Written by: Rory McGouran
Photo: Patrick Garriepy

The Northeast Generals are proud to announce that graduating defenseman Jackson Rutherford has secured his collegiate commitment to play hockey at Stevenson University and join the Mustangs Men’s Hockey program for the 2026-27 campaign.

Rutherford began his lengthy Junior career in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), playing for two seasons before joining the Generals. Making his debut in the 2024-25 season, Rutherford has amassed 93 games as a Gen, picking up 33 points (4g-29a).

“We’re incredibly proud of Jackson.  He has chosen a great program to help him achieve academic and athletic success.  Stevenson is a school we have sent a ton of players to, and they all have had tremendous success on and off the ice.  We expect Jackson to be no different.  His career as a General has been outstanding. He came to us as a D-man without much offensive confidence, and that has grown a ton.  He sees the ice very well, gets his feet north, and is great in transition.  His stick and positioning help him be a dominant player, especially in the D-zone, but when he moves north, he is a real force in transition.  He might not always show up on the scoresheet, but he is an integral part of our offense with the way he pushes pace, controls the wall, and gets pucks to good areas.  He’s also just an amazing kid and worker.  He takes advantage of every extra skate, shoots at our goalies’ skills, and is just a rink rat.  I think his work ethic and constant improvement are going to create a ton of opportunities for Jackson, not just on the ice but in life,” said Head Coach and GM Bryan Erikson.

Rutherford maintains a smothering presence on defense while remaining extremely disciplined. Through 49 games this season, he has just 8 penalty minutes and only 40 total through his 176 career junior games.

“I knew it was the place that I wanted to be at, so I’m super pumped to go there. They have a great coaching staff. I’ve heard great things from our defense coach, Aaron (Murray), who went to school there. It’s a winning program, and I’m very excited to go,” said Rutherford.

Stevenson University’s hockey arena is located in Owing Springs, MD, competing in NCAA DIV III.

The Northeast Generals organization would like to congratulate Jackson and his family on his accomplishment!