Jake Allen Bio
Jake Allen is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a goaltender for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the second round, 34th overall, by the St. Louis Blues in the 2008 NHL entry draft and won the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019. Allen has also previously played for the Montreal Canadiens.
Early Life and Background
Jake Allen was born on August 7, 1990, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. He grew up in a family that encouraged sports and competition, which fostered his early interest in hockey. As a teenager, he was also a promising young golfer, winning back-to-back junior golf championships on the same course where he worked before being drafted into the NHL. This diverse athletic background contributed to his competitive spirit and work ethic on the ice.
Path to Hockey
Allen began his hockey journey playing for the Midget “AAA” Fredericton Canadiens before being selected in the third round of the 2007 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft by the St. John’s Fog Devils. After one season with the team, he was traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs, where he had a standout performance, posting a record of 18 wins and three losses with a .933 save percentage and a 1.75 goals against average. His impressive play earned him the Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy as the QMJHL goaltender of the year for the 2009-10 season.
Jake Allen Career
Early Career (2010-2013)
Jake Allen signed an entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues on October 22, 2008. He made his NHL debut during the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, briefly relieving Brian Elliott in a game against the Los Angeles Kings. His first NHL start and win came on February 13, 2013, in a game against the Detroit Red Wings, where he recorded a 4–3 overtime victory. His early career was marked by significant achievements, including being named the best goaltender in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the 2013-14 season.
Breakthrough (2014-2019)
Allen’s breakthrough moment came in the 2018-19 season when he was part of the St. Louis Blues team that won the Stanley Cup. Although he began the season as the starting goaltender, he shared the spotlight with rookie Jordan Binnington, who took over mid-season. Allen finished the season with a 5–4–4 record, contributing to the team’s historic championship run.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jake Allen’s signature work includes his role in the 2019 Stanley Cup victory with the St. Louis Blues. He has also achieved significant milestones, including his 100th career NHL win and being recognized as the team’s annual recipient of the Jacques Beauchamp Molson Trophy during his time with the Montreal Canadiens.
Jake Allen Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jake Allen has received several nominations and awards, particularly for his performances in the AHL and NHL.
Jake Allen Awards Won
Jake Allen has won notable awards, including the Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy as the QMJHL goaltender of the year and the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL’s best goaltender.
Jake Allen Family
Jake Allen is married to Shannon, and together they have three daughters. While specific details about his family life are limited, it is known that he values family and often shares moments with them during his off-ice time.
Personal Life
Outside of hockey, Jake Allen has a passion for golf, which he pursued during his teenage years. He remains active in his community and is known for his dedication to his family and sport.
