Jed Ortmeyer (born September 3, 1978, in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.) is a professional ice hockey player for the Nashville Predators. He is a defensive forward who plays right wing and is known for his good work ethic and his shot-blocking ability; he wears number 41.
From 1999 through 2003, Ortmeyer played under coach Red Berenson with the University of Michigan Wolverines, in the CCHA. While at Michigan, Ortmeyer's teammates included future NHL players Mike Comrie, Jeff Jillson, Andy Hilbert, Mike Cammalleri, Mike Komisarek, Jeff Tambellini and fellow New York Rangers draft pick Al Montoya.
In the 2003–04 NHL season, Ortmeyer split time between the New York Rangers and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. He made his Rangers' debut on November 15, 2003 against the New Jersey Devils. Ortmeyer scored his first NHL goal with the Rangers on November 25, 2003 against Nikolai Khabibulin, then playing with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He went on to finish the season with two goals and four assists with the Rangers, but made a greater impression with his hard work and strong defensive play.
During the NHL lockout, Ortmeyer returned to the Hartford Wolf Pack. Playing with the Rangers full-time in the 2005–06 NHL season, Ortmeyer played on a line with Dominic Moore and Ryan Hollweg, known as the "HMO" line. The three players provided energy with their strong checking; however, the 2006 offseason the trade of Moore to the Pittsburgh Penguins broke up the line. Ortmeyer also saw time on the penalty-killing unit.
Ortmeyer's brother, Jake Ortmeyer, is also a professional hockey player. He currently plays with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League.
On August 14, 2006 Ortmeyer was sidelined indefinitely after he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.
On January 2, 2007, one day after his self-predicted return date, Ortmeyer returned to the line-up after a conditioning stint with the Hartford Wolf Pack. Serving in a limited role while recovering, he played 5:35 during two periods of action.
On January 13, 2007, in his sixth game since returning, he scored on a short handed penalty shot against the Boston Bruins to assure the Rangers victory. Jed has since returned to his regular role as an everyday player in the Rangers lineup and was honored with his second Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award in April for his outstanding commitment and hard work on and off the ice. He is also the Rangers nominee to win the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for his dedication to the game, evident in his comeback.
On January 29, 2007 Jed Ortmeyer posted a career high in points with 3 assists versus the Boston Bruins in Boston. Ortmeyer came into the game with three points (one goal) in nine games, following a 40-game absence because of the pulmonary embolism. He scored his penalty-shot goal in the Rangers' 3–1 win over the same Boston team on Jan. 13. The line of Matt Cullen, Petr Prucha, and Jed Ortmeyer completely dominated the Bruins. Prucha had 2 goals and 1 assist, Matt Cullen added two assists and one goal, and Ortmeyer had three assists, 2 to Prucha and 1 to Cullen, as the Rangers' third line dominated the first two periods. This is considered to be the best single game of Ortmeyer's career.
Ortmeyer was named 1st Star in this win over the Bruins.
On July 2, 2007, Ortmeyer signed with the Nashville Predators as a free agent.
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 2003–04 | New York Rangers | NHL | 58 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 16 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||
| 2005–06 | New York Rangers | NHL | 78 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 38 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | ||
| 2006–07 | New York Rangers | NHL | 41 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 22 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
| 2007–08 | Nashville Predators | NHL | 51 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 32 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||
| NHL Totals | 228 | 13 | 19 | 32 | 108 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|