Nick Kuiper

Nick Kuiper (born 12 February 1982) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman.

Playing career
Kuiper began his professional career in 2004 after signing for the Chicago Blackhawks from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Kuiper was assigned to the Blackhawks affiliate the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League where he spent two seasons.

In 2006–07, Kuiper played for five different teams, beginning the season in the AHL for the Manitoba Moose and played just two games, after that he moved to the Portland Pirates in the same league and played just seven games. He then moved to the ECHL for the Augusta Lynx for 33 games, then moved back to the AHL with the Springfield Falcons for 18 games and then went back to the ECHL to play for the Johnstown Chiefs for their brief playoff run.

In 2007–08 Kuiper played for European teams, Ässät of the Finnish SM-liiga and Luleå HF of the Swedish SEL. In 2008–09 Kuiper signed with Austrian team Graz 99ers of the Austrian Hockey League. After scoring 6 goals in 53 games Kuiper signed a one-year contract extension on 15 July 2009.

Kuiper has signed for the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom for the 2011-12 season.

Kuiper signed a one-year contract with the Friesland Flyers of the Eredivisie on 29 July 2013.

Awards

 * 2001–02: HE All-Tournament Team
 * 2011-12: EIHL Champion (Belfast Giants)