J. T. Brown (ice hockey)

Brown attended the University of Minnesota Duluth after playing junior hockey in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Waterloo Black Hawks. In 2011, he was named the Most Outstanding Player after winning the 2011 Frozen Four national championship with the Bulldogs.

Undrafted in the NHL, Brown signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 28, 2012. Upon signing with Tampa Bay, Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman said, "I'm anxious to see him play."{{cite web | url = http://www2.tbo.com/sports/breaking-news/2012/mar/28/lightning-sign-top-college-free-agent-jt-brown-ar-386112/ | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130203174531/http://www2.tbo.com/sports/breaking-news/2012/mar/28/lightning-sign-top-college-free-agent-jt-brown-ar-386112/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2013-02-03 | title = Lightning sign top college free agent JT Brown | website = tbo.com | date = 2012-03-28 | access-date = 2012-03-29 }} On March 31, 2012, Brown made his NHL debut in Tampa Bay's 3–2 overtime victory against the Winnipeg Jets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047913|title=Steven Stamkos scores NHL-best 56th goal in OT, lifts Lightning|first=Press|last=Associated|work=ESPN NHL|date=March 31, 2012|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129032242/http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047913|url-status=dead}} On April 7, he recorded his first career NHL assist in a 4–3 overtime win, also coming against the Winnipeg Jets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047834|title=Steven Stamkos reaches 60 goals as Lightning win season finale|first=Press|last=Associated|work=ESPN NHL|date=April 7, 2012|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024608/http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047834|url-status=dead}}

File:Hamilton Bulldogs - Syracuse Crunch - Bell Centre - 09-11-12 (3).jpg in 2012]]

On September 9, 2012, the Tampa Bay Lightning assigned Brown, as well as 17 other players, to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL), their top minor league affiliate.{{cite web|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=641434|title=Lightning Assign 18 Players to Syracuse of the AHL|first=Lightning|last=Tampa Bay|work=Press Release|date=September 9, 2012|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030000/http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=641434|url-status=live}} This was done in part due to the ongoing 2012–13 NHL lockout that cancelled the first half of the 2012–13 season until late January.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/06/nhl-labor-timeline_n_2420731.html|title=NHL Lockout Timeline: From The Start Of Bargaining To Tentative Agreement Being Reached|first=Press|last=Associated|work=Huffington Post|date=January 6, 2013|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106153351/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/06/nhl-labor-timeline_n_2420731.html|url-status=live}} On December 28, 2012, Brown sustained a shoulder injury in a 4–2 Crunch victory over the Norfolk Admirals. Prior to the injury, Brown had six goals, 17 points and four penalty minutes in 26 games for Syracuse.{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/content/tampa-bay-lightnings-jt-brown-needs-surgery-repair-fractured-collarbone-updated|title=Tampa Bay Lightning's J.T. Brown needs surgery to repair fractured collarbone (updated)|first=Damian|last=Cristodero|work=Tampa Bay times|date=December 29, 2012|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034556/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/content/tampa-bay-lightnings-jt-brown-needs-surgery-repair-fractured-collarbone-updated|url-status=dead}} It was revealed later in the day that Brown had suffered a broken collarbone, which required surgery to repair. Although expected to compete for a roster spot with the Lightning once NHL play resumed, the injury was expected to sideline him for six-to-eight weeks.{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightnings-jt-brown-breaks-collarbone-in-ahl-game-will-miss-6-8-weeks/1268287/|title=TLightning's J.T. Brown breaks collarbone in AHL game, will miss 6–8 weeks|first=Damian|last=Cristodero|work=Tampa Bay times|date=December 29, 2012|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034607/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightnings-jt-brown-breaks-collarbone-in-ahl-game-will-miss-6-8-weeks/1268287|url-status=live}}

On July 7, 2013, Tampa Bay announced that they had re-signed Brown to a one-year, two-way contract. At the end of the season, Brown had skated in 51 games with the Crunch, recording 10 goals and 28 points to go along with 27 penalty minutes. Additionally, he played in 18 Calder Cup playoff games with Syracuse, registering four goals and nine points to go along with 18 penalty minutes.{{cite web|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=677995|title=Lightning Re-sign Forward J.T. Brown|first=Lighting|last=Tampa Bay|work=Press Release|date=July 7, 2013|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030214/http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=677995|url-status=live}}

