“Will surprise us in a couple years” – Jackson Blake follows dad’s footsteps in NHL journey via Carolina Hurricanes

“Will surprise us in a couple years” – Jackson Blake follows dad’s footsteps in NHL journey via Carolina Hurricanes

Jackson Blake

Jackson Blake was excited to get his first taste of professional hockey when he first attended the Carolina Hurricanes development camp last month. The 19-year-old forward, who was selected in the fourth round (No. 109) of the 2021 NHL Draft, is coming off his second season with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

The youngster led his side with 77 points (27 goals, 50 points) in 61 games and will play this season as a freshman at the University of North Dakota. Jackson is following in the footsteps of his father, Jason Blake, who won the 1997 NCAA championship with North Dakota and was a two-time Hobey Baker Award finalist (1997, 1999).

YouTube video

“Last year, we didn’t get to have this opportunity, but this year has been such a blast,” Blake said, as quoted by NHL.com. “It’s such a great group of guys. They all push you. It’s super fun.”

FS Video

Also Read | “Seem like a little bit of fresh start” – Mark Scheifele excited for a new time at Winnipeg Jets 

“I want to be a little bigger and a little heavier” 

Jackson Blake (Middle) in action
Jackson Blake (Middle) in action

For those who don’t know, the senior Blake went on to play 13 National Hockey League seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks, scoring 486 points (213 goals, 273 assists) in 871 games. He accomplished it all with a 5-foot-10, 190-pound frame while Jackson, who is listed at 5-10, 152 pounds, is still learning to navigate.

“I think I handle it pretty well,” Jackson said. “Being this small, obviously I want to be a little bigger and a little heavier, but I think it helps me with my game because I think I’m a shifty guy and pretty skilled. I definitely want to grow a couple more inches and weigh in a little more, but other than that, I think it’s been fine.

“[My dad] never had the opportunity to get drafted, but after I got drafted, he said, ‘This is where it starts. You got yourself to this situation, but you have to push harder now.'”

Also Read | “Am giving it my all” – Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Dylan Duke shines with great intensity at development camp

Also Read | “It’s been a crazy month” – Johnny Gaudreau on life since signing seven-year, $68.25 million contract with Columbus Blue Jackets

Do follow us on:  Facebook | Instagram | Twitter