Jake Guentzel Bio
Jake Allen Guentzel is an American professional ice hockey left winger for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the third round, 77th overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2013 NHL entry draft and won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2017. Guentzel has also previously played for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Early Life and Background
Jake Guentzel was born on October 6, 1994, in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in Woodbury, Minnesota, where he began his journey in ice hockey. Guentzel played two years of varsity hockey at Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, Minnesota, leading his team to a second-place finish in the 2012 Minnesota State Hockey Tournament. Following high school, he joined the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2012–13 season, where he recorded 29 goals and 44 assists for 73 points in 60 games. His impressive performance earned him the USHL Rookie of the Year award and a spot on the USHL All-Rookie Team.
Path to Hockey
After his successful stint in the USHL, Guentzel committed to play for the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college hockey program, starting in the 2013–14 season. In his freshman year, he was named to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Academic All-Conference Team and the NCHC All-Conference Rookie Team, finishing with seven goals and 34 points in 37 games. His sophomore season saw him help the Mavericks reach the Frozen Four, where he scored the team’s only goal in a loss to the Providence Friars. Guentzel continued to excel, leading his team in scoring during his junior year before deciding to turn professional, foregoing his senior year.
Jake Guentzel Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Guentzel was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and signed an amateur tryout contract with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, in March 2016. He made a significant impact during the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs, leading the team in playoff scoring. Guentzel signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Penguins on May 23, 2016. He made his NHL debut on November 21, 2016, scoring two goals on his first two shots against the New York Rangers. His rookie season culminated in a memorable playoff run, where he became the first Penguins rookie to score a playoff hat trick and helped the team win the Stanley Cup in 2017, finishing the postseason with 21 points.
Breakthrough (2017–2019)
The 2017–18 season marked Guentzel’s first full season in the NHL, where he recorded a career-high 48 points in 82 games. He continued to shine in the playoffs, scoring 10 goals and 11 assists in 12 games. In the 2018–19 season, Guentzel recorded his first regular-season hat trick and finished with 40 goals and 76 points. Despite the Penguins’ early exit in the playoffs, Guentzel’s performance solidified his status as a key player for the team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Guentzel’s signature work includes his contributions to the Penguins’ Stanley Cup victory in 2017 and his impressive playoff performances. He has been recognized for his scoring ability and has consistently been a top performer for his team.
Jake Guentzel Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jake Guentzel has received several nominations for his outstanding performances in the NHL, particularly during the playoffs.
Jake Guentzel Awards Won
Jake Guentzel has won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017, highlighting his successful career in professional hockey.
Jake Guentzel Family
Jake Guentzel comes from a hockey family; his father, Mike Guentzel, played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and later became an associate head coach at the University of Minnesota. His older brothers, Ryan and Gabe, also played hockey at various levels.
Personal Life
Jake Guentzel married his longtime girlfriend, Natalie Johnson, on July 30, 2021. The couple has one son. Guentzel’s family background in hockey has influenced his career, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the sport.
