Blake Coleman Bio
Blake Coleman is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a forward and alternate captain for the Calgary Flames in the National Hockey League. Born on November 28, 1991, in Plano, Texas, he was drafted 75th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2011 NHL Draft. Coleman earned recognition across multiple levels of hockey, from his dominant junior career in the United States Hockey League to his collegiate success at Miami University, before establishing himself as a reliable two-way forward in the NHL. His career reached its pinnacle with back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, making him one of the most successful Texas-born players in NHL history. Known for his grit, speed, and ability to deliver in crucial moments, Coleman continues to be a impactful player for the Calgary Flames organization.
Early Life and Background
Blake Coleman was born on November 28, 1991, in Plano, Texas, to parents Sandy and Rusty Coleman. His father played football at the University of Oklahoma, and his sister Brooke played volleyball at Ohio University, establishing an athletic family legacy. Coleman grew up with three older siblings, including two brothers and a sister, in a household that valued competitive sports. His grandmother played a pivotal role in sparking his interest in ice hockey by taking him to Dallas Stars games as a toddler. This early exposure to professional hockey in his home state would set the foundation for his future career.
Coleman began skating at the age of five at a rink in Irving, Texas, before eventually having access to a rink closer to his hometown of Plano. Growing up in Texas, where ice hockey was not the dominant sport, Coleman often played with children above his age group due to limited local competition. He was forced to practice in the early morning hours because of limited ice time availability, demonstrating the dedication that would characterize his career. As a youth player, Coleman participated in the 2004 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Dallas Alliance minor ice hockey team, gaining valuable experience against international competition.
Path to Professional Hockey
During middle school, Coleman was recruited to attend a Detroit-based Catholic school and play for the Belle Tire 16U AAA team in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League. Under coach Kyle Krug, Coleman was encouraged to develop a tougher, more defensive style of play that would become a hallmark of his game. He credits that year with helping him add significant physical strength, noting he put on approximately 25 pounds by focusing on gym work after school due to limited other activities. This developmental period proved crucial in preparing him for higher levels of competition.
After losing in the national championship semifinals with Belle Tire, Coleman returned to Texas and played two seasons with the Dallas Stars Elite Hockey Club, helping them finish fifth and second respectively at the national midget major tournament. Due to his impressive play at the minor league level, he was recruited to join the North American Hockey League but chose instead to play in the United States Hockey League. Coleman played 22 games for the Tri-City Storm before being traded to the Indiana Ice, where his sophomore campaign would become a breakout season that established him as one of the top prospects in junior hockey.
Blake Coleman Career
Miami University (2011-2015)
Coleman was recruited by Derek Lalonde to join the University of Denver but had already committed to Miami University, where he enrolled in the Farmer School of Business to pursue a business degree. Prior to joining the RedHawks, he was drafted in the third round, 75th overall, by the New Jersey Devils in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Although he had not been invited to the NHL Combine, several members of the Devils organization developed physical assessment tests for him to complete, including jumps and cardio exercises, demonstrating the team’s interest in his athletic potential.
His freshman season saw him record 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points through 39 games, ranking him among the top rookies in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. Coleman earned CCHA Rookie of the Week honors for the week ending January 29, 2012, and his contributions helped the RedHawks improve from last place in the standings to a competitive position. Over his four collegiate seasons, Coleman continued to develop his two-way game, setting career highs in his final season with Miami while earning numerous conference honors including NCHC Offensive Player of the Week and NCHC Tournament MVP recognition.
New Jersey Devils Era (2015-2020)
After completing his college career and graduating from Miami University, Coleman signed a two-year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils. He was assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Albany Devils, to begin the 2015-16 season. Coleman tallied four goals and three assists through 14 games before suffering a season-ending injury on November 27 from a hit that resulted in a two-game suspension for the opposing player. The following season, he recorded 13 goals and 10 assists through 34 AHL games before being recalled to the NHL level in January 2017.
Coleman made his NHL debut on November 12, 2016, on the third line and recorded his first career NHL point in his fourth game by assisting on Beau Bennett’s goal in a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. In his 17th career game, he became the fourth Texas-born player in NHL history to score against the Dallas Stars. He finished his first full NHL season in 2018-19 with 13 goals, including a team-high three shorthanded goals, and 12 assists for 25 points through 79 games. Following a playoff appearance that year, he signed a three-year, $5.4 million contract to remain with the Devils on July 17, 2018.
The 2019-20 season saw Coleman continue to improve, accumulating 21 goals and 10 assists for 31 points through 57 games with New Jersey. He recorded his first career NHL hat trick during this stretch, becoming the second Texas-born player to accomplish this feat, joining Brian Leetch. His progress made him a valuable trade asset as the Devils looked toward their future.
Tampa Bay Lightning Championship Years (2020-2021)
On February 16, 2020, Coleman was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Nolan Foote and a conditional first-round draft pick. He made his debut on February 20 on the third line alongside Mitchell Stephens and Yanni Gourde. Despite joining his new team mid-season, Coleman quickly adapted and helped the Lightning prepare for the NHL’s return to play following the COVID-19 pandemic pause. During the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he was paired with Barclay Goodrow and Gourde on a third line that drew comparisons to the Lightning’s famous Triplets Line from earlier playoff runs.
Coleman’s contributions were instrumental throughout the playoff run. In Game 5 of the First Round against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he scored his first goal as a member of the Lightning. Against the Boston Bruins in the Second Round, he scored two goals in Game 2 to lift the Lightning to a 4-3 overtime win, marking his first career multi-goal game in the playoffs. Coleman averaged over 15 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time per game and was considered an underrated top performer who helped the team advance through the Eastern Conference Final. In Game 6 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final against the Dallas Stars, Coleman scored the Lightning’s second goal, securing their second championship in franchise history and making him the first born-and-raised player from Texas to win a Stanley Cup.
