Tanner Glass
Tanner Glass (born November 29, 1983) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger who played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), appearing in 527 regular-season games and accumulating 69 points (24 goals and 45 assists) along with 658 penalty minutes.[1] Known primarily for his physical, enforcer-style play, Glass led his teams in hits during several seasons, including ranking 10th league-wide with 246 hits in 2011–12 while with the Winnipeg Jets.[2] Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighing 213 pounds (97 kg), he shot left-handed and was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the ninth round, 265th overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft after playing junior hockey in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).[1][2] Glass honed his skills at Dartmouth College in the NCAA's ECAC Hockey conference from 2003 to 2007, where he served as team captain during his junior and senior years and was recognized as an All-League player and All-Star in the BCHL prior to college.[3] He made his NHL debut with the Panthers in the 2007–08 season and later played for the Vancouver Canucks (2009–11), Winnipeg Jets (2011–12), Pittsburgh Penguins (2012–14), New York Rangers (2014–17), and Calgary Flames (2017–18), contributing to playoff runs including the 2011 Stanley Cup Final with Vancouver and the 2014 Eastern Conference Final with the Pittsburgh Penguins.[2] In 67 career playoff games, Glass recorded 6 points (2 goals and 4 assists) while continuing his role as a gritty depth forward and leader.[1] He continued playing in European leagues during the 2018–19 season before retiring in June 2019, and as of 2025 serves as Assistant Director of Player Development for the New York Rangers.[3][4]Early life and amateur career
Early life
Tanner Glass was born on November 29, 1983, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.[2] He is the son of Fred and Cathy Glass and has an older brother, Darnell, who also pursued a career in hockey, as well as a sister, Shayna.[5] Glass grew up in the small town of Craven, Saskatchewan, a rural community with a population of around 230 that fostered a strong local interest in sports, particularly hockey.[6][7] His early exposure to hockey came through participation in youth programs at nearby community rinks, influenced by his family's involvement in the sport.[5] Glass attended Lumsden High School in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, where he excelled athletically, competing in hockey, baseball, and track and field.[5] He graduated from Lumsden High School as an honour roll student.[5]Junior hockey career
Glass began his junior hockey career in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), playing limited games for the Yorkton Terriers in 1999–2000, where he recorded 1 goal in 6 games, and for the Weyburn Red Wings in 2000–01, contributing 1 assist in 2 games.[8] These early appearances in the SJHL provided initial exposure to competitive junior A play, building on his Saskatchewan roots that fostered a strong commitment to the sport from a young age.[1] In 2001, Glass transferred to the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), joining the Penticton Panthers for the 2001–02 season, where he posted 11 goals and 28 assists for 39 points in 57 games, establishing himself as a physical forward with significant penalty minutes (171).[8] The following year, he continued with Penticton, accumulating 15 goals and 25 assists for 40 points in 32 games before being traded to the Nanaimo Clippers, adding 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points in 18 games to close out the season.[8] Over his two BCHL seasons, split between the two teams, Glass totaled 34 goals and 67 assists for 101 points in 107 games, highlighting his development as a gritty, two-way player.[3] His performance earned him a spot in the BCHL All-Star Game and First-Team All-Star honors for the 2002–03 season, recognizing his contributions as one of the league's top forwards.[9][2] During his junior eligibility in the BCHL, Glass was selected by the Florida Panthers in the ninth round, 265th overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, marking a key milestone in his progression toward professional hockey.[2]Collegiate career
Glass enrolled at Dartmouth College in 2003, joining the men's ice hockey team in the ECAC Hockey conference, where he played forward for the Big Green over four seasons through 2007 while majoring in history.[2][10] His collegiate career emphasized a balance between academics and athletics, as he pursued a degree in a demanding field amid the rigors of Division I competition. Building on his junior hockey experience, Glass adapted to the higher level of play, developing into a reliable physical presence and leader on the team.[3] As a freshman in 2003–04, Glass appeared in 26 games, recording 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points, having missed time due to mononucleosis.[8] He showed steady progression in subsequent years, posting 7 goals and 8 assists (15 points) in 33 games as a sophomore in 2004–05, then emerging as a key contributor in his junior season of 2005–06 with 12 goals and 16 assists (28 points) over 33 games while serving as alternate captain.[3] In his senior year of 2006–07, Glass captained the team, matching his career-high output with 8 goals and 20 assists (28 points) in 32 games, and earned the McInnis Award for exemplifying team spirit, camaraderie, loyalty, and dedication.[2] Over his Dartmouth tenure, he amassed 31 goals and 51 assists for 82 points in 124 games, along with 198 penalty minutes, highlighting his growth into a gritty, leadership-oriented player.[8] Despite being selected by the Florida Panthers in the ninth round (265th overall) of the 2003 NHL Draft, Glass remained unsigned by the organization upon completing his college eligibility.[2] This led to an amateur tryout agreement with the Panthers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Rochester Americans, for the end of the 2006–07 season, where he appeared in four games as a bridge to professional hockey.[2]Professional playing career
