Bryan Little, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent the majority of his career with the Atlanta Thrashers and the Winnipeg Jets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on November 12, 1987, in Edmonton, Alberta, Little grew up in Cambridge, Ontario, where he honed his skills on the ice from a young age. His journey to the NHL began in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Barrie Colts, where he played from 2003 to 2007. During his time with the Colts, Little demonstrated his scoring ability and leadership qualities, which caught the attention of NHL scouts.
In the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the Atlanta Thrashers selected Little as the 12th overall pick. He made his NHL debut with the Thrashers in the 2007-2008 season, quickly establishing himself as a reliable forward. Little's rookie season saw him play 48 games, during which he scored 6 goals and provided 10 assists. His performance earned him a permanent spot on the team, and he continued to develop his game over the following seasons.
The 2008-2009 season marked a breakout year for Little, as he played in all 82 games and scored 31 goals, along with 20 assists. This achievement made him the team's leading goal scorer for the season. His ability to find the back of the net and contribute offensively became a valuable asset for the Thrashers. Little's consistent play and offensive production helped solidify his role as a top-six forward on the team.
In 2011, the Atlanta Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and became the Winnipeg Jets. Little transitioned with the team and continued to be an integral part of the roster. Over the years, he developed strong chemistry with his linemates and became known for his playmaking abilities and defensive responsibility. Little's versatility allowed him to play both center and wing positions, providing the Jets with flexibility in their lineup.
Throughout his career with the Jets, Little was often relied upon in crucial situations, including power plays and penalty kills. His experience and hockey sense made him a trusted player in the eyes of coaches and teammates alike. Despite facing injuries that sidelined him for parts of several seasons, Little remained a consistent performer when healthy.
One of the highlights of Little's career came during the 2014-2015 season when the Winnipeg Jets qualified for the playoffs for the first time since relocating from Atlanta. Little played a key role in helping the team reach the postseason, contributing both offensively and defensively. Although the Jets were eliminated in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks, the experience was a significant milestone for both Little and the franchise.
In November 2019, Little suffered a serious head injury after being struck by a puck during a game against the New Jersey Devils. The injury required surgery and led to concerns about his long-term health and ability to continue playing. As a result, Little missed the remainder of the 2019-2020 season and did not return to the ice in subsequent seasons.
Over the course of his NHL career, Bryan Little played in 843 regular-season games, scoring 217 goals and recording 304 assists.
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