On September 29, 2013, Brown was reassigned to the Crunch by the Lightning as part of roster cuts for the upcoming 2013–14 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.syracusecrunch.com/news/2013/10/1/MHOCKEY_1001133357.aspx|title=Weekly Release — OCT. 1, 2013 — Vol. 20, No. 1|first=Crunch|last=Syracuse|work=Syracuse Crunch|date=October 1, 2013|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034924/http://www.syracusecrunch.com/news/2013/10/1/MHOCKEY_1001133357.aspx|url-status=live}} On November 11, 2013, however, Tampa Bay recalled Brown from Syracuse. Prior to being recalled, Brown was on a two-game point streak, with a goal and an assist.{{cite web|url=http://www.syracusecrunch.com/news/2013/10/1/MHOCKEY_1001133357.aspx|title=Lightning Recall Forward J.T. Brown, Defenseman Dmitry Korobov|first=Lightning|last=Tampa Bay|work=Press Release|date=November 11, 2013|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034924/http://www.syracusecrunch.com/news/2013/10/1/MHOCKEY_1001133357.aspx|url-status=live}} It was during this time that he received the nickname "Brownov" as the third player on a successful forward line with Russians Vladislav Namestnikov and Nikita Kucherov.{{Cite web |url=http://www.tbo.com/sports/lightning/bolts-notes-hedman-using-size-strength-to-become-an-offensive-force-20141011/ |title=Erlendsson, Erik. "Bolts Notes: Hedman using size, strength to become an offensive force," The Tampa Tribune, Sunday, October 12, 2014. |date=October 11, 2014 |access-date=January 10, 2016 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115705/http://www.tbo.com/sports/lightning/bolts-notes-hedman-using-size-strength-to-become-an-offensive-force-20141011/ |url-status=live }}

File:J.T. Brown 2014-03-22.JPG

On November 16, 2013, Brown scored his first career NHL goal in a 6–3 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes.{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/rookie-brown-seizing-opportunity/2152939/|title=Rookie Brown seizing opportunity|first=Damian|last=Cristodero|work=Tampa Bay Times|date=November 17, 2013|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034602/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/rookie-brown-seizing-opportunity/2152939|url-status=live}}

On June 6, 2014, the Lightning announced the re-signing of forward Brown to a two-year, one-way contract. He appeared in 63 games with the Lightning during the 2014–15 season, posting four goals and 19 points while averaging 13:02 in ice time per game. Brown also played in all four Stanley Cup playoff games in 2014, notching two assists in Tampa Bay's four-game series defeat at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference First Round. During the post-season, Brown was averaging 14:59 minutes in ice time.{{cite web|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=723974|title=Lightning Re-Sign Forward J.T. Brown|first=Lightning|last=Tampa Bay|work=Press Release|date=June 26, 2014|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030103/http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=723974|url-status=live}}

On May 3, 2015, Brown scored his first career Stanley Cup playoff goal in a 6–2 Lightning win over the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Second Round in the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-tbl/2015/05/03/2014030212|title=Lightning power play sparks 6–2 victory in Game 2|first=Bryan|last=Burns|work=Tampa Bay Lightning Beat Writer|date=May 3, 2015|access-date=2015-05-03|archive-date=May 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505075155/http://lightning.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2014030212|url-status=live}}

On June 24, 2016, the Lightning announced the re-signing of Brown to two-year contract extension. Brown played in 78 regular season games during the past season, recording eight goals and 22 points. Brown was tied for third on the team with a plus-16 rating. Brown set career bests in games played, goals, points, plus/minus and penalty minutes last season. He also appeared in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording two assists and two penalty minutes. Brown has skated in 198 career NHL games, all with the Lightning over four seasons, registering 15 goals and 51 points. He also has skated in 37 playoff games, recording a goal and six points.{{cite web|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=887114|title=Lightning Re-Sign Forward J.T. Brown to Two-Year Contract|first=Lightning|last=Tampa Bay|work=Tampa Bay Lightning|date=June 24, 2016|access-date=2016-06-26|archive-date=June 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630211204/http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=887114|url-status=live}}

On October 15, 2016, Brown skated in his 200th career NHL game, which came during a 3–2 Lightning win over the visiting New Jersey Devils.{{cite web |last1=Mooney |first1=Roger |title=Lightning goalie Vasilevskiy big when needed in first start |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightning-goalie-vasilevskiy-gets-first-start-of-season-in-game-2/2298291/ |website=Tampa Bay Times |access-date=May 10, 2021 |date=October 16, 2016 |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510081330/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightning-goalie-vasilevskiy-gets-first-start-of-season-in-game-2/2298291 |url-status=live }}

In his sixth season with the Lightning in the 2017–18 season, Brown was used in a reduced role. On January 13, 2018, Brown was placed on waivers by the Lightning after appearing in 24 games, and was then claimed by the Anaheim Ducks on January 14.{{cite web|title=Ducks Claim Brown on Waivers|url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/ducks-claim-brown-on-waivers/c-294947564|website=NHL.com|access-date=January 14, 2018|date=January 14, 2018|archive-date=January 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124744/https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/ducks-claim-brown-on-waivers/c-294947564|url-status=live}} Brown played out the season with the Ducks, contributing with 1 goal and 3 points in 23 games in a fourth-line role.

