Happy Birthday, Jack Hillen

by Dirk Hoag on Jan 24, 2012 11:01 AM EST in Discussions

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 24: Jack Hillen #38 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Winnipeg Jets at Bridgestone Arena on September 24, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Today we wish a Happy Birthday to #38 of the Nashville Predators, defenseman Jack Hillen (I'm going to see if I can make this a regular bit around here). Picked up over the summer as a depth addition on the free agent market, Hillen has fit in pretty seamlessly with the organization, providing a veteran option during those times when the kids get a little too crazy back there.

Jack Hillen

#38 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators

Height: 5-10

Weight: 190

Born: Jan 24, 1986

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG		SOG	PCT
2011 - Jack Hillen	43	2	4	6	+1	16	0	0	0		42	9.5

Did ya know...

Hillen plays guitar (no wonder he came here).
During his senior year at Colorado College, he not only picked up a slew of on-ice honors (WCHA Defenseman of the Year, WCHA 1st Team All-Star, NCAA West 1st Team All- American), but was recognized for his academic work as well (WCHA Scholar Athlete of the Year, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Team). His degree is in Economics.
Won the 2002 Minnesota State high school Championship.

Hillen's an opportunistic offensive presence at times, here scoring a goal back on December 6 against Phoenix which tied the game for the Preds; note the patience to use the time available and pick his target on the shot:

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Gotta admit

I was down on him for quite a while, but he’s been solid the last few weeks. Happy Birthday, Hillen!

by dnorm4 on Jan 24, 2012 11:10 AM EST reply actions

A month ago I would’ve said Sad Birthday Jack Hillen, but considering his improved performance, go ahead and have a Happy One.

by Lil cutie on Jan 24, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

Happy Happy!

World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer

by cisar on Jan 24, 2012 11:42 AM EST reply actions

Happy birthday Jack

Be sure to save a piece of cake for Anders

by jerseypredsfan on Jan 24, 2012 1:23 PM EST reply actions

Happy Birthday Jackie!

Hands go uuppp..... AND THEY STAY THERE!
-nashvillepredators-

by davisca on Jan 24, 2012 1:43 PM EST via Android app reply actions

Hillen looks like he's stoned in the second picture, always makes me laugh

by JBoogie22 on Jan 24, 2012 1:43 PM EST reply actions

And what’s with the super-white in the corner of his left eye? Weird picture.

"We want to keep beating them...to break their pride and break their season...is a huge thing for us." - David Legwand

by DonBorvio on Jan 24, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions

I think that picture was taken when he came back from the Ovechkin slap shot that broke his jaw.

by GoPreds00 on Jan 24, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

Hillen seems to improved alot since he realized his job isn't completely secure

by Herzausstein on Jan 24, 2012 2:27 PM EST reply actions

happy birthday hillen

i’m glad he’s here. don’t have the numbers to back this up, but it seems like when weber was out, josi became suters partner, and hillen worked with klein. this may have been when i finally felt our D was settled. i like seeing all his college accomplishments.

don't hate the 8

by predwheels on Jan 24, 2012 2:43 PM EST reply actions

Based on gut-feeling from what I remember, that pairing did seem to work out well. I definitely didn’t notice them for anything terrible, so there’s that… (although maybe they did do terrible things and I just didn’t notice, LOL).

Hands go uuppp..... AND THEY STAY THERE!
-nashvillepredators-

by davisca on Jan 24, 2012 3:35 PM EST up reply actions