Penn State sophomore defenseman Jackson Smith is already receiving recognition ahead of his second season in Hockey Valley.
Smith was named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Second Team on Wednesday, making him one of 12 players across the conference to earn preseason honors.
The Calgary, Alberta, native is coming off an impressive freshman season in which he established himself as one of the Big Ten’s top offensive defensemen. Smith earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors and was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection after recording 11 goals and 26 points.
His 11 goals led all Big Ten defensemen and established a Penn State single-season record for a blueliner. Smith finished tied for fourth nationally in goals among defensemen and tied for 15th with 26 points.
Smith was particularly dangerous on special teams. His seven power-play goals led all defensemen nationally while setting another Penn State single-season record at the position.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.His production carried into conference play, where Smith recorded 17 points in 24 Big Ten games. That tied Wisconsin’s Ben Dexheimer for the conference lead among defensemen. Smith’s nine goals in Big Ten action were the most by any blueliner.
Despite Smith’s individual recognition, Penn State will enter the season with something to prove. The Nittany Lions were picked seventh in the Big Ten preseason poll, behind Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio State and Notre Dame.
Penn State opens its 2026-27 season against UConn at the Ice Breaker Tournament in Storrs, Connecticut, on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
