Powassan Voodoos captain Jackson Smith has committed to the University of Southern New Hampshire Penmen NCAA Division III hockey program, the club announced on Wednesday.
Smith joined the Voodoos as a free agent in January of 2024 from the North American Hockey League and has flourished since joining the Voodoos. The Calgary, Alberta product was named Voodoos captain this off season.
The overage defender has so many people to thank for this next step forward in his hockey development.
“First I’d like to thank my family and friends for growing me into the person I am and today,” said Smith, who has 2 goals and 12 assists for 14 points in 29 games so far this season.
“I would also like to thank all my former coaches with my development as player. Above all I owe a huge thank you to the entire Powassan Voodoos organization for giving me a chance when it seemed like I had no other options.
“From Chris Dawson, Steve Boyle, Braedon Hos and Trevor Wing along with all the other support staff as well as my coaches Peter Goulet, Vitali Yachmenev, Josh Hardman and Josh Dale I would not be in the position I am in today without them,” he continued.
“Lastly I would like to thank my teammates for welcoming me in with open arms and allowing me to be myself on and off the ice. Thank you and Go Voodoos.”
Peter Goulet, Voodoos head coach, learned about Smith from former Voodoos defender Mitch Wilkie.
“Now, after joining us just over a year ago, he’s on his way to Southern New Hampshire University to get his education and to play four more years of hockey,” said Goulet.
“It is a great story for a young man that was given to run around in this game. Jackson is a great young man. He’s been a solid captain and he’s going to do great job at Southern New Hampshire University with the Penmen, both as a player and as a student, we are all very happy for him.”
Smith and the Voodoos are back on the road this week as they travel west Friday to take on the Espanola Paper Kings. Then on Sunday they head to Hearst to play a make-up game on Sunday, February 16.