Florida Panthers
Following his collegiate career at Dartmouth College, where he served as team captain in his senior year, Tanner Glass transitioned to professional hockey by signing an amateur tryout contract with the Florida Panthers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans, on March 21, 2007.[9] He appeared in four games for Rochester to close out the 2006–07 season, recording one assist and five penalty minutes.[8] On August 16, 2007, Glass signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers worth $1.14 million, with an annual average value of $570,000.[11] In the 2007–08 season, Glass began with Rochester, where he posted six goals and five assists for 11 points, along with 84 penalty minutes, in 43 games.[3] He earned his first NHL call-up and made his debut with the Panthers on November 12, 2007, against the Carolina Hurricanes.[2] Over the course of the season, Glass appeared in 41 games for Florida, scoring his first NHL goal on January 22, 2008, in a victory over the Ottawa Senators, while adding one assist for two points total and accumulating 39 penalty minutes.[2][8] The following year, 2008–09, Glass spent the majority of the season developing further in the AHL with Rochester, recording four goals and nine assists for 13 points and 100 penalty minutes in 44 games.[3] He saw limited action with the Panthers, playing three NHL games without recording a point and earning seven penalty minutes.[8] At the conclusion of the season, the Panthers did not extend a qualifying offer to the unrestricted free agent, leading Glass to sign a one-year, $500,000 contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 22, 2009.[2][12]Vancouver Canucks
Tanner Glass joined the Vancouver Canucks as an unrestricted free agent on July 22, 2009, after the Florida Panthers declined to offer him a qualifying contract at the end of the 2008–09 season.[2] This move brought a physical presence to Vancouver's bottom-six forwards, leveraging Glass's experience from prior NHL and AHL stints. He quickly established himself as a reliable depth player, contributing grit and penalty-killing duties during his tenure. On July 9, 2010, Glass agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Canucks worth $625,000, avoiding salary arbitration and securing his spot for the 2010–11 season.[13] Over two seasons from 2009 to 2011, he played 140 regular-season games, primarily in a bottom-six role, accumulating 7 goals and 14 assists for 21 points while averaging under 10 minutes of ice time per game.[1] His physicality stood out, as he led the team in hits during the 2009–10 campaign with 165, helping to wear down opponents and support Vancouver's possession-based style in a competitive Western Conference.[2] Glass's value was particularly evident in the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he dressed for 20 games during the Canucks' run to the Finals against the Boston Bruins.[2] Though he tallied no points, his contributions focused on physicality and intangibles, registering 30 hits and 18 penalty minutes while providing forechecking pressure and occasional blocked shots to protect the team's defensive structure.[1] These efforts helped maintain energy on the fourth line amid Vancouver's grueling path, which included series wins over the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators before falling in seven games to Boston. Following the Finals loss, Glass departed as a free agent, signing a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets on July 1, 2011.[2]Winnipeg Jets
Glass joined the Winnipeg Jets as an unrestricted free agent, signing a one-year, $750,000 contract on July 1, 2011.[14] His physical playing style, honed during two seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, aligned well with the Jets' requirements for a gritty, energy-line forward on their young, expansion-era roster.[2] In the 2011–12 season, Glass appeared in 78 games, registering 5 goals and 11 assists for 16 points while accumulating 73 penalty minutes.[1] He provided veteran stability as a penalty killer and enforcer, finishing 10th in the NHL with 246 hits and contributing to the team's bottom-six forward group alongside players like Jim Slater and Chris Thorburn on the "GST Line."[2][15] Glass himself noted that his role involved being the team's tough guy, emphasizing penalty killing, physical checks, and occasional fights to protect skill players amid the Jets' transition from the Atlanta Thrashers franchise.[16] Following the season, Glass departed for the Pittsburgh Penguins, signing a two-year, $2.2 million contract on July 1, 2012.Pittsburgh Penguins
