From today's Bangor Daily News:
 
UMaine garners top hockey prospect
By Larry Mahoney, Of the NEWS Staff
 
         Todd Jackson, considered the fastest skater on the U.S.
Development Program's Under-18 hockey team by assistant coach Ken Martel,
has verbally commited to attend the University of Maine, according to
Martel. Jackson has eight goals and six assists in 22 games this season for
the team, which has produced the likes of current Black Bears Barrett
Heisten and Doug Janik.
         "Todd has exceptional speed. He can really jump into holes and
create offense off it. He's really crafty with the puck," said Martel.
"He's not a finisher himself but when he's on the ice, he'll draw two guys
to himself and slide the puck to somebody else."
         The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Jackson, a native of Cortland, N.Y.,
chose Maine over Boston College and several Ivy League schools, according
to Martel.
Martel said Jackson also is one of the team's best penalty-killers but he
will need to work on his defense and strength.
         "He's strong for his size. He works hard off the ice. But college
players are so well-developed," said Martel. "The good news is that Todd
has been on a college-type weight program for a couple of years."
         New York Islanders scout Jim Madigan said Jackson won't be a
20-goal scorer "but he's a good, well-rounded player who will be very
effective in a disciplined system like Maine's. He is always moving and he
can be a disturber."