Jackson Barliant made the most of his playing time this past season at NCAA Division I Sacred Heart University.

The lone New Mexico native in all of men’s and women’s D-I hockey this season, Barliant compiled six goals and eight points in 38 games in his junior season for the Pioneers.

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“This past season was definitely somewhat of a rebuilding year for us as a team as we lost 10 seniors the previous year,” said the Santa Fe native. “Despite this, I would say overall the coaching stuff and us as players thought this year was definitely a step in the right direction. On a personal level, I would say that this year has been the most successful of my three years at SHU.

“I would definitely attribute my success this year to the environment myself and the other upperclassmen were able to create in the locker room. Even during lows in the season, everyone came to the rink every day with a desire to work and improve. As a team, I think we are very excited for next season. We feel that we came together very well as a team this past season and have created a very solid foundation for a successful season next year.”

On the academic end, Barliant is double majoring in Finance and Economics with a minor in Mathematics and a minor in Business Analytics.

“Academically, this year was the most demanding and definitely called for a heightened amount of dedication to studying,” said Barliant. “Overall, I was very happy with my academics this year and was very intrigued by my classes.”

Barliant also offered advice for the growing number of youth hockey players in New Mexico.

“Just stick with it,” said Barliant. “Obviously, New Mexico is not a hockey hotbed, but as a young hockey player, if you have a passion for the game and are willing to put in the work needed to be a successful hockey player, I believe that you can be successful regardless of where you are from.”

Photo/Sacred Heart University Athletics

— Matt Mackinder

(June 12, 2018)