On July 1, 2012, Glass signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins worth $1.1 million per season as an unrestricted free agent following one year with the Winnipeg Jets.[2] In his first season with the Penguins during the 2012–13 lockout-shortened campaign, Glass appeared in 48 regular-season games, recording 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points along with 62 penalty minutes, while leading the team in hits with 125.[1][2] His physical style contributed to the bottom-six forward depth, providing energy and grit on the fourth line.[17] Glass extended his impact into the 2013 playoffs, where the Penguins advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals; he played all 5 games in the first round against the New York Islanders, scoring his first career NHL playoff goal in Game 1 on May 1, 2013, a backhand tally that helped secure a 5–0 victory.[18] In the 2013–14 regular season, Glass solidified his role with 67 games played, 4 goals, 9 assists for 13 points, and 90 penalty minutes, again leading Pittsburgh in hits—this time with 247, ranking eighth league-wide.[1][2] As an enforcer, his presence added toughness to the lineup, often engaging in fights to protect teammates and shift momentum, such as knocking out Nashville Predators forward Eric Nystrom in November 2013.[19] In the 2014 playoffs, Glass suited up for 8 games across the Penguins' second-round loss to the New York Rangers, contributing physically with 4 penalty minutes but no points.[1] Upon the expiration of his contract, Glass became an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2014 and signed a one-year, $650,000 deal with the New York Rangers on July 1.[2]New York Rangers
Glass signed a three-year contract with the New York Rangers as a free agent on July 1, 2014, worth $1.45 million annually.[2] Joining the team after two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he established himself as a physical bottom-six forward, Glass brought a similar gritty presence to the Rangers' lineup, focusing on forechecking, penalty killing, and physical play rather than offensive production.[1] In his first full season with the Rangers during 2014–15, Glass appeared in 66 regular-season games, registering 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points while accumulating 98 penalty minutes, reflecting his combative style.[1] He also contributed in the playoffs, playing 19 games and recording 0 goals and 1 assist as the Rangers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.[2][1] The following year, 2015–16, Glass split time between the NHL and AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack after being placed on waivers in October 2015; he played 57 NHL games (4 goals, 3 assists) and 17 AHL games (2 goals, 3 assists).[1][20] Glass's role diminished further in 2016–17, as he appeared in only 11 NHL games (1 goal, 1 assist) before spending the majority of the season with Hartford, where he posted 6 goals and 9 assists in 57 games.[1][3] Over his three seasons with the Rangers, Glass played 134 NHL games, tallying 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points, primarily serving as a depth player valued for his physicality and leadership in the bottom six.[1]Calgary Flames
After his contract with the New York Rangers expired in the summer of 2017, making him an unrestricted free agent, Tanner Glass signed a professional tryout agreement with the Calgary Flames organization on August 29, 2017, allowing him to participate in training camp.[21][12] Impressing during camp, he secured a one-year, entry-level contract worth $650,000 on October 3, 2017, and was initially assigned to the Flames' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Stockton Heat.[22][23] Glass spent much of the 2017–18 season with Stockton, appearing in 21 AHL games where he contributed two goals and three assists while accumulating 45 penalty minutes, emphasizing his physical presence.[24] On February 24, 2018, he was recalled to the NHL alongside forward Andrew Mangiapane amid injuries to the Flames' bottom-six forwards.[25] In his 16 games with Calgary during the regular season, Glass recorded no points but focused on providing veteran depth and physicality to a contending Flames team that clinched the Pacific Division title with 50 wins.[1] His prior experience with the Rangers, where he had served in similar enforcer roles, facilitated this late-career NHL opportunity as a bottom-line winger known for hits and shot-blocking.[2] Following the Flames' first-round playoff exit to the Colorado Avalanche, Glass became an unrestricted free agent and was not re-signed by the organization, paving the way for his transition to European leagues.[12][26]European leagues
Following his departure from the Calgary Flames, Tanner Glass signed a one-year contract with the Bordeaux Boxers of the French Ligue Magnus on August 31, 2018, marking his transition to professional hockey in Europe.[3] In the 2018–19 season, Glass played a full campaign with Bordeaux, appearing in 43 regular-season games and tallying 6 goals and 11 assists for 17 points, along with 101 penalty minutes; he served as an alternate captain during this period.[3] He contributed to the team's playoff run, suiting up for 7 games where he recorded 16 penalty minutes but no points.[3] Glass's stint in the Ligue Magnus represented his final professional games, concluding in the spring of 2019 as he shifted focus away from playing. The European game, with its smaller rinks and emphasis on skill over physicality, differed notably from the NHL, where Glass's enforcer background had been more central to his role—though he adapted by providing veteran leadership on a competitive Bordeaux squad.[3]Post-retirement career
Retirement announcement
On June 13, 2019, Tanner Glass announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 35, concluding his playing career after a stint with Boxers de Bordeaux in France's Ligue Magnus during the 2018–19 season.[27][28] Glass cited family priorities and a desire for a stable front-office position as key factors in his decision, noting that his time in France had been an ideal family experience with access to an international school and a welcoming environment for his wife and children.[29] The physical toll from his rugged, enforcer-style playing career also contributed to the timing of his retirement.[29] Reflecting on his 15-year professional career, Glass expressed pride in carving out a niche as a bottom-six forward across multiple leagues, including 527 NHL games with six teams where he recorded 24 goals and 45 assists while accumulating 658 penalty minutes.[29][1] Although there was no formal retirement ceremony, the New York Rangers acknowledged Glass's contributions by hiring him as assistant director of player development shortly after his announcement.[30][29]Role with New York Rangers
