Trevor Kidd
Trevor Kidd is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 387 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1991 to 2004, primarily with the Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.[1][2] Born on March 29, 1972, in Dugald, Manitoba, Kidd was selected by the Calgary Flames in the first round, 11th overall, of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft after a standout junior career with the Brandon Wheat Kings and [Spokane Chiefs](/page/Spokane Chiefs) in the Western Hockey League (WHL).[1][2] During his junior years, he earned Goaltender of the Year honors in 1990 and helped Canada win gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 1990 and 1991, while also contributing to the [Spokane Chiefs](/page/Spokane Chiefs)' 1991 Memorial Cup victory.[3] Kidd debuted in the NHL with Calgary during the 1991–92 season and emerged as a key player in 1994–95, posting a .909 save percentage and 2.61 goals-against average over 43 games, earning a selection to the NHL All-Star Game and a seventh-place finish in Vezina Trophy voting.[1][2] Internationally, Kidd represented Canada at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, where he backstopped the team to a silver medal and recorded a shutout in a 10–0 win over Norway.[3] Over his NHL career, he accumulated 140 wins, 19 shutouts, and a career-high .922 save percentage in the 1997–98 season with Carolina, though injuries and inconsistent performance limited his role in later years.[1][4] After his NHL tenure, Kidd continued playing professionally in Sweden's HC Örebro 90 during the 2004–05 season and Germany's Hannover Scorpions in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) until 2006.[2] Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighing 213 pounds (97 kg), Kidd was known for his left-catching style and solid positioning, amassing a career NHL goals-against average of 2.84.[1][4]Early life and education
Upbringing in Manitoba
Trevor Kidd was born on March 26, 1972, in Dugald, Manitoba, Canada.[2] He grew up in the nearby rural community of Oakbank, Manitoba, a small town northeast of Winnipeg where ice hockey formed a key part of local recreational and social life.[5] Kidd's early exposure to organized hockey came through the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association, where he joined the Eastman Selects team in the AAA Midget Hockey League during the 1987-1988 season.[3] This involvement marked his initial steps in competitive play within Manitoba's robust youth hockey system, reflecting the province's deep-rooted emphasis on the sport in rural areas.[6] While specific details on family influences are limited in available records, Kidd's development occurred in an environment supportive of athletic pursuits, common in Manitoba's hockey-centric communities.[5] These formative years in midget leagues naturally progressed toward higher levels of junior competition.Entry into hockey
Kidd began playing organized hockey as a goaltender at age 7 with a local team in Oakbank. He progressed to the East End Wings in Transcona at age 9 and joined the Steinbach Millers second-tier team at age 11.[7] His entry into higher-level competitive hockey occurred in the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League, where he joined the Eastman Selects for the 1987-1988 season at the age of 15.[6] This marked his first significant organized play at a high amateur level, playing as a goaltender for the team based in the Eastman region of Manitoba.[3] His performance during this season helped solidify his position as an emerging talent in local circles.[8] Following the midget season, Kidd tried out for a provincial team but was cut.[6] However, this exposure proved pivotal, as scouts from Western Hockey League teams took notice of his potential, leading to an invitation to the Brandon Wheat Kings' training camp the following summer.[7] Early in his amateur career, Kidd's physical attributes began to stand out, particularly his 6-foot-2 frame and left-handed catching style, which allowed for a distinctive glove-hand advantage in blocking shots.[1] Standout moments, such as strong showings in midget league games, drew initial scouting attention without prior major junior experience, highlighting his raw athleticism and quick adaptation to competitive pressures. His upbringing in rural Manitoba provided the foundational passion that fueled this transition into structured amateur hockey.[9]Playing career
Junior career
