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 | ||
Richard Alan "R. J." Umberger, Jr. was born on May 3, 1982. He is an American former professional ice hockey player. R. J. played as a center. He was picked early in the 2001 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks. Umberger played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Contents
R. J. Umberger's Hockey Journey
Early Years and College Hockey
R. J. Umberger played high school hockey for the Plum Mustangs in Pennsylvania. This was in 1997 and 1998. In his last year, he scored an amazing 116 points in just 26 games. He even scored the winning goal in a big championship game! In 2006, his high school honored him by putting his jersey number up in their home rink. He was also added to the Plum High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
There is even an award named after him, the R. J. Umberger Award. It is given out at a special high school hockey tournament each December.
After high school, Umberger played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Then, he went to Ohio State University for college hockey. In the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, the Vancouver Canucks chose him as the 16th player overall.
Umberger left Ohio State before his last year to become a professional player. He wanted to join the Canucks, but they could not agree on a contract. So, he did not play during the 2003–04 season. Later, he was traded to the New York Rangers. But just three months after that, he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent. He joined the Flyers' main team in the 2005–06 season.
Professional Career in the NHL
R. J. Umberger scored his first ever 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 for the Blue Jackets on April 16, 2009. He scored their first ever playoff goal! This happened in a game against the Detroit Red Wings during the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs. He also scored goals in two other games in that series.
In 2011, Umberger signed a new five-year contract with the Blue Jackets.
On June 23, 2014, Umberger was traded back to the Philadelphia Flyers. This trade involved him and a draft pick going to the Flyers, and Scott Hartnell going to the Blue Jackets.
After two seasons back with the Flyers, Umberger had some injuries and did not play as well. So, on June 16, 2016, the Flyers ended his contract early.
Umberger did not play during the 2016–17 season. He tried to return to the NHL in 2017 by signing a tryout agreement with the Dallas Stars. He played in their training camp and pre-season games. However, he was not offered a full contract and retired from playing.
Playing for Team USA
R. J. Umberger proudly played for USA Hockey many times.
- He played for the U.S. under-18 team in 2000 and 2001.
- He also played for the U.S. junior team in the 2001 and 2002 World Junior Championships.
- Umberger made his debut for the senior U.S. team in the 2006 IIHF World Championship in Latvia.
Awards and Achievements
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| All-CCHA Rookie Team | 2000–01 |
| CCHA Rookie of the Year | 2000–01 |
| All-CCHA First Team | 2002–03 |
| AHCA West Second-Team All-American | 2002–03 |
| Calder Cup with Philadelphia Phantoms | 2004–05 |
