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Jordan Harris (ice hockey)

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For other people with this name, see Jordan Harris (disambiguation).

Jordan Harris
Harris with the Montreal Canadiens in December 2022
Born (2000-07-07) July 7, 2000 (age 24)
Haverhill, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight 179 lb (81 kg; 12 st 11 lb)
Position Defense
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams		 Columbus Blue Jackets
Montreal Canadiens
NHL draft 71st overall, 2018
Montreal Canadiens
Playing career 2022–present

Jordan Harris (born July 7, 2000) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the third round, 71st overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Early life

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Harris was born on July 7, 2000, in Haverhill, Massachusetts,[1] to Ginny and Peter Harris, a nurse and physical therapist, and is both biracial and Jewish.[2][3][4] Harris' mother is white and non-Jewish.[5] His father is half-black and Jewish, having been adopted from a Jewish orphanage.[5][6]

Being an African-American Jew, as of March 2024 he was the only Black Jewish player in the NHL.[2] His father played ice hockey for UMass Lowell, and Jordan almost became a goaltender like his father and older brother Elijah, but he "liked being able to skate and play out of the net too much", so he became a defenseman.[7]

Harris attended Haverhill High School for one year before transferring to Kimball Union Academy, a boarding school in New Hampshire. In his three years at Kimball, Harris had 18 goals and 64 assists in 111 games, and he was the team's captain during the 2017–18 season.[8] That season, he had six goals and 29 assists in 37 games and was also a star on Kimball's lacrosse team.[9] Harris also played five games with the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League during their 2017–18 season.[10]

Playing career

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College

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Harris playing for Northeastern in March 2019

The Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL) selected Harris in the third round, 71st overall, of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. At the time of the draft, he had committed to playing college ice hockey at Northeastern.[11] He was joined at Northeastern by another prospect in the Canadiens organization, goaltender Cayden Primeau.[12] Harris picked up his first collegiate goal on October 13, 2018,[13] opening the scoring for Northeastern in their 5–0 shutout win over Sacred Heart.[14] Harris had one goal and 12 assists in 39 games during his freshman season with Northeastern, which won both the 2019 Beanpot and the 2019 Hockey East Men's Ice Hockey Tournament.[15]

Harris collected a point at least once in the first four games of Northeastern's 2019–20 season, doubling his goals total from the previous season.[16] By the Huskies' holiday break, he had established himself as a playmaker for the team, with three goals and 13 points through 18 games, fifth among Hockey East defensemen.[17] Harris won the 2020 Beanpot for Northeastern in double overtime, breaking their 4–4 tie against Boston University to give the Huskies their third title in a row.[18] Harris's sophomore season came to a premature end due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Huskies presented him with the Unsung Hero Award for his accomplishments.[19] He finished the season with three goals and 21 points while averaging between 25 and 30 minutes of time on ice per night.[15][20]

The Huskies named Harris an alternate captain for the team's 2020–21 season.[21] His performance in the first half of the season won praise from sportswriters who were impressed by his hockey IQ,[22] and he was named the Hockey East Player of the Week on December 14 after scoring two goals and three assists in Northeastern's opening-weekend sweep of Merrimack.[23] With six goals and 19 points for the season, third in the conference,[24] Harris was a semifinalist for the Walter Brown Award,[25] a Hobey Baker Award finalist,[26] and he was named to the Hockey East Second All-Star Team.[27] Harris declined to sign with the Canadiens after his junior year, fueling speculation that he would attempt to become an unrestricted free agent after graduating, but he told reporters that he was more invested in finishing his degree.[28]

The Huskies named Harris their captain for the 2021–22 season.[29] He was named the Hockey East Defender of the Week on November 1 after scoring one goal and recording three assists in a two-game sweep of Maine.[30] In his senior season, Harris scored five goals and 20 points in 38 games.[31] This included five goals and 14 points in 20 conference games, for which Harris was named both a Hockey East First Team All-Star and the conference's Best Defensive Defenseman.[32] He finished his collegiate career with 15 goals and 73 points in 130 games across four seasons.[33]

Professional

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Harris with the Canadiens in December 2022

Shortly after the end of his college hockey career, Harris signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Canadiens and joined them for the end of their 2021–22 season.[34] He debuted with the team on April 2, 2022, finishing the game with a plus–minus rating of +1 with three blocked shots in Montreal's 5–4 shootout win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.[35] Playing ten games with the Canadiens to close out the season, he scored his first NHL goal in the April 29 season-ending game against the Florida Panthers. The Canadiens won the game 10–2.[36]

