Jamie Pushor, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round, 32nd overall, in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. Born on February 11, 1973, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Pushor honed his skills in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Lethbridge Hurricanes before making the leap to the National Hockey League (NHL).
Pushor's NHL debut came during the 1995-1996 season with the Detroit Red Wings. As a defenseman, he was known for his physical style of play and his ability to provide a steady presence on the blue line. During his time with the Red Wings, Pushor was part of a team that was building towards becoming a powerhouse in the league. Although he played a limited role, he was part of the organization when they captured the Stanley Cup in 1997, though he did not play in the playoffs.
In 1998, Pushor was traded to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, where he continued to develop his game. His tenure with the Ducks allowed him to gain more ice time and further establish himself as a reliable defenseman. After a brief stint with Anaheim, Pushor was claimed by the Dallas Stars in the 1999 NHL Expansion Draft, but he was soon traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Joining the Columbus Blue Jackets for their inaugural season in 2000-2001, Pushor became a part of the team's foundational years. His experience and steady defensive play were valuable assets to the young franchise. Pushor spent several seasons with the Blue Jackets, providing leadership and stability on the back end.
In 2003, Pushor was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he continued to play his role as a dependable defenseman. His time with the Penguins was followed by a return to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he played until the end of the 2003-2004 season.
The NHL lockout in 2004-2005 led Pushor to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Syracuse Crunch, the Blue Jackets' affiliate. After the lockout, he returned to the NHL for a brief period with the New York Rangers during the 2005-2006 season. Pushor's professional playing career concluded after that season, marking the end of over a decade in professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Jamie Pushor was recognized for his physicality, defensive reliability, and veteran presence.
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