Tanner Glass, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent a decade in the NHL, known for his role as a gritty forward. Born on November 29, 1983, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Glass grew up in a hockey-loving family, which fueled his early interest in the sport. He played junior hockey with the Penticton Panthers in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) before moving on to college hockey with the Dartmouth Big Green in the NCAA.
In 2003, the Florida Panthers selected Glass in the ninth round of the NHL Entry Draft, 265th overall. However, he continued to hone his skills at Dartmouth College, where he played for four seasons. After completing his college career, Glass joined the Panthers' organization, making his NHL debut during the 2007-2008 season. His time with Florida was brief, as he played only a handful of games before being claimed off waivers by the Vancouver Canucks in 2009.
Glass found a more stable role with the Canucks, where he played for two seasons. Known for his physical style of play, he became a regular on the team's fourth line, contributing with his checking ability and willingness to drop the gloves when necessary. During the 2010-2011 season, Glass was part of the Canucks team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals, ultimately falling to the Boston Bruins in a hard-fought seven-game series.
Following his stint in Vancouver, Glass signed with the Winnipeg Jets in 2011. He spent one season with the Jets, continuing to play his role as an enforcer and energy player. In 2012, he moved on to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played for two seasons. With the Penguins, Glass was part of a team that consistently made the playoffs, although they did not capture the Stanley Cup during his tenure.
In 2014, Glass signed a three-year contract with the New York Rangers. His time in New York saw him continue in his role as a physical presence on the ice, often tasked with protecting his teammates and providing energy shifts. Glass's tenure with the Rangers included several playoff appearances, where his gritty style was valued in the high-stakes environment of postseason hockey.
After his contract with the Rangers ended, Glass signed a one-year deal with the Calgary Flames in 2017. He played a limited number of games with the Flames, spending much of the season with their AHL affiliate, the Stockton Heat. Glass announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2018, concluding a career characterized by his toughness and team-first mentality.
Throughout his NHL journey, Tanner Glass was known for his role as an enforcer and a player who brought physicality to the ice.
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