Chippewa defenseman Decker makes NCAA D1 commitment

Jackson Decker played in the NAPHL prior to his three seasons in the NAHL.

The Chippewa Steel of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that defenseman Jackson Decker has committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey for Canisius College in Atlantic Hockey.

Decker, 21, just finished his third and final season of playing junior hockey in the NAHL with the Steel and Chill organizations.

The 5’9/170 lbs. native of Algonquin, Illinois played in 26 games for the Steel during the 2019-2020 season, recording 5 goals and 13 assists for 18 points. 

"I am extremely excited to begin my academic and collegiate hockey career for such a great College like Canisius. My junior career has been a blessing starting in the NAHL when I was 17 years old and getting to play in over 200 games during my years in juniors. Throughout my hockey career, I have been fortunate enough to have played for some great organizations and coaches. I have also played with many talented and driven players that pushed me everyday in practice and in the gym. I am grateful for my years in junior hockey and all of the people I have encountered on this journey. Also, I would like to thank my family and all of the billet families that have supported me in my four years of juniors,” said Decker.

Decker played in 133 total games in the NAHL with the Steel and Chill, totaling 71 points. Jackson also spent 83 games in the USHL with the Omaha Lancers during his junior hockey career.

Prior to playing in the NAHL, Decker spent the 2015-16 season playing in the NAPHL for the Omaha AAA 16U team, where he had 21 points in 22 games played that season.

“We’re excited and proud of Jackson for earning his D1 commitment to play for Canisius College. He was a big part of our team on and off the ice, we wish him all the best moving forward in his hockey career,” stated Steel Head Coach Carter Foguth.

Decker is the fifth Steel player with an NCAA Division 1 commitment, joining Jaden Grant (Bowling Green State University), Zane Demsey (Michigan State University), Jacob Dirks (Ferris State University), and Connor Szmul (Huntsville-Alabama).

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list