Dane Jackson

A strong if awkward skater, Dane Jackson was a solid role player who provided a physical presence. Jackson was up and down between the minors much like a yo-yo, and never did stick in the NHL

Born in Castlegar, B.C., Jackson caught NHL scouts' attention when he starred with the Vernon Lakers of the BCJHL as a 17 year old. The Vancouver Canucks were wise to draft the homegrown talent with the 44th overall draft pick in 1988.

The Canucks had to be patient with Jackson. He committed to play with the University of North Dakota over the next 4 seasons even though the Canucks had hoped he would turn pro prior to graduating.

In 1992 Jackson finally turned pro. Over the next three years he emerged as a strong AHL player. He also got into a total of 15 games with the Canucks, scoring 6 goals and 7 points.

The Canucks opted to let Jackson walk as a free agent in the summer of 1995. The Buffalo Sabres snatched up the forward. Over the next two seasons he would be a top player with the Sabres Rochester affiliate. In 1996 Jackson helped the Americans capture the AHL Calder Cup championship.

Jackson's strong play in Rochester earned him a good look in Buffalo. During the 1995-96 season he had a 22 game try out with the Sabres, and scored 5 goals and 9 points in limited ice time.

In 1997 the New York Islanders signed Jackson and used him 8 games. However it would be his final NHL contract. A major knee injury would scare away other NHL teams. Jackson continued to play as an independent player in the AHL until 2003.