In June of this past summer, NHL prospect Jackson Smith saw a dream become reality. On a Friday evening in Los Angeles, Smith heard his name called by the Columbus Blue Jackets, marking the start of his professional hockey career. 

But it wasn’t just anyone who announced Smith’s selection. Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of NHL winger Johnny Gaudreau, was in charge of announcing the pick. Her husband, a beloved figure in the hockey world, tragically passed away after being struck on a bicycle by a drunk driver a year prior.

As the crowd in the Peacock Theatre rose in rousing applause to support her during her time of grief, with chants of “Johnny Hockey” ringing out, Gaudreau informed the league that Smith would be joining the Blue Jackets, the team that Johnny was on before his career came to a tragic end.

“It was incredible,” Smith said. “Especially being able to be called by [Gaudreau]. And you know, watching Johnny play in Calgary, it meant a lot to me.”

Just two weeks before Smith was welcomed to the show in Hollywood, he had announced that he would be committing to Penn State to continue his career. An impressive defenseman, Smith looks to be a key part of the Nittany Lion blue line in pursuit of a National Championship, while simultaneously preparing himself for his future in Columbus. 

“My main thing is getting stronger and faster, I think getting more NHL ready. Those are the two main things personally. Points-wise, all that just kind of comes with playing good hockey,” Smith said.

Penn State has benefited Smith very well thus far in helping him achieve these personal goals. With the Greenberg Indoor Sports Complex now open for student athletes, Smith has been able to adopt a newfound diet that will help him excel athletically.

“Greenberg opened up, and that’s been huge for us athletes,” Smith said. “I’m being a lot healthier out here, I think, because the healthy foods are more convenient now, so that definitely makes a big difference. And I felt my body had gotten a lot stronger.”

From a hockey standpoint, Smith has also adapted well to the NCAA. Previously a WHL player, he has noticed some differences between the two leagues in terms of on-ice play as well as preparation. 

“There’s a lot more that goes into pre-game and especially into how we play and our systems,” Smith said. “We have a lot more technology here than where I played last year, so there’s a lot more that we figure out about ourselves and how to be better. I think that helps a ton.”

Though he missed the opening series against Arizona State, Smith has been great since making his Penn State debut. Averaging a point-per-game in his first four games wearing the blue and white, he has been a much-welcomed addition to Guy Gadowsky’s squad.

“As the season goes on, I keep figuring out and getting more confident in my game. I think things just keep on getting better,” Smith said. 

Smith mentioned how he models his game after Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen, a player to whom he has drawn many comparisons. Smith wants to emulate Heiskanen’s defensive talent while also being effective on the offensive side of the puck. Improving his skating and being able to play a 200-foot game are the main goals of Smith’s.

Off the ice and in the locker room, Smith is adjusting quite well to his new teammates and the culture that comes with playing in Hockey Valley. Jarod Crespo is one player in particular who has taken Smith under his wing and supported him during the transition process.

“When I got here, he picked me up from the airport. I got to meet him first, and now I’m playing with him,” Smith said. “So I would say he kind of taught me a lot. It’s been super fun to be able to kind of learn from him, and kind of learn more about college through him.”

Freshman Gavin McKenna is another player Smith has gravitated towards. The two future NHLers competed against each other in the WHL and also played together growing up. Their friendship goes way back before they became teammates at Penn State.

“It’s way better to be on his team than not on his team,” Smith said.

In a few weeks, Smith and the Nittany Lions will head to Columbus to take on Ohio State in the team’s Big Ten opener. Smith will get the opportunity to play in the city he will soon call home. But for now, his focus is on the blue and white team from Pennsylvania.

While the future is bright for the young defenseman, Smith is embracing the present to maximize the future. No matter how far hockey takes him, Nittany Nation will always have his heart.

“No team showed me as much love as Penn State,” Smith said.