Imposing defenseman Jackson Smithknecht has committed to play his college hockey at Colorado College. Jackson had 6 goals and 13 assists in 28 games for Rogers High School last season.
Smithknecht has a great hockey frame, at 6’5, 190-pounds. He does not take his large size for granted as he uses it very well as he possesses a very large defensive radius. He has shown great gap control and the ability to effectively time his poke checks to disrupt plays and cause turnovers. Tiger fans will love his compete level and willingness to get dirty.
Smithknecht, who was drafted by the Sioux Falls Stampede in the 7th round of Phase 1 of the 2022 USHL Draft, is expected to be back at Rogers this season as they will be top contenders in the state and is projected to be in a Colorado College Uniform in 2025-26.
CC has shown a liking to recruiting heavy in Minnesota in the past and even had nine Minnesotans on their roster last season. Heck CC’s all-time leading scorer is the great Dave Delich of Eveleth, with 285 points. While Jackson won’t threaten that record he will be sure to keep his share out of the Tiger net.