Jackson Smith Shines as Penn State Hockey Sweeps Canisius

Penn State hockey defenseman Jackson Smith rebounded from a slow start to the season by delivering a strong performance that contributed to the team's first two wins. After four games without a goal, Smith scored two goals and provided two assists during a weekend sweep of Canisius at home.

Smith's standout moment came in Friday's 5-1 victory, where he achieved a career-high three points. He followed this with a game-winning goal just 15 seconds into overtime on Saturday, leading to a 3-2 win. His efforts earned him the Big Ten's Third Star of the Week, marking his first conference honor.

Head coach Guy Gadowsky emphasized the importance of Smith's performance for the team's success, noting that they are significantly better when he plays at his best. Smith, who was a first-round NHL draft pick in 2025, showcased his exceptional skating ability, which has been a key aspect of his game. As the Nittany Lions prepare for tougher competition in Big Ten play against Minnesota, Gadowsky expressed the need for Smith to maintain consistency in his performance.