Kaedan Korczak Bio
Kaedan Korczak (born January 29, 2001) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted by the Golden Knights in the 2019 NHL entry draft after spending four seasons with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League. Growing up in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Korczak played minor hockey for the Yorkton Terriers and Yorkton Maulers. He spent two years with the Maulers before joining the Rockets from 2017 to 2021. Korczak also represented Team Canada at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Early Life and Background
Kaedan Korczak was born on January 29, 2001, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Chad and Tricia Korczak. His father, Chad Korczak, played NCAA Division I collegiate hockey for the University of Illinois Chicago and Michigan Tech, which likely influenced Kaedan’s pursuit of a hockey career. Growing up in a hockey-centric environment, Korczak developed a passion for the sport at a young age.
Path to Hockey
Korczak began his hockey journey playing peewee hockey for the Yorkton Terriers in the Saskatchewan AA Hockey League. He helped lead the Terriers to the 2013 Peewee ‘AA’ Provincial championships against the Warman Wildcats. Following this success, he competed in the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League for the Yorkton Maulers, where he showcased his talent despite still having bantam eligibility. After a successful stint with the Maulers, he was drafted in the first round of the 2016 Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft by the Kelowna Rockets.
Kaedan Korczak Career
Early Career (2021–Present)
Kaedan Korczak signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights on December 21, 2019, after recording 28 points with the Kelowna Rockets through 32 games. He finished the 2019–20 season with a career-high 11 goals and 38 assists, earning the team’s Top Defenceman Award. After participating in the Golden Knights’ training camp, he was reassigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, for the shortened 2020–21 season. Korczak made his AHL debut on February 12, 2021, against the Bakersfield Condors and recorded his first AHL point the following night.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Kaedan Korczak made his NHL debut on February 1, 2022, against the Buffalo Sabres, where he blocked one shot in 16:37 minutes of ice time. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, in his season debut with the Knights on January 2, 2023, against the Colorado Avalanche. Korczak scored his first NHL goal on October 18, 2023, against the Dallas Stars. Following the 2023–24 season, he signed a two-year $1.65 million contract extension with the Golden Knights on July 2, 2024.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Kaedan Korczak has established himself as a promising defenceman in the NHL. He has represented Canada in international competitions, winning a silver medal at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championships. His performance in the WHL and AHL laid a strong foundation for his transition to the NHL, where he continues to develop his skills and contribute to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Kaedan Korczak Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Kaedan Korczak has received recognition for his contributions on the ice, particularly during his time in junior hockey and the AHL.
Kaedan Korczak Awards Won
Kaedan Korczak has achieved notable success in his early career, including receiving the Top Defenceman Award while playing for the Kelowna Rockets.
Kaedan Korczak Family
Kaedan Korczak is the son of Chad and Tricia Korczak. His family has a strong connection to hockey, with his father having played at the collegiate level.
Personal Life
Kaedan has a younger brother, Ryder Korczak, who is also pursuing a career in professional ice hockey. This familial connection to the sport highlights the Korczak family’s dedication to hockey and their shared passion for the game.