Trevor Kidd began his major junior career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Brandon Wheat Kings during the 1988–89 season, following a successful stint in midget leagues that served as a stepping stone to professional development. In his rookie year, he appeared in 32 games, posting an 11–13–1 record with a 4.06 goals-against average (GAA).[2] The following season, 1989–90, marked a breakout performance for Kidd with Brandon, where he played 63 games, recording 24 wins, a 4.15 GAA, and two shutouts while leading the team in goaltending duties.[2] His strong play earned him the Del Wilson Trophy as the WHL Goaltender of the Year, recognizing him as the league's top netminder.[10] On January 21, 1991, Kidd was traded by the Brandon Wheat Kings, along with defenseman Bart Cote, to the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for right winger Bobby House, center Marty Murray, and goaltender Don Blishen, bolstering Spokane's playoff push.[11] Joining the Chiefs mid-1990–91 season, he played 14 regular-season games with an 8–3–0 record and 3.52 GAA. In the WHL playoffs, Kidd started every game for Spokane, leading them to the WHL championship with a 14–3 record, 2.07 GAA, and two shutouts across 15 appearances.[12] Kidd's pivotal role continued at the 1991 Memorial Cup, where the Spokane Chiefs defeated the Drummondville Voltigeurs 5–2 in the final to claim the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) title. He appeared in all three round-robin games plus the semifinal and final, posting a 1.67 GAA and helping secure the championship.[12] His junior dominance, particularly the 1989–90 season and playoff heroics, generated significant scouting interest leading into the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, where he was viewed as one of the premier goaltending prospects available.[1]Professional career
Kidd was selected by the Calgary Flames in the first round, 11th overall, of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, following a standout junior career that positioned him as one of the top goaltending prospects.[1] He made his NHL debut with the Flames during the 1991–92 season, appearing in two games, but spent much of his early professional years developing in the minors, including a stint with the International Hockey League's Salt Lake Golden Eagles in 1992–93 where he posted a 3.92 goals-against average (GAA) in 21 games.[1][13] Establishing himself as a backup to Mike Vernon, Kidd played 178 games for Calgary from 1991–92 to 1996–97, recording a 2.90 GAA and .900 save percentage (SV%), with his most extensive action coming in the 1996–97 season (55 games, 2.84 GAA).[4] Injuries and competition limited his starts, but he contributed to the Flames' playoff runs, appearing in nine postseason games across 1994–95 and 1995–96.[1] On August 25, 1997, the Flames traded Kidd and forward Gary Roberts to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for center Andrew Cassels and goaltender Jean-Sébastien Giguère. With Carolina, Kidd served primarily as a backup to Artūrs Irbe, playing 72 games over two seasons (1997–98 and 1998–99) with a strong 2.37 GAA and .916 SV%, including two shutouts in 1998–99.[12] His performance helped stabilize the Hurricanes' goaltending during their transition to a competitive Eastern Conference team, though he saw limited playoff action.[2] Ahead of the 1999 NHL Expansion Draft, Carolina left Kidd unprotected, and he was selected by the Atlanta Thrashers; however, Atlanta immediately traded him to the Florida Panthers on June 25, 1999, for defenseman Gord Murphy, prospects Daniel Tjarnqvist and Herbert Vasiljevs, and a sixth-round draft pick. In Florida, Kidd split time as a starter and backup over three seasons (1999–2002), appearing in 103 games with a 3.07 GAA and .901 SV%, highlighted by 28 games and 14 wins in 1999–2000.[12] Injuries, including a shoulder injury in 1999–2000 that sidelined him for several months, impacted his consistency, leading to brief minor-league assignments.[2] Kidd signed as a free agent with the Toronto Maple Leafs on August 26, 2002, reuniting him with former Flames teammate Gary Roberts and providing depth behind Ed Belfour.[14] He played 34 games for Toronto across the 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons, posting a 3.15 GAA and .889 SV%, including a brief one-game stint with the AHL's St. John's Maple Leafs in 2003–04.