DeSouza expected to make WHL debut tonight
With Libor Zabransky and Lassi Thomson off to their countries World Junior camps, a spot on the blueline has opened up. The Rockets took along young defender, Jackson DeSouza on their Christmas road trip. He’s expected to make his Western Hockey League debut tonight against the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Recently he has been attending Rockets practices to watch the team, over the last couple weeks he has had the chance to hit the ice and workout with the Rockets. DeSouza says he’s been preparing to get into game action with the team.
“It’s just paying attention to the little details,” said DeSouza. “I’ve been learning from all the older guys and Coach Foote. I’ve also been mentally preparing and just watching to make sure that I do everything okay.”
DeSouza is familiar with Head Coach, Adam Foote; he grew up playing in the Colorado Thunderbirds program where Foote was also a coach.
DeSouza was selected in the fourth round, 84th overall at the 2018 Bantam WHL Draft this past May. In 29 games played last season with the Pursuit of Excellence Bantam Prep(CSSBHL) he had 17 points (6G, 11A) and 28 penalty minutes. This season the 6’2, 147 pound 15-year-old is playing with the Okanagan Rockets(BCMML) where he has nine assists and 29 penalty minutes through 21 games.