Travis Moen
Travis Moen (born April 6, 1982) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), known for his physical checking style and role on penalty-killing units.[1][2][3] Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fifth round, 155th overall, of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Moen made his league debut with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2003–04 season, where he established himself as a gritty, defensive forward accumulating 142 penalty minutes in 82 games.[2][3] He was traded to the Anaheim Ducks (then known as the Mighty Ducks for part of the 2005–06 season) in August 2005 and contributed significantly to their 2007 Stanley Cup championship, scoring seven goals in 21 playoff games while playing on the checking line that helped neutralize top opponents and posting a career-high 21 points in the regular season.[4][3] Over his career, Moen appeared in 747 regular-season games across five teams—Chicago Blackhawks (2003–05), Anaheim Ducks (2005–09), San Jose Sharks (2008–09), Montreal Canadiens (2009–15), and Dallas Stars (2014–16)—tallying 59 goals, 77 assists, and 136 points while racking up 801 penalty minutes, reflecting his enforcer role. He earned votes for the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2007–08 (23rd place) and 2008–09 (50th place).[2][3] Moen's tenure with the Canadiens was particularly notable, spanning six seasons where he provided veteran leadership and physicality, including 19 points in the 2009–10 season.[3] Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 215 pounds, he shot left-handed and was valued for his reliability in high-pressure situations, such as shutting down star players during playoffs.[2][3] Retiring after the 2015–16 season with the Stars, where he played just 23 games, Moen's legacy endures as a two-way player who prioritized team defense en route to his sole Stanley Cup triumph.[3]Early life
Upbringing
Travis Moen was born on April 6, 1982, in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.[5] He was raised on his family's 3,500-acre cattle and grain farm in the nearby rural community of Stewart Valley, a small village with a population of about 75.[6][7] The farm, originally established by his great-grandfather, involved grain production and cattle ranching, and it played a central role in shaping Moen's early years.[7] From a young age, Moen contributed to the demanding farm operations, performing daily chores such as baling hay, hauling water, and driving tractors, which fostered a rigorous work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility.[8][9][7] This physically intensive lifestyle built his resilience and strength, qualities that later defined his tenacious approach to hockey. His father served as an influential figure, acting as his first coach and providing constructive feedback during practices.[8] Moen's initial encounters with hockey occurred at a young age on an outdoor pond adjacent to the family farm in Stewart Valley, where he played his first informal games.[8] He progressed to organized minor hockey in Swift Current, joining the Under-18 AAA Swift Current Legionnaires and honing a robust, physical playing style that aligned well with the endurance required by his farm duties.[9] During the 1998–99 season with the Legionnaires, he recorded 56 points in 56 games, showcasing his emerging talent before transitioning to junior competition.[9]Junior career
Travis Moen began his junior hockey career with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL) during the 1998–99 season at the age of 16. As a list player in his first season, he appeared in 4 games, recording no points while accumulating 2 penalty minutes (PIM).[10] Over the subsequent seasons, Moen's offensive production gradually increased while his physical play became more pronounced. In 1999–2000, he played 66 games, scoring 9 goals and 6 assists for 15 points and 96 PIM. The 2000–01 season saw further growth, with 8 goals, 8 assists, and 16 points in 40 games, alongside 106 PIM. His breakout year came in 2001–02, with 10 goals, 17 assists for 27 points in 71 games, and 197 PIM, showcasing his role as a gritty, checking winger.[10] The following table summarizes Moen's regular-season statistics with the Kelowna Rockets:| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–99 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 1999–2000 | 66 | 9 | 6 | 15 | 96 |
| 2000–01 | 40 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 106 |
| 2001–02 | 71 | 10 | 17 | 27 | 197 |
Professional career
Early NHL years
