Wednesdays with... Selkirk College defenceman Jackson Bruce-Fuoco

"Wednesday with..." is a weekly feature on BCIHL.ca that gets fans up close and personal with a different player from around the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League.

Wednesday, October 31st with... Selkirk College defenceman Jackson Bruce-Fuoco

Jackson Bruce-Fuoco is in the midst of his third season at Selkirk College with increased responsibility after being named Team Captain prior to the start of the 2018/19 campaign. The Ottawa, Ontario product suited up in 41 regular season games and six playoff contests during his first two years on the Saints' blueline,

Bruce-Fuoco began his junior hockey career in his home province, suiting up for the EOJHL's Brockville Tikis in his 17- and 18-year olds seasons. He got his first taste of Junior A hockey in his second year with the Tikis, suiting up for five games with the CCHL's Kemptville 73s.

He made the move out west in 2014, signing on with the KIJHL's Creston Valley Thunder Cats. His play as a 20-year old captain in Creston impressed Saints head coach Brent Heaven, and the blueliner made the decision to make the short move to Castlegar to continue his post-secondary studies.

Bruce-Fuoco: I chose to attend Selkirk to further an education that I had already begun at Carleton University. I was there while I was playing junior in Ottawa before I made the choice to head out to B.C. That's when Selkirk College took notice of me and before I knew it, I was attending classes and playing college hockey. I chose to come to Selkirk because it seemed like a great opportunity. Who wouldn't want to keep playing hockey at a higher level while getting their education at the same time?

Q: Who have been the important influences in your junior and collegiate hockey career? Who has helped you get to where you are today?

Bruce-Fuoco: Throughout my entire hockey career my parents have always been there. It didn't matter what it was for, but they were always there. Sometimes I'd feel like they were being to hard on me when I wasn't doing as well as I wanted, but that's also what pushed me to improve. Once I got to the junior level my parents would just cheer for my team and myself, and they supported every decision I made. Once I decided I wanted to come to B.C., they didn't even hesitate. I was on a plane two days later.

Q: What are your personal on-ice goals this season?

Bruce-Fuoco: As far as individual play goes, my goal is to be a reliable defenceman who can be put into any scenario on the ice and succeed. I believe playing like that is what will translate into helping our team win. I also want to continue being a puck-moving defenceman with the ability to convert in the offensive zone.

Q: What are your team goals this season? What are the positive signs so far this season that make you feel you can reach them?

Bruce-Fuoco: This season, I really want our team to push to become BCIHL champions. We came out hot at the start of the year, but have struggled slightly since. I believe if everyone embeds in their head that we can be the team everyone is worried about, then we will be because we will be winning games. That's the start of everything, you need to win to be the best.

Q: How would you describe your game to someone who hasn’t seen you play? What are you strengths as a player?

Bruce-Fuoco: I would say that I'm a quick, puck-moving defenseman. I try to make the quick first play that works, rather than waiting and running out of time. I like being physical around the ice, that doesnt just mean throwing big hits, but being able to use my body to get in the way of the opposition and win the puck back.

Q: What are your education goals and future career path?

Bruce-Fuoco: I plan on progressing my education in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting. After my degree I plan on furthering my education while working for an accounting firm and earning my CPA.