Blake Coleman
Blake Coleman (born November 28, 1991) is an American professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL).[1] Selected by the New Jersey Devils in the third round, 75th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Coleman played four seasons of college hockey at Miami University, where he helped the RedHawks win the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) championship in 2015.[2][3] After signing with the Devils organization in 2015, he began his professional career with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Albany Devils, in the 2015–16 season and made his NHL debut on January 12, 2017.[1] Coleman established himself as a reliable two-way forward with the Devils, recording a career-high 22 goals in the 2018–19 season and 21 goals in 2019–20 before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 16, 2020.[1] With Tampa Bay, he contributed to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, including a memorable diving goal in Game 2 of the 2021 Finals against the Montreal Canadiens.[1][4] On July 28, 2021, Coleman signed a six-year, $29.4 million contract with the Calgary Flames, where he has since provided depth scoring, physical play, and penalty-killing duties, amassing 157 goals and 141 assists over 645 NHL games as of November 2025.[5][1] As the first Texas-born player to win the Stanley Cup, Coleman's gritty style and hometown roots in Plano, Texas, have made him a notable figure in the league.[6]Early life
Childhood and family
Blake Coleman was born on November 28, 1991, in Plano, Texas, to parents Rusty and Sandy Coleman.[7] His father, Rusty, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, had played college football at Oklahoma State University, while his mother, Sandy, originally from Rockland County, New York, had some early exposure to skating and hockey in her youth.[8][9] Blake grew up in Plano, a suburb north of Dallas, in a household that emphasized athletic participation despite the region's limited infrastructure for winter sports like hockey.[8] As the third of five siblings—older brothers Jeff and Kevin, older sister Lauren, and younger sister Brooke—Coleman was raised in an athletic family environment that encouraged diverse physical activities.[10][11] His parents supported multi-sport involvement from a young age, with Coleman participating in soccer, lacrosse, basketball, golf, and tennis during his elementary years, and later adding football in high school.[12] A devoted Dallas Stars fan in a non-traditional hockey state, he developed his passion for the sport early, often watching games and idolizing the team that had relocated to Texas in 1993.[13][6] Coleman's initial exposure to ice hockey came through family influences and local opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including attendance at Stars games starting at age two, facilitated by his grandmother Marie, a New York Islanders fan who purchased season tickets after the Stars' move to Texas.[8][14] His parents' commitment was evident in their support for his early pursuits at nearby rinks like the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Plano, inspired partly by neighborhood kids from hockey-hotbed Ottawa who introduced him to street hockey.[8] This foundational period in Plano shaped his dedication, as the family navigated the challenges of a growing but still nascent hockey scene in Texas.[13]Entry into hockey
Coleman first stepped onto the ice at age five, learning to skate at a local rink in Irving, Texas, before a facility opened closer to his home in Plano.[13] Growing up in a state dominated by football and with limited hockey infrastructure, he faced significant challenges, including long drives across Texas for practices and games due to the scarcity of rinks.[13] By age six, his dedication was evident as he joined a traveling youth team, often waking his parents at 5 a.m. to ensure he made early sessions.[15][6] His early involvement extended to competitive youth leagues, where he participated in the US 16U Nationals Tier I, helping his team secure a national championship.[2] This success highlighted his rapid progression in a region with sparse competition, allowing him to stand out despite the logistical hurdles of Texas hockey. Supported by his family, who managed the extensive travel demands, Coleman honed his skills in these formative environments.[15] At 5'11", Coleman's physical playing style began to emerge early, emphasizing strong skating and tenacity developed through dominating local opponents and adapting to frequent travel.[2] Key influences included coaches like David Robbins, who guided him during his final two years of youth hockey in the Dallas area and praised his unmatched work ethic and hard-nosed approach.[16] These experiences solidified hockey as his primary pursuit, supplanting other sports like baseball and soccer that he had also enjoyed in Plano.[17][18]Pre-professional career
