Don Jackson

National Hockey League player and coach[9]

What is Don Jackson known for?

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 2, 1956, Donald Clinton Jackson is a celebrated American ice hockey player and coach, famed for his playing career in the National Hockey League (NHL) and later as a successful coach. Hailing from Kennedy High School in Bloomington, Minnesota, Jackson's foray into the world of ice hockey was marked by great promise and talent.

After his successful high school career, Jackson carried his passion for ice hockey to the University of Notre Dame, securing a scholarship no less. His prowess on the ice couldn't be ignored and in 1976, before he even graduated, Jackson was drafted 39th overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the NHL's Amateur Draft. His professional career kicked off in 1978, playing a couple of games for the North Stars and spending three seasons with their minor league team, the Oklahoma City Stars.

By the 1981-82 NHL season, Jackson was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. A major milestone in his career, he played 262 games for the Oilers, and in 1984 and 1985 contributed to the team's Stanley Cup victories. After the 1985-86 season, Jackson was passed on to the New York Rangers where he spent his final NHL season before retirement. Importantly, he represented the United States at the Ice Hockey World Championships in 1978 and 1979.

Post-retirement, Jackson didn't abandon his love for the ice rink. He transitioned into coaching, beginning with the Knoxville Cherokees of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in 1989. His successful stint with the Cherokees, especially during the 1990-91 season, earned him the recognition of Coach of the Year. His coaching journey led him to various teams including the Quebec Nordiques, Cincinnati Cyclones, Wichita Thunder, Kansas City Blades, Pittsburgh Penguins, and finally Chicago Blackhawks.

His most laudable stint as a coach was from May 2014 to May 2023, as head coach of EHC Red Bull München. His time in Munich was marked by significant success, clinching five Deutsche Eishockey Liga titles.

From his remarkable journey as a player to his successful foray into coaching, Don Jackson has left indelible American ice hockey legacy, rooted in his early days at Kennedy High School, Bloomington, Minnesota.

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