Following his retirement announcement in June 2019, Tanner Glass joined the New York Rangers as Assistant Director of Player Development, a role that allowed for an immediate transition into front-office work.[30][28] The official announcement came on August 21, 2019, confirming his position under Director of Player Development Jed Ortmeyer.[31] Initially based in Seattle, Washington, to facilitate oversight of Western prospects, Glass brought his extensive NHL experience to support the organization's youth pipeline.[29][32] In this capacity, Glass assists in the overall development of Rangers prospects, with a primary focus on North American talent, mentoring young players both on and off the ice to enhance their skills and professional transition.[31][33] His responsibilities include providing guidance to emerging players, such as maintaining regular contact and observing their performances to offer targeted feedback, as seen in his involvement with prospects during evaluation periods.[34] He also contributes to development initiatives, leveraging his background as a veteran NHL forward to emphasize leadership qualities and team-oriented growth among prospects.[29] This hands-on approach draws from his own career leadership roles, including serving as an alternate captain, to instill discipline and resilience in the next generation.[35] Glass has remained in the position through 2025 with no reported changes, continuing to oversee prospect advancement and supporting key organizational efforts like development camps.[4][34] His ongoing work has been integral to the Rangers' player pipeline, particularly for Western-based talents, ensuring sustained guidance rooted in practical NHL insights.[36]Playing style and team roles
Playing style
Tanner Glass was recognized throughout his NHL career as a prototypical fourth-line winger and enforcer, embodying a physical, defensive-oriented approach that emphasized grit over skill-based play.[37] His on-ice contributions centered on delivering hits, with a career average of approximately 2.8 hits per game across 527 regular-season appearances, often ranking among league leaders in this category during peak seasons like 2011-12 when he recorded 246 hits, placing 10th overall.[2] Glass also excelled in blocking shots, averaging about 0.5 per game, leveraging his 6-foot-1, 213-pound frame to sacrifice his body in defensive situations, which underscored his commitment to penalty killing and protecting his team's net.[29] Offensively, Glass maintained limited production, registering just 24 goals on 453 shots for a career shooting percentage of 5.3%, reflecting his prioritization of gritty, support-oriented play rather than scoring.[1] As an enforcer, he accumulated 658 penalty minutes over his career, many stemming from his willingness to engage in fights to shift momentum or deter opponents from targeting skilled teammates; notable bouts included a January 2015 clash with Columbus Blue Jackets enforcer Jared Boll and multiple tilts against heavyweights like Milan Lucic and Matt Martin. Reports indicate he participated in at least 40 fights during his first five NHL seasons alone, establishing him as a reliable combatant in an era when such roles were vital for team toughness.[6] Glass's adaptability shone in bottom-six roles, where he injected energy through forechecking and physicality while providing protection for top linemates, as evidenced by his contributions during the Vancouver Canucks' 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs run, where his physical presence helped stabilize the forward group amid intense matchups.[2] This tenacious, team-first style made him a valuable depth player across multiple franchises, though it often limited his ice time to under 10 minutes per game.[38]Leadership and contributions
Tanner Glass demonstrated early leadership qualities during his junior and collegiate hockey career. In the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), he captained the Penticton Panthers during the 2002–03 season.[39] At Dartmouth College, Glass served as an alternate captain in his junior year (2005–06) and was named team captain for his senior season (2006–07), where he also received the McInnis Award for exemplifying spirit, camaraderie, loyalty, and dedication to the team.[2][5] These roles highlighted his ability to foster team unity from a young age. Throughout his NHL tenure, Glass established himself as a veteran presence known for his strong work ethic and willingness to stand up for teammates, contributing to locker room accountability and morale across multiple franchises.[2] In limited bottom-six roles, he provided steady defensive support, as evidenced by his performance in the 2011 playoffs with the Vancouver Canucks, where he appeared in 20 games with a minus-5 rating while logging significant penalty-kill minutes.[1] His physical style complemented this intangible influence, setting an example for younger players through consistent effort and toughness. Glass's legacy as a reliable team contributor extended to his reputation as a "heart and soul" type player, emphasizing accountability in high-pressure situations.[2] Coaches and teammates often noted his role in maintaining team standards.Personal life
