Central STL News

Barret Jackman has taken on the role of Director of Alumni for the St. Louis Blues, a position that places him at the helm of the Blues Alumni Association. In this capacity, Jackman will be responsible for overseeing charitable initiatives and maintaining connections with former players. He will also continue serving as President of the Alumni Board, which includes members such as Kelly Chase, Paul Cavallini, Jamal Mayers, Chris Pronger, Paul Stastny, and Joey Vitale.

Jackman’s association with the Blues is longstanding. He played 13 out of his 14 NHL seasons in St. Louis and appeared in more than 800 games for the team. After retiring from professional hockey nearly ten years ago, he signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the franchise.

“This is where I became a man, where I matured,” Jackman told stlouisblues.com. “Anybody that’s worked in this organization knows it’s basically family.”

Jackman succeeds Bruce Affleck, who helped establish the Blues Alumni Association in 1988 and retired last summer after over thirty years leading the group. Under Affleck’s leadership, the alumni raised over $5 million for local charities and supported youth hockey programs throughout the region. The group also organized “Puck Cancer” Alumni games that generated more than $1 million for cancer research.

“Bruce has done an amazing job,” Jackman said. “If you ask anybody around the League, St. Louis has the reputation of having the strongest and best alumni group. He has done so much to raise money and, maybe most importantly, to support players with the mental and physical hurdles that come after their careers. My job is to continue that, find new ways to raise money for youth hockey, first responders, and local causes – and hopefully bring a little bit of youthful energy into what’s already so strong.”

Jackman was drafted by St. Louis in 1999 as a first-round pick (No. 17 overall) and won the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year during his debut season in 2002-03—the first Blue to do so.

“There’s a lot of learning, a lot of administrative stuff,” he said about his new responsibilities. “It’s uncomfortable at times, but I’ve got great people helping me out. It feels like being a rookie again – just without the rookie haircut.”

The sense of community among Blues alumni remains strong according to Jackman: “We’re so lucky – we have our own dressing room out at the Centene Community Ice Center,” he explained. “That was a big part of what Bruce brought to the table. He raised the funds and fought for that room. We skate three days a week; some guys just stop by for a coffee or a beer.”

Though originally from Trail, British Columbia, Jackman now calls St. Louis home along with his wife and children.

“It’s a big, small town,” he said about living in St. Louis after his playing career ended.“You run into somebody you know everywhere you go.People work hard; they put family and friends first.That’s what I want my kids to grow up with.”He noted how his son Cayden regularly interacts with current Blues players like Brayden Schenn—a reflection on how ingrained hockey culture is within their family life.

Reflecting on past highlights such as celebrating with fans during events like the 2019 Stanley Cup parade, Jackman recalled,“Brett Hull singing ‘Gloria’ – that was hilarious.But the biggest memory was turning onto Market Street and seeing that sea of people.That still gives me goosebumps.That day wasn’t just about winning – it was about seeing how much this city loves its team.”

Known among peers not only for his play but also humility—“I’m a quiet,humble person.I don’t like to be the center of attention.This job isn’t about me–it’s about helping the people who came before me and the people going through the same things I did.I’m just excited to be a part of that and help however I can.”—Jackman continues contributing both on-and-off ice.

With over 1,100 penalty minutes accumulated across more than 800 games—and now several years coaching youth teams—he aims to build upon an established legacy while fostering connections between generations within one of hockey's most active alumni communities.

“St.Louis made me who I am.Now I get the chance to give back.That’s pretty special.”