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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Sports Desk • Hockey

Jordan Spence

Jordan Spence is a Canadian-Japanese professional ice hockey defenceman for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Jordan Spence is a Canadian-Japanese professional ice hockey defenceman for the Ottawa Senators. He is the first Australian-born player to appear in an NHL game.

What it is

Jordan Spence plays defence in the NHL. He was drafted 95th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2019, made his NHL debut on March 10, 2022, and was traded to the Ottawa Senators on June 28, 2025. He is known for his puck movement and offensive support from the blue line.

Key details

Spence was born in Manly, Australia, and grew up in Japan before moving to Canada for hockey. He played major junior with the Moncton Wildcats and developed in the Kings' system. He is a right-shot defenceman, 5 ft 11 in, and has made both regular-season and playoff appearances in the NHL.

Why it matters

Spence's path to the NHL is unconventional—born in Australia, raised in Japan, developed in Canada. He now plays for a Canadian NHL team, the Ottawa Senators, making him relevant to Canadian hockey fans. His career highlights the growing global reach of hockey.

In short

  • First Australian-born NHL player
  • Drafted by Los Angeles Kings in 2019, traded to Ottawa Senators in 2025
  • Right-shot defenceman known for puck movement
  • Canadian-Japanese with hockey roots in Japan and Canada
Canadian angle

Spence has strong Canadian ties through his family and upbringing, including hockey development in Canada. He is also relevant to Canadian readers as a former Los Angeles Kings prospect who now plays for an NHL Canadian team, the Ottawa Senators.

Quick questions

Who is Jordan Spence?
Jordan Spence is a Canadian-Japanese professional ice hockey defenceman in the NHL, currently with the Ottawa Senators.
What team does Jordan Spence play for?
He plays for the Ottawa Senators.
Where is Jordan Spence from?
He was born in Manly, New South Wales, Australia.

Sources

  1. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/senators/player/jordan-spence-8481606
    Supports: Current team, birth date, birthplace, draft details, trade to Ottawa, and recent NHL performance.
  2. NHLPA — https://www.nhlpa.com/player/168/jordan-spence/
    Supports: Position, birthdate, birthplace, team, height, and draft information.
  3. NHLPA — https://www.nhlpa.com/news/spence-embraces-unique-background-in-non-traditional-path-to-nhl/
    Supports: Background in Australia, Japan, and Canada; NHL debut; first Australian-born NHL player.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/bio/_/id/4588190/jordan-spence
    Supports: Position, current team, height, birthdate, birthplace, and draft info.