American defenceman joins Dundee Stars for 2025/26 season

Dundee Stars have announced the signing of American defenceman Jackson Desouza ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Desouza becomes the first new addition to the Stars’ roster as they look to build on last season’s eighth-placed finish in the Elite League – their lowest ranking since finishing bottom of the division during the 2022/23 campaign.

Desouza played his junior hockey in Canada, much of which was spent with Western Hockey League (WHL) side Kelowna Rockets.

He made his professional debut last season for Norwegian side Lillehammer, making 42 appearances for the club as they finished sixth in the EliteHockey Ligaen.

During his time in Norway, 6’5 defenceman Desouza totalled 14 points (one goal and 13 assists).

“It’s nice to get all the stars in order heading into next year,” Desouza said on the move.

“I take pride in doing all the little things correctly and doing anything I can to help the team win. We want to be the best and most competitive that we can be – and we want to win.”

Dundee Stars head coach Marc LeFebvre described Desouza as a “physical, no-nonsense” player – something which he felt his defensive line lacked last season as they conceded the second-most of any side in the Elite League during the regular season.

He added: “We need to be tougher to play against in all areas, and Jax definitely brings that to the table.”

Who else has signed for the Stars next season?

Desouza becomes the fourth confirmed member of their roster for next season.

Captain Drydn Dow, talented young forward Jonathan McBean and American netminder Jarrett Fiske have all agreed to remain with the club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

McBean, who signed a two-year contract extension with the Stars back in January, was described at the time by LeFebvre as “the future of the club”.

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