WOLF PACK UNLEASHED: KYLE JACKSON
Aug 28, 2025HARTFORD, CT – When training camp opens in Hartford in late September, a number of players will be looking to make a solid first impression on Head Coach Grant Potulny and his staff.
Among those players is forward Kyle Jackson, who is entering his third professional season. Jackson inked a one-year contract with the Hartford Wolf Pack as a free agent in July. Fresh off of a dominant season with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, Jackson is excited to join a new team and complete a bit of a lifelong dream.
“I have always been a huge fan of the New York Rangers, to be honest,” Jackson said when asked why he chose Hartford in free agency. “I was thrilled when this opportunity to sign with Hartford became a reality. I believe it’s a great fit for me and I feel my style of play can help the team win games. I am grateful for this chance to continue to develop and pursue my dream of playing in the NHL one day.”
Jackson took a step in his development in his second season as a pro. In 67 games with ECHL Wheeling, the forward scored 52 points (27 g, 25 a). He led the Nailers in goals and finished second on the club in overall points.
“Well, having played one year pro prior to last season with the Kansas City Mavericks really helped me understand what it takes to play professional hockey,” he said when asked about his success. “I was more ready for the grind of the season. I have to give my coach, Derek Army, lots of credit as he gave me a bigger role which helped me achieve my goals.
“I also worked on certain skills last off-season, especially my shot release and accuracy. As for what went right for me, being surrounded by a strong coaching and training staff, being part of a winning culture, and obviously having great teammates that worked hard and pushed me every day was huge for me.”
The native of Ottawa, ON, was rewarded for his strong season with a recall to the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for a pair of games. He made his AHL debut on Mar. 30 in Charlotte, firing two shots on goal.
“It was huge for me,” he said of getting his first taste of AHL action. “I have always believed I can play in the AHL and although it was only two games, it confirmed to me that I can play at this level. My biggest take away from those two games was how much more poised players are with the puck and the attention to the small details of the game. Everything from decision making to getting around the ice is just a little faster overall.”
With that experience and a strong ECHL season behind him, Jackson is now focused on taking the next step in his career. He’s hoping his taste of AHL action last spring is a precursor to more action this season.
In order for that to be the case, Jackson will need a strong showing in training camp. He’s aware of that, and he’s made that a goal of his.
“My main goal is to go in and turn some heads,” Jackson said when asked about his camp goals. “I want to showcase my potential, learn as much as I can from the coaches and other players and continue to develop the habits of a professional athlete by focusing on individual skill improvement and overall maturity on and off the ice. I want them to see I am very coachable and have a desire to learn and that I am a good teammate that can be counted on.”
If Jackson does that, he’ll give himself a real chance to make the Wolf Pack’s roster out of training camp.
In addition to a motivated player, the Wolf Pack will be getting a 200-foot player who likes to bring a little creativity to the table.
“I am a bigger player that likes the puck on his stick,” Jackson said when asked to describe his game. “I have strong stick handling skills. I am a creative playmaker but can add some scoring as well and I’m working hard at being a consistent 200-foot player who can play up and down the lineup.”
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ABOUT THE HARTFORD WOLF PACK: The Hartford Wolf Pack has been a premier franchise in the American Hockey League since the team’s inception in 1997. The Wolf Pack are the top player-development affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers and play at PeoplesBank Arena. The Wolf Pack has been home to some of the Rangers newest faces including Igor Shesterkin, Will Cuylle, and Matt Rempe. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Flickr, and TikTok.