601212-987—
2003-04CGY82414181474—
2005-06CGY6862026667—
2006-07CGY78219212775—
2007-08CGY8251520117988
2008-09CGY75088107389
2009-10CGY812151728081
2010-11CGY7921517258142
2011-12BUF76145-1256112
2012-132TM41044-42369
2013-14LAK793111464696
2014-15LAK6731013104583
Regehr's defensive contributions were particularly notable in seasons like 2010-11, when he led Flames defensemen in blocked shots with 142, and 2006-07, where his +27 reflected strong two-way play on a playoff-contending team. In the playoffs, Regehr appeared in 67 games across six postseasons, tallying 3 goals, 15 assists, and 18 points. He played a pivotal role in the ' 2004 Final run, logging 26 games with 9 points while anchoring the top defensive pair, and with the Kings he appeared in 18 games during their 2013 Western Conference Finals run and 8 games in their 2014 victory before a sidelined him for the Finals.

International statistics

Regehr represented Team at five major international tournaments between 1999 and 2006, serving primarily in a defensive capacity with a focus on shutdown assignments and physical play rather than offensive contributions. Over 34 games played in these competitions, he recorded no goals, one assist, and one point. His limited scoring reflects his role as a stay-at-home defenseman, prioritizing penalty killing and blocking shots to support 's medal-contending efforts. The following table summarizes Regehr's statistics by tournament:
TournamentGames Played (GP)Goals (G)Assists (A)Points (PTS)
1999 World Junior Championships7000
6000
6000
2005 IIHF World Championship9000
6011
Total34011
These figures are drawn from official tournament records, highlighting Regehr's consistent participation without notable offensive output.

Awards and honors

During his junior hockey career with the in the (WHL), Robyn Regehr earned recognition as a top defenseman, being selected to the WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team in the 1998–99 season for his strong defensive play and leadership on the blueline. That same year, he was also named to the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Third All-Star Team, highlighting his contributions across junior leagues. Regehr's early NHL tenure with the Calgary Flames brought further accolades for his resilience and character. In the 1999–2000 season, just months after debuting, he became the youngest nominee in league history—at age 19—for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which honors perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey following his recovery from a severe knee injury sustained in a car accident. He received additional nominations for the Masterton Trophy in 2002–03 with the Flames and again in 2014–15 with the Los Angeles Kings, reflecting his consistent embodiment of these qualities throughout his professional career. With the Flames, Regehr was honored multiple times through team awards that recognized his leadership and behind-the-scenes impact. He won the Ralph T. Scurfield Humanitarian Award in 1999–2000 for his off-ice contributions and , and the J.R. McCaig Memorial Award in 2005–06, which celebrates players exemplifying dignity, respect, and quiet leadership—qualities often associated with on the roster. These awards underscored his role as a steady, reliable presence during Calgary's competitive years in the early . Regehr achieved his greatest on-ice honor as a member of the ' 2014 Stanley -winning team, contributing to their playoff run before a knee injury sidelined him for ; he was the second player to hoist the in celebration of his long career and team loyalty. In January 2025, the selected Regehr to their Quarter-Century First Team, one of two defensemen chosen to represent the franchise's most impactful players from its first 25 seasons in , acknowledging his 826 games and defensive anchor role from 1999 to 2011. As of November 2025, Regehr has not been inducted into the .

References

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