North Bay area goaltender Jackson Curran did not let being overlooking on the 2023 OHL priority selection or the 2024 U18 draft slow him down.
The 5’10” and 161 lbs. 2007 birth year goaltender spent the 2023-24 season in the Great North U18 League with the Sudbury Wolves U18 AAA program, Curran impressed with a 2.85 GAA and a shutout to his credit in 19 games.
He went undrafted by the Erie Otters, coached by former North Bay Battalion head coach Stan Butler took notice of Curran and brought him to camp as a free agent invite.
“I was pumped to get that invite, and I went there and worked hard,” says Curran on a summer episode of the Goalie Resiliency Podcast prior to the signing.
“It's a surreal experience just to be there because you’re seeing so much great talent that they have brought in. In Northern Ontario, you see players who are the best in this area, and they move on and so that just motivates you to be even better and push even harder.”
See related: Goaltender Curran eyes junior hockey breakthrough
Just before the beginning of the OHL pre-season schedule, the Otters announced they signed the hard working goaltender.
“Jackson adds goaltending depth to our organization.” said Scott Grieve, Otters director of hockey operations.
“We are happy to welcome the Curran family to the Otters."
Dr. Rob Graham has worked locally with Jackson Curran for years including this summer.
Graham, who is also a co-host of the Goalie Resiliency Podcast, believes Curran is a true example of what can happen with hard work and determination.
"During our podcast ‘Goaltender Resiliency’ we have had some amazing stories of goalies ‘overcoming and not being overcome’ by the considerable challenges of playing this position," said Graham.
"However, I would argue the Jackson Curran story at this early stage could rival any one of them. Of all the goalies I have had the opportunity to work with over the last 20 years, few have had the work ethic and the positive growth mindset that Jackson has had. Before Jackson attended the Erie Otters prospect camp as an invite I encouraged him to focus solely on making an impact on the ice, on the bench and in the dressing room…do that and good things will happen. There was nothing handed to Jackson…he earned it."
Graham feels his story should be a tremendous source of inspiration to other local goalies who may feel they are undersized and overlooked.
"I tell my athletes to ‘chase the experience and not the dream’ and something good could happen. In Jackson’s case he remained committed to getting better and doing better in the face of considerable adversity. Like so many local goalies before him…Ben Gaudreau, Colton Point and Kenny Appleby, Jackson is someone who can be added to the list of role models our up and coming younger goalies can look to for inspiration.’
Curran has signed with the Otters but is expected to play club hockey with the Niagara North Stars U18 AAA squad nearby in St. Catharines.
