Standing 6'3", defenceman Doug Jarrett was a handful for opposing forwards. Rather than resort to rough play, the lanky defender used his superior reach to advantage and generally stayed in position and out of the penalty box. He was also considered a clean hitter whose hip check was among the best in the league.
The native of London, Ontario played junior with the the Chicago-sponsored St. Catharines Teepees/ Black Hawks of the OHA. During his last year he often played the point on the power play because he was so cool and confident in key situations. Jarrett began an 11-year association with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1964-65. He demonstrated poise as a rookie and appeared in eleven playoff contests as the Hawks made it all the way to the Stanley Cup final.
Jarrett continued to play sound defense over the next few years and usually contributed approximately twenty points per year. One concern early in his career was a lack of stamina caused by a lack of starch in his diet. The Hawks decided to allow him to take in more carbohydrates and starches and play a few pounds heavier. He helped Chicago win its first ever regular season title in 1966-67 and was on hand when the team reached the finals in 1971 and 1973. In the early 70s he often formed an effective and physical defensive pairing with Keith Magnuson.
While he was in the middle of his eleventh season on the Chicago blueline, Jarrett was chosen to play in the 1975 NHL All-Star Game. Early in the next season he was shipped to the Rangers for veteran netminder Gilles Villemure. He battled injuries in 1975-76 and only played 45 games. Jarrett retired after playing most of 1976-77 with the New Haven Nighthawks of the AHL. A true workhorse, he appeared in 775 regular season games and 99 post-season matches in a fine career.