[12] The 2004–05 NHL lockout prompted Kidd to play in Sweden for HC Örebro 90 of the HockeyAllsvenskan, where he appeared in regular-season games and eight playoff contests with a 2.37 GAA.[15] Returning for the 2005–06 season, Kidd signed with the Hannover Scorpions of Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), serving as their primary goaltender in 45 regular-season games (2.75 GAA, .907 SV%) and 10 playoff games as the team reached the semifinals.[12] This marked the end of his professional playing career, as he retired in 2006 at age 34 after 387 NHL games, compiling 140 wins, a 2.84 GAA, and .901 SV%.[4] Throughout his NHL tenure, Kidd was often hampered by injuries and stiff competition for starting roles, transitioning from a highly touted prospect to a reliable journeyman backup.[1]International career
World Juniors
Trevor Kidd earned a spot on Canada's national under-20 team for the 1990 IIHF World U20 Championship in Finland following an outstanding season with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, where he led all WHL goaltenders with 63 games played and won the Del Wilson Trophy as the league's top goaltender.[12] As the starting goaltender, Kidd recorded a 5-0-0 mark with a 2.40 goals against average over his appearances, helping Canada secure its fourth gold medal in tournament history by outscoring opponents decisively in the round-robin and medal rounds.[2] His strong play, including key contributions to clean sheets against weaker opponents, solidified Canada's defensive foundation and elevated Kidd's profile ahead of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. Returning for the 1991 IIHF World U20 Championship hosted in Saskatchewan, Canada, Kidd shared goaltending duties with Félix Potvin amid a talented roster featuring Eric Lindros.[16] He posted a 3-1-0 record with a 2.72 goals against average in four starts, anchoring the net during critical victories such as the 3-2 gold medal clincher over the Soviet Union, where he stopped key shots in the final minutes to preserve the win.[2] Kidd's efforts, including a shutout against Switzerland in the opener, were instrumental in Canada's repeat gold medal triumph, marking the nation's fifth title overall and back-to-back championships for the first time since 1985.[17] Kidd returned for a third consecutive tournament at the 1992 IIHF World U20 Championship in Germany, serving as Canada's primary goaltender. He appeared in all seven games, posting a 2-3-2 record with a 4.14 goals-against average and one shutout, as Canada finished fifth overall.[2][1] Kidd's leadership in net across the three tournaments, combining for strong performances and pivotal shutouts, drew strong consideration for IIHF Directorate awards, though the honors went to others; his efforts nonetheless boosted his draft stock, leading to selection 11th overall by the Calgary Flames in June 1990.Olympic participation
Trevor Kidd was selected as the backup goaltender to Sean Burke for Team Canada at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, following his standout performance in junior hockey and prior international success at the World Juniors.[18] His inclusion on the roster marked a significant step for the 19-year-old prospect, who had been drafted 11th overall by the Calgary Flames in 1990.[2] During the tournament, Kidd made one start on February 12 against Norway, securing a shutout in Canada's 10-0 victory and posting a 1-0-0 record with a 0.00 goals-against average over 60 minutes.[19][20] As the backup, he supported the team's strong defensive effort throughout the competition, contributing to Canada's advancement to the medal round.[3] Team Canada earned silver, defeating Finland and Germany in the medal round before falling 3-1 to the Unified Team in the gold medal final on February 23, marking the nation's first Olympic hockey podium finish since 1968.[3] Kidd's Olympic experience provided crucial exposure at the senior international level, bridging his junior tenure with the Brandon Wheat Kings to his immediate professional debut with the Flames just days later on March 3, 1992.[2]Awards and honors
Junior awards
