Ben Lovejoy, known for his defensive prowess on the ice, enjoyed a solid career in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a defenseman. Born on February 20, 1984, in Concord, New Hampshire, Lovejoy's journey to professional hockey began in college, where he played for Boston College before transferring to Dartmouth College. His time in college hockey helped him develop the skills necessary to compete at the professional level.
Lovejoy's NHL career officially began when he signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He spent several years honing his skills with the Penguins' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, before making his NHL debut with Pittsburgh during the 2008-2009 season. Over the next few years, Lovejoy split his time between the AHL and the NHL, gradually earning more playing time with the Penguins.
In the 2010-2011 season, Lovejoy became a regular on the Penguins' blue line, known for his steady defensive play and ability to block shots. His role with the team continued to grow, and he was part of the Penguins' lineup during their playoff runs. However, in February 2013, Lovejoy was traded to the Anaheim Ducks, where he continued to be a reliable presence on defense.
Lovejoy's time with the Ducks saw him further establish himself as a dependable defenseman. He played a crucial role in the team's defensive unit, contributing to their success in reaching the playoffs. In March 2015, Lovejoy was traded back to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he would experience the pinnacle of his career.
The 2015-2016 season was a memorable one for Lovejoy, as he played an integral role in the Penguins' journey to winning the Stanley Cup. His defensive skills were on full display throughout the playoffs, and he was instrumental in helping the team secure their championship victory. This achievement marked the highlight of Lovejoy's career, as he lifted the Stanley Cup with his teammates.
Following his success with the Penguins, Lovejoy signed with the New Jersey Devils in July 2016. He continued to be a steady presence on the blue line, providing veteran leadership and defensive stability to the Devils' roster. Lovejoy spent two and a half seasons with New Jersey before being traded to the Dallas Stars in February 2019.
Lovejoy's stint with the Stars was brief, as he played the remainder of the 2018-2019 season with the team. After the season concluded, Lovejoy announced his retirement from professional hockey in August 2019. Over the course of his NHL career, he played in 544 regular-season games, recording 20 goals and 81 points, along with 101 playoff appearances.
Beyond his on-ice achievements, Lovejoy was known for his sportsmanship and professionalism. He was respected by teammates and opponents alike for his work ethic and dedication to the game. Following his retirement, Lovejoy transitioned to a role as a television analyst, sharing his insights and knowledge of the game with hockey fans.
🏒