Biography of Justin Abdelkader
American ice hockey player Justin Abdelkader was born in 1987, Known for his toughness and hustle, he scored two goals in back-to-back games to help the Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup in 2008–09. In hockey, Abdelkader has established a solid reputation. Recognized for his extraordinary abilities and commitment, he has enjoyed an incredible career as a player with the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Detroit Red Wings.
Early Life and Birth Place
Justin was born in Muskegon, Michigan. Shortly after taking his first steps, Justin Abdelkader began skating on a nearby lake near his house. In kindergarten, he joined his first hockey team.
In elementary school, he declared his desire to be a Red Wing. He subsequently focused intensely on achieving this ambition, participating in high school with the Muskegon Chiefs travel team and helping the Michigan State Spartans win their first championship in 21 years in 2007.
After attending Mona Shores High School, where he graduated in 2005, Abdelkader was raised in Norton Shores. In addition to being selected for the all-state hockey team, he received the Mr. Hockey title, which is given to Michigan’s best high school ice hockey player. Joseph was a player for the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in his final season.
Struggle and Career
During his final year of high school, Abdelkader participated in junior ice hockey for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the US Hockey League. He scored 27 goals and 52 points, contributing to the team’s Clark Cup Championship win in 2004–05. He subsequently started a three-year career as a collegiate ice hockey player with the Michigan State Spartans of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
Additionally, In the 2007 NCAA Championship game, he scored the game-winning goal against Boston College while playing collegiate hockey for Michigan State University which earned him the Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player award. He scored the latest game-winning goal ever scored in an NCAA Frozen Four championship game, with only 18.9 seconds left.
Junior Career
For one season, Abdelkader was a player for the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Justin won the Clark Cup. Abdelkader, Justin accumulated 25 assists and 27 goals in 60 games.
College Career
Additionally, He played for Michigan State University (CCHA) for three seasons, from 2005 to 2008. From 2005 to 2006.22 points earned CCHA All-Rookie Team Honorable Mention. In 44 games, he netted 10 goals and provided 18 assists. As Michigan State won the NCAA national championship in 2006–2007, he was named the NCAA Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player. In the third quarter, Joseph scored the goal that won the match.
Furthermore, Justin played in 42 games with 19 goals and 21 assists in 2007–2008, earning him the titles of CCHA Best Defensive Forward, All-CCHA Honorable Mention, and CCHA Mike and Marion Ilitch Humanitarian Award. He served as an alternate caption.
Professional Career
The Detroit Red Wings selected Abdelkader in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Abdelkader signed a one-game amateur tryout contract with the National Hockey League’s Detroit Red Wings on April 3, 2008, and was scheduled to play against the Columbus Blue Jackets the same evening. He lost his college eligibility for the 2008–09 year as a result. Abdelkader inked a three-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings the next day.
Furthermore, During the 2008–09 season, Abdelkader scored 24 goals for the Grand Rapids Griffins and was one of the team’s most potent attacking players during the postseason. Tomáš Kopecký was summoned up to the Red Wings on May 8, 2009, to replace him after he missed Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-final series against the Anaheim Ducks due to injury. Abdelkader was called in to replace Kopeckþ by coach Mike Babcock “because he’ll run over people.
In addition, On May 30, 2009, in Game 1 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, Abdelkader scored his first NHL goal. Joseph became the first rookie since Dino Ciccarelli of Minnesota in 1981 to score a goal in back-to-back finals games.
Additionally, Justin played 50 games for the Red Wings in the 2009–10 season, scoring three goals and three assists. Abdelkader played his first full NHL season as a Red Wing during the 2010–11 campaign. In 74 games, Abdelkader recorded seven goals and twelve assists. He only missed one game in the 2011–12 campaign, finishing with 81 games played, eight goals, and fourteen assists. Abdelkader inked a four-year, $7.2 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings on September 14, 2012.
International Career
At the Sweden 2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, Justin was chosen to compete for the US national junior team. Two assists in seven games for him.