Following his selection by the Calgary Flames in the fifth round (155th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Moen remained unsigned by the team and completed two additional seasons in the Western Hockey League.[3] On October 21, 2002, he signed a free-agent contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, who assigned him to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, for the 2002-03 season.[10] Moen made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks on October 8, 2003, against the Columbus Blue Jackets.[11] In his rookie 2003-04 season, he appeared in all 82 games, establishing himself as a physical bottom-six forward with a gritty, checking style suited to his 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame; he recorded 4 goals, 2 assists, and 142 penalty minutes while averaging 10:57 of ice time per game.[2] The 2004-05 NHL lockout prevented Moen from returning to the Blackhawks, prompting him to spend the entire season in the AHL with the Norfolk Admirals.[3] There, he embraced a more prominent role on a checking line, contributing offensively while maintaining his enforcer presence; in 79 regular-season games, he tallied 8 goals, 12 assists, and a team-high 187 penalty minutes, helping Norfolk reach the AHL Calder Cup playoffs, where he added 1 goal and 1 assist in 6 games.[12] On July 30, 2005, shortly after the lockout's resolution, the Blackhawks traded Moen to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Mikael Holmqvist, providing Anaheim with added depth and physicality for the post-lockout era.[4] In his first season with the Ducks during 2005-06, Moen transitioned smoothly to a third- or fourth-line role, appearing in 39 games and posting 4 goals, 1 assist, and 72 penalty minutes while logging 11:03 of average ice time, often matching his physical junior background against top competition.[2]Anaheim Ducks era
During the 2006–07 season, Travis Moen established himself as a vital bottom-six forward for the Anaheim Ducks, centering his contributions on defensive reliability and physical presence. Playing primarily on the team's shutdown third line alongside Samuel Pahlsson and Rob Niedermayer, Moen appeared in all 82 regular-season games, recording 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points while accumulating 101 penalty minutes and posting a minus-4 rating.[2] His role emphasized penalty killing and forechecking, helping the Ducks finish second in the Western Conference with a league-best 110 points.[13] Moen's impact amplified during the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he played all 21 games en route to the championship, contributing 7 goals and 5 assists for 12 points along with 22 penalty minutes and a plus-5 rating. Notable highlights included scoring the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 4 against the Vancouver Canucks in the conference semifinals and netting the decisive tally with 2:51 remaining in the third period of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Ottawa Senators.[14] In the Final series, Moen's physical play was instrumental in containing Ottawa's top forward line of Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley, and Jason Spezza, as the shutdown trio limited the Senators' offensive output through aggressive checking and board battles.[15] On June 6, 2007, the Ducks defeated Ottawa 6-2 in Game 5 to claim their first Stanley Cup, with Moen adding two goals in the clincher, underscoring his value in key defensive matchups and providing essential depth to the roster.[16][17] Following the Cup victory, Moen, who was a restricted free agent, re-signed with the Ducks on June 11, 2007, to a two-year contract extension worth $1.825 million, opting to remain with the champions rather than entertain potential trades. In the 2007–08 season, he continued in a similar enforcer role, skating in 77 games with 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points, 81 penalty minutes, and a minus-10 rating, while contributing to the Ducks' successful defense of their Pacific Division title.[18][19] In the 2008–09 season, Moen remained with the Ducks for the first part of the year, playing 63 games and recording 4 goals, 7 assists, 11 points, and 77 penalty minutes with a minus-17 rating. On March 4, 2009, ahead of the trade deadline, he was traded to the San Jose Sharks along with defenseman Kent Huskins in exchange for prospects Nick Bonino and Timo Pielmeier and a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Joining San Jose for the final 19 regular-season games, Moen added 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points, along with 14 penalty minutes and a minus-1 rating, bolstering the Sharks' checking lines and penalty kill. He appeared in all 6 playoff games against his former team, the Ducks, recording no points and 2 penalty minutes as San Jose was eliminated in the first round.[3][20]Montreal Canadiens tenure
Travis Moen joined the Montreal Canadiens as an unrestricted free agent on July 10, 2009, signing a three-year contract worth $4.5 million. In his debut season of 2009–10, Moen skated in 81 regular-season games, posting 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points while accumulating 57 penalty minutes as a physical bottom-six forward. His contributions extended to the playoffs, where he recorded 2 goals and 1 assist in 19 games during the Canadiens' run to the Eastern Conference Finals, including a shorthanded goal in the second round against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Over the following seasons, Moen's role solidified as a checking-line winger and penalty-killing specialist, providing defensive reliability and toughness to the fourth line. From 2010–11 to 2013–14, he appeared in 237 games, tallying 19 goals, 31 assists, and 218 penalty minutes, often paired with linemates like Ryan White and Brandon Prust to match up against opponents' top lines. On June 29, 2012, ahead of potential free agency, Moen re-signed with Montreal on a four-year, $7.4 million extension, securing his place on the roster through the 2015–16 season. In the 2014 playoffs, limited to just 4 games amid lineup adjustments, he helped the Canadiens advance to another Eastern Conference Finals appearance before their elimination by the New York Rangers. Moen's veteran presence made him a respected leader in the Canadiens' locker room, where he was regarded as one of the most popular figures among teammates for his work ethic and camaraderie. His prior Stanley Cup win with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 informed his steady influence during Montreal's deep postseason pushes, fostering resilience among younger players. Fans in Montreal appreciated his gritty style and unwavering commitment, cementing his status as a fan favorite during his tenure.Later teams and retirement
