Matt Hendricks

Matt Hendricks (born June 17, 1981 in Blaine, Minnesota) is an American ice hockey player who currently plays for the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL.

Playing career
Hendricks was drafted 131st overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators from Blaine High School, Minnesota. Hendricks was then drafted by the Lincoln Stars of the 2000 USHL Winter Draft, but the Minnesotan opted for a collegiate career with St. Cloud State of the WCHA. In 2002–03, Hendricks led the Huskies in goals (18) as a junior.

After his senior year with the Huskies, Hendricks made his pro debut with the Predators' affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL to end the 2003–04 season. After turning down a contract offer with the Predators, Hendricks became a free agent and signed with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.

During his time with the Everblades in the 2004–05 season, Hendricks also signed a Professional Try-Out agreement with the Lowell Lock Monsters of the AHL, appearing in 15 games. Hendricks spent the 2005–06 season with the Rochester Americans before moving onto the Hershey Bears for the 2006–07 campaign.

Hendricks enjoyed a successful season in 2006–07 helping Hershey to the Calder Cup finals, adding 12 points in 19 play-off contests. Hendricks was signed by the Boston Bruins to a two-year deal on the July 9, 2007. He was then assigned to affiliate, the Providence Bruins where he established a career high 52 points in the 2007–08 season.

On June 24, 2008, Hendricks was traded by the Bruins to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Johnny Boychuk. The Avalanche sent him to the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL for the 2008–09 season until he was recalled on March 9, 2009. Hendricks made his NHL debut with the Avalanche the next day on March 10, 2009, in a 3-0 defeat to the Atlanta Thrashers.

In the 2009–10 season, Hendricks made the opening night roster for the Avalanche. On October 10, 2009, Matt scored his first NHL goal, in a 4-3 loss, against Cristobal Huet of the Chicago Blackhawks.