In the 1989–90 season with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Trevor Kidd earned recognition for his standout goaltending by being selected to the WHL East First All-Star Team.[12] This honor highlighted his reliability as the team's primary netminder, where he appeared in 63 games and recorded 24 wins despite a challenging 4.15 goals-against average.[2] Kidd's performance that year also secured him the Del Wilson Trophy, awarded to the WHL's top goaltender.[21] The trophy, named after former WHL executive Del Wilson, recognized Kidd's endurance and skill in handling a heavy workload for a rebuilding Brandon squad.[12] On a national level, Kidd was named the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Goaltender of the Year in 1990, an award that encompassed top performers across the CHL's major junior leagues.[12] This accolade underscored his dominance among junior goaltenders league-wide.[5] Traded to the Spokane Chiefs midway through the 1990–91 season, Kidd played a pivotal role in their WHL championship run and subsequent CHL Memorial Cup triumph, the national junior hockey title.[11] In the Memorial Cup tournament, he started three games, posting a 1.67 goals-against average and helping anchor the Chiefs' defense en route to a 5–2 victory over the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the final.[22][23]International achievements
Trevor Kidd earned a gold medal as a member of Canada's national junior team at the 1990 IIHF World Junior Championships in Helsinki and Turku, Finland, where he shared goaltending duties alongside Stéphane Fiset.[24] The following year, at the 1991 tournament hosted in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Kidd played a key role in securing Canada's second consecutive gold medal, defeating the Soviet Union 3–2 in the final and marking the nation's fifth overall title in the event.[16] This back-to-back success underscored Kidd's contributions to one of Canada's dominant eras in junior international hockey, with the 1991 victory extending the momentum from the prior year.[16] Although no individual tournament awards such as all-star selections were bestowed upon him at these events—the 1990 goaltending honor went to Fiset and the 1991 to Switzerland's Pauli Jaks—Kidd's participation in consecutive championship teams remains a notable accomplishment for a Canadian goaltender.[25] Building on his junior success, Kidd captured a silver medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, as a goaltender for Canada in the men's ice hockey tournament, where the team finished as runners-up to the Unified Team and he recorded a shutout in a 10–0 win over Norway.[3]Personal life
Family
Trevor Kidd has been married to his wife, Tiffany, for over 25 years.[26] The couple has three daughters: Taylor (born 1993), Kennedy, and Emerson.[27][26] All three daughters are accomplished soccer players who competed at the collegiate level; Taylor played for the UTEP Miners from 2012 to 2015, Kennedy for the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks, and Emerson for the UTEP Miners starting in 2019.[9][28][29] Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2006, Kidd relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, with his family, where he has prioritized spending time with his daughters and supporting their athletic endeavors, including coaching youth soccer.[27][26] During his playing career, Kidd's family provided emotional support, as seen in public appearances with Tiffany and their young daughters at Toronto Maple Leafs events in 2003.[30]Interests and philanthropy
Following his retirement from professional hockey, Trevor Kidd developed a strong interest in soccer, largely inspired by his daughters' participation in the sport. He co-founded the Manitoba Blizzard, an elite youth soccer program aimed at developing female talent, which has helped players secure nearly $4 million in scholarships over its first eight years. Kidd served as manager for the program and later took on the same role for Valour FC's elite girls team, targeting players aged 14-17 to prepare them for university-level competition and emphasizing education alongside athletics. His involvement includes volunteering with the Manitoba Soccer Association to support community athletics.[31][32][33] Kidd's philanthropic efforts center on youth development and community support in Winnipeg and Manitoba. He participates in Winnipeg Jets alumni events, including skating sessions with Indigenous youth from northern communities such as Pauingassi and Shamattawa, as part of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre's programming to promote sports access and cultural engagement. In 2024, he joined Jets alumni in Kenora to support Project 11, a True North initiative combating bullying through education and hockey-related activities. In January 2025, Kidd participated in the Jets' annual WASAC weekend, skating with Indigenous youth from northern Manitoba and Treaty 3 territories. Kidd also volunteers with various local charitable groups, often focusing on athletics for underprivileged youth, reflecting his shift to a community-oriented life after founding the Mountain Bean Coffee Company in 2006.[34][35][26][27]Post-playing career
