Troy Terry Bio
Troy Nathan Terry is an American professional ice hockey player who is a right winger for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 10, 1997, in Denver, Colorado, he has been a prominent player since being drafted 148th overall by the Ducks in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Terry began his hockey journey at a young age and rose through the ranks, showcasing his talents in various junior leagues before making his professional debut in 2018. Over the years, he has developed a reputation as a skilled and reliable player, contributing significantly to his team’s performance in the NHL. He has also represented the United States in international competitions, further establishing his credentials as a top athlete in ice hockey.
Early Life and Background
Troy Terry was born on September 10, 1997, in Denver, Colorado, to parents Susan and Chuck Terry. His father, a former high school quarterback, inspired Troy’s early interest in sports. Growing up in the Highlands Ranch suburb of Denver, Troy began playing hockey at the age of four. By six, he was already skating with older age groups, earning various nicknames throughout his youth hockey career, including “Coach Troy” and “Two and a Half Men” due to his size. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, he was coached by Colorado Avalanche Center Joe Sakic, who praised Terry’s puckhandling skills.
Troy played with the Littleton Hawks as a Mite and later joined the Colorado Thunderbirds AAA organization in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League from 2008 until 2014. He was named to Team USA’s Under-17 Select Tournament Team for the 2013 U17 Five Nations Tournament in Trnava, Slovakia. After playing with the Thunderbirds, he transitioned to the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP). He transferred from Rock Canyon High School to Pioneer High School during his one season with the U.S. under-18 team and graduated high school in three years. He was recruited to play for the Denver Pioneers by coach George Gwozdecky, retaining his recruitment despite Gwozdecky’s firing.
Path to Hockey
During his freshman and sophomore seasons at the University of Denver, Terry worked closely with the Pioneers’ head strength and conditioning coach to enhance his performance on the ice. He changed his diet and increased his weight training to become a more impactful player. Despite his size, he was drafted in the fifth round, 148th overall, by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. In his freshman season, the Pioneers reached the Frozen Four of the NCAA Tournament but fell to the eventual champions, North Dakota. The following year, he played a crucial role in leading the Denver Pioneers to the 2017 NCAA Championship.
Upon completing his junior season with the Pioneers in 2018, where he recorded 48 points in 39 games, Terry signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks on March 27, 2018. He was named the NCHC Player of the Month and a First-Team West All-American, marking significant achievements early in his career.
Troy Terry Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Troy Terry made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks during the 2018 postseason, playing in a game against the Vancouver Canucks. He skated on the Ducks’ third line and registered two shots on goal in his debut. Following this, he played a few more games with the Ducks before being assigned to the Ducks’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. In his AHL debut on October 19, 2018, Terry scored two goals and three points, including a game-winning assist. He went on to record an 11-game point streak, tying a Gulls rookie record for assists in his first six professional games and setting a new franchise record for consecutive goals by a rookie.
During the 2019–20 season, Terry recorded 15 points in 47 games before the NHL season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He faced a setback with an injury but was signed by the Ducks to a three-year, $4.35 million contract extension on July 14, 2020.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
The 2021–22 season marked a significant breakthrough for Troy Terry. He set personal and franchise records early in the season and was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week after achieving his first career overtime goal. He became the youngest player in Ducks history to record a point streak of at least 15 games and scored his first career NHL hat-trick on January 3, 2022, against the Philadelphia Flyers. His performance earned him a selection to the NHL All-Star Game, where he had 22 goals and 14 assists in 38 games played at the time of selection.
In the offseason, Terry agreed to a new seven-year contract extension with the Ducks worth $49 million, which will keep him with the team until the 2029–30 NHL season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Troy Terry’s signature work includes his pivotal role in leading the Denver Pioneers to the NCAA Championship in 2017 and his remarkable performance during the 2021–22 NHL season, where he achieved personal records and was selected for the NHL All-Star Game.
Troy Terry Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Troy Terry has received recognition for his outstanding performance on the ice, particularly during his collegiate and professional career.
Troy Terry Awards Won
Troy Terry has achieved notable accolades, including being named the NCHC Player of the Month and a First-Team West All-American during his collegiate career. His selection to the NHL All-Star Game further highlights his accomplishments as a professional player.
