After 3 seasons in Birmingham, Jacob Barber will retire from professional hockey. The Dardenne Prairie, MO native recorded 69 goals and 95 assists during his career in the Southern Professional Hockey League. He was selected as Rookie Of The Year in 2018 and to the 2019 SPHL All Star Team.
Playing Left Wing on the Bulls first line created an impressive tandem with center Josh Harris that fans in Birmingham will continue talk about when Bulls history is explained to new fans and while reminiscing about past glories.
"Jacob was a pure goal scorer that bonded right from the first game he was placed with Josh Harris." says Head Coach, Jamey Hicks. "It will be odd to see one without the other."
"We wish nothing but the best for Barbs as he starts the next stage of his life. He was a key contributor in our first 3 years and was a force in our run to the finals in 2019! " Continues Hicks. "Barbs also evolved into a player that played in all situation. He will be certainly missed."
Barber issued the following statement:
Hockey has been all I have known for most of my life. It has taken me places I never thought I would see and brought so many people into my life that I will forever cherish. The memories and life lessons I have learned along the way will stay with me forever. The decision to step away from the game was one of the hardest decisions of my life but I feel it is the right one.
First, I would like to thank the Birmingham Bulls organization for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream of playing pro hockey. It was truly an amazing organization to be with for the past few seasons. Thank you to the late Art Clarkson and everything he did for the Birmingham Bulls organization. Also, I would like to thank Joe Stroud, Michael Bell, David Koonce, and the whole front office staff for everything they did for me during my time there.
Next, I would like to thank my coaches Jamey Hicks, Craig Simchuk, and Craig Lutes. They believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play the game I love which I will forever be thankful for. Thank you to our athletic trainer Cody Miller and our equipment manager Ray pack for everything you guys have done for me over the years. You guys worked long hours and always made sure me, and my teammates were taken care of.
Furthermore, I would like to say thank you to the city of Birmingham and the amazing fans. It is one of the best cities to play in with the best fans and booster club members. Whether you were a fan or booster club member they always treated us like family. There are some truly amazing people in and around the Bulls organization and I will cherish the time I had there.
In addition, I must give a big thank you to my teammates. You guys have brought so many memories with me from the game of hockey and friendships that will last a lifetime. It was an honor to play with each one of you. I feel blessed and thankful that I got to play with so many great players and people. You guys are my brothers for life.
Lastly, I would like to thank my friends and family for everything they have done for me over the years. I would not be where I am today without them and all the support, they have given me throughout my career. No matter where I was playing, they traveled and supported me and my teammates. You guys are truly amazing, and I love you. Thank you for believing in me which gave me the opportunity to play the game I loved for so long.
As I close this chapter in my life, I am looking forward to what is next. I wish nothing but the best to the Bulls organization and the players coming after me. I hope they can bring a championship to this amazing city and fans.
Thank you to everyone that was a part of this journey!
Love you all!
Jacob Barber #15