Guide Note

Professional National Hockey League player Jason Blake signed a five-year contract worth $20 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2007 off-season. Shortly thereafter, in October of 2007, Blake was diagnosed with a rare, but treatable form of leukemia. He went on to play every game of the season and was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded each year to the NHL player "who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey."

Fast Facts

1. Birth date: September 2, 1973
2. Hometown: Moorhead, Minnesota
3. Position: Left wing
4. Shoots: Left
5. Jersey number: 55
6. Represented the United States at the 2006 Winter Olympics
7. Entered the NHL as a free agent, not via the Entry Draft