Jared Ross

Class of 2023

Jared Ross’s journey to becoming the first player born and trained in Alabama to reach the NHL is a story of perseverance, family influence, and unwavering dedication to the sport of hockey. Born in Huntsville in 1982, Ross was surrounded by the game from a young age, thanks to his father, Doug Ross, who became the head coach of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) hockey program in 1982. Doug, a figurehead in the local hockey scene, would have a profound impact on Jared's career both on and off the ice.

Despite being introduced to hockey early—Ross was on skates by the age of three—his childhood ambition was far from the rink. As a young boy, when asked what he wanted to be, Ross jokingly responded with “a basketball player.” Yet, it was hockey that would capture his heart, and his rise through the ranks would become a remarkable tale of determination and success.

Ross’s talent and drive led him to Detroit Catholic Central High School, where he was co-awarded the “Mr. Hockey” title in 2001, a recognition of Michigan’s top high school player. His stellar performance there paved the way for his return to UAH, where he became the program’s all-time leader in goals and second in points, cementing his legacy as one of the Chargers’ greatest players.

In 2005, Ross began his professional career with the Motor City Mechanics in the United Hockey League before advancing to the American Hockey League (AHL). After impressing with the Philadelphia Phantoms, he was signed by the Philadelphia Flyers and made his NHL debut on October 11, 2008, against the New York Rangers. Ross’s first NHL goal came during the 2009 playoffs, a testament to his hard work and tenacity.

While his time in the NHL was brief, Ross’s career spanned over a decade, including stints with the Chicago Wolves, Atlanta Thrashers, and several seasons in Germany with ERC Ingolstadt. His journey was an inspiration, particularly for the Huntsville community, which had never seen one of its own break into the highest levels of hockey.

In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Ross's character was shaped by his father’s values. Doug Ross, who emphasized character over pure skill in his recruiting, instilled in Jared a commitment to integrity, work ethic, and being a positive influence on those around him.

After retiring from professional hockey, Ross returned to Huntsville, where he now works for Leidos. His legacy, both as a player and as a person, is honored in the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame. Jared’s story proves that, with hard work and determination, dreams that seem far out of reach can become a reality—even in places where hockey is far from the mainstream.

This content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, based on original stories written the year of the honoree's induction by Board members and other contributors. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. Please contact the Hall of Fame with corrections.