Broadcasting roles
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2006, Trevor Kidd transitioned into broadcasting as a hockey analyst.[36] Kidd joined TSN Winnipeg, where he provides expert analysis for Winnipeg Jets games, including color commentary, pre-game, intermission, and post-game segments on both radio and television broadcasts.[37][38] His role with TSN 1290 Radio has been prominent since the franchise's relocation to Winnipeg in 2011, establishing him as a regular contributor to the team's coverage.[38][39] In addition to regular Jets broadcasts, Kidd has made guest appearances on the official Winnipeg Jets podcast Ground Control, discussing goaltending, game analysis, and team dynamics in episodes as recent as 2023.[40]Other endeavors
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2006, Kidd founded Mountain Bean Coffee Company, a Canadian chain that he developed from a single location in Winnipeg, Manitoba, expanding to operate franchises across cities including Victoria, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario.[27][9] The business focused on specialty coffee and grew into a multi-location enterprise before Kidd sold it several years later.[3] In subsequent years, Kidd transitioned into financial services, joining Gavin Management Group in 2014 as a Regional Director, where he supports business development for the firm's hockey wealth specialists division, leveraging his NHL background to advise athletes on financial planning.[41][42] More recently, as of 2025, he serves as a Project Manager for Alair Homes Winnipeg, a custom home renovation and construction firm, applying his experience in team-oriented projects to oversee builds and renovations in the Manitoba area.[26] Kidd has also engaged in sports administration outside of hockey, serving as general manager for the Manitoba Blizzard women's soccer team in 2016 and later leading the elite girls' program for Valour FC, which absorbed the Blizzard, through 2018.[43][32]Career statistics
NHL regular season and playoffs
Kidd appeared in 387 regular-season games over 12 NHL seasons with the Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Toronto Maple Leafs, compiling a record of 140 wins, 162 losses, and 52 ties, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.84 and a save percentage (SV%) of .901.[1]Regular Season Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | T | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991-92 | CGY | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4.01 | .857 | 0 |
| 1993-94 | CGY | 31 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 3.16 | .887 | 0 |
| 1994-95 | CGY | 43 | 22 | 14 | 6 | 2.61 | .909 | 3 |
| 1995-96 | CGY | 47 | 15 | 21 | 8 | 2.78 | .895 | 3 |
| 1996-97 | CGY | 55 | 21 | 23 | 6 | 2.84 | .900 | 4 |
| 1997-98 | CAR | 47 | 21 | 21 | 3 | 2.17 | .922 | 3 |
| 1998-99 | CAR | 25 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 2.69 | .905 | 2 |
| 1999-00 | FLA | 28 | 14 | 11 | 2 | 2.63 | .915 | 1 |
| 2000-01 | FLA | 42 | 10 | 23 | 6 | 3.31 | .893 | 1 |
| 2001-02 | FLA | 33 | 4 | 16 | 5 | 3.21 | .895 | 1 |
| 2002-03 | TOR | 19 | 6 | 10 | 2 | 3.10 | .896 | 0 |
| 2003-04 | TOR | 15 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 3.26 | .876 | 1 |
| Career | 387 | 140 | 162 | 52 | 2.84 | .901 | 19 |
Playoff Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994-95 | CGY | 7 | 3 | 4 | 3.59 | .856 | 1 |
| 1995-96 | CGY | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6.48 | .775 | 0 |
| 2003-04 | TOR | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.82 | .909 | 0 |
| Career | 10 | 3 | 5 | 3.91 | .856 | 1 |
International tournaments
Trevor Kidd made his international debut with Team Canada at the 1990 IIHF World Junior Championships, where he contributed to the gold medal-winning effort as a goaltender.[2]| Tournament | GP | Record | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 World Juniors | 5 | 5-0-0 | 2.40 | .910 |
| Tournament | GP | Record | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 World Juniors | 4 | 3-1-0 | 2.72 | .895 |
| Tournament | GP | Record | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 Olympics | 1 | 1-0-0 | 0.00 | 1.000 |