Star Defenseman Jackson Smith Not In Penn State Men’s Hockey’s Lineup To Open Season
Penn State men’s hockey is already opening the season shorthanded without the likes of Keaton Peters and Cade Christenson to long-term injuries, but they’ll have one more key player unavailable as they start the campaign on the road Friday night.
Freshman defenseman Jackson Smith, one of several prized recruits for Guy Gadowsky’s coaching staff this offseason, has been listed as a scratch on the team’s pregame lineup card before Friday night’s action.
No reason has been given for why Smith was scratched, but he is listed there alongside Peters, Christenson, and Alex Servagno. Nick Fascia is in the lineup, paired with alternate captain Jarod Crespo on the third defensive pair. Omaha transfer Kevin Reidler is listed as the team’s starting goaltender, making his Penn State debut.
Smith was selected with the No. 14 pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets shortly after committing to Penn State. He is the highest-drafted player in the history of the program, joining the team after 54 points in 68 games with the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League in 2024-25.
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!
About the Author
‘Best Night Of My Life’: Adam Taliaferro Looks Back On His Beaver Stadium Return 25 Years Later
On September 1, 2026, we will be reminded that the tunnel was not the end of the story, but the beginning.
Penn State Football Quarterback Alex Manske Primed For Game Action Against Marshall
“He’s forced us to have to play him, and he’s been really good, especially with going through what he did.”
Alleged Leader Of Penn State’s Drug Trafficking Ring Challenging Denial Of Bail
Agostino Abbatiello is a former Penn State student and member of Sigma Chi.
Penn State Athletics Announces Temple Student Ticket Information
Students can purchase one ticket via the Student Account Manager.