Best hockey player from each state

Jan 26, 2014; New York City, NY, USA; NHL former player Jeremy Roenick skates with youngsters on a miniature rink before the Stadium Series hockey game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

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Tennessee – Blake Geoffrion

Though he was born in Florida, Blake Geoffrion counts for the state of Tennessee. Geoffrion is the only player from Tennessee to make it to the NHL. One could say hockey is in his blood because his great grandfather is Montreal Canadiens legend Howie Morenz. Blake’s grandfather Bernard Geoffrion played for them as well. His own father did as well. Geoffrion was drafted by the Nashville Predators following a successful career at Culver Military Academy and a breakout performance at the WJC under 18s.

After his senior season at Wisconsin, during which he was the captain, he joined the Predators. Geoffrion made his NHL debut during the 2010-11 season. With Nashville, he had six goals and 11 points in 42 games.

He got to play for the Canadiens just like his male ancestors, as he got traded to them in the Hal Gill trade back in 2011-12. However, a head injury ended his career prematurely. Geoffrion scored two goals in 13 games for Montreal.

After his playing career, he joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as a pro scout. Currently he serves as the assistant general manager of the Cleveland Monsters, the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate. Geoffrion’s career was tragically short, but at least he got to continue his family’s tradition of playing for the Canadiens.

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