University of Massachusets Athletics
Making His Own Waves
February 14, 2000 | Hockey
Feb. 14, 2000
by Mike McComiskey
The Maroon & White
It's not easy growing up related to a legend. That's been the life of Jeff Blanchard, an alternate captain on the hockey team. His uncle is a fairly well-known hockey player here in this region. You might have heard of him. A guy named Bobby Orr. While it's hard to emerge from such a large shadow, Blanchard has done so here in Amherst, anchoring his place as one of the top players to come through UMass since it was established as a Division I program.
Blanchard's hockey career started at a very young age - skating at three and playing by the age of four. It just came naturally in his family, besides his uncle, his father, Ron, also played semi-pro hockey in Canada. He progressed through the ranks, eventually reaching the Jr. A level where he played for the Markham Waxers for a year before moving to the Caledon Canadiens for two years. At that point it was time to make a choice. Would he play major junior - which is still junior hockey, but players are paid - or would he play college hockey?
"I had been drafted by the OHL (Ontario Hockey League)," said Blanchard. "But, I wanted to play college hockey. A lot of people up in Canada think that major junior is the only way to go, but I had a lot of experience with college hockey, knowing a lot of former teammates who had gone to play in college, and I wanted to be a part of that. I really liked the style of play in college vs. major junior."
Blanchard's trek to UMass started when former UMass assistant coach Scott MacPherson spotted him playing for Markham, and then continued to follow him after he moved on to Caledon. The natural ability of the diminutive forward impressed MacPherson and the rest of the UMass staff and led to a scholarship offer, but UMass wasn't the only school interested.
"I was also recruited by New Hampshire, Clarkson, and Miami of Ohio," said Blanchard. "But what I saw at UMass was a chance to come in and contribute right away. I wasn't concerned as much with what the team's record was, I wanted to come in and be a part of building something special."
During his time at UMass, he has put up some very impressive statistics. After 20 games, he has moved into 12th place on the all-time scoring list at UMass and is fourth among players since 1993-94, with all three ahead of him (Rob Bonneau, Warren Norris, and Tom Perry) having the benefit of a season vs. primarily Division II and III teams to help their statistics. Blanchard is also the school's all-time iron-man, playing in over 115 consecutive games and missing just one in his career. The previous consecutive games played streak had been 79.
"The statistics are nice, but they're not what is important to me," said Blanchard. "It's a nice thing to look back on in the future, but wins are a lot more important. I would much rather go out with a Hockey East championship or even a trip to the FleetCenter [for the Hockey East Tournament semifinals]. As far as the streak goes, I've been fortunate with respect to injuries. I've just tried to play smart and always put in a consistent performance."
So, what have been memorable moments for the speedy forward? "The two games against Maine at home last year were great," said Blanchard. "Beating Boston University for the first time was special. The drive at the end of last year where we were winning a lot of games was a lot of fun. But mostly, just being surrounded by a good group of guys in the locker room here. I've made friends that I'll have for the rest of my life."
Following his graduation this spring, Blanchard plans to pursue a pro hockey career. If that doesn't work out, the sport management major hopes to remain in the sports industry, preferably in the front office for a hockey team. There's also one more potential career path down the road that his uncle has paved. Orr is now a player agent, which Blanchard says he might consider.
"Potentially, if he is still in the business, I would consider it," said Blanchard. "There are some other things, though, that I would like to try first."
Having input from the greatest defenseman to ever play the game has had its advantages. Since Blanchard has been in junior hockey, Orr has been their for advice and support whenever Jeff has needed it. Orr has also been a regular spectator at Blanchard's games, always drawing a crowd himself.
"He is a better person than he was a hockey player," said Blanchard of his uncle. "He embraces the crowds that come up to him and is always very good with children. He always seems to have time for the kids to sign autographs and answer their questions. He's always been very supportive of me."
While Blanchard's career at UMass is winding down, he can leave here knowing that he was more than just "Bobby Orr's nephew". He has left his own mark on the UMass hockey program that will last well after his four years are up.
