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Sean Christopher Avery (born April 10, 1980) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and actor. During his career in the National Hockey League (NHL), he played left wing for the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, and Dallas Stars, gaining recognition for controversial and disrespectful behaviour both on and off the ice. His agitating playing style led to multiple teams waiving him and to having a contract terminated. He led the league in penalty minutes twice, during the 2003–04 and 2005–06 NHL seasons.
After retiring in 2012, Avery focused full-time on working in the creative industry. He has worked in fashion as an intern at Vogue magazine, as a model, as an actor, and as a restaurateur. Avery's memoir, Ice Capades: A Memoir of Fast Living and Tough Hockey, was published by Blue Rider Press in 2017. He has hosted a weekly podcast, No Gruffs Given with Sean Avery from December 2019 to 2022.
Midway through the 2002–03 season, Avery was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, along with defenseman Maxim Kuznetsov and two draft picks for Mathieu Schneider.Mike Brehm, "Red Wings acquire Schneider from Kings," USA Today, March 11, 2003. He finished the season with 15 points in 51 games.
During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Avery briefly played in the Finnish Elite League with the Lahti Pelicans, and in the United Hockey League for the Motor City Mechanics. Along with 149 penalty minutes in just 16 games, he tallied 26 points for the Mechanics, including two hat tricks, making him the first player in Mechanics history to record two hat tricks in one season. Several players spoke publicly of their dissatisfaction with the NHL Players' Association’s leadership during the lockout, including Avery, who publicly blamed NHLPA president Bob Goodenow for wasting an entire season with a battle that alienated fans and yielded few results.
Avery led the league in penalty minutes for the second consecutive season in 2005-06, with 257. With three games remaining, the Kings unofficially suspended Avery for the remainder of the season after he refused to do a drill in practice. Nevertheless, the team re-signed him to a one-year deal.Chris Foster, "Avery Gets One-Year Kings Deal," Los Angeles Times, July 24, 2006.
During his time with the Kings, Avery has been said to have mocked Dustin Brown about his lisp. Former Kings' teammate Ian Laperrière said it "was bullying, like you might see in high school". But according to other players and coaches, Brown's lisp was not Avery's target; Brown's then girlfriend, now wife, Nicole was. Avery did not think Nicole was glamorous enough to be a "girlfriend of a hockey player in Hollywood."
On August 1, 2007, Avery, as a restricted free agent, earned an arbitration award of $1.9 million for the 2007–08 season, which the Rangers accepted. "Rangers re-sign LW Sean Avery after arbitrator awards him $1.9 million salary," ESPN, August 1, 2007.
On February 16, 2008, in a game against the Buffalo Sabres, Avery scored 10 seconds into the game, setting a record for fastest goal scored by a Ranger on home ice.
On October 4, 2011, the Rangers waived Avery. He later cleared waivers and re-joined the Rangers for their November 5 game against the Montreal Canadiens. After being a healthy scratch for nine games, Avery was once again placed on waivers on December 30, 2011. Since no NHL team claimed him, he returned to the AHL's Connecticut Whale. Sean Avery clears waivers. espn.com (December 31, 2011). His last game played with the Whale was on January 27, 2012. He was left off the Whale's Clear Day list of players eligible to play for the remainder of the AHL season submitted on March 5, and told to no longer report to games or practices.Katie Strang, "AHL’s Whale done with Sean Avery," ESPN, March 6, 2012.
On March 12, 2012, Avery retired. He announced his retirement on Watch What Happens Live with host Andy Cohen.Katie Strang, "Sean Avery talks retirement," ESPN, March 13, 2012.
Avery spent the initial part of the play facing Brodeur while ignoring the puck, with his back to the play (normally, the player screening the goaltender is facing the play). The following day, the NHL issued an interpretation of the league's unsportsmanlike conduct rule to cover actions such as the one employed by Avery, which would now result in a minor penalty. This became known colloquially as "The Avery Rule".Allen Salkin, "The Demon on His Shoulder," The New York Times, March 27, 2009.
Avery's tactics during that series earned multiple power plays, and he scored in each of the first three games. The Rangers won the series in five games.
