Kevin Labanc Bio
Kevin Labanc is an American professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Shanghai Dragons in the Kontinental Hockey League. Born on December 12, 1995, in Staten Island, New York, he was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Labanc has also played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and is known for his impressive on-ice skills, including a record-setting performance in the 2019 NHL playoffs.
Early Life and Background
Kevin Labanc was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. He is the son of Milan Labanc, a former Slovak professional ice hockey player, and his wife Anika. The family emigrated from Slovakia to the United States in 1994 and later settled in Brooklyn. Labanc’s early exposure to hockey began at the Staten Island Skating Pavilion, where he developed a passion for the sport. As a youth, he played in the 2008 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the New Jersey Devils minor ice hockey team, which marked the beginning of his journey in competitive hockey.
Path to Hockey
Labanc played amateur junior hockey in New Jersey, progressing through the Youth Hockey League and the Atlantic Junior Hockey League with the New Jersey Rockets. His talent was recognized when he was selected to play in the U.S. National Development Team Program through the United States Hockey League. After his time in the Development Program, Labanc chose to forgo collegiate hockey to pursue a major junior career in the Ontario Hockey League with the Barrie Colts. He was drafted by the Colts in the 2011 Priority Selection and made an immediate impact, scoring 35 points in 65 games during his rookie season in 2013-14.
Kevin Labanc Career
Early Career (2016-2019)
Kevin Labanc’s professional career began when he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks on March 9, 2016. He made his professional debut with the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, before being recalled to the Sharks. Labanc made his NHL debut on November 8, 2016, against the Washington Capitals and scored his first NHL goal on November 17, 2016, against the St. Louis Blues. During the 2018-19 season, Labanc achieved a significant milestone by scoring his first NHL hat-trick in a game against the Edmonton Oilers. He finished that season with 17 goals and 56 points in 82 games.
Breakthrough (2019-2024)
Labanc’s breakout moment came during the 2019 NHL playoffs, where he made history by contributing to all four of the San Jose Sharks’ third-period goals in a Game 7 against the Vegas Golden Knights. This performance made him the first player in NHL postseason history to record four points in a single period of a Game 7. Labanc’s contributions helped the Sharks advance to the second round of the playoffs. He continued to be a key player for the Sharks, signing a one-year contract extension in July 2019 and later a four-year contract extension in October 2020. In 2024, Labanc transitioned to the Columbus Blue Jackets after a successful stint with the Sharks.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kevin Labanc’s signature work includes his record-setting performance in the 2019 NHL playoffs and his consistent scoring ability throughout his career. He has been recognized for his offensive skills, which have made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Kevin Labanc Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Kevin Labanc has been recognized for his contributions to the sport, although specific award nominations have not been detailed in the available information.
Kevin Labanc Awards Won
Kevin Labanc has achieved notable success in his career, including winning the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy and the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy as the top scoring right winger in the Ontario Hockey League during his junior career.
Kevin Labanc Family
Kevin Labanc is the son of Milan Labanc and Anika. His father, Milan, has a background in professional ice hockey, which likely influenced Kevin’s pursuit of a career in the sport.
Personal Life
Kevin Labanc speaks Slovak, reflecting his family’s heritage. He has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his professional career in hockey.