Junior hockey
Blake Coleman began his junior hockey career in the United States Hockey League (USHL) during the 2009–10 season, initially playing for the Tri-City Storm, where he appeared in 22 games and recorded 2 goals and 10 assists for 12 points along with 32 penalty minutes. Mid-season, he was traded to the Indiana Ice, contributing 8 goals and 8 assists in 36 regular-season games, plus 2 points in 9 playoff contests. These performances marked his transition to Tier I junior hockey after earlier youth experience in Texas.[2] In the 2010–11 season, Coleman had a breakout year as captain of the Indiana Ice, leading the USHL with 58 assists and 92 points (34 goals) in 59 games, while accumulating 72 penalty minutes and posting a league-high +52 plus-minus rating. His offensive dominance earned him the USHL Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, and First All-Star Team honors, as well as the USA Hockey Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award. In the playoffs, he added 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in 5 games.[19][20][2] Coleman's junior success culminated in his selection by the New Jersey Devils in the third round, 75th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Scouts praised his skating speed, powerful shot, and physical net-front presence, noting his ability to fight for pucks and create scoring chances as a gritty forward, though he continued to refine his defensive game in subsequent years.[21][22]Collegiate career
Coleman began his collegiate career with the Miami RedHawks in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) during the 2011–12 season, appearing in 39 games as a freshman and recording 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points.[2] Over his sophomore year in 2012–13, he contributed 9 goals and 10 assists in 40 games, maintaining a steady role on the team's bottom lines while accumulating 56 penalty minutes, reflecting his physical style of play.[2] By his junior season in 2013–14, limited to 27 games due to injury, Coleman emerged as a more offensive threat with 19 goals and 9 assists for 28 points, including time on the power play where he scored a pair of goals.[3][23] As a senior in 2014–15, Coleman solidified his status as a key contributor, leading the team with 20 goals and adding 17 assists for 37 points in 37 games, while ranking second in plus-minus at +16 and logging significant minutes on both the power play and penalty kill units.[3] His evolution from a depth forward to a versatile two-way player was evident in his increased ice time and defensive responsibilities, including blocking shots and winning key faceoffs.[3] Balancing academics and athletics, he earned a spot on the 2014 NCHC All-Academic Team, highlighting his commitment off the ice.[24] Coleman's senior postseason was particularly dominant, as he posted 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists) across five games, including a hat trick in the NCHC championship win over St. Cloud State, helping Miami secure the conference title.[25] For his performance, he was named the NCHC Tournament MVP and selected to the All-Tournament Team alongside teammates Connor Czarnik and Louie Belpedio.[25] These efforts capped a four-year collegiate tenure in which he amassed 60 goals and 47 assists for 107 points in 143 games.[2] During his time at Miami, Coleman developed a habit of drinking pickle juice on the bench to combat cramping issues that plagued him in games, a practice he began in college after trying various remedies without success.[26] This quirky ritual not only helped manage his physical demands but also earned him the nickname "Pickles" among teammates.[1] Following the RedHawks' NCHC title, Coleman signed a two-year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils on July 1, 2015, marking his transition to professional hockey.Professional career
New Jersey Devils
Coleman signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils on March 30, 2015, following his collegiate career at Miami University. He began his professional career with the Devils' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Albany Devils, during the 2015–16 season, making his debut on October 10, 2015, against the Binghamton Senators.[24] Limited by an injury, Coleman appeared in only 14 regular-season games, recording four goals and three assists for seven points.[24] In the 2016–17 season, he established himself in the AHL with 19 goals and 20 assists in 52 games, adding two power-play goals, two shorthanded goals, and five game-winning goals while posting a plus-21 rating.[24] His strong performance earned him an NHL call-up on January 11, 2017, leading to his debut the following day against the Edmonton Oilers on January 12, where he played on the third line.