Jordan Staal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jordan Staal
Staal with the Carolina Hurricanes in April 2013
Born	(1988-09-10) September 10, 1988 (age 36) Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb)
Position	Centre
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	Carolina Hurricanes Pittsburgh Penguins
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	2nd overall, 2006 Pittsburgh Penguins
Playing career	2006–present

Jordan Staal (born September 10, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He plays as a centre and is the captain for the Carolina Hurricanes. This team is part of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Jordan is known as a great defensive forward. He is also very good at playing when his team is short a player (called a penalty-killer). In 2007, he set a record. At just 18 years and 153 days old, he was the youngest player ever to score three goals in one game (a hat trick) in the NHL.

Jordan grew up playing hockey in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He is one of four Staal brothers who have all played in the NHL. His older brother Eric was also a captain for the Hurricanes. His other brothers are Marc and Jared.

Jordan's Hockey Journey

Starting in Junior Hockey

Jordan played major junior hockey for the Peterborough Petes. This was in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He played there for two seasons, starting in 2004. In his second year, he scored 28 goals and 68 points in 68 games. He also helped the Petes win the J. Ross Robertson Cup. This made them OHL champions. They also played in the 2006 Memorial Cup.

Before the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Jordan was ranked very high. The NHL Central Scouting Bureau said he was the second-best North American skater. He was then picked second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. This made him the third Staal brother to be drafted into the NHL. His older brothers Marc and Eric were also picked second overall in their drafts.

Playing in the NHL

Pittsburgh Penguins (2006–2012)

Jordan joined the Penguins right after being drafted in 2006. He was only 18 years old. He scored his first NHL goal on October 12, 2006. It was a shorthanded goal against the New York Rangers.

Later that month, Jordan set two NHL records. He scored two goals in one game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was the youngest player to do this since 1943. Both of his goals were scored while his team was shorthanded. This made him the youngest player to score two shorthanded goals in one game. One of these goals was on a penalty shot. This also made him the youngest player to score on a penalty shot.

The Penguins decided to keep Jordan for the whole season. He played a big role with young stars like Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. In January 2007, Jordan played in the NHL YoungStars Game. This is a special game for young, talented players.

On February 10, 2007, Jordan scored his first NHL hat trick. He was 18 years and 153 days old. This made him the youngest player in league history to score a hat trick. He broke a record that had stood for over 60 years! Later that season, he scored his seventh shorthanded goal. This broke the record for most shorthanded goals by a rookie.

Jordan finished his first season with 29 goals and 42 points. He was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy. This award goes to the best rookie. He also made the NHL All-Rookie Team.

In the 2007–08 season, Jordan's scoring went down a bit. But he was still very important for the Penguins. They made it to the Stanley Cup Finals that year. They played against the Detroit Red Wings but lost in six games. Jordan scored 6 goals in the playoffs.

In the 2008–09 season, Jordan had another hat trick against the Red Wings. He helped the Penguins win 7–6 in overtime. In January 2009, the Penguins extended his contract. He finished the season with 27 assists and 49 points. On June 12, 2009, Jordan and the Penguins won the Stanley Cup. They beat the Detroit Red Wings 2–1 in Game 7. Jordan scored two goals and an assist in the series.

Staal during the Penguins' Stanley Cup parade in June 2009

After the 2009–10 season, Jordan was a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. This award goes to the best defensive forward. On April 30, 2010, Jordan hurt his right leg. He had surgery and missed some games. He also broke his hand in practice later that year. He finally returned to play on January 1, 2011, at the NHL Winter Classic.

On April 18, 2012, Jordan scored his first playoff hat trick. It was in a big 10–3 win against the Philadelphia Flyers. He scored six goals in that playoff series. However, the Penguins lost to the Flyers in six games.

Carolina Hurricanes (2012–present)

On June 22, 2012, Jordan was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. This meant he would play with his brother Eric Staal. On July 1, 2012, Jordan signed a long contract with the Hurricanes.

On September 23, 2014, Jordan broke his right leg in a pre-season game. In November 2016, he had a concussion. He missed some games because of these injuries.

On October 5, 2017, Jordan was named co-captain of the Hurricanes. He was also a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This award is for a player who shows great sportsmanship and dedication.

In December 2018, Jordan had another concussion. He was out for a while but returned on February 23, 2019. That season, the Hurricanes made it to the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. They reached the Eastern Conference Final.

On September 29, 2019, Jordan became the full captain of the Hurricanes. On April 12, 2021, he played in his 1,000th NHL game. This is a huge milestone for a hockey player.

On April 10, 2022, Jordan scored his third regular-season hat trick. It was against the Anaheim Ducks. It had been over 13 years since his last regular-season hat trick. This is the longest gap between two regular-season hat tricks in NHL history!

Staal with the Hurricanes, April 2013

Playing for Canada

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Championships
Gold	2007 Moscow

Jordan first played for Team Canada in 2007. He joined his brother Eric at the 2007 World Championships in Moscow. They helped Canada win the gold medal. Canada beat Finland 4–2 in the final game. Jordan had two assists in nine games.

Jordan's Life Off the Ice

Jordan was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He is the third of four boys. He and his brothers grew up playing hockey on an outdoor rink. Their father, Henry, built it for them. All four Staal brothers have played in the NHL.

His older brothers are Eric and Marc. His younger brother is Jared. Jordan has played with Eric on Team Canada. They also played against each other in the NHL playoffs. Jordan has also played against Marc's New York Rangers. Jordan is the second brother to win a Stanley Cup. Eric won one with Carolina in 2006.

On June 22, 2012, Jordan married Heather Dysievick. They have three daughters and a son.

Jordan is a Christian. He has shared that hockey used to be his whole identity. But even after winning the Stanley Cup, he felt something was missing. He realized that he lives for God, and hockey is a way to give God glory.

In 2012, the Staal Brothers started the Staal Family Foundation. This group helps children with cancer and their families.

Jordan Staal (centre foreground) fights over control of the puck with older brother Eric Staal (centre background) during the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Career Statistics Summary

Jordan Staal has had a long and successful career in the NHL. Here's a quick look at his total stats: