Jordan Leopold was a standout defenseman for the University of Minnesota from 1998 to 2002. In the 2000-01 season, he had a dominant junior year, recording 44 points (12 goals and 32 assists) in 42 games. His exceptional performance earned him a top-ten nomination for the Hobey Baker Award. That same year, he was named a First-Team All-American.

After his successful collegiate career, Leopold went on to play 12 seasons in the NHL. He was drafted 44th overall by the Calgary Flames in 1999 and also had stints with the Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Leopold was also a member of Team USA at the 2006 Winter Olympics.