Calgary Flames defensive prospect Eric Jamieson is rewriting the scouting report on his game with an unexpected offensive outburst during his rookie NCAA season. The Calgary-born defenceman has emerged as the highest-scoring freshman blueliner in college hockey with five goals for the University of Denver Pioneers.
From Defensive Specialist to Offensive Threat
The 20-year-old Jamieson was typically described as a hard-hitting, steady shutdown defenceman throughout his junior career. However, since enrolling at the University of Denver this fall, he has transformed into an unlikely scoring threat from the blue line.
Through 14 games with the Pioneers, Jamieson has accumulated nine points total, with his five goals leading all first-year defencemen in the NCAA. This offensive production comes as a surprise even to those familiar with his game, given his reputation as primarily a defensive specialist.
"Well, I don't blame you for lumping me in like that," Jamieson said with a laugh when asked about the unexpected scoring surge. "That other stuff is kind of the staple of my game. That's kind of my identity. But being able to sprinkle in some offence, that's part of it too."
Thriving in Denver's High-Volume System
The University of Denver Pioneers have enjoyed a strong start to their season, posting a 9-4-1 record and earning a fourth-place ranking in national polls. The team's offensive strategy emphasizes heavy shot volume, averaging 38.3 attempts per game, which has provided ample opportunity for Jamieson to showcase his shooting skills.
Jamieson's goal total through approximately one-third of the season surpasses most of the Flames' forward prospects currently playing NCAA hockey, including Cole Reschny, Cullen Potter, Luke Misa, and Trevor Hoskin. The only exception is Quinnipiac's Ethan Wyttenbach, who has scored eight times.
University of Denver head coach David Carle has taken notice of Jamieson's developing offensive game. "It's nice to see his shot and his own offensive instincts come through here as his game grows and matures," Carle noted. "Eric has a great shot, and we've seen that a few times this year."
Calgary Native Eyeing Professional Future
Jamieson, a product of Calgary's minor hockey system, was selected by the Flames in the sixth round of the NHL draft. His current performance with Denver represents significant development from his three seasons with the WHL's Everett Silvertips, where he totaled 27 goals across his junior career.
The left-shot defenceman attributes his scoring success to simple execution and team support. "Just getting shots through," Jamieson explained. "My teammates are all really good players, and they've been doing a good job of creating space for me, getting me the puck up top and having a good net-front presence, blocking the goalie's eyes. So I can just pick corners."
Jamieson's unexpected offensive contributions have provided a welcome dimension to both his personal development and the Pioneers' successful season start, suggesting the Flames may have found a more versatile defensive prospect than initially anticipated.
