J. T. Brown (ice hockey) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids J. T. Brown
Brown with the Minnesota Wild in January 2019
Born	(1990-07-02) July 2, 1990 (age 35) High Point, North Carolina, U.S.
Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	175 lb (79 kg; 12 st 7 lb)
Position	Right wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Tampa Bay Lightning Anaheim Ducks Minnesota Wild
National team	United States
NHL Draft	Undrafted
Playing career	2010–2021

Joshua Thomas Brown (born July 2, 1990) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played as a right winger for teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, and Minnesota Wild. After his playing career, he became a TV analyst for the Seattle Kraken.

Playing Career

College Hockey Days

Before turning professional, J. T. Brown played college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He had previously played junior hockey for the Waterloo Black Hawks. In 2011, he helped his college team, the Bulldogs, win the national championship. He was even named the Most Outstanding Player in that tournament!

Professional Hockey Journey

Starting with the Tampa Bay Lightning

J. T. Brown was not chosen in the NHL Draft, but he signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in March 2012. He made his first NHL appearance on March 31, 2012. A week later, he got his first NHL assist, helping his team score a goal.

Brown with the Syracuse Crunch in 2012

In September 2012, Brown was sent to play for the Syracuse Crunch. This team is the top minor league team for the Lightning. This happened because the NHL season was delayed that year. In December 2012, Brown got a shoulder injury that needed surgery. Even though he was playing well, this injury kept him off the ice for a few months.

He signed another contract with the Lightning in 2013. He continued to play for the Syracuse Crunch, scoring many goals and points. He also played in the Calder Cup playoffs with the Crunch.

In November 2013, Brown was called back up to the Tampa Bay Lightning. During this time, he played on a successful line with two Russian players. This led to him getting the fun nickname "Brownov." On November 16, 2013, he scored his very first NHL goal!

Brown with the Tampa Bay Lightning in March 2014

The Lightning re-signed Brown for two more years in 2014. He played in many games during the 2014–15 NHL season. He also played in the Stanley Cup playoffs that year. In May 2015, he scored his first ever Stanley Cup playoff goal.

In 2016, Brown signed another two-year contract extension with the Lightning. He played in 78 games that season, which was his best year for goals and points. He also played in more playoff games. By October 2016, he had played in 200 NHL games, all with the Lightning.

Time with the Anaheim Ducks

During the 2017–18 NHL season, Brown played fewer games for the Lightning. In January 2018, he was picked up by the Anaheim Ducks. He finished the season with the Ducks, playing in 23 games and scoring one goal.

Playing for the Minnesota Wild

After his time with the Ducks, Brown became a free agent. He decided to return to his home state and signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Wild in July 2018.

Playing in Sweden

When the 2020–21 NHL season began, Brown did not have a contract. In January 2021, he signed a one-year contract to play for IF Björklöven in the HockeyAllsvenskan league in Sweden.

International Play

J. T. Brown also represented the U.S. national team in the 2012 IIHF World Championship. He scored his first goal for the U.S. team against Kazakhstan in May 2012.

Life After Playing Hockey

Brown as a commentator in 2023.

After retiring from playing, J. T. Brown joined Root Sports Northwest in June 2021. He became a TV analyst for the Seattle Kraken hockey team. In February 2022, Brown and Everett Fitzhugh made history. They were the first all-Black TV broadcast team in NHL history when they called a game between the Kraken and the Winnipeg Jets.

Personal Life

J. T. Brown was born in High Point, North Carolina, and grew up in Rosemount, Minnesota. His father, Ted Brown, was a professional football player for the Minnesota Vikings. J. T. has said that his father was a big help and support in his hockey career.

J. T. Brown married Lexi LaFleur in February 2015. They have two children together.

In September 2017, J. T. Brown decided to make a statement during the U.S. national anthem before a game. He raised his fist to bring attention to issues of fairness and equality for minority groups. He explained that he wanted to raise awareness about these important topics. He continued to work on these issues, even meeting with members of the Tampa Police Department. He later decided to stop raising his fist during the anthem but continued his efforts to promote equality.

In July 2018, Brown started a charity event using the video game Fortnite. This event helped raise money for "Hockey Is For Everyone," a program that helps make hockey more welcoming for everyone.

Awards and Honors

Images for kids

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  Brown with the Minnesota Wild in January 2019

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  Brown with the Syracuse Crunch in 2012

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  Brown with the Tampa Bay Lightning in March 2014

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  Brown as a commentator in 2023.