Within hours, the NHL suspended Avery indefinitely for "conduct detrimental to the league or the game of hockey". His comments were met with near-unanimous condemnation by the Stars organization, fellow players, and fans alike. Stars owner Tom Hicks said that the team would have suspended Avery had the NHL not acted first. Avery apologized the next day, calling his actions "inappropriate" and "a bad attempt to build excitement for the game". Stars LW Avery issues apology for televised comments about ex-girlfriends. Associated Press via ESPN; 2008-12-04.
On December 5, the NHL fixed Avery's suspension at six games, retroactive to the December 2 game against the Flames. He agreed to undergo anger management counselling due to what the NHL called unacceptable and antisocial behaviour. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman noted that both he and league disciplinarian Colin Campbell had warned Avery several times before about his behaviour
. On December 14, after the last game of Avery's suspension, the Stars announced that Avery would not return to the team. One factor in the Stars decision was that coach Dave Tippett and several of the players, including Mike Modano and Marty Turco, let it be known they weren't willing to take him back on the team. Tippett had warned Avery not to talk to the media about his former girlfriends, and was outraged when he did so. Avery to continue counseling, will not return to Stars, TSN.ca, 2008-12-14. Stars: Avery will not return. ESPN, 2008-12-14. According to TSN's James Duthie, Avery's teammates soured on him not long after he arrived. The "sloppy seconds" incident was the last straw, and Hicks had been actively looking to cut ties with him while the suspension was underway.Duthie, James. Avery's teammates hope "indefinitely" means "forever", The Sports Network, 2008-12-03.
Avery tried to use his podcast to rally supporters to attend his trial, although only two were in attendance. On June 16, the second day of his trial, Avery was convicted of attempted criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. He was ordered to pay a $205 surcharge and was barred from contact with his victims for three years.
In 2008, New Line Cinema put into development a film based on Avery’s life, focusing on his status as a professional athlete with an active interest in fashion, including a summer internship at Vogue. Stan Chervin was hired to write the script.Amy Odell, "Sean Avery’s ‘Vogue’ Internship to Become a Movie," The Cut, September 9, 2008.
Avery appeared in a 2007 episode of MADtv with Kings teammates Tom Kostopoulos and Scott Thornton.
He was on People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive 2007 list. "Sexiest Man Alive 2007," People, 2007.
He was a guest on a 2009 episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon; a Top Ten List presenter on a 2009 episode of Late Show with David Letterman; a guest judge on in 2012; and appeared on Fashion Police in 2013. Sean Avery, IMDb. Accessed September 8, 2013.
On March 4, 2014, he was announced as one of the celebrities who will take part in the 18th season of Dancing with the Stars.Kristin Dos Santos, "Dancing With the Stars Cast Revealed! Cody Simpson, Nene Leakes and James Maslow Are Among the Names—See the Full List!" E! Online, March 4, 2014. He partnered with Karina Smirnoff. The two were the second couple to be eliminated on week 2 after a double elimination.
He appeared in two movies starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Peter Berg: 2016's Patriots Day and 2018's Mile 22.
In January 2020, Avery announced he was cast in Christopher Nolans film Tenet. He also appeared in Nolan's Oppenheimer in 2023.
In 2021, he appeared in S01E06 of the AMC Series Kevin Can F**k Himself as himself.
He has appeared multiple times in 2021–22 as a guest commentator on the Gutfeld! show on Fox News.
Appeared on The Crave Network show Shoresy, playing himself.
Television
Avery and Rhoda have a son, Nash Hollis Avery, born on July 28, 2020.
Rhoda filed for divorce from Avery in July 2022. Rhoda later stated that Avery had been emotionally abusive to her and on one occasion had physically abused their son, Nash.
