Introduction
Noah Hanifin (born January 25, 1997) is an American ice hockey defenseman. He currently plays for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Hanifin was drafted fifth overall by the Hurricanes in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Playing career
Amateur
He was considered to be a top-three pick for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, and the number-one rated defenseman. He was picked 5th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes. Hanifin played for the USA Hockey's U17 program based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, but was added to the U18 national team as an underage player, helping to lead Team USA to the gold medal at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships. He was the highest-scoring American defenseman of the tournament with one goal and five points. After fast-tracking his high school graduation, Hanifin matriculated at Boston College as a 17-year-old, playing for the Eagles and becoming the second youngest player in the team's history.
Professional
Hanifin was selected fifth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. On July 11, 2015, Hanifin signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Hurricanes forgoing the remainder of his college eligibility. He made his NHL debut October 8, 2015, against the Nashville Predators. Hanifin scored his first NHL goal against Anton Khudobin of the Anaheim Ducks on November 16, 2015.
International play
Hanifin has represented the United States internationally at the 2014 U17 World Hockey Challenge, 2014 U18 IIHF World Championships, and the 2015 World Junior Championships.
Personal life
Born to Bob and Tina Hanifin, Hanifin grew up in Norwood, Massachusetts, with two younger siblings; Cole and Lily. He attended Saint Sebastian's School. During his time at Saint Sebastian's, he played for their varsity team in 8th Grade. No other student has accomplished this goal in the history of the school.
Prior to being drafted by the Hurricanes, Hanifin spoke highly of the Toronto Maple Leafs, even stating he would hope to be drafted by them, or play for them in the future.
Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 2010–11 | Saint Sebastian's School | USHS | 27 | 2 | 9 | 11 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2011–12 | Saint Sebastian's School | USHS | 28 | 5 | 24 | 29 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2012–13 | Saint Sebastian's School | USHS | 28 | 10 | 24 | 34 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2013–14 | U.S. National Development Team | USHL | 31 | 6 | 14 | 20 | 18 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2014–15 | Boston College | HE | 37 | 5 | 18 | 23 | 16 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2015–16 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 79 | 4 | 18 | 22 | 22 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| NHL totals | 79 | 4 | 18 | 22 | 22 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
International
| Year | Team | Event | Result | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | United States | U17 |  | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 10 | |
| 2014 | United States | WJC18 | | 7 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 | |
| 2015 | United States | WJC | 5th | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2016 | United States | WC | 4th | 10 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Junior totals | 18 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 14 | ||||
| Senior totals | 10 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||