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WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Historic Regular Season Behind him, Jacobson Turns Focus to Championship

February 29, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


An awful lot can change in the hockey world in 15 years. In that time span, the NHL has expanded by two teams, the WHL has seen three franchise relocations (twice by the same franchise), and hundreds of players have passed through the Manitoba U18 AAA ranks. But from 2009 to 2023, not one player in Manitoba's top AAA circuit broke the 100-point barrier. That changed in 2024 thanks to Jaxon Jacobson.

The 2008-born forward and top prospect of the Brandon Wheat Kings picked up his 100th point of the season on the second-last day of the campaign, then, for good measure, tacked on a few more points in the last game of the season. By the time he was done, he'd posted 106 points in just 35 games, the most by any U18 player since Dustin Boyd has 107 in 2001-02. Boyd, for reference, played 40 games that season.

"I did know (Boyd's) record and I knew I was getting close to that," Jacobson said. "It was pretty funny, the guys were chirping me about scoring the last one or two goals that game. I didn't realize it had been 15 years since someone got 100 though."

That was the bow on the perfectly wrapped package of the regular season for a AAA Wheat Kings squad that did not lose in regulation all season long. Jacobson started out the year strongly enough, but found another gear offensively as the season went along.

"There were a couple of games where we were struggling to score on a hot goalie," he said. "I felt that was a place where I could step up and make a difference for the team. We pulled through in most of those games, so I'm pretty proud of that."

After being selected 5th overall by the Wheat Kings in 2023, Jacobson had a season to remember in the AAA ranks. It started a little late following an injury suffered in preseason with the WHL club, but once he got going there was no slowing him down. He led Team Manitoba in scoring en route to their first ever gold medal at the WHL Cup, he led the Manitoba U18 ranks in scoring, and he posted six points in six games for the Wheat Kings in recalls to the WHL.

"I'm playing with confidence, and for translating my U18 game into (the WHL) it helps a lot," Jacobson said. "I'm not trying to change how I am as a player, but I am trying to get more responsible in the defensive zone because in the Dub some of those guys are pretty skilled."

It doesn't hurt that Jacobson has had Brady Turko and Easton Odut along for the ride both in U18 AAA and with the big club. In fact, with all three of those players both drafted and signed by the Wheat Kings, Jacobson is excited by the possibility that they might spend their entire WHL careers together after doing the same in AAA.

"We always find each other on the ice and know where each other are going to be," he said. "It's definitely easier to play the game when you're familiar with your linemates. It's going to be a lot of fun."

It won't be long before their WHL careers begin in earnest. Numerous observers have opined that, with six points in six games, Jacobson is more than capable of holding down a WHL roster spot right now. But before he becomes a full time Wheat King, his goal in the AAA ranks is clear.

"Winning a championship with these guys is the goal," Jacobson said. "Growing up, I've been playing with these guys my whole life. I know the U18 team has had a couple of years of tough luck in the playoffs, and this year it feels like we've got a chance to win with our group."

The AAA Wheat Kings open up their playoffs on home ice against the Eastman Selects on Friday, March 1. That same night, the WHL's Wheat Kings take on the Prince Albert Raiders at Westoba Place.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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