Ric Jackman: The Journey of a Stanley Cup Champion and Versatile Defenceman
From the high-stakes arenas of the National Hockey League (NHL) to international leagues across Europe and Asia, Ric Jackman has enjoyed a diverse and storied career in professional ice hockey. A native of Toronto, Ontario, the Canadian defenceman built a reputation as a reliable presence on the blue line, characterized by a powerful slapshot and a career that spanned two decades.
Born on June 28, 1978, Jackman's path to professional hockey began with standout performances in junior leagues, eventually leading him to become a top-tier NHL draft pick and a Stanley Cup winner.
Key Facts
- NHL Draft: Selected 5th overall by the Dallas Stars in 1996.
- Major Achievement: Won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007.
- International Success: Gold medalist at the 1997 World Junior Championships with Team Canada.
- Playing Style: Right-shot defenceman known for a blistering slapshot.
- Career Span: Professional playing career lasted from 2000 to 2017.
Early Career and NHL Success
Jackman's ascent began in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds from 1996 to 1998. During this period, he shared the ice with future hockey legend Joe Thornton. His talent was evident early on, as the Dallas Stars selected him 5th overall in the 1996 NHL entry draft.
The NHL Years
Throughout his NHL career, Jackman suited up for several prestigious franchises, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, and the Anaheim Ducks. He appeared in 231 NHL games, recording 19 goals and 58 assists for a total of 77 points.
One of his most productive offensive stretches occurred during the 2003–04 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he tallied 24 points in just 25 games. However, his most significant professional milestone came on January 3, 2007, when he joined the Anaheim Ducks. That same year, he reached the pinnacle of the sport by winning the Stanley Cup.
Global Travels: Playing Across Continents
After five seasons in the NHL, Jackman transitioned to an international career, showcasing his skills in various professional leagues around the world. His journey took him through Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, South Korea, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Notable stops included:
- Sweden: Playing for Björklöven and Leksands IF.
- Austria: Representing EC Red Bull Salzburg and Alba Volán Székesfehérvár.
- Switzerland: Competing with EHC Biel.
- Asia: Signing with Anyang Halla in South Korea and the Nippon Paper Cranes in Japan.
- United Kingdom: Concluding his playing days with the Braehead Clan and Fife Flyers in the EIHL.
International Representation
Beyond club hockey, Jackman proudly represented Team Canada on the international stage. His early international success included winning a gold medal at the 1997 World Junior Championships in Geneva and Morges. He also participated in the prestigious Spengler Cup in 2007, 2008, and 2009, helping Canada secure the title in 2007.
Transition to Coaching
Following his retirement from professional play in April 2017, Jackman transitioned into coaching. In June 2017, he was appointed as the head coach of the Bradford Rattlers in the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League. His leadership was immediate, as the team achieved a strong 31–11–0 record, tying for first in the Northern Conference.
Career Statistics Summary
| League | Games Played (GP) | Goals (G) | Assists (A) | Points (Pts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHL Totals | 231 | 19 | 58 | 77 |
| IHL Totals | 192 | 26 | 57 | 83 |
| Asia League (AL) Totals | 123 | 38 | 79 | 117 |
| World Junior (WJC) | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ric Jackman's highest scoring season in the NHL?
His most productive offensive season was with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2003–04 campaign, where he recorded 24 points in 25 games.
Which NHL team did Ric Jackman win the Stanley Cup with?
Jackman won the Stanley Cup in 2007 as a member of the Anaheim Ducks.
Did Ric Jackman play international hockey for Canada?
Yes, he represented Team Canada at the 1997 World Junior Championships, winning gold, and participated in the Spengler Cup multiple times.
When did Ric Jackman retire from professional hockey?
Jackman confirmed his intention to retire from professional playing duties in April 2017.
What position did Ric Jackman play?
He played as a defenceman and was a right-shot player.