James van Riemsdyk Siblings: Getting to Know Trevor and Brendan
Ice Hockey player James van Riemsdyk PHOTO/Getty Images
James van Riemsdyk, often known by his initials JVR, is an American professional ice hockey left winger born on May 4, 1989, in Middletown, New Jersey.
Raised in a family passionate about hockey, he developed his skills early, playing minor ice hockey with local clubs like the American Eagles and the Brick Hockey Club.
His talent led him to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before he played two seasons of college hockey at the University of New Hampshire.
Drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, James has built a distinguished career in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing for teams such as the Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and currently the Detroit Red Wings.
Siblings
James comes from a tight-knit family with two younger brothers, Trevor and Brendan, both of whom have pursued hockey careers, continuing the family’s legacy in the sport.
Trevor van Riemsdyk, born on July 24, 1991, is a defenseman currently playing for the Washington Capitals in the NHL.
Unlike James, Trevor went undrafted but carved his own path to the NHL through determination and skill.
He signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2014, making his NHL debut that year and winning a Stanley Cup with the team in 2015 during his rookie season.
Trevor’s journey included a trade to the Carolina Hurricanes after being selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft.
Known for his intelligent play and steady defensive presence, Trevor has established himself as a reliable NHL defenseman.
The youngest brother, Brendan van Riemsdyk, born on January 28, 1996, also pursued hockey but has not reached the NHL.
Brendan played college hockey at the University of New Hampshire, following in James’s footsteps, before transferring to Northeastern University.
After graduating, he signed with the Reading Royals of the ECHL in August 2020.
Brendan has since transitioned into coaching and is the co-owner of VR Hockey, a business venture reflecting his continued involvement in the sport.
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Career
van Riemsdyk’s professional career began with the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2009–10 season, where he quickly made an impact, earning NHL Rookie of the Month honors for November 2009 after scoring four goals, three of which were game-winners.
His rookie season included 15 goals and 35 points in 78 games, and he played a key role in the Flyers’ 2010 playoff run, scoring his first career playoff goal in a historic comeback against the Boston Bruins.
In 2012, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he spent six seasons, achieving career highs, including 36 goals in the 2017–18 season and the 20,000th goal in Maple Leafs history.
Returning to the Flyers in 2018 via free agency, James continued to showcase his scoring prowess, notably setting a personal best with a 16.2% shooting percentage in the 2019–20 season.
After a stint with the Boston Bruins in 2023–24, where he recorded 7 goals and 25 points in 34 games, he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2024–25 season, contributing 16 goals and 36 points.
Currently, he plays for the Detroit Red Wings on a one-year contract signed in 2024, bringing his veteran presence to a team aiming for a playoff return.
Throughout his career, James has been praised for his offensive skills, playmaking, and ability to perform in clutch moments, such as his contributions in playoff Game 7s.
Accolades
Drafted second overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, van Riemsdyk was part of a historic moment as the first time Americans were selected first and second overall, alongside Patrick Kane.
Internationally, he has represented the United States at multiple tournaments, earning a gold medal at the 2006 U18 World Junior Championship, a silver medal in 2007, and a bronze medal at the 2007 U20 World Junior Championship.
In 2008, he was named to the U20 World Junior Championship All-Star Team.
In the NHL, James has surpassed significant milestones, including his 200th career goal in 2018, his 500th career point in 2021, and over 300 goals and 300 assists, placing him among an elite group of players.
He holds a share of the NHL record for the fastest goal to start a period, scoring in four seconds, tied with Claude Provost and Denis Savard.
His contributions extend beyond statistics, as he has been recognized for leadership and team-first mentality, earning praise from coaches like Jim Montgomery for his adaptability and sacrifice for the team’s success.
Off the ice, James has engaged in philanthropy, participating in events like “Operation Hat Trick” in 2012 to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy victims, and has ventured into business as an investor in companies like GuardLab and Nurosene.