Casey Cizikas Bio
Casey Cizikas is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a centre for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on February 27, 1991, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Cizikas spent four seasons with the Mississauga St. Michaels Majors of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he had two 20-goal seasons. Selected by the Islanders in the fourth round, 92nd overall, of the 2009 NHL entry draft, he began playing for their minor league affiliate, the American Hockey League (AHL)’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, two years after the draft, during the 2011-12 season. He was recalled to the Islanders’ NHL roster mid-season, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Casey Cizikas grew up in Toronto, Ontario, where he developed a passion for hockey at a young age. He was first selected by the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors with their first selection, third overall, in the 2007 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection Draft. Cizikas made his OHL debut in the 2007–08 season, finishing tenth in rookie scoring with 41 points in 62 games. His early exposure to competitive hockey laid the foundation for his future success in the sport.
Path to Hockey
Cizikas returned to the Majors for the 2009–10 season, where he tied for the team lead in scoring with 62 points and led with a plus-minus rating of +32. He served as the team’s captain in the 2010–11 season, recording 64 points and leading the Majors to the championship series in the OHL playoffs. His impressive performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the New York Islanders in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Casey Cizikas Career
Early Career (2011–2012)
Cizikas spent the majority of the 2011–12 season in the AHL with the Islanders’ minor league affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He scored his first two goals with the team on October 18, 2011, against the Providence Bruins, and finished the season with 45 points, ranking second in team scoring. He made his NHL debut on February 24, 2012, against the New York Rangers, appearing in 15 games and recording four assists. His first two NHL points came on March 1, 2012, against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Breakthrough (2013–2016)
Cizikas’ breakthrough came during the 2013 season when he scored his first career NHL goal on January 29, 2013, against Marc-André Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He finished that season with six goals and 15 points in 45 regular-season games, adding four points in six Stanley Cup playoff games. During the 2015–16 campaign, Cizikas’ line, consisting of him, Matt Martin, and Cal Clutterbuck, was considered the best fourth line in the NHL by analysts. Cizikas is recognized as one of the best fourth-line players in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cizikas signed a new five-year contract with the Islanders on June 2, 2016, and was awarded the Islanders’ Bob Nystrom Award for the 2017–18 season. He received his second Bob Nystrom Award on May 24, 2019, further solidifying his reputation within the organization.
Casey Cizikas Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Casey Cizikas has received various nominations, particularly for his contributions to the New York Islanders and his performance as a fourth-line player.
Casey Cizikas Awards Won
Casey Cizikas has won the Bob Nystrom Award twice, recognizing his dedication and performance with the New York Islanders.
Casey Cizikas Family
Information regarding Casey Cizikas’ family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
In 2007, during a rugby football game, Cizikas was involved in a controversial incident that led to a conviction for manslaughter in 2009. He was sentenced to one year of probation and 100 hours of community service. This incident has been a notable part of his personal history, but he has continued to focus on his professional career in hockey.
