Justin Danforth

Last updated

Justin Danforth
Columbus Blue Jackets at Seattle Kraken - 2024-01-28 - Justin Danforth (53502113377) (cropped).jpg
Born (1993-03-15) March 15, 1993 (age 31)
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 181 lb (82 kg; 12 st 13 lb)
Position Centre
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams		 Columbus Blue Jackets
Lukko
HC Vityaz
National teamFlag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
NHL Draft Undrafted
Playing career 2017–present

Justin Danforth (born March 15, 1993) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who can also play as a winger. He currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL). He won the ECHL Rookie of the Year in 2018 with the Cincinnati Cyclones.

Contents

Prior to turning professional, Danforth played four years at Sacred Heart University where he was honoured as AHA Rookie of the Year and selected for the AHA First All-Star Team, AHA Second All-Conference Team, and AHA All-Rookie Team.

Internationally, he has represented Canada at the 2011 and 2012 World Junior A Challenge and at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, where he won gold.

Playing career

Amateur

Danforth began skating at the age of four and played hockey around his hometown through the Oshawa Minor Hockey Association and later the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). Standing at 5 foot 8 as a youth, Danforth stated he was constantly told he was too short to play hockey, although this did not deter him. Before joining the OJHL, Danforth played for the Oshawa Minor Generals in the Oshawa Minor Hockey Association. [1]

After finishing his Midget AAA years with the Oshawa Minor Generals, Danforth played in the OJHL with the Cobourg Cougars starting in the 2009–10 season. In 2012, Danforth participated in the Central Canada Cup where he led the OJHL East Division All-Star Team to a tournament title and was subsequently named tournament MVP. [2] He was named to the OJHL Second All-Star Team at the conclusion of the 2013–14 season. [3]

On June 3, 2013, Danforth committed to play NCAA Division 1 ice hockey for Sacred Heart University while studying sports management. He stated that playing in the OJHL with the Cougars was critical to him earning an NCAA scholarship. [4]

Collegiate

Danforth began his rookie season at Sacred Heart during the 2013–14 season. He played in 36 games and led the team with 29 total points during the season. [5] He recorded his first two collegiate points on October 16 in a 3–1 win over Bentley University. [6] He helped the team qualify for the 2014 Atlantic Hockey Tournament where they lost in the first round to Canisius College. [7] At the conclusion of the season, Danforth was named to the AHA All-Rookie Team [8] and AHA Rookie of the Year. [9]

In his sophomore year, Danforth played in 38 games and recorded 22 points. [5] He helped Sacred Heart qualify for the 2015 Atlantic Hockey Tournament where they lost in the Quarterfinals to Canisius. [10] He was named to the 2014–15 Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team for having a 3.0 grade point average or higher while competing. [11]

In his junior season, Danforth picked up productivity and recorded 41 points in 36 games which set a new career high. He recorded his first collegiate hat trick in a 6–4 win over the Mercyhurst Lakers on January 16, 2016, and was subsequently named Atlantic Hockey Player of the Month for January after tying for third in the nation in points. [12] He ended the season being selected for the Atlantic Hockey All-Conference Second Team [13] and the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team. [14]

In June 2016, Danforth was invited to the Florida Panthers development camp which ran from June 11–15. [15] He returned to the Pioneers for his senior year where he was named an assistant captain and led the team with 32 points. [5] He recorded his 100th collegiate point on November 22, 2016, becoming the 13th Pioneer player to reach that milestone and concluded the season being named to the Atlantic Hockey All-Conference First Team. [16]

Professional

Danforth with the Blue Jackets being checked by Eeli Tolvanen of the Seattle Kraken in 2024. Columbus Blue Jackets at Seattle Kraken - 2024-01-28 - Eeli Tolvanen and Justin Danforth (53502113047).jpg
Danforth with the Blue Jackets being checked by Eeli Tolvanen of the Seattle Kraken in 2024.

