David Hale

David Hale (born June 18, 1981) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played eight National Hockey League (NHL) seasons for the New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, Phoenix Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators.

Playing career
Hale, a Colorado Springs native, played high school hockey with Colorado High before joining Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL. He was drafted from the Musketeers in the first round, 22nd overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft before joining the University of North Dakota to play collegiate hockey in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

On February 27, 2007, Hale was traded by the Devils, along with a 2007 fifth-round draft pick, to the Calgary Flames for a 2007 third-round draft pick.

On July 3, 2008, Hale a free agent, signed with the Phoenix Coyotes on a two-year deal. During the 2008–09 season on November 26, 2008, Hale scored his first NHL goal in a 3-2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Hale scored in his 231st game, setting a record for the longest start to a NHL career without a goal.

On July 21, 2009, Hale was traded by the Coyotes, along with Todd Fedoruk, to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Radim Vrbata. Used as a depth defenseman Hale played sparingly in 35 games, before he was re-assigned to AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, on a conditioning assignment. In his last game with the Admirals, Hale broke his foot and returned to Tampa to play a part in just 4 further games to end the 2009–10 season.

On August 4, 2010, Hale signed as a free agent to a one-year contract with the Ottawa Senators. Hale split the season between Ottawa and their AHL team, the Binghamton Senators. Hale finished the season with Ottawa, and did not take part in Binghamton's Calder Cup playoff run.

On October 15, 2011, Hale officially announced his retirement from hockey.