[27] Coleman scored his first NHL goal on March 26, 2017, against Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen in a 2–1 overtime loss.[1] He finished his rookie 2016–17 season with one goal and one assist in 23 games. In 2017–18, Coleman became a more regular presence, playing 79 games and contributing 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points, including three shorthanded goals that highlighted his defensive reliability and speed on the penalty kill.[4] The 2018–19 season marked his breakout, as he posted career highs of 22 goals and 36 points in 78 games, leading the Devils in hits with 225 and establishing himself as a high-energy bottom-six forward known for his forechecking, physicality, and transition play.[4] During the 2019–20 season, Coleman continued his scoring pace with 21 goals and 31 points in 57 games, ranking among the league leaders in shorthanded goals and finishing 22nd in voting for the Frank J. Selke Trophy for his two-way contributions.[4][28] Over parts of four seasons with the Devils, he appeared in 237 regular-season games, accumulating 94 points (57 goals and 37 assists). On February 16, 2020, ahead of the NHL trade deadline, the Devils traded Coleman to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward prospect Nolan Foote and a conditional first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.[29]Tampa Bay Lightning
On February 16, 2020, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forward Blake Coleman from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward prospect Nolan Foote and the Lightning's 2020 first-round draft pick (Nolan Foote was later traded to the Nashville Predators).[30][29] Coleman quickly integrated into the Lightning's lineup as a versatile bottom-six forward known for his physical play, forechecking, and penalty-killing prowess. In his partial 2019–20 regular season with Tampa Bay, he appeared in nine games, recording one assist.[4] During the 2020–21 regular season, Coleman solidified his role on the Lightning's third line alongside Yanni Gourde and Barclay Goodrow, contributing 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 55 games.[4] He excelled on the penalty kill, scoring three shorthanded goals, including a notable penalty-shot goal against the Dallas Stars on April 29, 2021.[31] Over his 64 regular-season games with the Lightning, Coleman tallied 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points, providing essential depth scoring and physicality that complemented the team's star-heavy top lines.[4] Coleman's impact was most pronounced in the playoffs, where he played a key role in the Lightning's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. In the 2020 postseason, he recorded 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 25 games, including a crucial insurance goal in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Dallas Stars, helping secure the 2–0 victory and the title.[1][4] His efforts continued in the 2021 playoffs, where he notched 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 23 games en route to another championship; highlights included a memorable diving go-ahead goal with 1.1 seconds left in the second period of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens.[32] Coleman's forechecking and physical presence were instrumental in the Lightning's depth-driven success, as he registered a plus-6 rating across both postseasons while logging heavy minutes on the penalty kill.[1] With the 2021 Stanley Cup win, Coleman became the first Texas-born player to capture the championship, hailing from Plano, Texas.[33] His tenure with Tampa Bay concluded after the 2020–21 season, as he entered unrestricted free agency and departed the organization.[34]Calgary Flames
On July 28, 2021, Coleman signed a six-year contract worth $29.4 million with the Calgary Flames, marking his return to the Western Conference after winning consecutive Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay.[34] The deal, carrying an average annual value of $4.9 million, positioned him as a key depth forward expected to bring energy, forechecking, and penalty-killing expertise to the lineup.[1] Throughout his tenure with Calgary, Coleman has solidified his role as a versatile middle-six leader, blending offensive contributions with stout defensive play. In the 2023–24 season, he achieved a career-high 54 points, including 30 goals, while ranking among the team's top performers in plus-minus at +19.[4] The following year, 2024–25, he recorded 15 goals and 24 assists over 82 games, maintaining his reputation for two-way reliability.[35] Early in the 2025–26 campaign, through 21 games as of November 19, 2025, Coleman has notched 7 goals and 1 assist, continuing to provide secondary scoring and physical presence with consistent hits and blocked shots.[1] His game emphasizes forechecking intensity and shorthanded effectiveness, highlighted by 4 shorthanded goals in 2023–24, tying a Flames single-season record.[36] Coleman's influence extends beyond statistics, evolving into a prominent leadership figure amid the Flames' rebuilding efforts. Named an alternate captain for the 2024–25 season alongside Rasmus Andersson, Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and MacKenzie Weegar, he has embraced mentoring responsibilities for emerging talents, leading by example through work ethic and on-ice tenacity.[37] In a young roster navigating low expectations, Coleman's experience as a two-time champion has helped foster resilience and development among teammates.[38]International career