On November 11, 2014, Moen was traded from the Montreal Canadiens to the Dallas Stars in exchange for defenseman Sergei Gonchar.[21] In the remainder of the 2014–15 season, he appeared in 34 games with Dallas, recording 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points along with 14 penalty minutes, serving primarily as a depth forward and physical presence on the fourth line.[3] Prior to the trade, he had played 10 games with Montreal that season, registering no points and 4 penalty minutes.[3] Moen returned to the Stars for the 2015–16 season under the final year of his contract, playing in 23 games where he tallied 0 goals, 2 assists, and 21 penalty minutes while continuing in a limited bottom-six role.[3] His contributions emphasized checking and penalty killing rather than offensive output, reflecting his career as a grinder who prioritized team defense over personal scoring.[2] On November 29, 2016, Moen announced his retirement from the NHL at age 34, following 12 NHL seasons and 747 regular-season games across five teams.[22] In reflecting on his tenure, Moen noted the cherished memories, including his 2007 Stanley Cup victory with Anaheim, while emphasizing a desire to prioritize family life back home in Saskatchewan with his wife and two children.[23] He returned to his family farm in Stewart Valley, underscoring the toll of the league's rigors and the pull of personal stability.[22]Post-retirement
Business ventures
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2016, Travis Moen co-founded Swift Hockey Co. in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, alongside Regan Darby, with the aim of providing local youth access to high-level training without extensive travel.[24] The company offers on-ice skill development sessions, off-ice conditioning programs, and youth initiatives focused on building skills, work ethic, sportsmanship, and teamwork among players of all levels.[24][25] It also provides hockey-related apparel and merchandise to support community representation on and off the ice.[25] Moen integrates the disciplined work ethic from his upbringing on the family farm in nearby Stewart Valley into the business operations, emphasizing hands-on coaching during private and group sessions as well as community clinics that prioritize perseverance and dedication.[24] This approach mirrors the rigorous demands of farm life, fostering a culture where "hard work pays off" for aspiring athletes.[25] As of 2025, Swift Hockey Co. has expanded its reach through partnerships with local facilities like the Innovation Plex in Swift Current, hosting events such as the annual Hockey Development Summer Camp from July 28 to August 1 for players aged U9 to U13, with a strong emphasis on foundational skill development to nurture young talent.[26][27] Moen balances these entrepreneurial efforts with ongoing management of the family farm in Stewart Valley, leveraging his Saskatchewan roots to maintain a dual commitment to business growth and agricultural heritage.[24]Recognition and induction
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2016, Travis Moen was inducted into the Ted Knight Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class in the player category.[9] The induction was announced on February 15, 2024, with the official ceremony held on July 12, 2024, at the Innovation Federal Credit Union iPlex in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, his hometown region.[28][29] This honor recognized Moen's embodiment of Saskatchewan's hockey heritage, alongside fellow inductees including Patrick Marleau and Cory Sarich.[30] At the ceremony, Moen was celebrated for his pivotal role in the Anaheim Ducks' 2007 Stanley Cup victory, his 12-season NHL career, in which he appeared in 747 regular-season games and tallied 126 points (59 goals and 67 assists) across five teams, and his enduring contributions to the province's hockey legacy.[9][3][31] In his inductee video, Moen highlighted the perseverance instilled by his farm upbringing near Stewart Valley, where childhood chores like hauling hay bales built the work ethic that propelled him from a late-round draft pick to NHL success.[31] The event underscored his journey as a testament to Saskatchewan's rural hockey roots, with his name now etched into the Hall of Fame.[9] As of 2025, while no additional major inductions have occurred, Moen's ongoing involvement in youth hockey—such as coaching the Swift Current Broncos U13 AA team to a provincial championship in 2022, followed by coaching the U15 AA team from 2022 to 2024, serving as a development coach for the WHL Broncos in the 2024–25 season, and being promoted to assistant coach for the 2025–26 season—has earned him community recognition for fostering the next generation of Saskatchewan players.[32][27][33]Personal life