On August 19, 2024, Harris was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, in exchange for Patrik Laine and a 2nd-round pick in 2026.[37]

International play

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Harris represented the United States internationally at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in the Czech Republic.[17] He scored his first goal of the tournament on the second day, taking a pass from Trevor Zegras to tie Team USA 1–1 against Germany; the US took the game in a 6–3 victory.[38] The US team was eliminated during the semifinals with a 1–0 loss to Finland, the first time they failed to advance to the medal round since 2015.[39] In five games, Harris scored one goal and finished with a +4 plus-minus.[40]

Personal life

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Harris's brother Elijah is also a hockey player. After goaltending at Austin Preparatory School, he enrolled at Endicott College to play for the Gulls. Harris, his brother, and father (all being Black) have spoken about the challenges experienced by Black hockey players.[41] Speaking at a screening of the documentary Black Ice, he said "I’m really proud of my heritage and the way I grew up. I feel extremely lucky to have been raised the way I was; biracial and Jewish, and raised to love hockey for what it is."[3]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2014–15 Islanders Hockey Club 16U AAA USPHL 16U 10 0 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 0
2015–16 Kimball Union Academy HS-Prep 35 5 16 21 — — — — — —
2016–17 Kimball Union Academy HS-Prep 39 7 19 26 — — — — — —
2017–18 Kimball Union Academy HS-Prep 37 6 29 35 — — — — — —
2017–18 Youngstown Phantoms USHL 5 0 1 1 0 — — — — —
2018–19 Northeastern University HE 39 1 12 13 8 — — — — —
2019–20 Northeastern University HE 33 3 18 21 20 — — — — —
2020–21 Northeastern University HE 19 6 13 19 8 — — — — —
2021–22 Northeastern University HE 39 5 15 20 14 — — — — —
2021–22 Montreal Canadiens NHL 10 1 0 1 8 — — — — —
2022–23 Montreal Canadiens NHL 65 4 13 17 26 — — — — —
2023–24 Montreal Canadiens NHL 56 3 11 14 22 — — — — —
NHL totals 131 8 24 32 56 — — — — —

International

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Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2020 United States WJC 6th 5 1 0 1 2
Junior totals 5 1 0 1 2

