Ian Cole

Ian Douglas Cole (February 21, 1989) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman. He is currently playing with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Playing Career
Cole was drafted 18th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Cole joined the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2007 after playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2005–2007. Cole played at Notre Dame from the 2007–08 season through the 2009–10 season, Cole finished his collegiate career with 69 points in 111 games at UND. During Cole's stint at Notre Dame the program qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2007, 2008, and 2009, including the school's first Frozen Four appearance in 2008.

At the conclusion of the 2009–10 season Cole turned pro and signed with the St. Louis Blues and was assigned to the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League, the Blues' top minor league affiliate. Cole made his NHL debut on November 6, 2010 after being recalled from Peoria on November 4. He scored his first NHL goal on March 9, 2011 against Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender, Mathieu Garon.

On March 2, 2015, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Cole from the Blues in exchange for Robert Bortuzzo and a 2016 7th-round draft pick.

On June 29, 2015, Cole signed a three-year contract worth $6.3 million to remain in Pittsburgh. In the 2015-16 NHL season season, Cole registered 12 assists in 70 games. In the post-season on June 6, 2016, Cole scored his first career playoff goal against Martin Jones of the San Jose Sharks in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Penguins ended up winning the Stanley Cup.

International play
Cole's first international experience came at the 2007 World Junior Championships (WJC) in Sweden. Cole added four goals and an assist in all seven games at the 2007 WJC, helping Team USA to a bronze medal finish. The 2007 WJC marked the most points Cole would score at the event, in 2008 he was held pointless and in his final appearance in the tournament in 2009 he finished with two goals and two assists.

Awards

 * 2009 – NCAA West First Team All-American