Vinnie Hinostroza Bio
Vincent Enrique Hinostroza is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). Hinostroza was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round (169th overall) of the 2012 NHL entry draft. He has previously played for the Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Nashville Predators.
Early Life and Background
Vincent Hinostroza was born on April 3, 1994, in Melrose Park, Illinois. He grew up in a supportive family with his parents, Rick and Laura Hinostroza, and an older sister named Carli. Hinostroza attended Bartlett High School, where he was active in sports, including lacrosse. Later, while playing junior hockey with the Waterloo Black Hawks, he graduated from Waterloo West High School in Waterloo, Iowa, in 2012. His paternal grandparents were originally from Ecuador, adding a rich cultural background to his upbringing.
Path to Hockey
Hinostroza began his hockey journey with the Chicago Mission AAA Youth Hockey Club, where he played alongside future NHL teammates. He showcased his talent on the U16 midget team, scoring 13 goals and providing 21 assists in 34 games. His performance led him to be selected by the Waterloo Black Hawks in the first round of the 2010 USHL Futures Draft. Following this, he committed to playing college hockey at the University of Notre Dame, where he had a successful tenure.
Vinnie Hinostroza Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Hinostroza signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on March 21, 2015, marking the beginning of his professional career. He was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, to start the 2015–16 season. On October 17, 2015, he made his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets, recording two penalty minutes and two shots on goal. His first NHL goal came on November 19, 2016, against the Vancouver Canucks, where he also contributed two assists in a thrilling comeback victory.
Breakthrough (2018–2020)
On July 12, 2018, Hinostroza was traded to the Arizona Coyotes, which marked a significant transition in his career. He signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers on October 9, 2020, after not receiving a qualifying offer from the Coyotes. His return to the Blackhawks on April 2, 2021, showcased his resilience, as he tallied four goals and eight assists in just 14 games after a challenging stint in Florida.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Hinostroza has been recognized for his contributions on the ice, including a notable season with the Buffalo Sabres in 2021–22, where he recorded 25 points in 62 games. His journey has included multiple trades and contracts, demonstrating his adaptability and skill as a forward in the NHL.
Vinnie Hinostroza Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Vinnie Hinostroza has not received any major award nominations, but his consistent performance has earned him respect within the league.
Vinnie Hinostroza Awards Won
Vinnie Hinostroza has not won any major awards during his career thus far, but he has made significant contributions to his teams and continues to be a valuable player in the NHL.
Vinnie Hinostroza Family
Vinnie Hinostroza is the son of Rick and Laura Hinostroza. He has an older sister named Carli, who has been a supportive figure in his life.
Personal Life
Hinostroza maintains a relatively private personal life. He grew up in Illinois and has a close-knit family that has supported his hockey career from an early age.
