R. J. Umberger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids R. J. Umberger |
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Umberger with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010
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| Born | May 3, 1982 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 214 lb (97 kg; 15 st 4 lb) | ||
| Position | Center | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Philadelphia Flyers Columbus Blue Jackets |
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| National team |  United States |
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| NHL Draft | 16th overall, 2001 Vancouver Canucks |
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| Playing career | 2004–2016 | ||
R. J. Umberger, born on May 3, 1982, is a former professional ice hockey player from the United States. He played as a center. The Vancouver Canucks picked him in the first round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Umberger played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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Playing Career
High School and College Hockey
R. J. Umberger played high school hockey for the Plum Mustangs in Pennsylvania. In his last season, he scored 116 points in only 26 games. He even scored the winning goal in double overtime to help his team win the WPIHL AAA League Championship. Later, in 2006, his jersey number was honored at his home rink. He also joined the Plum High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
Umberger started his college career at Ohio State University. The Vancouver Canucks drafted him in 2001. He was the 16th player chosen overall. Umberger left Ohio State early to become a professional player. He was traded to the New York Rangers in 2004. However, he later signed with the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent. He joined the Flyers' main team in the 2005–06 season.
Professional Hockey Journey
Umberger scored his first NHL goal on November 22, 2005, while playing for the Flyers. In 2006, the Flyers signed him to a two-year contract.
On June 20, 2008, Umberger was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He made history on April 16, 2009, by scoring the Blue Jackets' first-ever playoff goal. This happened in a game against the Detroit Red Wings during the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs. He scored two more goals in that series, but Detroit won all four games.
In 2011, Umberger signed a five-year contract extension with the Blue Jackets. On June 23, 2014, he was traded back to the Philadelphia Flyers. This trade involved Scott Hartnell going to Columbus.
After two seasons with the Flyers, Umberger's contract was bought out in 2016. He tried to return to the NHL in 2017 by signing a tryout agreement with the Dallas Stars. However, he was released before the season started.
International Play
R. J. Umberger proudly represented the United States in several international tournaments.
- He played for the U.S. under-18 team in the 2000 IIHF World U18 Championships and the 2001 IIHF World U18 Championships.
- He also played for the U.S. junior team in the 2001 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the 2002 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
- Umberger made his debut with the senior U.S. team in the 2006 IIHF World Championship.
Awards and Achievements
R. J. Umberger earned several awards during his hockey career:
