Owen Pickering Bio
Owen Pickering (born January 27, 2004) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Pickering was drafted in the first round, 21st overall, by the Penguins in the 2022 NHL entry draft.
Early Life and Background
Owen Pickering was born in St. Adolphe, Manitoba, Canada. Growing up, he was involved in various sports, including baseball, volleyball, and basketball. He also started playing the violin at the age of six, showcasing his diverse interests and talents.
Before pursuing a career in hockey, Pickering developed a passion for the sport and played at a young age. His early exposure to competitive sports helped shape his skills and determination, leading him to focus on ice hockey as his primary pursuit.
Path to Hockey
Owen Pickering was selected by the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League in the ninth round, 177th overall, during the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft. This opportunity marked the beginning of his journey in professional hockey, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience.
During his time with the Broncos, Pickering made significant contributions to the team, eventually being named captain on October 14, 2022. His leadership and performance earned him a spot on the WHL Central Division All-Star First Team for the 2022–23 season.
Owen Pickering Career
Early Career (2023)
Owen Pickering began his professional career in 2023 after signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 16, 2022. He made his AHL debut on March 31, 2023, in a game against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, where he began to showcase his potential at a higher level of competition.
In his first season, Pickering played a total of 25 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he recorded his first NHL point with an assist during his debut. He finished the 2024–25 AHL season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, totaling 13 points, demonstrating his offensive capabilities as a defenceman.
Breakthrough (2024-2025)
Owen Pickering’s breakthrough moment came during the 2024-25 NHL season when he made his NHL debut on November 16, 2024. In this game, he played on the third defensive pairing and recorded an assist, marking the beginning of his journey in the NHL.
On December 3, 2024, Pickering scored his first career NHL goal in a thrilling overtime victory against the Florida Panthers. This achievement solidified his place in the league and showcased his potential as a valuable player for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Notable Works and Milestones
Owen Pickering’s signature achievements include being drafted 21st overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2022 NHL entry draft and his successful transition from the WHL to the NHL. His performance in both leagues has garnered attention and set the stage for a promising career.
Owen Pickering Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Owen Pickering has received recognition for his performance on the ice, including nominations for various awards during his time in the WHL.
Owen Pickering Awards Won
Owen Pickering has been recognized for his contributions to the sport, including being named to the WHL Central Division All-Star First Team for the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons, highlighting his skills and impact as a defenceman.
Owen Pickering Family
Owen Pickering has a younger sister, Avery, who has represented Canada at the IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship. Additionally, he is related to Denton Mateychuk, another player who was selected in the first round of the 2022 NHL entry draft, as they are second cousins.
Personal Life
Outside of hockey, Owen Pickering has a variety of interests, having played multiple sports during his youth. He has expressed admiration for the Winnipeg Jets, his favorite NHL team, and has cited Miro Heiskanen as his favorite NHL player. These personal insights reflect his passion for the sport and his aspirations within it.