From the Ice to the Fire: Jackson Hall's Journey to Becoming a Firefighter

For the past ten years, Jackson Hall has been a proud member of the Hamilton Huskies Hockey Association, a team that has not only shaped him as an athlete but also as a person. Hockey has been more than just a sport for Jackson; it's been a way of life. It has taught him valuable lessons in respect, hard work, determination, and most importantly, the importance of being a positive team player.

This fall, Jackson will be taking those lessons with him to Lambton College, where he will begin his studies in firefighting. Choosing this path was no coincidence—Jackson sees firefighting as a natural extension of what hockey has instilled in him: a commitment to community and teamwork.

Throughout his years with the Hamilton Huskies, Jackson didn't just excel on the ice; he also made a significant impact off it. His team organized donations for the McMaster Children's Hospital and Interval House, held food drives, and participated in the Salvation Army Kettle Bell Drive, among other community initiatives. These experiences ignited Jackson’s passion for helping others, a passion he continued to nurture at St. Jean De Brebeuf Catholic Secondary School, where he volunteered at sporting events for younger students and assisted with grade eight orientation sessions.

For Jackson, these experiences were more than just extracurricular activities—they were stepping stones towards his future career. Helping those in need has always been a core value for Jackson, and he is determined to carry that into his professional life as a firefighter.

Leadership is another key principle Jackson honed on the ice. Over the past two hockey seasons, he was named an assistant captain, and this year, his teammates honoured him by making him the captain of his U18 AA/A team. One of his proudest moments came this season when his peers voted him "Teammate of the Year." Jackson plans to carry the leadership skills he developed in hockey into the fire brigade, where he hopes to serve and protect his community.

Reflecting on his journey, Jackson acknowledges that hockey has shaped him in profound ways. Without it, his life would be drastically different—the skills he’s developed, the friendships he’s made, and the opportunities ahead of him might not exist. To him, the scholarship he recently won is more than just financial support; it’s an acknowledgment of his potential and a reminder that hard work and determination can lead to success.

As Jackson prepares for his next chapter at Lambton College, he remains committed to staying involved in hockey. He hopes to become an on-ice helper in the Sarnia region and dreams of one day returning to the OHF to coach for the Hamilton Huskies. For Jackson, the chance to inspire the next generation of hockey players is a dream worth pursuing.

Jackson Hall's journey from the ice to the fire brigade is a testament to the power of sports in shaping character and building a sense of community. His story is one of dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping others—a story that continues to unfold as he steps into his future as a firefighter.

He is a dedicated, hardworking individual who consistently goes above and beyond both on and off the ice, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship and leadership
Ryan Abendschon
Hamilton Huskies U18 AA Coach