Furthermore, at the 2014 IIHF World Championship, Abdelkader was chosen to represent his country as a player and was voted team captain. At the World Championships, Abdelkader received a one-game suspension for hitting Konstantin Pushkaryov with his knee during a match against Kazakhstan. After serving a one-game ban, Abdelkader was allowed to play again against Germany. In the last group stage match, he scored two goals including the game-winning goal to send the US to the quarterfinals.
Additionally, Abdelkader was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct during the United States’ quarterfinal matchup with the Czech Republic for charging Vladimír Sobotka in the second period. Adbelkader’s three-game suspension for the hit on Sobotka was issued by the IIHF in July 2014. It is important to note that Adbelkader’s sentence is only mandatory if he participates in the competition. After seven games, Abdelkader finished the tournament with three goals and one assist.
Justin participated in the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto, Canada, as a member of the 2016 U.S. hockey team. In three games, he scored a goal at the 2021 Men’s World Championship and one assist.
Medals And Achievements of Justin Abdelkader
| Award | Year |
| USHS Clark Cup Championship | 2003-2004 |
| USHL Clark Cup Champion | 2003-2004 |
| NCAA (Championship) All-Tournament Team | 2006-2007 |
| NCAA (Championship) Tournament MVP | 2006-2007 |
| NCAA (Championship) Winner | 2006-2007 |
| U20 WJC Bronze Medal | 2006-2007 |
| NCAA (CCHA) Best Defensive Forward | 2007-2008 |
| NCAA (CCHA) Humanitarian Award | 2007-2008 |
| AHL All-Rookie Team | 2008-2009 |
| AHL Rookie of the Month | 2008-2009 |
| NL Champion | 2020-2021 |
| World Championship Bronze Medal | 2020-2021 |
Relationship – Love Life, Marriage or Boyfriend
In November 2016, Abdelkader asked Julie Leshkevich, his longtime girlfriend, to marry him. The couple was hitched on July 21, 2017, and in September 2018, their first child was born.
Figure – Physical Appearance
Unfortunately, no exact details about his body measurements are available, but when information is publicly available, we will try our best to update you soon.
| Chest | Unknown |
| Weight | 214 pounds (97 kilograms) |
| Waist | Unknown |
| Hips size | Unknown |
| Bra Size | Unknown |
| Dress size | Unknown |
| Shoe size | Unknown |
Justin Abdelkader Family Background
Joseph and Sheryl Abdelkader are the parents of Justin Abdelkader. Arabic surname Abdelkader, originating in Jordan. At 19, his paternal grandpa Yusuf Abdul Qadir left Jordan and moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where he married Zuzanna.
Age of Justin Abdelkader
Justin’s birthdate is February 25, 1987. His age as of June 2024 is 37 years. The birthplace of Abdelkader is Muskegon, Michigan. If you are interested in American athletes, you must see Patrick Mahomes and Lebron James.
Net Worth Of Justin Abdelkader
According to records, he has a net worth of 1.575 million dollars. Her net worth is almost similar to Camryn Rogers‘ net worth.
Wiki Info
We are talking about, One of your favorite Justin Abdelkader Athlete. His hair color is similar to Marcin Hycnar. His eye color is similar to Diego Luna’s.
| Real Name | Justin Joseph Abdelkader |
| Nickname | Nill |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Muskegon, Michigan, United States |
| Current Residence | Muskegon, Michigan, United States |
| Age | 37 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Ethnicity | Unknown |
| Education | Graduation from High School |
| Parents | Mother – Sheryl Abdelkader Father – Joseph Abdelkader |
| Siblings | Sister – Unknown Brother – Unknown |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (187 centimeters) |
| Eyes Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife / Husband Name | Julie Leshkevich |
| Children | Daughter – Unknown Son – Unknown |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Profession | AIce hockey player |
| Hobby | Reading |
Social Media Accounts
Here are some social media accounts of Abdelkader.
| 42.9k followers | |
| 32k followers | |
| X (Twitter) | 69.7k followers |
