Jeffery Lee Carlson (born July 20, 1953) is a former professional American ice hockey forward.
Carlson is best known for his role in the movie Slap Shot as one of the Hanson Brothers. Carlson also played in the World Hockey Association with the Minnesota Fighting Saints along with stints in several other professional leagues, including the International Hockey LeagueâÂÂs Muskegon Mohawks. In total, he played nine seasons of professional hockey. Carlson is a Chief Executive Officer at MetaVista3D, and a director at Future Tech Now Corporation.
Jeff Carlson was born in Virginia, Minnesota along with his two brothers Steve and Jack. The brothers first played together on the Marquette Iron Rangers hockey team in Marquette, Michigan. Jeff Carlson also played in the World Hockey Association with the Minnesota Fighting Saints. He too was also known for "dropping the gloves."
Before being signed to the Minnesota Fighting Saints, Jeff and his brothers attended their training camp where all of them were told to gain more playing experience before the Saints would officially sign them. Thus, Jeff and his brothers drove to Marquette, signed, gained experience, and then moved on to play for the Fighting Saints.
The Hanson Brothers characters from the hockey movie Slap Shot are recognized in sports film history. Jeff, who played "Jeff Hanson" in the film, is described as part of a unit that traveled to participate in the sport and meet audiences. Jeff had a career as a professional hockey player; during this time, he and his two costars lived in three separate cities. Jeff periodically reunited with the others for fan events. Jeff and the other actors appeared in sequels to Slap Shot and continued to represent their characters and the films.