NHL DID YOU KNOW? JACK EICHEL EDITION #nhl #vgk #vegas #vegasgoldenknights #nhl25 #buffalosabres

NHL DID YOU KNOW? JACK EICHEL EDITION #nhl #vgk #vegas #vegasgoldenknights #nhl25 #buffalosabres

John Robert “Jack” Eichel (born October 28, 1996) is an American professional ice hockey center and alternate captain for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). Eichel was selected second overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Before entering the league, Eichel was described at the age of 17 as “the new face of American hockey,” and he was considered a member of a rising class of generational talents in the sport.[2][3]

Eichel was the recipient of the 2015 Hobey Baker Award, given to the top National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s ice hockey player.[4] He was the second freshman to win the award, the other being Paul Kariya in 1993.[5] Eichel won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023, his first playoff appearance.

Playing career
Amateur
Eichel was born in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and grew up in North Chelmsford.[6] He played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program team during the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons,[7] and was recognized for his outstanding play during the 2013–14 season when he was named to the United States Hockey League Second All-Star Team.[8] After his second season within the Development Program, Eichel signed a letter of intent to commit to Boston University of the Hockey East on April 29, 2014.[9]

On April 10, 2015, Eichel became the second freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award, which was previously won by Paul Kariya in 1993. In 40 games with Boston University, Eichel led the nation in scoring with 26 goals, 45 assists, and 71 points. Eichel was also the Hockey East scoring champion, Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, First Team Hockey East and a member of the All-Rookie Team, and was named MVP of the conference tournament. The Boston Terriers reached the NCAA Frozen Four, where they lost to the Providence Friars 4–3 in the championship game, with Eichel recording an assist.[10] Eichel was projected to be the second overall selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft behind projected first overall pick Connor McDavid.[11]

Professional