Penn State men’s hockey defenseman Jackson Smith has been named the Big Ten Third Star of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday.

Smith played a vital role in the Nittany Lions’ turnaround weekend. After a 0-4 start to the season, Penn State men’s hockey was desperate for a jump start.

Jackson Smith named #B1GHockey Third Star of the Week following a 4-point (2G, 2A) weekend in a series sweep of Canisius!!

Read More https://t.co/GEDVSSIOdM#WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/GEsKco1DEY

— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) October 27, 2026

The Nittany Lions finally put games in the win column, sweeping Canisius 5-1 Friday and 3-2 Saturday at Pegula Ice Arena.

The star defenseman earned the conference’s third star after scoring in both games against the Golden Griffins and totaling 4 points in the series. His Saturday goal was the overtime winner in a triumphant comeback victory for the Nittany Lions.

Smith also extended his point streak to a career-high five games in the series and moved into fifth all time in goals by a Penn State defenseman with 13.

Smith has recorded two goals and five assists for seven points in just six games this season, making him second among Big Ten defensemen in points and fifth nationally.

Penn State continues its season by opening Big Ten play on Friday and Saturday against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Game times are Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m., both at 3M Arena at Mariucci. Fans can catch the series from home on Big Ten+.