Family and marriage
Tanner Glass married Emily Tracy, a fellow Dartmouth alumnus, on July 23, 2011, at Alderbrook Resort on the Olympic Peninsula near Seattle, Washington.[40] The couple, who met during their time at college, have maintained a close partnership throughout Glass's professional hockey career.[6] Glass and Tracy have two sons: Sawyer (born c. 2014) and Hayden (born 2017).[37] Sawyer was born while Glass played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The family established a base in the Vancouver area following Glass's time with the Canucks, and remained there through much of his subsequent career despite team changes. In 2017, while Glass was with the New York Rangers, Hayden was born, with the family still residing in Vancouver.[41] This stability in Vancouver highlighted the family's adaptability to the demands of NHL life, with limited relocations overall. Emily Glass played a pivotal role in balancing family life with her husband's frequent travels and team transitions, often managing household logistics and scouting potential living arrangements in new cities.[6] For instance, during Glass's signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins, she coordinated with friends to assess the suitability of the location and handled temporary accommodations like extended hotel stays.[6] Today, the family resides in the Seattle area, where both sons are active in youth hockey.[35] Glass has credited his Saskatchewan roots for instilling strong family values that have anchored their household amid career changes.[42]Education and residence
Glass earned a bachelor's degree in history from Dartmouth College in 2007.[43] During his NHL career, Glass resided in several cities aligned with his team affiliations, including Florida from 2007 to 2009 while playing for the Panthers, Vancouver from 2009 to 2011 with the Canucks, Winnipeg in 2011–12 for the Jets, Pittsburgh from 2012 to 2014 with the Penguins, and New York from 2014 to 2017 for the Rangers, followed by a brief stint in Calgary in 2017–18 with the Flames.[1] His family accompanied him during early moves but later maintained a primary residence in the Vancouver area to provide stability during his later team transitions. Following his retirement in 2019, Glass established residence in the Seattle area, where he is based for his role with the New York Rangers' player development operations.[29] In the Seattle region, Glass has engaged in local community involvement through hockey development initiatives, including serving as vice president and director of hockey for STAR Hockey Academy, founded in 2022 to provide education-based hockey programs for youth.[35] He has not pursued any formal advanced education beyond his undergraduate degree.Career statistics and achievements
Career statistics
Tanner Glass's National Hockey League (NHL) regular season statistics span 11 seasons from 2007–08 to 2017–18 across five teams, totaling 527 games played, 24 goals, 45 assists, 69 points, and 658 penalty minutes.[1]| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–08 | Florida Panthers | 41 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 39 |
| 2008–09 | Florida Panthers | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 2009–10 | Vancouver Canucks | 67 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 115 |
| 2010–11 | Vancouver Canucks | 73 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 72 |
| 2011–12 | Winnipeg Jets | 78 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 73 |
| 2012–13 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 48 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 62 |
| 2013–14 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 67 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 90 |
| 2014–15 | New York Rangers | 66 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 98 |
| 2015–16 | New York Rangers | 57 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 66 |
| 2016–17 | New York Rangers | 11 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 17 |
| 2017–18 | Calgary Flames | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| Total | 527 | 24 | 45 | 69 | 658 |
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Vancouver Canucks | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010–11 | Vancouver Canucks | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| 2012–13 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| 2013–14 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2014–15 | New York Rangers | 19 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 31 |
| 2015–16 | New York Rangers | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2016–17 | New York Rangers | 7 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Total | 67 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 68 |
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–07 | Rochester Americans | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 2007–08 | Rochester Americans | 43 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 84 |
| 2008–09 | Rochester Americans | 44 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 100 |
| 2015–16 | Hartford Wolf Pack | 17 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 23 |
| 2016–17 | Hartford Wolf Pack | 57 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 86 |
| 2017–18 | Stockton Heat | 21 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 45 |
| Total | 186 | 20 | 30 | 50 | 343 |
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–13 | Banska Bystrica HC 05 | Slovak Extraliga | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 75 |
| 2018–19 | Bordeaux | Ligue Magnus | 43 | 6 | 11 | 17 | 101 |
| Total | 49 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 176 |