A gigantic defenceman who could move the puck as well as bodies, Jeff Beukeboom played parts of 14 seasons in the NHL. The 6'5", 230lb. defender won battles in front of the net and in the corners and was able to clear the puck out of his zone efficiently. Beukeboom played Junior B in Newmarket before joining the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL. He was a rock on the club and was chosen 19th overall by the Edmonton Oilers at the 1983 Entry Draft. Beukeboom was returned to junior and helped the Soo reach the Memorial Cup tournament in 1985. Following that season he was placed on the OHL first all-star team. He is a cousin of NHL player Joe Nieuwendyk, as well a brother of former minor-leaguers John and Brian Beukeboom. The hulking rearguard spent his first pro season with the AHL's Nova Scotia Oilers in 1985-86 the dressed for one playoff game in Edmonton. The next year he established himself as a solid physical presence on the Oilers' blueline where he remained for over five years. During this time Beukeboom was a part of Stanley triumphs in 1987, 1988, and 1990.



Beukeboom was traded to the New York Rangers early in the 1991-92 season in exchange for fellow defenceman David Shaw. The rugged blueliner helped his new club finish at the top of the NHL standings that year. Two years later he was a part of history as the Rangers finished at the top of the NHL standings again then won the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1940. Beukeboon remained in New York until 1998-99 when he was forced to retire after suffering a severe concussion. He was traded with Mark Messier to the New York Rangers for Bernie Nicholls, Steven Rice and Louie DeBrusk on October 4, 1991. At 6'5" 230lbs, he quickly established himself as a fan favorite and an anchor of the defense with his thundering bodychecks and willingness to protect his teammates, through fighting if necessary. He played on the top defensive pairing with Brian Leetch, and was an alternate captain. His steady stay-at-home play allowed Leetch to lead the rush and kept opposing players out of the goal crease. He led the team in penalty minutes three times (1992-93, 93-94, 95-96) and was on four Stanley Cup winning teams (1987, 1988, 1990, 1994). He was also known for his philanthrophy, including Ice Hockey in Harlem. He won the team Crumb Bum Award, given for service to local youngsters (1996). In 2003, the Oilers named Beukeboom an assistant coach of their American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Roadrunners.