Garret Jackson honed his game growing up in Colorado and playing with associations in Aspen and Boulder before finishing up with Ralston Valley High School.

The past two years, the Arvada native has taken his game to a new level in Florida with the USPHL’s Palm Beach Typhoon, where he has worn the ‘C’ both seasons.

Starting next fall, Jackson will climb the ladder again in beginning his college career with NCAA Division III Lebanon Valley College, located in Annville, Pa.

“The opportunity for me to commit to LVC came after a USPHL showcase in Florida,” explained Jackson. “Coach (Don) Parsons talked to me and expressed how interested in me he was and how much he liked the way I play. After a couple more months of LVC watching me, I got the opportunity to commit.

“The things that have appealed to me about their program is the head coach, the facilities, and the location of the school.”

Jackson noted that academics have always been a top priority for him and that he’ll pursue a Business Administration major at LVC.

Back home, Jackson said his hockey career began innocently enough.

“I started playing hockey because I saw my dad playing and my family would always watch the Avalanche and it was all I wanted to do,” Jackson said. “The Avalanche have had a major impact on hockey for me being a fan had truly made me fall in love with the sport.”

During his youth hockey days, Jackson played for the Aspen Leafs, Boulder Hockey Club and then Ralston Valley High School.

“The coach that had had the biggest impact on me is my (Typhoon) coach Joe Flanagan,” said Jackson. “He has provided me with so many opportunities and helped me become a better player and a better leader because I have been the captain there the past two years.”

Looking ahead, Jackson has the mindset to be successful.

“Some long-term goals are to really have a successful next few years at Lebanon Valley and be a real impactful player there,” Jackson said. “Some short-term goals for hockey are to finish my last year of juniors strong and try to take my team as far as we possibly can this year.”

Photo/Lori Haglund

— Matt Mackinder

(February 2, 2023)