Born on March 9, 1978 in Omaha, Nebraska, Jed Ortmeyer's passion for hockey began at a young age. He honed his skills playing junior hockey with the United States Hockey League team, the Omaha Lancers. Ortmeyer quickly made a name for himself as a talented right winger with a fierce work ethic and dedication to the game.
Ortmeyer's hard work paid off when he was drafted by the New York Rangers in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Rangers during the 2003-2004 season and quickly became a fan favorite for his gritty style of play. Ortmeyer's tenacity on the ice earned him the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award in both 2004 and 2007, as voted on by New York Rangers fans.
In addition to his time with the Rangers, Ortmeyer also had stints with teams like the Minnesota Wild and the San Jose Sharks. He was known for his leadership skills and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Off the ice, Ortmeyer found happiness in his personal life when he married Maggie Jacobson in July 2009. He credits his wife for being his biggest supporter throughout his hockey career.
Ortmeyer's dedication to the game and his team-first mentality made him a respected figure in the hockey world. He was known for his work ethic, leadership, and willingness to do whatever it took to help his team succeed.
Although his playing career eventually came to an end, Ortmeyer's impact on the sport continues to be felt. He remains involved in the hockey community, working to inspire the next generation of players and passing on the lessons he learned throughout his career.
Jed Ortmeyer may have hung up his skates, but his legacy as a player, teammate, and leader lives on in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere.
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