As a free agent from the Ducks in the off-season, Brown opted to return to his home state, securing a two-year $1.375 million contract with the Minnesota Wild on July 1, 2018.{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/brown-agrees-to-two-year-deal-070118/c-299360838 | title = Brown returns home, signs two-year deal with Wild | publisher = Minnesota Wild | date = 2018-07-01 | access-date = 2018-07-01 | archive-date = July 2, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180702011029/https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/brown-agrees-to-two-year-deal-070118/c-299360838 | url-status = live }}

When the 2020–21 NHL season began on January 13, 2021, Brown was without a contract. One week later, on January 20, 2021, he signed a one-year contract with IF Björklöven of the HockeyAllsvenskan league.{{cite web |last1=Kassman |first1=Mikael |title=Två nyförvärv klara |url=https://www.bjorkloven.com/artikel/uswiakk5i-2e4ad/tva-nyforvarv-klara |website=IF Björklöven |access-date=22 January 2021 |language=sv-SE |date=20 January 2021 |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120160744/https://www.bjorkloven.com/artikel/uswiakk5i-2e4ad/tva-nyforvarv-klara |url-status=live }}

Brown played with the U.S. national team at the 2012 IIHF World Championship. He scored his first goal against Kazakhstan on May 11, 2012.

File:Philadelphia Flyers at Seattle Kraken - December 29, 2023 - J. T. Brown (53432319994).jpg

On June 21, 2021, Brown joined Root Sports Northwest as a color commentator for the Seattle Kraken.{{Cite web|title=On the Move - to Seattle|url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/jt-brown-hired-as-color-analyst-for-seattle-kraken/c-325412684|access-date=2021-06-21|website=NHL.com|date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621171538/https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/jt-brown-hired-as-color-analyst-for-seattle-kraken/c-325412684|url-status=live}} On February 17, 2022, Brown and Everett Fitzhugh called the Kraken's game against the Winnipeg Jets. The pairing was the first all-Black TV broadcast in NHL history.{{cite news |last1=Stone |first1=Larry |title=Kraken's Everett Fitzhugh, JT Brown embracing history as NHL's first Black broadcast team |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/kraken/krakens-everett-fitzhugh-jt-brown-embracing-history-as-nhls-first-black-broadcast-team/ |access-date=February 17, 2022 |work=The Seattle Times |date=February 15, 2022 |archive-date=February 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216055714/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/kraken/krakens-everett-fitzhugh-jt-brown-embracing-history-as-nhls-first-black-broadcast-team/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|title=Seattle Kraken broadcasting duo makes NHL history as first all-Black TV crew|language=en|work=NPR.org|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/02/18/1081661673/seattle-kraken-broadcasting-duo-makes-nhl-history-as-first-all-black-tv-crew|access-date=2022-02-22|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221061639/https://www.npr.org/2022/02/18/1081661673/seattle-kraken-broadcasting-duo-makes-nhl-history-as-first-all-black-tv-crew|url-status=live}}

Brown was born in High Point, North Carolina,{{Cite web|date=2017-10-08|title=Lightning's J.T. Brown after raising fist during anthem at NHL game: 'I know I did what was right'|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/10/lightning-jt-brown-raise-fist-anthem-protest-nhl-kaepernick-support-awareness-racism-police-brutality|access-date=2021-02-05|website=For The Win|archive-date=April 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406092635/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/10/lightning-jt-brown-raise-fist-anthem-protest-nhl-kaepernick-support-awareness-racism-police-brutality|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=J.T. Brown|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/2952877/jt-brown|access-date=2021-02-05|website=ESPN.com|archive-date=October 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002015356/http://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/2952877/jt-brown|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=NCAA Frozen Four Records|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/frozen_4/2009/f4recs.pdf|access-date=2021-02-05|archive-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018101116/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/frozen_4/2009/f4recs.pdf|url-status=live}} and was raised in Rosemount, Minnesota. Brown is the son of former National Football League (NFL) running back Ted Brown, who played eight NFL seasons (1979–1986) for the Minnesota Vikings.{{cite web | url = http://www.twincities.com/ci_19541526?source=most_viewed | author = Charley Walters | title = Joe Webb rates higher than Christian Ponder | publisher = TwinCities.com | date = 2012-02-28 | access-date = 2012-02-28 | archive-date = April 26, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140426234629/http://www.twincities.com/ci_19541526?source=most_viewed | url-status = live }} In an interview, Brown gave credit to his father for having played a vital role in being able to push his game to new heights. Speaking about his father, "he has always been someone to lean on. He and the rest of my family always have always really supported me. I can't thank them enough."{{cite web|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=634925|title=The NHL's Viking Son|first=Clune|last=Walsh|work=Tampa Bay Lightning|date=June 6, 2012|access-date=2014-11-16|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030219/http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=634925|url-status=live}}