Feud with John Tortorella
Prior to his second stint with the Rangers, Avery had been called out on numerous occasions by then TSN commentator, future Rangers coach, and Stanley Cup winner John Tortorella, who is noted for his no-nonsense behaviour with his players and the press. After rejoining the Rangers, Avery’s relationship with Tortorella was uneasy, although in Avery's book he reports there were moments of mutual admiration. Nearly a year after Avery retired, on March 30, 2013, following the Rangers’ second consecutive shutout loss, Avery posted on his Twitter account about his former coach, "Fire this CLOWN, his players hate him and wont play for his BS."Greg Wyshynski, "Sean Avery had ‘huge smile’ over John Tortorella’s firing by Rangers," Yahoo! Sports, May 31, 2013. On May 29, 2013, after the Rangers lost to the Bruins in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Tortorella was fired.Katie Strang, "Rangers fire John Tortorella," ESPN, May 29, 2013.
Off-Broadway play
In November 2014, Avery suddenly quit an off-Broadway play he was set to star in, Negative Is Positive, two days before the play was set to open. On November 3, Avery abruptly left rehearsals after growing agitated. An understudy filled in for him when the play opened.
Criminal mischief trial
Avery used his Instagram account, named "officer_avery", to try to keep New York City's bike lanes clear of obstructions. After ramming his scooter into a minivan blocking a bike lane in New York City's West Village, Avery was charged with criminal mischief in 2019. Prosecutors offered him a plea deal that would involve him pleading guilty, paying a fine, and attending anger management classes. In an in-person hearing in April 2022, Avery dismissed his lawyer, chose to represent himself, and declined a bench trial, demanding instead a jury trial. His court date was set for May 23, 2022. This angered Avery, who lives and works in California, and who had demanded a trial on the same day as his hearing. At a pretrial hearing on May 23, Avery attended via FaceTime and was represented by an attorney. He was ordered to appear in person on June 15.
Advertising
After retiring from the NHL in 2012, Avery began working at Lipman, a New York City-based advertising and creative agency. Avery helped develop strategies for the company and worked as a model. He also handled a range of assignments for Lipman’s parent company, Revolate Holdings.Stuart Elliott, "From Madison Square Garden to Madison Avenue," The New York Times, December 13, 2012.
Fashion
Vogue
In April 2008, it was announced that Avery would spend the summer offseason interning at Vogue magazine. In June 2008, Avery guest-edited Mensvogue.com, the website for Men's Vogue magazine. "The Diary of ‘Vogue’ intern Sean Avery," The Cut, June 23, 2008. His interest mainly resides with women's fashion; of men's fashion Avery has said, "You do suits and pants and that's about that. Women's clothes tell a story. That's what's interesting to me." "Clothes Make The Ice Man," Newsweek, October 24, 2008.
Commonwealth Utilities
In 2009, Avery worked with men's fashion label Commonwealth Utilities to present a clothing line for New York Fashion Week.
Modeling
Hickey Freeman
Avery was hired to be the face of Hickey Freeman's Spring/Summer 2012 ad campaign, shot by Francesco Carrozzini. The print ads appeared in Vanity Fair, DC Modern Luxury, and other magazines. As of 2021, he is no longer working with Hickey Freeman.
7 For All Mankind
Avery was in the 2013 campaign for 7 for All Mankind called A Beautiful Odyssey. He also appeared in print ads.Lauren Levinson, "Exclusive: Watch James Franco’s Latest 7 For All Mankind Video Starring Sean Avery," Elle, March 20, 2013.
Film and television appearances
Avery had a small role in the 2005 Maurice Richard biopic , portraying former New York Rangers defenseman Bob Dill.
Filmography
Film
2005 The Rocket Bob Dill 2016 Patriots Day Watertown Officer 2018 Mile 22 Assault One 2020 Spree Officer Hall Tenet Red Soldier 1 2022 Amsterdam Battalion Leader 2023 Oppenheimer Weatherman 2025 Happy Gilmore 2 Henchman #1 The Wilderness 2007 MADtv Himself 1 episode 2021 Kevin Can F**k Himself Himself 1 episode 2023 Lioness SF Operator in bar 1 Episode 2025 Shoresy Himself 1 Episode
Book
Avery's memoir, Ice Capades: A Memoir of Fast Living and Tough Hockey (titled Offside: My Life Crossing the Line in Canada), was published by Blue Rider Press on October 24, 2017.Jack Dickey, "Sean Avery Falls Short of Fearless Truth-Teller Reputation in 'Ice Capades'," Sports Illustrated, October 24, 2017.
