Jason Blake played college hockey for the University of North Dakota from 1996 to 1999. In his final season, he had a career year with 69 points on 28 goals and 41 assists in just 38 games. He was a two-time Hobey Baker Award finalist, with his final nomination coming in 1999. His stellar play that season also earned him the WCHA Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American selection. He was a member of North Dakota’s 1997 NCAA national championship team and won three consecutive WCHA conference titles.

Despite going undrafted, Blake went on to have a long and successful 13-season professional career in the NHL. He played for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Anaheim Ducks. Blake’s most productive season was with the Islanders in 2006-07, when he scored a career-high 40 goals and 69 points, and was named an NHL All-Star. He was also the recipient of the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2008 for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Blake finished his NHL career with 486 points in 871 games.