Jason Blake was a prolific scorer during his three-season career at the University of North Dakota from 1996 to 1999. In his first season with the Fighting Sioux in 1996-97, he was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist. He was also a member of UND’s 1997 NCAA National Championship team. Blake was a two-time All-American and a three-time All-WCHA First-Team selection, earning the WCHA Player of the Year award in his final season. He finished his college career with 171 points in 119 games.

Following his standout collegiate career, Blake had a long and successful professional career in the NHL, spanning 13 seasons despite going undrafted. He played for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Anaheim Ducks. Blake was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2007 and won the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2008 for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. He finished his NHL career with 486 points in 871 games.