IIHF World Championship
Coleman was selected to represent Team USA at the 2018 IIHF World Championship in Denmark following a solid rookie season with the New Jersey Devils, where he recorded 13 goals and 12 assists in 78 games, helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2012.[1][39] This marked his international debut, as one of five players making their first appearance for the U.S. national team.[40] Over the course of the tournament, Coleman played in all 10 games, logging time primarily as a bottom-six forward on the third or fourth lines.[41] His role emphasized physical play, forechecking, and contributions to the penalty kill unit, adapting to the larger international rink size while mirroring his shutdown responsibilities from the Devils.[41] Coleman tallied 1 goal—scored against South Korea on May 11—and 1 assist for 2 points, finishing with a +3 rating.[42] These efforts helped Team USA secure a bronze medal with a 4-1 victory over Canada in the third-place game on May 20.[43] In post-tournament reflections, Coleman expressed pride in donning the USA jersey for the first time, noting the honor of competing alongside elite talents like Patrick Kane and learning from their preparation routines.[41] As a native of Plano, Texas, he highlighted the personal significance of representing his home state and contributing to the growth of hockey in a non-traditional market.[40][41]Personal life
Family and marriage
Blake Coleman married Jordan Daigle, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and Texas Christian University (TCU) showgirl, on June 23, 2019, at the Four Seasons Resort Club Dallas at Las Colinas.[44][9] The couple, both natives of the Dallas area, first connected through mutual friends during their youth in Plano, Texas.[8] The Colemans are parents to three children. Their first daughter, Charlie, was born on February 27, 2020, shortly after the family relocated to Tampa Bay following Coleman's trade to the Lightning.[45] Their second daughter, Carson Elizabeth, arrived on June 15, 2021, during the Stanley Cup playoffs.[46] Their son, Cooper Blake, was born on July 27, 2024.[47] In August 2025, the couple announced they are expecting their fourth child in April 2026.[48] Jordan has played a key role in supporting Coleman's career transitions, including the family's move from Tampa to Calgary in 2021 after he signed a six-year contract with the Flames.[49] The couple has embraced the relocation, noting Calgary's family-friendly environment and western heritage as reminiscent of their Texas upbringing, while building a custom home there alongside maintaining strong ties to Dallas through property and offseason visits.[50][51] Their shared Texas roots influence family life, fostering interests in outdoor activities such as golf outings that the children enjoy as well.[52]Nickname origin and habits
Blake Coleman's nickname "Pickles" originated during his junior year at Miami University in Ohio, where he began drinking pickle juice to combat persistent leg cramps that plagued him during games.[26] Inspired by a teammate on a road trip to Colorado College, where the high altitude exacerbated his cramping issues, Coleman tried the remedy after it proved effective for his peer; he adopted it as a preventive measure, consuming it before and during games to replenish sodium and trigger nerve responses that inhibit muscle spasms.[26] The habit quickly earned him the affectionate moniker "Pickles" among his college teammates, a label that followed him into his professional career.[26] The nickname gained widespread attention in October 2017 when a video of Coleman sipping pickle juice in the penalty box during a New Jersey Devils game against the Vancouver Canucks went viral, amassing millions of views and introducing his quirky routine to a broader audience.[53][54] The footage, captured during the season opener, showed a trainer handing him a jar straight from the bench, highlighting the practicality of the drink for cramp relief amid the physical demands of NHL play.