Bo Horvat Bio
Bowie William Horvat (born April 5, 1995) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a centre and alternate captain for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected ninth overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2013 NHL entry draft, where he served as captain from 2019 until his trade to the Islanders in 2023. During his junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), he won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as playoff MVP in 2013, as well as two J. Ross Robertson Cup titles with the London Knights. Internationally, he has played for Team Canada at the 2012 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament (under-18), 2014 IIHF U20 Championships and the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
Early Life and Background
Bo Horvat was born on April 5, 1995, in London, Ontario, to Tim and Cindy Horvat. He grew up in Rodney, Ontario, a small town located about a 90-minute drive from Detroit, Michigan. As a child, he frequently attended Detroit Red Wings games, which fueled his passion for hockey. Along with his younger brother Cal, Horvat practiced hockey in the family basement throughout their childhood. At the age of 12, he moved away to live with a billet family to pursue his hockey career with the Toronto Red Wings minor ice hockey team. In 2008, Horvat played a pivotal role in helping the Red Wings defeat the London Jr. Knights in the All-Toronto Peewee AAA hockey tournament, where he scored 10 goals and led the team with 16 points. During the 2010–11 minor hockey season, he played for the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs, where he was named the league’s player of the year after scoring 47 goals and 71 assists for a total of 118 points in 68 games. His coach, Rob Simpson, praised Horvat for his offensive skills, noting that he sometimes took risks defensively. After the Chiefs’ season, he also played five games with the St. Thomas Stars of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, which was coached by his father, helping them win their league championship.
Path to Hockey
Following his successful minor hockey career, Horvat was selected ninth overall in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection draft by the London Knights. He joined the Knights for the 2011–12 season and made an immediate impact, scoring his first OHL goal in his league debut during an 8–0 victory over the Saginaw Spirit. In his rookie season, he scored 11 goals and recorded 19 assists, contributing to the Knights’ success as they won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions. The team advanced to the 2012 Memorial Cup finals, where they narrowly lost in overtime. Horvat’s performance continued to improve, and during the 2012–13 season, he scored 33 goals and 61 points in 67 games. He led the Knights to their second consecutive OHL championship, earning the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the most valuable player in the playoffs. His impressive junior career set the stage for his entry into the NHL. Leading into the 2013 NHL Draft, Horvat was ranked as the 15th-best prospect in North America by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. On June 30, 2013, the Vancouver Canucks traded for the ninth overall pick in the draft and selected Horvat. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Canucks on August 6, 2013, but was advised to continue developing in the OHL for another season.
Bo Horvat Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Bo Horvat made his NHL debut on November 4, 2014, against the Colorado Avalanche. He scored his first NHL goal on November 20 against Frederik Andersen of the Anaheim Ducks. In his rookie season, he played 68 games, scoring 13 goals and 12 assists for a total of 25 points, earning him votes for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year. In the 2015 playoffs, he added four points in six games, showcasing his potential as a rising star. During the 2015–16 season, Horvat faced increased expectations and responsibilities, particularly after injuries to key players on the Canucks. He ended the season with 16 goals and 24 assists in 82 games.
Breakthrough (2017–2023)
Horvat’s breakthrough came during the 2016–17 season when he was named an NHL All-Star for the first time on January 10, 2017. He ended that season with career highs of 20 goals, 32 assists, and 52 points. In September 2017, he signed a six-year contract extension with the Canucks worth $33 million. The following season, he was named the 14th captain of the Canucks, marking a significant milestone in his career. Horvat continued to excel, scoring his 100th career goal on October 20, 2019, and notching his first career hat trick shortly thereafter. His leadership was evident as he guided the Canucks to the playoffs during the 2019–20 season, where he scored 10 goals in 17 games. On January 30, 2023, Horvat was traded to the New York Islanders after a successful nine-season tenure with the Canucks. He signed an eight-year, $68 million contract extension with the Islanders shortly after the trade.
Notable Works and Milestones
Bo Horvat’s signature achievements include being named an NHL All-Star in 2017 and 2023, winning the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award in 2013, and serving as captain of the Vancouver Canucks. His leadership and scoring ability have made him a key player in the NHL.
Bo Horvat Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Bo Horvat has received several nominations, including votes for the Calder Memorial Trophy during his rookie season.
Bo Horvat Awards Won
Bo Horvat has won notable awards, including the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the playoff MVP in 2013 and the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2012 and 2013.
Bo Horvat Family
Bo Horvat is married to Holly Donaldson, a professional equestrian and curler. The couple wed in July 2019 and welcomed their first child, a son named Gunnar Horvat, born on June 28, 2020.
Personal Life
Bo Horvat is second cousins with NHL player Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers. He has a younger brother, Cal, who played for the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs and London Knights before becoming a police officer in Ontario. Horvat chose jersey number 53 in memory of goalie Ian Jenkins, a fellow London Knights draftee who tragically passed away in an automobile accident in 2011.
