Jackson Blake

Jackson Blake (born August 3, 2003) is an American professional ice hockey player for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played college ice hockey at North Dakota.

Early years
Blake was born in Fargo, North Dakota and grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He played one year of ice hockey at Shattuck-Saint Mary's before playing at Eden Prairie High School. During his sophomore year at Eden Prairie the Eagles finished as runner-up in the Class 2A state tournament. In his junior year at Eden Prairie, he recorded 20 goals and 38 assists in 19 games. He scored the game winning double-overtime goal to help Eden Prairie win the 2021 Class 2A state championship. During the 2020–21 season, he recorded seven goals and ten assists in 25 games for the Chicago Steel. During the Clark Cup playoffs he recorded one goal in eight games and won the Clark Cup championship. During the 2021–22 season, he recorded 27 goals and 50 assists in 51 games. Following the season he was named All-USHL Third Team.

Blake was selected in the fourth round, 109th overall, by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

College
Blake began his collegiate career for North Dakota during the 2022–23 season, where he led the team in scoring with 16 goals and 26 assists in 39 games. In his freshman year, he led all NCHC rookies in conference scoring with 29 points. This was the third-most points by a freshman in conference play in NCHC history. Following the season, he was named to the All-NCHC Rookie Team, All-NCHC Second Team, and named NCHC Rookie of the Year.

During the 2023–24 season, in his sophomore year, he recorded 22 goals and 38 assists in 40 games. He ranked fourth in points and tied for third in assists among all Division I players. In conference play, he led the NCHC in scoring with 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points. His 37 points broke the conference record for points in a season. He became only the fifth player since the 1989–90 season at North Dakota to record at least 40 points in each of his first two seasons. Following the season he was named a unanimous All-NCHC First Team selection, the NCHC Player of the Year and NCHC Forward of the Year. He was also named a Hobey Hat Trick finalist for the 2024 Hobey Baker Award.

Professional
On April 10, 2024, Blake signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL. He made his debut on April 16, 2024 in the Hurricanes' regular-season finale, a 3-6 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Personal life
Blake is the son of former professional ice hockey player Jason Blake.

International play
Blake represented the United States at the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships where he recorded one goal and five assists in seven games and won a bronze medal.