The men’s hockey team suffered a blow on Sept. 17 when junior forward Dustin Jackson broke his right leg in scrimmage with his teammates at practice. 

After undergoing surgery later that night to repair the damage, Jackson was told that he would be out for the season.

“My initial reaction was shock,” Jackson said. “I had never experienced pain like that before.  I didn’t know immediately that I would be out for the season, but I knew I would be out for a long time.”

In 51 games with the Pioneers, Jackson netted 25 points on 8 goals and 17 assists.  He has been a regular in the lineup the last two seasons, sitting out for only 6 games. 

It will be unusual for Jackson not to suit up and skate onto the ice, but he is trying to stay positive in light of the situation.

“I don’t know if it has even really hit me yet.  I’m taking it a day at a time and trying to stay positive,” Jackson said. “My teammates and friends have been great helping me out with things, like getting from place to place and taking care of food and stuff like that.  It’s going to be a tough year, but I’ve had lots of encouragement from everyone around me, which is really helping me.”

Jackson is still an important member of the team, even from the sidelines. 

The Omahah, Neb. native will still attend all games and practices to remain a part of the team and keep up the team dynamic needed to be successful in all team sports. 

Sometimes not being able to contribute physically to a team forces you to contribute on the sidelines or in the locker room instead.

“I’ll definitely be at every single game,” he said.

After beating the University of Calgary at the beginning of the 2007-08 season, the Pioneers have a rematch exhibition game on Sunday in Magness Arena. The puck drops at 6:07 p.m.