After graduating, Danforth signed an amateur tryout agreement with the Reading Royals of the ECHL. However, after three games with the Royals, Danforth signed another amateur tryout with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League (AHL). [17] A few days later, Danforth signed another amateur tryout with an AHL team, the Rochester Americans. [18] His amateur tryout converted into an AHL contract for the 2017–18 season on April 22, 2017. [19]

Danforth spent the 2017–18 season moving between the AHL and ECHL. He was named to Team Central at the ECHL All-Star Game after leading all rookies with 37 points. [20] He was also named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team, All-ECHL Second Team and eventually ECHL Rookie of the Year at the conclusion of the season. Despite him spending almost two months in the AHL, he still ranked third amongst all ECHL rookies with 59 points. [21]

On May 8, 2018, Danforth left North America and joined Lukko of the Finnish Liiga. [22] He signed a contract extension with the team on February 27, 2019. [23] Prior to the 2019–20 season, he was named an alternate captain. [24] In the 2019–20 season, Danforth's 27 goals scored were second in Liiga, behind just Julius Nättinen. [25]

As a free agent, Danforth left Finland for Russia, agreeing to a one-year contract with HC Vityaz of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), on May 2, 2020. [26] In the 2020–21 season, Danforth posted 23 goals and 32 assists for 55 points in 58 games to lead the club in scoring and placed sixth league wide.

Following three standout seasons abroad, Danforth returned to North America and was signed to his first NHL contract in signing a one-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on May 3, 2021. [27] On November 15, 2021, Danforth made his NHL debut in 5–3 win over the Detroit Red Wings. He is the first NHL player from Sacred Heart University. [28] Danforth scored his first NHL goal on November 19, 2021, in Columbus' 5–4 win over the Arizona Coyotes. [29]

International play

Medal record
Representing Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Ice hockey
World Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2021 Latvia

In November 2011, Danforth was selected to Team Canada East at the 2011 World Junior A Challenge [30] where he helped the team win a silver medal. [31] He was again selected the following year for the 2012 World Junior A Challenge, [32] where the team placed fourth in the tournament. He won gold with Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Championship. [33]

Personal life

Danforth's father Kent played lacrosse as a youth and Danforth followed in his footsteps until the age of 15. [34] His older brother Brandon also played hockey and lacrosse growing up. [35]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2009–10Oshawa Generals AAA ETA U18 ——————————
2009–10 Cobourg Cougars OJHL 30002—————
2010–11 Cobourg CougarsOJHL4713233626102133
2011–12 Cobourg CougarsOJHL412227494052354
2012–13 Cobourg CougarsOJHL43223456429311148
2013–14 Sacred Heart University AHA 365242924—————
2014–15 Sacred Heart UniversityAHA387152226—————
2015–16 Sacred Heart UniversityAHA3620214122—————
2016–17 Sacred Heart UniversityAHA3710223253—————
2016–17 Reading Royals ECHL 31232—————
2016–17 Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL 10000—————
2016–17 Rochester Americans AHL52024—————
2017–18 Rochester AmericansAHL1523512—————
2017–18 Cincinnati Cyclones ECHL442831594020002
2018–19 Lukko Liiga 591834527372240
2019–20 LukkoLiiga5627336026—————
2020–21 HC Vityaz KHL 5823325550—————
2021–22 Cleveland Monsters AHL82350—————
2021–22 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 451041410—————
2022–23 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL62134—————
2023–24 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL7110162626—————
Liiga totals11545671129972240
KHL totals5823325550—————
NHL totals12222214340—————

International

YearTeamEventResultGPGAPtsPIM
2011 Canada East WJAC Silver medal icon.svg41014
2012 Canada EastWJAC4th510118
2021 Canada WC Gold medal icon.svg910112
Junior totals920222
Senior totals910112

Awards and honours

AwardYearRef
OJHL
Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge MVP2012 [3]
OJHL Second All-Star Team2013
College
AHA All-Rookie Team 2014 [5]
NCAA (AHA) Rookie of the Year 2014
AHA Second All-Conference Team 2016
AHA First All-Star Team 2017
ECHL
ECHL All-Rookie Team 2018 [21]
ECHL Rookie of the Year 2018
ECHL Second All-Star Team2018
ECHL All-Star Game 2018 [20]

