In The Nest: Jackson Niedermayer
Medical Mutual
10/23/2024
Jackson Niedermayer makes up a BGSU hockey program that is rewriting what it means to be a Falcon. The Newport Beach, Calif, native transferred to BGSU for his senior season after competing with the Arizona State Sun Devils for three seasons. Niedermayer, has NHL pedigree in his blood with both his father and uncle playing in the NHL for multiple seasons and winning Stanley Cups.
Q: When did you start playing hockey, and what is your earliest hockey-related memory?Niedermayer: “I started playing hockey when I was three years old. I started skating when I was two. I started out figure skating. Actually, it's a little harder to learn, so when you make that transition over to hockey skates, it's a little easier to kind of find your edges.”
Q: Your family has a ton of ties to the NHL with your father being in the NHL Hall of Fame and your uncle being a Stanley Cup Champion. How have they inspired you?
Niedermayer: “A dad and uncle that played in the NHL, where you dream of being and being able to play at that kind of level is cool. Being able to learn a lot from them and what they went through, and understanding what it takes and how hard it is to get to every level is a challenge, and it's not easy. They've taught me everything that I know about the game, everything that I try to play like and all that comes from them.”
Q: When and how did you first become aware of BGSU ice hockey?
Niedermayer: “I was always aware of BGSU. They're a good program. They've been around a long time and had a lot of success in the past. With, Willie coming in and bringing new life and a new jolt to the program and seeing all the buy in with the culture they have here already is something that I loved. Being able to be a falcon and come here and be a part of this and start something new with Coach Williams and this group we have, is awesome”
Q: When you were at Arizona State, you were able to play with your brother what was that like?
Niedermayer: “Being able to play with a sibling at that level is something that is really special and I don't take for granted. It's hard enough to get there and having a younger brother that's trying to do the same thing I am, and us to be able to do that together, is something that was really cool. I know my parents loved it. Having us at the same place made it easy for my mom and my dad to travel and come watch us play. It was awesome having my brother being able to play with him, and in juniors. It was pretty cool and taking those moments and cherish them and always remember it. I think it’s something that not a lot of people get to experience. So, to be able to do that, it was pretty cool.
Q: This season, your team is off to a hot start with a 5-1 start. What are your feelings on the early success this season?
Niedermayer: “Starting off on the right foot is always a great note. You come in with a new coach, implementing new systems and trying to bring together a group that that's never played together. You have a lot of returners and a couple new faces, but learning a new system is not easy. Having Willie coming in, and being able to teach and learn and lead the way, he has and everybody buying in. I think it talks a lot about the group we have in that room and the guys that are behind the bench on the whiteboards every day at practice. I think everyone's bought into it, and we've got a taste of it early. And I know we want a lot more and I think that starts at the beginning.”
Q: How would you describe your style of play?
Niedermayer: “I describe my style of play as someone that likes to shoot the puck, that likes to have the puck, make plays with it, play physical and use my body and get into the game that way too. I think helps create space, space on the ice, more room for me and my line mates and teammates, if guys are a little tended to go into a corner, it just helps you and the team kind of create more space out there”
Q: What is one piece of advice that you would give for someone who wants to play college hockey?
Niedermayer:“I would say enjoy it. It goes quick. You think four years is a long time, and next thing you know, you're a senior, and you’ve got one more go at it. It takes a lot of work. It's not easy, being able to take care of your body, go to school and stay on top of it. It teaches you a lot and makes you grow up quick. I think it's important to always make sure you're staying in the moment, staying in the present, because it's awesome. It's the best time of your life.”
Q: Could you describe how it has been playing under Coach Dennis Williams?
Niedermayer: “Willie's a coach that knows what it takes to win. He has had a lot of success everywhere he has been. He has seen a lot of talent and knows what it takes to get to that next level. He preaches being a pro, day in and day out, doing the little things that it takes to make it and to get a chance at that next level. The processing and the game, the way it's played, the little details that that you need to focus on to be great, is something he preaches. It's been awesome to play for Willie. He's a coach that you want to come to the rink every morning and put your hard hat on and go to work for. He asks a lot, but every single, thing he asked for is, is something everyone's willing to do. It's been awesome having him, and Stavros and Curtis to being able to be a bonus off Willie. They do a lot, of the little things getting out there with us, showing us little things.”
Q: What is your favorite part of being a member of the BGSU Hockey team?
Niedermayer: “I think the history of the team and the group that that's already here. Knowing Ben Wozney, Quinn Emerson and Jack Blake for a bit, before coming here and talking with them about the group. It was big being able to understand what it what it's like here, and the culture they have, and the traditions they have and the little things that it means to be a falcon and play here is special. Every day you don't take it for granted. It’s something that not a lot of people get to do.”
