New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has named Jed Ortmeyer as Director of Player Development, Steve Eminger as a Professional Scout, and Ben Prentiss as Strength and Conditioning Consultant.
Rangers Announce Hockey Club Personnel Additions
Jed Ortmeyer named Director of Player Development; Steve Eminger named Professional Scout; Ben Prentiss named Strength and Conditioning Consultant
In his role, Ortmeyer, 38, will work with the hockey operations department, along with Adam Graves, overseeing the development of Rangers prospects, both on and off the ice. Ortmeyer will work with Rangers prospects who have yet to begin their professional hockey careers, as well as players with the Rangers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, to further enhance their progression.
Ortmeyer played 11 seasons of professional hockey during his career, including parts of eight seasons in the NHL (2003-04 - 2011-12). In 345 career NHL games with the Rangers, Nashville, San Jose, and Minnesota, he registered 22 goals and 31 assists for 53 points, along with 161 penalty minutes. Ortmeyer also skated in 17 career NHL playoff contests, recording two points (one goal, one assist) and six penalty minutes. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Ortmeyer became the second Nebraska native to play in the NHL. He was one of three finalists for the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2009-10, which is awarded annually to the NHL player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey."
Ortmeyer played three seasons with the Rangers (2003-04 - 2006-07) after he signed with the team as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2003. In 177 games with the Blueshirts, Ortmeyer recorded 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists), along with 76 penalty minutes. In addition, he helped the Rangers advance to the playoffs in two of his three seasons with the team. A fan-favorite during his tenure in New York, Ortmeyer was twice named the winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award (2003-04 and 2006-07), which is given annually to the Ranger who, as chosen by the fans, "goes above and beyond the call of duty." In 2005-06, Ortmeyer was a co-recipient of the Players' Player Award, which is given annually to the Ranger who, as selected by his teammates, "best exemplifies what it means to be a team player." In addition, Ortmeyer was selected as the Rangers' nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2006-07.
Prior to beginning his professional career, Ortmeyer played four seasons of collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan (1999-00 - 2002-03). He served as the team's captain for the final two seasons of his collegiate career. During his senior year, Ortmeyer helped Michigan win the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Championship, and he was named the Most Valuable Player of the CCHA Tournament. In addition, Ortmeyer played with the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for two seasons (1997-98 and 1998-99), and he helped Omaha win the Clark Cup in 1997-98.
Eminger, 33, joins the Rangers organization after playing 14 seasons of professional hockey, including parts of 10 seasons in the NHL (2002-03 - 2012-13). In his role, Eminger is responsible for covering professional games in the NHL, as well as minor league games at the professional level throughout the United States and Canada.
In 488 career NHL games with the Rangers, Washington, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Florida, and Anaheim, Eminger registered 19 goals and 80 assists for 99 points, along with 359 penalty minutes. He also skated in 20 career NHL playoff contests, registering three points (one goal, two assists), along with a plus-three rating and six penalty minutes.
The Woodbridge, Ontario, native played three seasons with the Rangers (2010-11 - 2012-13). In 142 games with the Blueshirts, Eminger recorded 14 points (four goals, 10 assists), along with a plus-four rating and 58 penalty minutes. He helped the Rangers advance to the playoffs in every season during his tenure in New York, and he also helped the Rangers finish in first place in the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference during the regular season in 2011-12.
Eminger was a member of several championship teams during his playing career. In his final season of professional hockey in 2015-16, Eminger helped the Lake Erie Monsters win the Calder Cup as AHL Champions. In addition, he helped the Kitchener Rangers win the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Championship and Memorial Cup in 2002-03.
In his role, Prentiss will use his expertise to help develop and execute training programs for Rangers players and prospects, both on the ice and off the ice. Prentiss is the founder of Prentiss Hockey Performance (PHP), and he has worked with professional and Olympic hockey players for two decades.
Since he began working with professional athletes after opening PHP, Prentiss has trained several of the NHL's top players. Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards, and Chris Kreider are among the current and former NHL players Prentiss has trained. Prentiss is among a select group of trainers who have earned "Level 5 certification", as he has trained a medalist at the international level. In addition, Prentiss has served as the Director of Hockey Performance for Boston University's hockey program.
