From Western PA Sports Blog
By Nate Steis
From Warren, Pennsylvania to Southfield, Michigan, Jackson Knupp’s hockey career is nothing short of inspiring. The Lawrence Technological University (LTU) defenseman started skating at the age of six, with his time as a hockey player beginning around a year later.
Over the years, Knupp played a lot of hockey in Erie, Pennsylvania, Jamestown, New York, and Buffalo, New York. From the age of seven and through his time leading into college, he played for the Jamestown Lakers, an organization that will always feel like family to him. He also played high school hockey in Bradford and in some summer leagues for the Buffalo Stars.
Upon graduating from Warren Area High School in 2019, Knupp started his American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) career at Slippery Rock University for the 2019-20 season. With The Rock, he played in 13 games and scored his first collegiate goal.
After a lost year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Knupp returned to the ice in 2021, but this time, with the Blue Devils. It was a year away from competition as well as schooling, but the break and change in his life has him feeling refreshed and ready to go for the remainder of his college hockey days.
For those unfamiliar with ACHA hockey, there are different divisions similar to NCAA hockey. LTU has both an ACHA Division I and Division III team, with Knupp playing for the Division I program.
One opportunity that comes with playing the for Blue Devils is being able to play in the outdoor winter classic game, a game last season that saw him score his first goal for the program. This goal, his first in college overall, the traveling he’s done, and the people he’s met have been some of his best memories from his time in hockey.
What started as a chance for a new beginning at LTU has become a great decision. He’s playing competitive hockey for a program that takes the sport seriously. He’s found enjoyment in his studies as a business and information technology major, and he’s found brothers for life that he’s glad to take the ice with again in the coming months.
It has not always been easy to be a hockey player for Jackson Knupp, but it’s been something that’s been worth it. It was a sport new for his family and a sport that he started later in life compared to some of his peers. However, hard work and sacrifice continue to make his hockey dream possible.
“I’m extremely happy where I am in my life right now,” said the Warren native. “it took a ton of hard work, but I don’t think I would change a thing about the journey that hockey has taken me on over these past 15 or so years.”
Best of luck as you continue your time at LTU, Jackson! Thank you for the opportunity to share your story
(Originally published at https://wpasportsblog.wordpress.com/2022/07/22/jackson-krupp-goes-from-small-town-pennsylvania-to-acha-division-i-hockey/)
