Wheatley’s Jackson Named Predators Captain
Ty Jackson, right, takes the ceremonial faceoff for the Lambton Shores Predators to open their 2014-2015 season – Photo by Lori and Wayne Brown Photos
According to Jackson, an 18-year-old who two seasons ago played for Williston Northampton Prep School in Massachusetts, he’s ready to take on the role of captain, and lead an inexperienced Predators team, which he refers to as “young but talented.”
“Every game, every shift comes with a new sense of responsibility. The responsibility to continually perform to the best of my abilities, maintain a positive attitude, and lead a young but very talented squad to a winning season,” says Jackson of his role as captain.
Last season with the Predators, Jackson had 5 goals and 11 assists in 39 games. On the ice, Jackson sees himself leading by example through his defensive game, but also aims to increase his offensive output this season.
“My defensive game has always been my strongest aspect, while maintaining a defensively reliable game this season I also look to increase my point production to help put this team in more winning positions,” explained Jackson.
Jackson points to an overall culture change in Lambton Shores, spearheaded by head coach Don Dickson, which he is excited to be a part of this year.
“What Don Dickson has done this year is rebuild our team with character players who want to come to the rink every night hungry for a win,” says Jackson. “It’s not about winning the odd game, or possibly making it to the playoffs this year. It will be about changing our game to prevent the odd game we lose and how far we can make it into the playoffs.”
It’s that winning attitude, that Jackson hopes to instil in the younger Predators, who now include Chatham’s Drew Marlatt, former Chatham-Kent Cyclones goalie Anthony Hurtubise, and Mike Zottl, another former Cyclone who was the Wallaceburg Lakers’ underage player last season.
“What we lack in age we make up for in skill and speed,” says Jackson. “I’m proud to lead this team and am excited to see what this season brings for me as captain and for the Predators organization.”
Jackson has two assists for the Predators who are 1-1 to open the season.