Jason Saal (born February 1, 1975) is an American former professional ice hockey player, with the majority of his career spent in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). He spent his entire career as a journeyman, also playing in the Ontario Hockey League, American Hockey League and United Hockey League.[1] Although he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 5th round (117 overall),[2] he never played an NHL game.

Jason Saal
Born (1975-02-01) February 1, 1975 (age 49)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position Goaltender
Shot Left
Played for AHL Teams
St. John's Maple Leafs
Portland Pirates
NHL draft 5th round, 117th overall, 1993
Los Angeles Kings
Playing career 1992–2006

Saal retired following the 2004–05 season to be closer to his family and spend more time with his daughter. Saal returned to the Detroit area to become a police officer.[3] Saal did return to professional hockey the following season playing 56 games with the Flint Generals in the UHL before finishing the year with the Adirondack Frostbite before fully retiring in 2006.[1]

His biggest career accomplishment was winning the 1995 Hap Emms Memorial Trophy, which is given to the top goaltender of the Memorial Cup tournament.[4] In 2018, he was elected into the ECHL Hall of Fame.[5]

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Jason Saal - Player Profile". Hockey DB.com. Retrieved 2010-04-28.
  2. ^ "Los Angeles Kings Draft Register". Hockey Reference.com. Retrieved 2010-04-29.
  3. ^ Kristy Shonka (2005-04-09). "Goaltender longs to end career with victory". Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved 2010-04-29.
  4. ^ "MEMORIAL CUP: A LOOK INSIDE THE RECORD BOOK". The Record.com. Retrieved 2010-04-28.
  5. ^ "11TH CLASS OFFICIALLY JOINS ECHL HALL OF FAME". ECHL. January 19, 2018. Archived from the original on January 24, 2018. Retrieved January 23, 2018.