By Pat Welter

Whatever Jackson Blake lacks in size, he makes up for in speed. He’s especially agile in small spaces, both with his feet and his hands.

“That’s just always been a big part of my game, I’ve usually been a smaller guy,” Blake said. “Growing up I was always small, so I think that helped growing up. Just got used to it as a kid and now playing against grown men trying to put you into the boards every single time.”

Like father, like son.

“For me it was just a fast game,” Jason Blake said. “I gave 110% every shift, I just used my speed, I feel like I was one of the quickest guys in the league at that time.”

Jackson is of course the son of former NHL forward Jason Blake who played in the league from 1998 to 2012 for the Kings, Islanders, Maple Leafs, and Ducks. He scored at least 20 goals between 2002 and 2007, with a career high 40 goals in the 2006-07 season with the Islanders. Jason is listed at 5’10, Jackson at 5’11.

“If I look at Jackson, he’s way more skilled than I ever was,” Jason laughed.

At just 21 years old, Jackson was a bit of a surprise addition to the Carolina Hurricanes roster this season going straight from the University of North Dakota to the NHL, but you could argue he’s exceeded even the team’s expectations.

“Obviously you knew there was a lot of talent there,” Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “Coming into the NHL is a whole other level so, he’s just gotten better and better. The way I put it, he’s earned his way up the ladder and clearly deserves where he’s playing.”

In his rookie season Jackson scored 17 goals with 17 assists. You could say he’s ahead of schedule, but thanks to his dad, he’s been around the NHL his whole life.

“I think I took it for granted a little when you’re a kid, especially for me I thought that was normal,” Jackson said. “To grow up in the locker room and hang out with guys like Bobby Ryan it was really cool. They were so good to me and they inspired me.”

“He got to watch and be around the locker room and the guys,” Jason said. “I’m sure he didn’t realize how fun it is.”

Jackson has seen his dad take on every NHL challenge, including playing through a cancer diagnosis in 2007.

“I signed as an unrestricted free agent with Toronto and came into training camp with high expectations,” Jason remembered. “It was a tough situation and it was a tough year. Without my family I probably wouldn’t have made it, but they stuck by me and supported me, the whole organization supported me.”

“I know it was definitely tough for him and coming back it was hard on him,” Jackson said. “But he’s a trooper and if anyone can do it, he can do it. Very inspiring for me and impressed at how he came back from that.”

It’s Jackson’s first NHL postseason and he’s already made it further than his father in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Game 5 of Carolina’s opening round series versus the Devils, he was able to celebrate his first playoff goal with his dad and younger sister in the crowd.

“It was awesome, it was exciting for not only me, but for them as well,” Jackson said. “To get the win that night it was all the better.”

“It’s been fun,” Jason said. “It’s been fun to be a part of, fun watching him. It’s been a great year for him.”

Source: wralsportsfan.com