Jordan Sambrook has found that staying active comes naturally, both in-season and off-season.

For the Markham, Ontario, native, that often means finding competition beyond the ice. One of his favorite ways to stay conditioned is on the tennis court, where the game mirrors parts of his playing style in hockey. 

“My friends back home play – it's just a fact of whether they're good or not, but we always have a good time doing it,” said Sambrook with a laugh.

Even in the playful moments, Sambrook’s competitive nature never fully disappears.

That balance of competition and camaraderie defines Sambrook, whether he’s on the tennis court or the ice. While winning is always the goal, Sambrook values the chance to stay active and enjoy time with teammates and friends.

“Obviously, you want to win and play your best in whatever it is, but it's fun to get out there. I know a lot of the guys play pickleball as well, which is pretty similar,” said Sambrook. “It's fun to be out there after practice and just enjoy the sun and the game of tennis.” 

What started to stay connected with old friends back home began when Sambrook volunteered at a kids' summer camp eight years ago. He continues to spend his summers back home in Markham, keeping those connections strong.

“All my friends back home, we all love to play. We'll go out on a couple of nights a week, but it's something fun to do, and then we'll go there. Then we usually hit up Dairy Queen or something after a little treat. But yeah, I just enjoy it. It's fun,” said Sambrook. “You can play with all skill levels, whether you hit the ball hard or not; you just want to get it over the net. It's a good game.”

Hockey’s physical demands make offseason conditioning essential, and players often find creative ways to stay game-ready. For Sambrook, tennis provides both cardio and skill development.

“There’s a lot of running in tennis from the baseline to the net,” Sambrook said. “The ball comes over pretty quickly, too, so reaction time is a big part of it. In hockey, the puck comes at you fast, so being able to read it is another translation between the two. It’s a skill that can only help me in both.”

That well-rounded approach shows on the ice. Known for his two-way defensive style, Sambrook makes an impact at both ends, providing reliability in all situations while still contributing offensively.

His effectiveness is reflected in his numbers. Sambrook finished the 2024–25 regular season with one of the best plus ratings among ECHL defensemen. During last season’s playoffs, he added two goals and six assists for eight points.

In his fifth season with the Everblades, Sambrook’s steady two-way presence remains evident, as he leads the team’s blue line in scoring while maintaining one of its top plus-minus ratings.

Whether he’s tracking down a puck or covering the baseline, Sambrook’s approach stays the same: compete hard, stay sharp and enjoy the game. When the offseason arrives, the tennis court isn’t just a pastime with friends and family but another way for the defenseman to keep his edge.