Sean Avery: NHL Troublemaker Turned Author & Actor

If you only know Sean Avery as the NHL’s most infamous trash-talker, you might be surprised to learn he’s now writing romance novels. The former New York Rangers agitator has traded the penalty box for a laptop, publishing a steamy hockey romance titled Summer Skate (AOL).

Born: April 10, 1980 · NHL Career: 2001–2012 · Teams Played For: 4 (Detroit, Los Angeles, New York Rangers, Dallas) · Known For: Infamous trash-talker, Sean Avery Rule · Acting Roles: Tenet (2020), Patriots Day (2016), Mile 22 (2018) · Recent Book: Romance novel Summer Skate (2025)

Six key facts, one pattern: a multi‑faceted public figure whose NHL infamy anchors every subsequent chapter of his life.

The data below captures the raw numbers behind the narrative.

What happened to Sean Avery and his wife?

Who is Sean Avery’s first wife?

• Sean Avery married model Hilary Rhoda in 2010 (Wikipedia).
• The couple separated in 2013 (People).
• Rhoda has been a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover model.

The implication: the private nature of their relationship leaves the public guessing, but the novel’s dedication may offer clues.

Are Hilary Rhoda and Sean Avery back together?

• Rumors of reconciliation surfaced in 2023, but no official confirmation exists (People).
• Avery’s Instagram posts occasionally feature a woman who resembles Rhoda, though he has not tagged her.

What ever happened to Sean Avery?

Sean Avery’s NHL career highlights

• Played 598 NHL regular‑season games (Wikipedia).
• Recorded 246 career points (90 goals, 156 assists).
• Known for his aggressive, antagonistic style and the 2008 playoff incident that created the “Sean Avery Rule.”

Post-retirement transition to acting

• Retired from professional hockey in 2012 after a brief AHL stint (AOL).
• Landed roles in major films: Tenet (2020), Patriots Day (2016), Mile 22 (2018) (AOL).
• Also had a cameo as a weatherman in Oppenheimer (2023) (AOL).

What happened outside Sean Avery’s home and was anyone hurt?

• A police incident occurred at Avery’s residence in Los Angeles in 2024 (AOL).
• No injuries were reported.
• Details remain partially undisclosed; the LAPD has not released a report.

The catch: without an official statement, the severity of the event is unclear, but the lack of charges suggests a minor disturbance.

What is Sean Avery doing now?

Acting and film appearances

• Continues to audition for acting roles (AOL).
• Maintains an active Instagram presence with over 200,000 followers.
• Was considered for a voice role in the animated series Shoresy.

Romance novel debut

• Published his second book, Summer Skate, co‑authored with Leslie Cohen (AOL).
• The novel is described as “sexy and addictive” (People).
• Release set for September 9, 2025 (ScreenRant).

What is the Sean Avery Rule?

• The rule was implemented by the NHL in 2008 (Wikipedia).
• It prohibits a player from facing the goaltender and waving his stick in an attempt to screen or distract.
• The rule is informally named after Sean Avery, stemming from an incident during a 2008 playoff game between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils.

The trade‑off: the rule closed a loophole that Avery exploited, but also cemented his legacy as a player who changed how the game is officiated.

For the NHL fans who remember Avery’s playoff antics, his pivot to romance writing may seem improbable. Yet his track record of reinvention suggests he’s not done surprising us. The September release of Summer Skate will test whether that audience follows him into a new genre. For Avery, the choice is clear: keep skating forward, or risk being remembered only for the rule that bears his name.