Awards and honours

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Award Year Ref
College
All-Hockey East Second Team 2020–21 [42]
All-Hockey East First Team 2021–22 [43]
Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman 2021–22 [44]
AHCA East Second Team All-American 2021–22 [45]
New England Best Defenceman 2021–22 [46]
New England D1 All-Stars 2021–22 [47]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Jordan Harris Stats and News". Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  2. ^ a b Gurvis, Jacob (March 9, 2024). "Black Jewish NHL player Jordan Harris has a goal: To diversify hockey". The Jerusalem Post.
  3. ^ a b ""Black Ice" Q&A ft. Jordan Harris". Montreal Canadiens. February 29, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024 – via NHL.com.
  4. ^ Godin, Marc Antoine (November 24, 2021). "'The best defenceman in the country': Who is Jordan Harris, the prospect the Canadiens must do everything to keep?". The Athletic. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Gurvis, Jacob (March 9, 2024). "Black Jewish NHL player Jordan Harris has a goal: To diversify hockey". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  6. ^ Gurvis, Jacob (March 8, 2024). "The Jewish Sport Report: Meet Jordan Harris, the Black Jewish NHL player on a mission to change hockey". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  7. ^ Willis, David (July 30, 2017). "Around the Horn with ... Northeastern recruit Jordan Harris of Haverhill". The Eagle-Tribune. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  8. ^ Sumas, Alex (April 12, 2020). "Beanpot hero Jordan Harris looks beyond individual success, appreciates supporters". The Huntington News. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  9. ^ Braverman, Dan (November 18, 2018). "Tim Whitehead: Jordan Harris an 'exceptional young man'". Montreal. Retrieved April 1, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  10. ^ Yauger, Brian (June 25, 2018). "Phantoms players popular in recent NHL draft". Tribune Chronicle. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  11. ^ Cudzinowski, Matt (June 23, 2018). "2018 NHL Entry Draft: Day 2". Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  12. ^ Braverman, Dan (February 18, 2019). "Catching up with... Jordan Harris". Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  13. ^ Cudzinowski, Matt (October 14, 2018). "NCAA Roundup: Cayden Primeau, Jordan Harris shine for Northeastern". Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  14. ^ "Men's Hockey Falls to #15 Northeastern in Series Finale". Sacred Heart Pioneers. October 14, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  15. ^ a b "Jordan Harris – Men's Ice Hockey". Northeastern Huskies. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  16. ^ Mercier, Pierre-Antoine (October 21, 2019). "Canadiens future watch". Translated by Braverman, Dan. Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  17. ^ a b "Harris earns spot on 2020 U.S. National Junior Team roster". Northeastern Huskies. December 23, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  18. ^ Braverman, Dan (March 8, 2020). "Harris: A Huskies hero for life". Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  19. ^ "Men's Hockey Holds Virtual Banquet". Northeastern Huskies. April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  20. ^ Dumont, Marc (September 5, 2020). "Harris: The upward trajectory continues". Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  21. ^ "Northeastern Men's Hockey Selects Captains for 2020–21". Northeastern Huskies. April 20, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  22. ^ Dumont, Marc (December 18, 2020). "Weekly prospect roundup: Harris starts off strong". Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  23. ^ "Harris Named Hockey East Player of the Week". Northeastern Huskies. December 14, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  24. ^ "Huskies Finish with Eighth Straight Winning Regular Season". Northeastern Huskies. April 5, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  25. ^ "Solow, Harris Named to Walter Brown Award Semifinalist List". Northeastern Huskies. March 3, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  26. ^ Mercier, Pierre-Antoine (February 14, 2021). "Caufield, Harris candidates for Hobey Baker Award". Translated by Cudzinowski, Matt. Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  27. ^ "Solow and Harris Named Hockey East Second-Team All-Stars". Northeastern Huskies. March 12, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  28. ^ Hickey, Pat (March 30, 2022). "Newest Canadien Jordan Harris gets first taste of life as a pro". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  29. ^ "Jordan Harris Named Captain for 2021–22 Season". Northeastern Huskies. March 24, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  30. ^ "Jordan Harris Named Hockey East Defender of the Week". Northeastern Huskies. November 1, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  31. ^ "Canadiens agree to a two-year contract with Jordan Harris". Montreal Canadiens. March 26, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  32. ^ "Levi, Harris, McDonough Named First Team All-Stars". Northeastern Huskies. March 11, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  33. ^ "Jordan Harris Signs with Montreal Canadiens". Northeastern Huskies. March 26, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  34. ^ Willis, David (April 1, 2022). "From Haverhill to NHL: Top prospect Jordan Harris of Haverhill thrilled to join the Montreal Canadiens". The Eagle-Tribune. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  35. ^ Long, Corey (April 3, 2022). "Canadiens win shootout, drop Lightning into tie for second in Atlantic". NHL.com. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  36. ^ "Canadiens rout Panthers 10-2 in regular-season finale". ESPN.com. April 29, 2022. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  37. ^ "Laine traded to Canadiens by Blue Jackets for Harris". nhl.com. August 19, 2024. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  38. ^ Lafleur, François (December 27, 2019). "Day 2 of the WJHC: Harris stars". Translated by Cudzinowski, Matt. Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  39. ^ Lafleur, François (January 2, 2020). "Day 7 of the WJHC: Romanov, Norlinder bound for semis". Translated by Braverman, Dan. Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  40. ^ "Jordan Harris staying at Northeastern University next season". Montreal Canadiens. March 22, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  41. ^ Willis, David (September 6, 2020). "NHL prospect Jordan Harris of Haverhill reflects on challenges African Americans face in hockey". The Eagle-Tribune. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  42. ^ "HOCKEY EAST NAMES 2020-21 MEN'S ALL-STAR TEAMS". Hockey East. March 12, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  43. ^ "HOCKEY EAST NAMES 2021-22 MEN'S ALL-STAR TEAMS". Hockey East. March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  44. ^ "HOCKEY EAST NAMES MEN'S PRO AMBITIONS ALL-ROOKIE TEAM". Hockey East. March 9, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  45. ^ "Four players return to 2021-22 Division I men's All-American teams, led by three-time pick Dryden McKay". USCHO.com. April 8, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  46. ^ "Awards - NCAA (New England) Best Defenceman". Eliteprospects.com. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  47. ^ "Awards - NCAA (New England) D1 All-Stars". Eliteprospects.com. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
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