Eric Heffler played college hockey for St. Lawrence University from 1995 to 1999. As a senior, he had an outstanding season as a goaltender, posting a .931 save percentage and a 2.39 goals-against average. His performance helped the Saints achieve a 23-13-3 record, a significant improvement from the previous season’s nine wins. For his efforts, he was named the ECAC Hockey Player of the Year, the league’s Ken Dryden Goaltender of the Year, and a First-Team All-American. He was also a top-ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award in 1999.

After his collegiate career, Heffler embarked on a professional journey, primarily in the minor leagues. He was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Edmonton Oilers organization. He spent the majority of his career in the AHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs, where he played 68 games, and also saw action in the ECHL and UHL. Heffler was called up to the NHL by the Oilers on a couple of occasions, serving as a backup, but he did not appear in a game. He retired from professional hockey after the 2001-02 season.