Blake Hillman Bio
Blake Hillman is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who plays for the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League (AHL). He was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round, 173rd overall, in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Hillman contributed to his team’s success while playing three years at the University of Denver, where he was a member of the 2017 NCAA Champion Denver Pioneers.
After completing his collegiate career, Hillman signed with the Blackhawks and made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut in 2018. He continues to compete professionally in North America, building a steady career across multiple leagues including the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.
Early Life and Background
Blake Hillman was born on January 26, 1996, in Elk River, Minnesota, USA. Elk River is located in the northern part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area and is known for producing several athletes across various sports. Growing up in Minnesota, a state with a deep-rooted hockey culture, Hillman was naturally exposed to the sport from a young age.
Minnesota has long been considered one of the heartlands of American hockey, with countless youth rinks and competitive programs available to young players. This environment provided Hillman with the foundation needed to develop his skills as a defenseman. His early development within this competitive landscape prepared him for the next steps in his hockey journey.
Path to Hockey
Before reaching the collegiate level, Hillman played two seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL), which is the top junior ice hockey league in the United States. During this time, he suited up for the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the Waterloo Black Hawks, gaining valuable experience against high-level competition.
Following his time in the USHL, Hillman committed to the University of Denver, where he played three seasons of college hockey. While at Denver, he was a member of the 2017 NCAA Champion Denver Pioneers, a significant achievement that highlighted his contributions to one of the most successful college hockey programs in the country. His performance at Denver helped elevate his profile leading up to the NHL Draft.
Blake Hillman Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Blake Hillman was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round, 173rd overall, at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. After completing his junior year at the University of Denver, he signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on March 27, 2018. The contract marked his official transition from collegiate hockey to professional play.
Shortly after signing, Hillman made his NHL debut on March 30, 2018, appearing in a game between the Blackhawks and the Colorado Avalanche. Just days later, on April 4, 2018, he recorded his first career NHL goal in a game against the St. Louis Blues, contributing to a 4–3 victory for Chicago. These early appearances demonstrated his readiness to compete at the highest level.
Chicago Blackhawks Era (2018–2019)
Hillman began his professional career with the Chicago Blackhawks organization, joining a team with a strong tradition of success. His brief NHL stint during the 2017–18 season provided a glimpse of his potential as a steady, two-way defenseman. Despite limited NHL opportunities, he continued to develop within the organization’s system.
As an impending restricted free agent, Hillman was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Blackhawks, which released him as a free agent on June 25, 2019. This marked the end of his initial chapter with Chicago and opened the door for new opportunities across other professional leagues.
ECHL and AHL Transitions (2019–2022)
Following his release from the Blackhawks, Hillman signed a one-year contract with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL on July 26, 2019. During the 2019–20 season, he contributed 13 points through 35 regular season games with the Walleye. He also accepted two AHL tryout contracts, joining the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Stockton Heat on loan, which allowed him to test his skills at a higher level.
On January 20, 2021, Hillman extended his professional career by signing with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL for the 2020–21 season. Following the 2021–22 season, having played with both the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL and the Grand Rapids Griffins and Providence Bruins in the AHL, Hillman continued to demonstrate resilience and adaptability across multiple organizations.
Hartford Wolf Pack Era (2022–Present)
On July 6, 2022, Hillman signed a one-year AHL contract with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the top affiliate of the New York Rangers. This move represented a fresh chapter in his career, joining one of the most historic franchises in the AHL. His experience and defensive reliability made him a valuable addition to the Hartford roster.
Since joining the Wolf Pack, Hillman has continued to contribute as a steady defensive presence. His journey through multiple professional leagues reflects his perseverance and commitment to the sport. He remains an active player within the New York Rangers organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Blake Hillman is recognized as a reliable, two-way defenseman who combines positional awareness with a steady physical presence. His college and junior background provided him with strong defensive fundamentals, while his experience in multiple professional leagues has sharpened his adaptability and game management skills.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Blake Hillman’s career are his 2017 NCAA Championship with the University of Denver, his 2014 World Junior A Challenge gold medal representing Team USA, and his first NHL goal scored on April 4, 2018, against the St. Louis Blues. These achievements underscore his consistent development as a professional defenseman.
Blake Hillman Career Wins
Blake Hillman’s career is marked by several team accomplishments and individual milestones. He helped Team USA capture a gold medal at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge and contributed to the University of Denver’s 2017 NCAA Championship. While individual goal and assist totals vary across leagues, his role as a dependable defenseman has been a consistent feature of his professional journey.
NCAA and Junior Highlights
During his time at the University of Denver, Hillman was part of a championship-winning team in 2017, a defining moment in his collegiate career. Prior to that, his selection to represent Team USA at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge demonstrated his standing among the top young American defensemen of his generation.
Professional Performances
In the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye, Hillman posted 13 points across 35 games during the 2019–20 season, showcasing his offensive contributions from the blue line. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive responsibilities has been a hallmark of his professional career.
Blake Hillman Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Blake Hillman was raised in Elk River, Minnesota, a community known for its strong athletic culture. Details about his parents and immediate family are not widely publicized, and he has maintained a private personal life throughout his career.
Personal Life
Information regarding Blake Hillman’s spouse, marital status, and children is not publicly available. He continues to focus on his professional hockey career, balancing time between team commitments and his personal pursuits.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Blake Hillman continues his tenure with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, serving as an experienced defenseman within the New York Rangers organization. His veteran presence provides stability on the blue line and mentorship for younger players on the roster.
Throughout the season, Hillman’s role has been centered on defensive responsibility, penalty killing, and supporting the team’s overall structure. His familiarity with the league and its demands allows him to contribute consistently in high-pressure situations.
Looking ahead, Hillman remains focused on helping the Wolf Pack compete for a strong playoff position and continuing to develop within the Rangers’ system. His journey from sixth-round draft pick to reliable professional defenseman stands as a testament to his dedication and work ethic.