Joseph LaBate Bio
Joseph LaBate is an American professional ice hockey centre for the Abbotsford Canucks of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 101st overall by the Canucks in the 2011 NHL entry draft. LaBate has played professionally since 2015, showcasing his skills across various teams in both the AHL and NHL.
Early Life and Background
Joseph LaBate was born on April 16, 1993, in Eagan, Minnesota, USA. Growing up in Minnesota, he was exposed to hockey at a young age, a sport that is deeply ingrained in the culture of the region. LaBate played for the Academy of Holy Angels’s men’s ice hockey team during his high school years, where he made a significant impact by tallying 58 points in just 25 games. This early success laid the groundwork for his future in professional hockey.
Path to Hockey
After three successful seasons in high school hockey, Joseph LaBate was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he transitioned from high school to college hockey, joining the Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA. During his time at Wisconsin, LaBate shifted from playing wing to center, demonstrating his versatility on the ice. He played in all 37 games during his junior season, achieving a career-high of 11 goals and 11 assists. After completing four seasons with the Badgers, he signed a contract with the Vancouver Canucks, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Joseph LaBate Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Joseph LaBate began his professional career in 2015 after signing with the Vancouver Canucks. He was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, where he made an immediate impact by scoring his first professional goal against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. LaBate participated in the Canucks’ preseason games during the 2016-17 season, where he scored a goal but was ultimately sent back to the Comets. On November 21, 2016, he was recalled to the NHL for the first time and made his debut two days later against the Arizona Coyotes, logging 5:55 minutes of ice time. Over the course of the 2016-17 season, he played a total of 13 games with the Canucks.
Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Following the 2017-18 season, LaBate became a free agent after not receiving a qualifying offer from the Canucks. He signed a one-year AHL contract with the Belleville Senators, where he continued to develop his skills. After three seasons with the Senators, he signed with the Milwaukee Admirals for the 2021-22 season. During his time with the Admirals, LaBate added a veteran presence to the team, contributing 5 goals and 12 points through 56 regular season games. He also made a notable playoff appearance, participating in a career-high 9 playoff games.
Notable Works and Milestones
In July 2022, LaBate signed with the Chicago Wolves, where he totaled 22 points in 53 games, further solidifying his reputation in the AHL. After eight professional seasons in North America, he signed a one-year contract with Barys Astana of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in July 2023, where he notched 18 points in 49 regular season contests. LaBate returned to North America in 2024, signing a professional tryout contract with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL, which led to a one-year, two-way NHL contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Joseph LaBate Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Joseph LaBate has not received any major award nominations.
Joseph LaBate Awards Won
Joseph LaBate has not won any major awards during his professional hockey career.
Joseph LaBate Family
Information regarding Joseph LaBate’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Joseph LaBate’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.