OTTAWA – The re-tooling of the 2018-19 edition of the Ottawa Junior Senators took a step forward this week with the signing of 16 year-old forward Kyle Jackson. The Ottawa area product played his Minor Midget season with the Toronto Red Wings of the GTHL. Prior to that, he skated with the ISS Kings program in the United States. Senators management hopes that Jackson can fill a part of the void left by the loss of many significant personnel up front following a highly successful 2017-2018 season capped off by a trip to the Royal Bank Cup in Chilliwack, BC.
Jackson spent a significant amount of time skating with the Junior Senators following the conclusion of his season with the Red Wings and his tremendous progression over the winter months caught the attention of Head Coach, Martin Dagenais.
“Kyle spent some time practicing with during the latter part of last season and our staff was impressed as to how his confidence matured along with his puck skills. We think he has a bright future.”
The young forward had several CCHL options available to him, but felt that the Junior Senators program, on and off the ice, was a natural fit for him and his family.
“The Ottawa Jr Senators are a great organization and I look forward to learning and improving my game and playing with talented players.”
Jackson feels he can step in immediately and contribute to a team looking to repeat as Bogart Cup Champions.
“I believe I can become an impact player that can help OJS win another championship. I will bring a hard work ethic, positive attitude and I feel my play-making skills will help the team be successful. I can’t wait to get started.”
Long term, Jackson hopes to parlay his hockey talents into a spot playing at the next level. Whether that is within the ranks of the OHL or NCAA is anyone’s guess right now. The six foot forward tallied 27 points in 35 games last season and was a third round pick of the North Bay Battalion in the 2018 OHL Draft. Junior Senators staff has also had calls and inquiries from prominent NCAA schools regarding Jackson’s future plans.
Kyle Jackson and the rest of the Ottawa Jr. Senators will report for training camp on Monday, August 20th at the CIH Academy in Rockland. The regular season is set to open on the first weekend of September with the annual league Showcase at the Bell Sensplex in Kanata.