Activism
Political endorsements
On August 29, 2021, Avery, via Twitter, endorsed Republican Curtis Sliwa for Mayor of New York City.
Same-sex marriage
In May 2011, Avery recorded a video for the New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign, in support of same-sex marriage. In an interview with The New York Times, he stated, "I certainly have been surrounded by the gay community. And living in New York and when you live in L.A., you certainly have a lot of gay friends."John Branch, "In Rarity, a Player Speaks Out for Gay Rights," The New York Times, May 7, 2011. Avery also travelled to Albany, New York, to lobby politicians prior to the July 2011 legalization of same-sex marriage in New York State.Michael Barbaro, "After Long Wait, Same-Sex Couples Marry in New York," The New York Times, July 24, 2011.
Athlete Ally
In 2012, Avery was a member of the board of directors of Athlete Ally. "Former New York Ranger Sean Avery Joins Athlete Ally Board," Athlete Ally, May 30, 2012. As of 2013, he is no longer associated with the group.
Lockdowns
In August 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Avery called for an end to lockdown restrictions using his Twitter account, claiming that the cost of the restrictions in human lives outweighed the lives saved by their implementation.
Personal life
Avery married model Hilary Rhoda at the Parrish Art Museum in New York on October 10, 2015. Marx, Linda. "Hilary Rhoda and Sean Avery Marry," The New York Times, Sunday, October 11, 2015. The couple had been engaged since November 8, 2013.Stephanie Webber, "Sean Avery, Former NHL Player, Engaged to Model Hilary Rhoda," Us Weekly, November 13, 2013. The two first met at Warren 77 in the summer of 2009. The couple had been publicly estranged from Rhoda's mother for several years.
Career statistics
Bold indicates led league
1995–96 Markham Waxers MetJHL 4 — 1996–97 Owen Sound Platers OHL 86 4 1997–98 Owen Sound Platers OHL 105 23 1998–99 Owen Sound Platers OHL 70 — 1998–99 Kingston Frontenacs OHL 88 13 1999–2000 Kingston Frontenacs OHL 215 26 2000–01 Cincinnati Mighty Ducks AHL 304 19 2001–02 Cincinnati Mighty Ducks AHL 106 — 2001–02 Detroit Red Wings NHL 68 — 2002–03 Detroit Red Wings NHL 120 — 2002–03 Los Angeles Kings NHL 33 — 2002–03 Manchester Monarchs AHL — 8 2003–04 Los Angeles Kings NHL 261 — 2004–05 Lahti Pelicans SM-liiga 26 — 2004–05 Motor City Mechanics UHL 149 — 2005–06 Los Angeles Kings NHL 257 — 2006–07 Los Angeles Kings NHL 116 — 2006–07 New York Rangers NHL 58 27 2007–08 New York Rangers NHL 154 6 2008–09 Dallas Stars NHL 77 — 2008–09 Hartford Wolf Pack AHL 8 — 2008–09 New York Rangers NHL 34 24 2009–10 New York Rangers NHL 160 — 2010–11 New York Rangers NHL 174 12 2011–12 New York Rangers NHL 21 — 2011–12 Connecticut Whale AHL 39 —
Transactions
External links
Categories: 1980 Births, Canadian Advertising Executives, Businesspeople From Toronto, Canadian Ice Hockey Centres, Canadian Male Models, Canadian Restaurateurs, Connecticut Whale Players, Dallas Stars Players, Detroit Red Wings Players, Canadian Expatriate Ice Hockey Players In The United States, Grand Rapids Griffins Players, Hartford Wolf Pack Players, Kingston Frontenacs Players, Lahti Pelicans Players, Canadian Lgbtq Rights Activists, Living People, Los Angeles Kings Players, Manchester Monarchs Players, Motor City Mechanics Players, New York Rangers Players, Owen Sound Platers Players, Ice Hockey People From North York, Undrafted National Hockey League Players, 21st-century Canadian Sportsmen
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