The USPHL’s Ontario Jr. Reign announced its first player signing on Monday, inking 20-year-old Calgary defenseman Jackson Wade for the 2021-22 season.

“I am very excited to be joining the Jr. Reign for the upcoming season,” said Wade. “After last year’s non-season due to COVID, I had made the decision to go to school and begin my journey to become a teacher. When I got the call from (Jr. Reign head coach) Jeremy Blumes, I knew it was an opportunity I could not pass up. I have always prided myself as the hardest worker on my team and will continue that this season with the Reign.”

“Jackson is a reliable, steady, defenseman that plays hard every night,” added Blumes. “Along with being a presence on the back end, he has an equally big impact off the ice with his positive personality and team-first mentality.”

Wade spent the 2019-20 season in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League with the Golden Rockets, playing in 46 games with four goals and eight assists for 12 points.

“Jackson is a huge addition to our team,” Blumes said. “He has all the qualities a coach looks for and I believe he will play a significant role in our leadership.”

Playing in the USPHL is a great opportunity to combine his love of hockey with the many post-secondary educational opportunities the league offers, as Wade intends to pursue a bachelor of education degree in college.

Wade will wear No. 17 in honor of his uncle Kelly Dmyterko, who passed away in a snowmobile accident while coming home from playing in Lloydminster of the SJHL.

(August 9, 2021)