2014 NHL Draft: Josh Jacobs selected by the New Jersey Devils

By @MichaelCaples –

PHILADELPHIA – Josh Jacobs plans on heading to Michigan State soon to begin his college hockey career.

After that, he will be part of the New Jersey Devils’ organization.

The Devils selected the Shelby Township native No. 41 overall today during the second round of the NHL Draft.

Jacobs, who just won a USHL title with the Indiana Ice, said his incredible year just keeps on going.

“It’s a true dream,” Jacobs said. “It’s a dream come true. It’s been an unbelievable year for me as well, and being picked by the New Jersey Devils is a true honor.”

The standout defenseman said he is familiar with the Devils, both from watching them over the years, and because his former coach, Ryan Pardoski (who was in attendance to watch him get drafted), was also a New Jersey draft pick.

“New Jersey’s a great organization,” Jacobs said. “I’ve watched them all my life. I actually have one of my coaches from Michigan, he played at Michigan, he was drafted by them, his name is Ryan Pardoski, he’s up in the stands with me right now, all I know is that the New Jersey Devils are a great organization I’m proud to be a part of.”

Jacobs said that he’s also excited to get his NCAA career underway.

“I’m very excited to be attending Michigan State next year,” he said. “No better place to play. Growing up and having a dream school of Michigan State, I felt comfortable there, its just going to be a true honor playing there and putting on the Spartan jersey. And then today, getting drafted by the New Jersey Devils is a dream come true, I mean, nothing is better than this. This feeling right now, still ecstatic, still nervous even, but it’s a dream come true.”

When asked to describe what type of player he is, Jacobs said he tries to model his game after Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook. He also noted that his favorite player was Nick Lidstrom while he was growing up, as he admitted to being a Red Wings fan while talking to the Devils’ media.

“I’m a two-way defenseman,” Jacobs said. “I like to join the rush, but not let it take away from my defensive ability. I can move the puck, I think my skating ability is very good, and I like to shoot the puck and I like to play hard for my teammates.”