Heart and Soul

Jacob Hudson is a special player.

Jacob Hudson is a special person.

His impact in both areas of the game is truly unparalleled.

The kid from Antigonish, Nova Scotia was born to be a leader.

Hudson has been the heart and soul of the Moncton Wildcats for the past three seasons.

You see Jacob Hudson does all the little things on and off the ice that makes everyone feel important, wanted and part of the team.

Hudson doesn’t do it for recognition, he does it because it’s the right thing to do.

He doesn’t do it for the photo opt or the media attention, quite frankly he does it when no one is watching.

“When things would go wrong on the teams I would play for I would always think of ways I could change that,” confessed Hudson.

“I’m not afraid to speak up and I would do anything for my team.”

“Playing for each other, every night. I think just kind of grew on me.”

Spoken like a true team first guy.

The hard nosed forward is quick to credit his parents for showing him the way.

“My parents were always good helping out with tournaments that I played in or other things that I participate in,” said Hudson.

“They were always there to do whatever was asked of them.”

“I strongly believe I got it from them,” confessed Hudson when asked how he became such a great leader.

Hudson won the Moncton Wildcats Rebecca Schofield Community Spirit Award for the second consecutive year earlier this week.

“The Moncton community is very supportive. I always look for little ways to give back.”

“It feels great that they chose me for this special award,” Hudson said proudly.

The sacrifices his parents and family have made to get him to this point of his career isn’t lost on the nineteen year old.

“They have sacrificed a lot.”

“Countless money, time and effort,” Hudson said proudly.

Hard work, loyalty, pride and commitment is simply a way of life for the Hudson family.

Nadine and Eric Hudson have modelled those monumental traits their entire lives.

“My father works a steady job and my mother works two jobs,” Hudson said.

“Getting me to the rink was always their priority.”

“I owe my career to them.”

“I would not be where I am without them, I can’t thank them enough for all the support.”

On many a night Eric and Nadine Hudson can be found watching their son play at the friendly confines of the Avenir Centre.

The dynamic duo also can be seen on the road find travelling all across the Maritimes Division.

The three hour trek to Momcton is well worth it.

The Hudson’s can be seen mingling with all the Cat fans, family’s and billet families after every game in the lobby of the Avenir Centre.

Everyone makes their way to talk to the Hudson’s.

They always seem to get the asked the question if they are going to stay the night or make the three hour trek back home.

“Yes we are heading home tonight, I don’t mind driving, I do it all the time,” Eric says with a smile.

Eric and Nadine Hudson don’t take a night off, so why should their son.

For the past three seasons Jacob Hudson has done all the little things it takes to win.

Whether that means dropping the gloves on occasion to stand up for a teammate or blocking shots, or killing penalties, Jacob Hudson does it all the time for the team and the community.

The selfless forward has turned into one of the most underrated two-way players in the league in his time with the Cats.

As you can tell the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

The Hudson family takes great pride in unity and togetherness.

They are the glue that keeps things together.

For Jacob Hudson and his family it’s all about team and giving back to the community and the fans.

“It’s very important to be involved with the people and the community, said Nadine Hudson.

“He is there to play hockey , but he also needs to know how fortunate he is to have the opportunity to play in front such wonderful supportive fans.”

“It is just as important to reciprocate all the love and support that the fans give the players,” she explained.

“We feel the opportunity he has been given is so much more than just a game.”

“The Wildcats organization has been extremely supportive and good to the players, providing them with opportunities to grow and develop into fine young men,” Nadine Hudson explained.

Every ounce of Jacob Hudson’s passion, heart and soul is shed when steps on the ice.

One can only imagine what the Wildcats organization have gone through with regards the the CHL cancelling its season due to the horrific COVID-19 pandemic.

“The cancellation was hard on our guys,” confessed Hudson.

“We knew what we had in our dressing room and it’s hard to see it all end as it did.”

“Many of the guys on our team will turn pro within the up and coming years. I will be following them the whole way.”

“It’s tough, but I believe the CHL made the right decision for the protection of the CHL community,” Hudson said.

What about next season and what steps is the fan favourite taking right now to stay in shape?

“I’m doing what I can,” Hudson said.

“I have no access to a gym so I have been doing quite a few body weight workouts.”

“My trainor Josh Crouse has been awesome, he has set me up recently with a program to get me through this pandemic and to be ready for this upcoming season.”

“Next season I want to pick up where we left off.”

“We may not have as strong of a team as we had this past year, but I want us to play hard every night and earn a high spot within the league.”

The Wildcats will have a very difficult time replacing Hudson when he ages out of the league following the 2020-2021 season.

So what does the future hold for Hudson?

“To be honest I’m not a hundred percent sure.”

“I want to earn a spot at the professional level, but if not, I will continue my studies at a University.”

Ambassador, role model and one hell of a player and person, that’s Jacob Hudson.

#92’s impact on the City Of Moncton and the Moncton Wildcats organization transcends the game.

Every team and dressing room needs it. Only certain players can ever bring it. You can’t win without it. 

Heart and Soul.

Jacob Hudson is all heart and soul.