Jackson “Little Tree” Trese, 12-Year-Old Dallas Hockey Goalie, Remembered as a Beacon of Joy, Talent, and Heartfelt Inspiration
DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas hockey community and beyond are enveloped in deep grief following the tragic and untimely passing of Jackson Trese, a beloved 12-year-old known affectionately as “Little Tree.” A talented goaltender for the Dallas Stars Elite youth team, Jackson was not only an extraordinary athlete but also a vibrant young soul who brought light, laughter, and warmth to everyone who knew him.
His passing has sent shockwaves across the region and the national hockey landscape, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts, tearful tributes, and profound sorrow. Jackson’s teammates, coaches, classmates, and countless families he touched are mourning the heartbreaking loss of a boy whose spirit was far larger than his age.
A Goalie, a Friend, a Role Model
To those who watched Jackson on the ice, he wasn’t just another youth hockey player—he was a standout. With his quick reflexes, fearless play, and magnetic presence between the pipes, Jackson had already earned a reputation as a rising star. His nickname, “Little Tree,” became synonymous with heart, determination, and unwavering focus.
Yet it wasn’t just his athleticism that defined him. It was his leadership. Jackson was a player who celebrated every teammate’s goal as if it were his own. He was known for patting defensemen on the back after a great block, sharing encouraging words with younger players, and always wearing a bright smile beneath his goalie mask.
His coaches described him as coachable, reliable, and endlessly hardworking. But they also speak of a young man who brought humor to the locker room and kindness to every interaction. “He had a rare combination of talent and humility,” said one of his coaches. “And he made you feel proud just to be part of his team.”
The Heart of His Family
At home, Jackson was a loving son, a proud big brother, and a joyful spirit whose energy could light up a room. Family members describe him as someone who was always on the move—skating, studying plays, building LEGO castles, and cheering for his favorite NHL players. Despite his young age, he was thoughtful beyond his years, often helping his siblings with homework or offering to walk the family dog before practice.
His parents have been surrounded by an outpouring of love and support from around the country. In a statement shared through the Dallas Stars Elite program, the family expressed deep appreciation for the tributes, prayers, and messages of condolence they have received, saying that Jackson’s life, though short, was filled with immense purpose and beauty.
“We are devastated, but we are also grateful,” the statement read. “Jackson taught us how to love bigger, laugh louder, and care deeper. We will carry his spirit with us forever.”
A Community in Mourning
Within hours of the news spreading, the Dallas hockey community mobilized in solidarity. Vigils were held, candles lit, and photos of Jackson in full goalie gear flooded social media, each one accompanied by words of disbelief and love.
Teammates, many of whom had shared the ice with Jackson for years, gathered at center ice in silent tribute. Others placed flowers and jerseys at the rink’s entrance, creating a memorial that has become a place of reflection and remembrance for players and parents alike.
The Dallas Stars organization released a statement honoring Jackson and expressing deep condolences to his family, noting that the entire hockey family mourns his loss. Across the NHL and youth hockey leagues nationwide, moments of silence were observed in his memory, and players wore helmet decals bearing his initials.
Messages have also poured in from national hockey figures, youth sports advocates, and families from opposing teams who recalled Jackson’s sportsmanship, his determination, and his unmistakable love for the game.
More Than a Player: A Legacy of Kindness
What set Jackson apart most was his compassion. He was the kind of teammate who helped others tie their skates before practice. He was the player who stopped to high-five a little kid in the stands, who thanked referees after the game, and who once gave his backup stick to a player from another team who had forgotten theirs.
His classmates at school remember a boy who always said good morning, who included everyone in group activities, and who stood up for kids who felt left out. Teachers describe him as “a joy to teach,” with boundless curiosity and a love for reading—especially sports biographies.
He also had a soft spot for animals and once organized a small fundraiser with his teammates to support a local animal shelter. “He had a heart that just kept giving,” said one family friend. “Even at 12, he was already making the world better.”
Remembering Jackson Through Action
In the days following Jackson’s passing, initiatives have emerged to preserve and promote the values he lived by. The Dallas Stars Elite organization has announced plans to establish the “Little Tree Legacy Fund,” which will provide scholarships and equipment for young goalies in need, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of chasing dreams.
Plans are also underway to hold an annual youth tournament in Jackson’s name, celebrating not just athletic excellence but also sportsmanship, compassion, and team spirit—the very qualities Jackson embodied on and off the ice.
His jersey number has been retired by his team, and players across leagues are wearing his initials on their sleeves. One local coach remarked, “Jackson’s legacy will not be how he died. It will be how he lived—with courage, kindness, and purpose.”
The Pain of Grief and the Power of Memory
While tributes have been powerful and widespread, they cannot erase the pain of such a tragic and premature loss. Grief counselors and support staff have been made available to Jackson’s teammates, classmates, and friends. Parents across Dallas are hugging their children tighter, sitting in quiet tears at youth rinks, and struggling to make sense of the unbearable.
But they are also celebrating his life. At a candlelight vigil held at the rink where Jackson spent countless hours, a young teammate placed his own goalie stick against the boards and whispered, “I’ll play harder—for you.”
Songs were sung, tears shed, and stories shared. It was clear that Jackson’s presence had left a lasting mark on everyone around him. As one parent said, “He made you believe in good again.”
Final Farewell
As Jackson’s family prepares for memorial services, they are asking those who wish to honor his life to perform acts of kindness in his name. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, donating to a youth sports program, or simply being a better teammate, each gesture is a continuation of the love Jackson poured into the world.
His life, though heartbreakingly brief, was filled with brilliance. He may have been known as “Little Tree,” but the roots he planted in the hearts of his community will grow forever.
To honor Jackson’s legacy, donations can be made to the “Little Tree Legacy Fund,” launching soon through the Dallas Stars Elite Youth Hockey Program. Community members are encouraged to share their stories, photos, and memories using the hashtag #PlayForLittleTree as a way of uniting in tribute and love.
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