Family and off-season activities
Travis Moen is married to Amy Moen, and the couple has two children: a son named Carter, born in February 2009, and a daughter named Blayke, born in early 2012.[34][35] The family has maintained a low public profile, with Moen emphasizing the challenges of frequent travel during his NHL career and crediting his wife and children for providing essential emotional support that sustained him through relocations and demanding schedules.[36] During his playing days, Moen returned to his roots in Saskatchewan each off-season, working on the family's grain and cattle farm near Stewart Valley, a routine that helped him recharge physically and mentally after the rigors of the hockey season.[8] This tradition, rooted in his upbringing on the property, continued seamlessly after his 2016 retirement, where he now resides full-time and contributes to farm operations including crop management and livestock care.[37] In addition to farm duties, Moen has engaged with his local Saskatchewan community through volunteer efforts in youth hockey, serving as a coach in the Swift Current Minor Hockey Association to mentor young players and give back to the sport that defined his career.[36] He has described this involvement, alongside family time on the farm, as key to achieving work-life balance, often highlighting how his family's unwavering support enabled his professional endurance without burnout.[36]Media appearances
In 2008, shortly after winning the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks, Travis Moen made a cameo appearance on the Canadian sitcom Corner Gas in the episode "Bed and Brake Fast," where he brought the trophy to the set filmed in Rouleau, Saskatchewan.[38] In the scene, Moen's character is humorously pulled over by cast members Wanda and Karen while speeding through town to showcase the Cup to locals, highlighting his excitement as a recent champion and tying into a promotional nod for the Ducks' victory.[39] The appearance underscored Moen's Saskatchewan roots, as the show is set in the province, and he interacted warmly with the cast during filming.[40] Moen has appeared in various interviews discussing his career perseverance, notably in a 2007 Globe and Mail feature that detailed his recovery from a concussion and determination to return to the NHL lineup.[41] More recently, in 2024, he participated in an interview for his induction into the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame, reflecting on his NHL journey and community ties.[42] As of 2025, Moen has made occasional media appearances, including discussions around his role as an assistant coach with the Swift Current Broncos, sharing perspectives on player development in junior hockey.[43] In Canadian media, Moen is frequently depicted as an approachable, farm-raised athlete from Stewart Valley, Saskatchewan, where he grew up on a family farm and continues to return during off-seasons, emphasizing his grounded persona amid his professional achievements.[42]Achievements
Career statistics
Travis Moen played 747 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) over 13 seasons from 2003 to 2016, accumulating 59 goals, 77 assists, 136 points, and 801 penalty minutes.[3]Regular Season Statistics
NHL by Team
| Team | Years | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Blackhawks | 2003–04 | 82 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 142 |
| Anaheim Ducks | 2005–09 | 261 | 22 | 23 | 45 | 331 |
| San Jose Sharks | 2008–09 | 19 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 14 |
| Montreal Canadiens | 2009–15 | 328 | 27 | 42 | 69 | 279 |
| Dallas Stars | 2014–16 | 57 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 35 |
AHL Summary
Moen appeared in 121 regular season games in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Norfolk Admirals from 2002 to 2005, recording 9 goals, 14 assists, 23 points, and 249 penalty minutes. In the AHL playoffs, he played 15 games with 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, and 26 penalty minutes.[10]Junior Summary (WHL)
In the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Kelowna Rockets from 1998 to 2002, Moen played 181 regular season games, scoring 27 goals, 31 assists, 58 points, and accumulating 399 penalty minutes. His WHL playoff totals were 18 games, 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points, and 30 penalty minutes.[10]Playoff Statistics
NHL Playoffs by Season
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | Anaheim Ducks | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| 2006–07 | Anaheim Ducks | 21 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 22 |
| 2007–08 | Anaheim Ducks | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 2008–09 | San Jose Sharks | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2009–10 | Montreal Canadiens | 19 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| 2010–11 | Montreal Canadiens | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2012–13 | Montreal Canadiens | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| 2013–14 | Montreal Canadiens | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015–16 | Dallas Stars | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |