Jack Eichel

Jack Eichel, a professional ice hockey player, serves as a center and alternate captain for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). Eichel's career took off when he was selected second overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He quickly proved his worth by scoring his first NHL goal on October 8, 2015, and becoming the Sabres' top goalscorer in his rookie season. Eichel's talent was acknowledged when he won the 2015 Hobey Baker Award for the top National Collegiate Athletic Association men's ice hockey player.

Eichel continued to make waves in the NHL, signing an eight-year contract extension with the Sabres in October 2017. His performance earned him a spot in the 2018 NHL All-Star game, his first of many All-Star appearances. Eichel's leadership qualities were acknowledged when he was named the captain of the Sabres in October 2018. He carried these skills with him when he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in November 2021, leading the team to win the Stanley Cup in 2023.

Throughout his career, Eichel has consistently performed at an elite level, scoring a career-high 94 points in the 2024-25 NHL season and being named a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy the same season. In addition to his NHL accolades, Eichel has represented the United States in various international competitions, including the Winter Olympics and World Championships. He won a bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships with Team USA and was selected to Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics, where they won gold for the first time since 1980. Eichel's success on and off the ice underscores his value as a speaker on leadership, teamwork, and peak performance in professional sports.