By Joshua Boyd / USPHL.com
Garret Jackson was there in Palm Beach from Day 1. One of the original players on the 2021-22 Typhoon USPHL Elite team, he bought in right away to the development model presented by the father-and-daughter coaching duo of Joe and Baye Flanagan.
It struck a chord and the defenseman remained one more full season at the Premier level, and will be wrapping up his junior career with his mission accomplished – he is next going to play NCAA college hockey with Lebanon Valley College.
“I first started talking with Lebanon Valley at the USPHL Florida Showcase in December about possibly committing,” said Jackson, a native of Arvada, Colo. “Coach Parsons said he liked the way I move the puck and how I play in the defensive zone.
“The thing that interested me the most about LVC right away was Coach Parsons. He immediately reminded me of a coach that is just like Coach Joe Flanagan at the Typhoon. I love the more old school coaching style,” added Jackson. “Academically I was excited to hear they have the program that will get me where I want to go with the career I want. I am going to be majoring in Business Administration.”
Being within a busy season for the Palm Beach Typhoon, who are working feverishly to try to clinch a Florida Division playoff berth in this upcoming final regular season weekend, he hasn’t had a chance to get up to LVC’s Annville, Pa., campus.
“I have not done a tour yet but I’m very excited to see it in person and the pictures of it are awesome,” said Jackson.
In 39 games this season, Jackson has posted a goal and 12 assists for 13 points. He is also the Typhoon’s leading shot-blocker with 67, and he’s also second in hits with 35. His contributions are a big reason why the Typhoon have been hanging around the playoff conversation all season in a tough Florida circuit. His credit, of course, goes back to the Flanagans and what they’ve done for him to become the player he is.
“I love the Typhoon development model. It really pushes you to be creative and improve your skill in game-like situations at practice and this has really helped me with my hockey IQ and has helped me with my vision on the ice.
“The Palm Beach Typhoon are an amazing organization,” he added. “The coaching staff gives so much attention to its players and I’ve been lucky enough to be a leader there and be a Captain both my years here. There’s not much better than being able to play hockey everyday and then go to the beach after. I’ve only had positive experiences with the Typhoon.
His positive experience in Year 1 saw him play in 37 Elite games (posting a 1-6-7 line) and getting called up for nine additional Premier games, in which he added one assist. This upward mobility within one organization is one major reason why he selected the USPHL for his Path To College Hockey.
“The USPHL Premier is a great league and offers so many opportunities for players with showcases for scouting. In the Florida Division, especially, it is very competitive and it’s a battle all year long which makes it really fun to be a part of,” he said.
He is planning to continue to work on “just continuing getting faster and making fast decisions, because every time you move up you lose a little bit more time to make a decision.”
Lebanon Valley College will surely be getting a quick thinker, strong leader and tireless defenseman.
The USPHL congratulates Garret Jackson, his family, the Palm Beach Typhoon and Lebanon Valley College for his commitment.
