Jackson Donkin: Two-Sport Athlete, Straight-A Student, 7-Year Sabre

Jackson Donkin, a forward for the Sabres 12U CSDHL peewee major team, already carries quite a resume in his seventh season. Just consider:

•    During the 2022-23 season as a 9U CSDHL player, his Sabres team won state – a career highlight.
•    As a 10U squirt major, he scored 72 goals – a personal highlight.
•    He netted the overtime goals in back-to-back games against the St. Louis Eagles this season – his favorite moment so far as the team built a 29-14-4 record.
•    He has been a Sportsmanship Award-winner.

Donkin, 12, who lives in Oswego, is in sixth-grade at Plank Jr. High School. He is a “get the puck, crash the net and get ready for rebounds” player, he said.

Sabres coach CJ Westlake said, “Jackson is the type of player every coach wants in their locker room. His compete level is contagious and he plays with heart, energy and purpose every game.  What stands out most is how he treats his teammates. He leads with humility and respect, setting the standard for what it means to be both a great teammate and a great hockey player.”

Donkin also is a strong baseball player, who played for a team that won its league championship the last three years. He splits time between first and third base and pitching.

Last summer, he played for the Oswego Panthers AAA 11U team and will move to the Illinois Wolves AAA 12U squad this summer.

Hockey helps baseball as it “increases my endurance and stamina,” he said.

Baseball helps hockey by keeping him in shape and helps with hand-to-eye coordination.

“Both sports keep me in competitive mode all year long,” he said.

Slapshots With … Sabres Forward Jackson Donkin

Jersey Number: 3
Off The Ice: He enjoys flag football and basketball. “I also play NHL 26 on my Xbox.”
It Helps: Running on the treadmill, shooting and doing drills in his basement
Superstition: “When I’m home, I always walk my dog before leaving for the game.”
Long-term Career Goals: “To become a professional baseball or hockey athlete, (or) a hockey or baseball coach.”
Student-Athlete: He is a straight-A student
For Fun: “I like to go to Florida during school breaks.”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Patrick Kane
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: The Mighty Ducks
Favorite TV Show: ESPN
Motivational Song: Freaks by Timmy Trumpets
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Filet with mashed potatoes and a protein shake
Favorite app: Fantasy
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: WWE star Solo Sikoa