Jeffrey David Hackett (born June 1, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played fifteen seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with Chicago Blackhawks. He served as the Colorado Avalanche's goaltending coach for three seasons following his playing career.
Playing career[]
Hackett grew up studying Patrick Roy and patterned his game after him. He was drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft after playing in junior for the London Diamonds and the Oshawa Generals. Behind Billy Smith and Kelly Macarthy on the Islanders' goaltending depth chart, Hackett split his first two seasons with Minnesota and the Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League. He led the Springfield Indians to a Calder Cup win in 1990 and was awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy, annually given to the most valuable player of the playoffs. Hackett signed with the Chicago Blackhawks prior to 1993–94 and he backed up Ed Belfour for several seasons. However, by the 1995-96 NHL season, tension was forming between Jeff and starting goalie Ed Belfour; which led to Belfour's trade to Dallas. His excellent play in 1996–97 allowed the Blackhawks to trade Belfour to Dallas in 1997; which leads him as first choice goalie. His only full season as Chicago's top goaltender, was highlighted by a career-high eight shutouts.
Post-playing career[]
On July 12, 2006, Hackett was hired as the goaltending coach for the Colorado Avalanche. After three seasons in that role, Hackett was fired on June 3, 2009.[2] Hackett now resides in his hometown of London, Ontario and has turned his attention to minor hockey. His nephew is NHL goaltender Matt Hackett.[3]