Sabo’s return provides a spark for Johnnies

Junior forward Jackson Sabo capped off the home portion of the SJU hockey series by scoring the game-winning goal for his first of the season against Augsburg last Thursday at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.

Sabo is a transfer from Division I Air Force Academy who also put an end to the Auggies’ night in last year’s Hockey Day Minnesota event when he netted another game-winner a season ago.

Sabo came to Collegeville after spending seasons in the North American Hockey League with the Janesville Jets and St. Cloud Norsemen.

“It is not hard to get up for games against a rival such as Augsburg. Last year’s game on Hockey Day was one of my favorite moments in college. To beat them again this year was a big statement game. Scoring the first of the year was big for me as I have been coming back from injury,” Sabo said.

Sabo spent a lot of time growing up playing hockey with his two brothers, who still compete.

“They have had an immeasurable impact on me growing up. I was fortunate enough to play junior hockey with Broten in St. Cloud. We have always been competitive and supportive. The bond definitely helped grow our love for the game and performance,” Sabo said.

Head coach Doug Schueller has been happy with Sabo’s play this season, who has 21 career points in 44 games.

“It’s great having Jackson back with us on the bench. He has been battling back from injury, he has great energy and brings a lot more to the team than scoring,” Schueller said.

Sabo had many connections to the SJU lineup that were deciding factors to attend SJU. Fellow teammate Mason Campbell, SJU sophomore, was his linemate in 2019 for the Rosemount Irish. Michael Spinner, SJU sophomore, was also a teammate who encouraged him to play college hockey in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC).

“When I knew Mason and Spins (Spinner) were looking for a place to play, I knew we had to get these guys. Campbell and I grew up as neighbors. Spinner and I had great junior hockey success. It is really cool to know you are going to battle with those guys every night,” Sabo said.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Sabo is not afraid to use his size to his advantage on the ice.

“I’d describe my style of play as physical. I am a little bit of a rat and like to get under guys skin when on the ice,” Sabo said.

Captain Jack Olsen, SJU senior, has enjoyed playing alongside Sabo. He said he has helped the Johnnies this season by bringing grit and tenacity to the lineup.

“It’s tough having him miss some time due to injury. He has a lot of energy that he brings to the team and the locker room. It is great having him around,” Olsen said.

Olsen said Sabo is looked up to as a leader on the Johnnies roster even without the Captain “C” on his jersey.

“No matter who is the captain, it is great to have the older guys bring leadership. I think Jackson is a very energetic guy to have around. Whenever we are down, he brings the vibes up and makes the team better. This makes how we play more exciting,” Olsen said.

The Johnnies will be in action this Thursday when they begin a home-and-home series against the St. Mary’s University Cardinals.