Rob Blake played his college hockey for the Bowling Green State University Falcons from 1987 to 1990, where he became one of the program’s finest defensemen. His collegiate career culminated in a stellar final season in 1989-90, during which he was named a Top 10 Finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, presented annually to the most outstanding player in NCAA men’s ice hockey. That year, he set a Falcons record for goals by a defenseman with 23, contributing to his 59 total points, and earned First Team All-CCHA honors and the CCHA’s Best Offensive Defenseman award. Blake’s performance at Bowling Green solidified his status as an elite prospect before he began his extensive professional journey.

Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, Blake transitioned into the professional ranks and enjoyed a distinguished 20-season NHL career with the Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and San Jose Sharks. The towering, hard-hitting defenseman quickly established himself as a premier player, winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman in 1998. He achieved hockey’s ultimate prize by winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001. Blake retired as a seven-time NHL All-Star and a member of the elite Triple Gold Club, having won the Stanley Cup, an Olympic Gold Medal (2002 with Team Canada), and a World Championship Gold Medal. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014.