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References

  1. ↑ Rellinger, Paul (December 9, 2012). "Hockey paves way to education for Cobourg Cougar". northumberlandnews.com. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  2. ↑ "Oshawa's Justin Danforth jersey on display at Hockey Hall of Fame". durhamregion.com. July 11, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  3. 1 2 "OJHL ALL-STAR TEAMS ANNOUNCED". ojhl.pointstreaksites.com. February 26, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Justin Danforth to Play for Sacred Heart Pioneers". cobourgcougars.pointstreaksites.com. June 3, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Justin Danforth". shubigred.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  6. ↑ "Pioneers Use Power Play To Take Down Bentley In Atlantic Hockey Opener". sacredheartpioneers.com. October 16, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2019. Freshmen Mitch Nylen (Lawrenceville, Ga.) and Justin Danforth (Oshawa, Ont.) each had two points in the game, their first points as Pioneers
  7. ↑ "Men's Hockey Falls To Canisius 5-0, Gets Swept Out Of Atlantic Hockey Tournament". shubigred.com. March 8, 2014. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  8. ↑ "Justin Danforth And Mitch Nylen Named To Atlantic Hockey All-Rookie Team". sacredheartpioneers.com. March 6, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  9. ↑ "SARJEANT & DANFORTH TOP AHA AWARDS". pointstreaksites.com. March 20, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Pioneers' Season Ends With 2-1 Loss At Canisius In Game Two of AHC Quarterfinals". shubigred.com. March 14, 2015. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  11. ↑ "SHU Men's Hockey Places 20 Pioneers On Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team". sacredheartpioneers.com. June 29, 2015. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Justin Danforth Named AHC Player of the Month". sacredheartpioneers.com. February 3, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Justin Danforth Named To Atlantic Hockey All-Conference Second Team". sacredheartpioneers.com. March 9, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  14. ↑ "Twenty Pioneers Named To Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team". sacredheartpioneers.com. June 22, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  15. ↑ "Three Pioneers Participate In NHL Development Camps". sacredheartpioneers.com. July 19, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Justin Danforth Selected to Atlantic Hockey First Team All-Conference". shubigred.com. March 9, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  17. ↑ "Sound Tigers Add Sacred Heart Product". soundtigers.com. March 15, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  18. ↑ "AMERKS INK THREE TO AMATEUR TRYOUTS". amerks.com. March 24, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  19. ↑ "AMERKS SIGN DANFORTH TO AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE CONTRACT". amerks.com. April 22, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  20. 1 2 "DANFORTH NAMED TO TEAM CENTRAL ECHL ALL-STAR TEAM". amerks.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  21. 1 2 "DANFORTH NAMED ECHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR". cycloneshockey.com. April 9, 2018. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  22. ↑ "Kanadalaishyökkääjä Justin Danforth Rauman Lukkoon". raumanlukko.fi (in Finnish). May 8, 2018. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Justin Danforth pysyy Lukko-paidassa" (February 27, 2019). raumanlukko.fi (in Finnish). Retrieved October 24, 2019.
  24. ↑ "Tapio Laaksosta kapteeni, Justin Danforth ja Toni Koivisto kapteenistoon". raumanlukko.fi (in Finnish). August 7, 2019. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
  25. ↑ "2019-2020 Regular Season Player Stats". Elite Prospects. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  26. ↑ "May 2 Transfers" (in Russian). Kontinental Hockey League. May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  27. ↑ "CBJ sign Justin Danforth to one-year contract". Columbus Blue Jackets. May 3, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Danforth becomes Sacred Heart's first NHL player". November 18, 2021.
  29. ↑ Hedger, Brian. "Blue Jackets outlast Arizona Coyotes in rollercoaster shootout win to start road trip". The Columbus Dispatch.
  30. ↑ Rellinger, Paul (November 7, 2011). "Justin Danforth to represent the Cobourg Cougars at World Junior A Challenge". northumberlandnews.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  31. ↑ "CANADA EAST MEMBERS HONOURED". ojhl.pointstreaksites.com. November 21, 2011. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  32. ↑ "Whitby's Troy Josephs, Oshawa's Justin Danforth make Canada East roster". durhamregion.com. Toronto. November 2, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  33. ↑ Portzline, Aaron. "'It's emotional for me': Justin Danforth's worldwide journey finally leads to NHL debut with Blue Jackets". The Athletic.
  34. ↑ "SM-liigassa häkellyttää jopa NHL-ennätyksen murskannut pikakiitäjä – oma luisteluvalmentaja jo 6-vuotiaana: "Aikaisia aamuja oli paljon"". mtvuutiset.fi (in Finnish). January 23, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  35. ↑ "Play Like there is no Tomorrow! Machinists Son Excels in World Under 19 Junior Tournament". iamaw.ca. December 21, 2011. Retrieved February 17, 2019.

Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com , or  Eliteprospects.com , or  Eurohockey.com , or  The Internet Hockey Database

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