The days of flying under the prospect radar are in the rearview mirror for defenseman Jackson Strukel, as he’s emerging as one of the top rising prospects in the state of Minnesota. The 2008 DOB has had a remarkable 2023, including being a key member of Hibbing-Chisholm’s Bantam A team, a squad that captured a Minnesota State Bantam A Championship. Strukel scored 2 goals and added 2 assists in the title game.
After the storybook ending to his bantam season, a year in which he collected 63 points in 48 games, Strukel kept the pedal to the medal and worked his way through the different phases of the Boys High Performance 15’s, playing extremely well for District 12 at the Spring Festival and earning him an invite to the CCM High Performance Summer Camp in St. Cloud.
Strukel was a clear standout in St. Cloud, and this is a camp that hosted most of the top 2008’s from around our great state, about 100 participants. Jackson showed a high compete level and the ability to efficiently move the puck with consistency. Although he only registered 1 point during the 6 games while at the camp, he demonstrated a hard-working attitude and applied high-pressure defense, giving the opposition very little to work with. Although he did not make the National Camp, his impression was left.
Strukel has continued to progress as he looked to be playing on a different level than his peers at the Bantam Elite League last weekend in Burnsville. Jackson had 5 goals and 3 assists in 4 games over the weekend, while playing stingy defensively in his own zone. His one-on-one moves have been smooth and problematic for defenders in the BEL, as Jackson uses his edges and shifts his weight with such effectiveness that his movement past opponents look effortless. His shooting as also shown growth as he has been sending darts at the net, releasing the puck quickly while labeling the corners.
The progress shown by Jackson this past year has been exceptional and given his skillset and determination,…. the progression will continue skyrocket.