[55] This moment propelled pickle juice's popularity in professional sports, with dozens of NHL, NFL, and college teams incorporating it into their routines for faster cramp resolution—studies indicate it can relieve spasms up to 37 percent quicker than water due to its acetic acid content—and as a low-calorie hangover remedy.[56][55] Coleman's habit evolved into a key element of his personal branding across his NHL stints with the Devils, Lightning, and Flames, featuring prominently on social media through posts, fan meetups, and merchandise like "Dill With It" apparel.[53][26] In 2018, he launched P20, his own line of pickle juice and related products via coleman20.com, co-developed with his sister, which fans engaged with by bringing jars to autograph sessions and incorporating into team interactions.[53] He maintained the practice throughout his pro tenure, notably relying on it during the Tampa Bay Lightning's grueling 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, including their five-overtime victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, to sustain performance in extended shifts.[52][26]Philanthropic efforts
In 2018, while playing for the New Jersey Devils, Coleman launched the "Pickles Pals" program in partnership with the team and the Salvation Army's Boys & Girls Club of the Ironbound in Newark, New Jersey. The initiative provides after-school youth with healthy snacks, including pickle juice—a reference to Coleman's nickname "Pickles"—to support nutritional needs and engagement in community programs for underprivileged children.[57][53] Since joining the Calgary Flames in 2021, Coleman has focused on initiatives promoting youth hockey access and health support in Alberta. In December 2023, he joined teammates for a holiday visit to the Alberta Children's Hospital, where players interacted with young patients to deliver cheer and gifts amid their treatments.[58] He also participated in the Calgary Flames Foundation's Celebrity Poker Tournament during the 2023-24 season, an event that raised over $100,000 for community programs benefiting children and families.[59] Additionally, Coleman has collaborated with Adrenalin Source for Sports and KidSport Calgary on fundraising meet-and-greets, such as events in September 2025, to provide equipment and remove financial barriers for low-income youth in minor hockey programs.[60] These efforts reflect his commitment to making hockey accessible, drawing from his upbringing in Plano, Texas, where the sport faces unique challenges due to cost and limited infrastructure.[61]Career statistics
NHL regular season and playoffs
Blake Coleman has appeared in 645 regular season games over his NHL career, accumulating 157 goals, 141 assists, and 298 points, while maintaining a plus-minus rating of +39 (as of November 19, 2025). In the playoffs, he has played 65 games, recording 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points, contributing to two Stanley Cup championships with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.[4] Coleman's regular season performance broke down across three teams. With the New Jersey Devils from 2016 to 2020, he played 237 games, scoring 57 goals and 37 assists for 94 points. He then joined the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons, appearing in 64 games with 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points. Since signing with the Calgary Flames in 2021, Coleman has suited up for 344 games through the 2025–26 season, tallying 86 goals and 86 assists for 172 points, including a career-high 22 goals in 2018–19 and 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists) in 2024–25. In the 2025–26 season, he has recorded 8 points (7 goals, 1 assist) in 20 games (as of November 19, 2025).[4] The following table summarizes Coleman's regular season statistics by team (as of November 19, 2025):| Team | Years | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM | SOG | HIT | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Devils | 2016–2020 | 237 | 57 | 37 | 94 | -21 | 188 | 570 | 648 | 156 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 2019–2021 | 64 | 14 | 18 | 32 | 17 | 53 | 140 | 134 | 26 |
| Calgary Flames | 2021–2026 | 344 | 86 | 86 | 172 | 43 | 174 | 833 | 632 | 222 |
| Career Totals | 645 | 157 | 141 | 298 | 39 | 415 | 1543 | 1414 | 404 |
| Team | Year(s) | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM | SOG | HIT | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Devils | 2018 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 16 | 18 | 2 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 2020 | 25 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 6 | 31 | 65 | 126 | 12 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 2021 | 23 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 5 | 22 | 45 | 83 | 16 |
| Calgary Flames | 2022 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 33 | 41 | 8 |
| Career Totals | 65 | 12 | 19 | 31 | 17 | 69 | 159 | 268 | 38 |