On February 6, 2015, Brown married Lexi LaFleur.{{cite web|url=http://www.tbo.com/sports/lightning/tweet-and-meet-lightning-love-story-started-online-20160213/|title=Tweet and meet: Lightning love story started online|first=Erik|last=Erlendsson|work=Tampa Tribune|date=February 13, 2016|access-date=July 27, 2017|archive-date=September 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903213420/http://www.tbo.com/sports/lightning/tweet-and-meet-lightning-love-story-started-online-20160213/|url-status=live}} The couple have two children.{{cite web|url=https://www.bardown.com/jt-brown-s-wife-shares-funny-fortnite-meme-that-we-can-definitely-relate-to-1.985594|title=JT Brown's wife shares funny Fortnite meme that we can definitely relate to|work=BarDown|date=February 1, 2018|access-date=February 1, 2018|archive-date=February 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202071940/https://www.bardown.com/jt-brown-s-wife-shares-funny-fortnite-meme-that-we-can-definitely-relate-to-1.985594|url-status=live}}

On September 28, 2017, before a preseason season game versus the Florida Panthers, Brown raised his fist during the U.S. national anthem, in an attempt to "bring awareness to police brutality and inequality for minorities."{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightnings-jt-brown-raises-fist-in-protest-during-anthem-before-panthers/2340305/|title=Lightning's J.T. Brown raises fist in protest during anthem before Panthers game|last=Smith|first=Joe|date=October 7, 2017|work=tampabay.com|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|archive-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008080405/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightnings-jt-brown-raises-fist-in-protest-during-anthem-before-panthers/2340305|url-status=live}} He did the same on an October 7 game also against the Panthers, becoming the first NHL player to protest during the anthem in a regular season game. He stated that he had "received death threats" after the protest.{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1393535-lightning-s-brown-i-have-received-death-threats-after-protest|title=Lightning's Brown: 'I have received death threats' after protest|last=Livingstone|first=Flip|date=October 8, 2017|work=The Score|publisher=Score Media Ventures Inc.|access-date=October 8, 2017}} In the week following, he and a few teammates met with members of the Tampa Police Department after receiving an invitation from the interim police chief.{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightnings-jt-brown-spent-day-with-tampa-police-heres-what-happened/2341175/|title=Lightning's J.T. Brown spent day with Tampa police. Here's what happened|last=Smith|first=Joe|date=October 15, 2018|work=tampabay.com|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018032918/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightnings-jt-brown-spent-day-with-tampa-police-heres-what-happened/2341175|url-status=live}} On October 18, Brown announced that he would no longer raise a fist during the anthem, but would continue to work to bring awareness around issues of police brutality and other racial inequalities and injustices.{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/jt-brown-wont-raise-fist-but-plans-to-do-more-in-community/2341522|title=J.T. Brown won't raise fist, but plans to do more in community|last=Smith|first=Joe|date=October 18, 2018|work=tampabay.com|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018201134/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/jt-brown-wont-raise-fist-but-plans-to-do-more-in-community/2341522|url-status=dead}}{{cite tweet |user=JTBrown23 |number=920707772420952064 |date=October 18, 2017 |title=Here's what's next.}}

In July 2018, Brown founded a charity marathon Fortnite event to raise funds for Hockey Is For Everyone.{{cite web |title=Brown raised more than $1,300 during marathon charity 'Fortnite' event |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/jt-brown-raised-money-for-charity-with-fortnite-event/c-299602500 |website=NHL.com |access-date=July 26, 2018 |date=July 26, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727084721/https://www.nhl.com/news/jt-brown-raised-money-for-charity-with-fortnite-event/c-299602500 |url-status=live }}

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{{Commons category|J. T. Brown}}

• {{Ice hockey stats}}

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{{succession box | before = Ben Smith | title = NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player | years = 2011 | after = Parker Milner}}

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Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:African-American ice hockey players

Category:American men's ice hockey right wingers

Category:Anaheim Ducks players

Category:IF Björklöven players

Category:Ice hockey players from Minnesota

Category:Ice hockey people from North Carolina

Category:Iowa Wild players

Category:Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs men's ice hockey players

Category:Minnesota Wild players

Category:Sportspeople from Burnsville, Minnesota

Category:Ice hockey people from Dakota County, Minnesota

Category:People from Rosemount, Minnesota

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Category:Sportspeople from High Point, North Carolina

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Category:Undrafted National Hockey League players

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Category:NCAA men's ice hockey national champions