The following 2020-21 season saw Coleman continue his strong play with the Lightning, contributing to their successful defense of the Stanley Cup. He formed a consistent third-line combination that led the team in minutes together and posted exceptional defensive numbers, keeping opponents to well below league-average scoring chances. Coleman finished the regular season trailing only Brayden Point in scoring chances at five-on-five play, demonstrating his continued development as a two-way forward capable of producing at both ends of the rink.
Calgary Flames Era (2021-Present)
On July 28, 2021, as a free agent, Coleman left the Lightning and signed a six-year, $29.4 million contract with the Calgary Flames. During the preseason, he often played alongside center Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk on the left wing, quickly integrating into his new team’s offensive structure. Upon rejoining the lineup after a brief suspension to start the season, Coleman was placed on various lines as the coaching staff searched for the right combinations. By December, he found chemistry on a third line with Sean Monahan and Trevor Lewis, contributing to improved team performance.
On December 31, 2023, Coleman became the fourth Texas-born player to reach the 500-game milestone in the NHL during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers, recording two assists for his sixth multi-point game of the season. He was recognized as the NHL’s Second Star of the Week for the week ending January 14, 2024, after collecting four goals and three assists for seven points over that span. His consistency and two-way play have made him a valuable veteran presence in the Flames’ forward rotation.
Playing Style and Strengths
Blake Coleman is known for his exceptional work ethic, speed, and physical style of play that makes him effective in both offensive and defensive situations. His forechecking ability has been praised by coaches throughout his career, with former Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper noting that Coleman, along with his linemates, played similar styles that translated well to playoff hockey. Coleman’s ability to win board battles, create turnovers, and block shots has made him a valuable asset on the penalty kill, where he has consistently ranked among team leaders in shorthanded time. His grit and tenacity in clutch situations have been highlighted by multiple hockey analysts as key attributes that contribute to his team’s success in high-pressure moments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Coleman’s career has been marked by several significant milestones, including becoming the first Texas-born and exclusively Texas-trained player to win the Stanley Cup in 2020. His first career NHL hat trick during the 2019-20 season placed him among elite company as only the second Texas-born player to achieve this feat. The 500-game milestone he reached in December 2023 further cemented his status as one of the most accomplished players from the Lone Star State in NHL history. His back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with Tampa Bay remain the crowning achievements of his professional career.
Blake Coleman Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Blake Coleman has accumulated significant championship success at the highest level of professional hockey while also achieving individual recognition at the junior and collegiate levels. His trophy case includes two Stanley Cup championships with the Tampa Bay Lightning and multiple individual awards from his time in the USHL and college hockey.
Professional Highlights
Coleman’s most significant career achievements came with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he won consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. His Game 6 goal in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final proved to be the game-winning tally that secured the Lightning’s second championship. Throughout both playoff runs, Coleman contributed key goals and assists in crucial moments, including multi-goal performances in the Eastern Conference Final against the Boston Bruins. His ability to elevate his play during the postseason demonstrated his capacity to perform when the stakes were highest.
Junior and Collegiate Honors
Prior to his NHL career, Coleman established himself as one of the top players in junior hockey. During his time with the Indiana Ice in the USHL, he won the league’s scoring title with 90 points, the most in the league since 1999-2000 and the first player to surpass 90 points since 2001-02. His 29 multi-point games and +52 plus-minus rating were records since the USHL became a Tier I league in 2002. For his exceptional season, he received the USHL Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, and Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year awards, and was named to the USHL First All-Star Team. At Miami University, he earned NCHC Tournament MVP honors and multiple conference player of the week awards during his four collegiate seasons.
Blake Coleman Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Blake Coleman was born into a family with strong athletic credentials. His father, Rusty Coleman, played football at the University of Oklahoma, establishing a connection to college athletics that would later influence Blake’s own collegiate career. His sister Brooke played volleyball at Ohio University, continuing the family’s tradition of collegiate athletic achievement. Growing up alongside Brooke, Coleman also had two older brothers, creating a household filled with competitive spirit and athletic ambition that helped shape his work ethic and determination on the ice.
Personal Life
Coleman married his fiancée Jordan Daigle in the summer of 2019. Jordan Daigle was previously a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and worked as a college football sideline reporter for CBS, bringing her own experience in high-profile sports environments to their relationship. The couple has two daughters together. Outside of hockey, Coleman launched the Pickles Pals program in 2018, a community initiative developed to support the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Newark Ironbound. The program aimed to develop academic programs and provide children with resources needed to succeed in school. The Pickles Pals name originated from a childhood nickname Coleman received after being caught sipping pickle juice while in the penalty box during a game.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season with the Calgary Flames, Blake Coleman continues to serve as an alternate captain and key contributor to the team’s forward rotation. His veteran presence and championship experience provide valuable leadership for a Flames organization looking to return to postseason contention. Coleman’s two-way abilities remain a significant asset, as he continues to contribute in all situations including even-strength play, the power play, and shorthanded duties. The chemistry he has developed with various linemates throughout his tenure in Calgary has allowed the coaching staff to deploy him in different roles depending on game situations and opponent matchups.
Coleman’s consistent effort and physical style have helped establish a culture of hard work within the Flames’ locker room. His ability to win board battles, create forechecking opportunities, and block shots has made him a reliable performer night in and night out. As he continues his career into his mid-30s, Coleman’s experience from winning at the highest levels of the game provides invaluable mentorship for younger players in the organization. The Flames look to Coleman for his leadership both on and off the ice as they build toward sustainable success in the Western Conference.