Nau Hockey Tradition Continues in Jackson

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(January 8, 2023 8:00 AM) The tradition of local youths playing organized hockey started way before Jackson United goalie Nick Nau and Lumen Christi Catholic High School forward Nash Hanchett.

They are just near the end of the line for the Nau hockey dynasty in Jackson County … at least this round.

The two high school seniors met for another classic confrontation on Saturday as Lumen Christi won 2-1 on a pair of power-play goals in the second period.

Both Hanchett and Nau are the grandsons of Jackson Area Hockey Association legend Leo Nau – long considered the godfather of hockey in the Jackson area.

“My grandfather was always giving me advice on playing hockey,” Hanchett said. “He knew a lot about the game of hockey.”

According to an article in the Jackson Citizen Patriot, Leo Nau created the first organized hockey league in Jackson in 1954 known as the NHL – Neighborhood Hockey League.

The three-team league played in Nau’s backyard in a 4-on-4 competition on a homemade rink.

The teams consisted of 12- to 17-year old players.

The elder Nau was named as the first president of the Jackson Area Hockey Association in 1968, according to the article.

Both the younger Nau and Hanchett have grown up with the game of hockey.

“I remember when I was little and we always went to the Jackson/Lumen hockey games,” Nick Nau said. “It was a big rivalry in the family … although we would sit together.”

Hanchett has gotten the better of his cousin and Jackson United scoring wins in all three seasons on the varsity squad.

“Winning the game gives you bragging rights in the family,” Hanchett said. “We started trash talking about the game during this year’s family Christmas party.”

Both are solid players for their respective teams. Hanchett is tied for second in goals (7), tied for fourth in assists (5), and tied for second in total points (12) in 10 games for Jackson area players.

Nick Nau leads the area goalies with a save percentage of .925.

Yes, they have played on the same team twice and both said it was a lot of fun playing hockey with a cousin.

Both players would like to continue to play college or junior hockey next season.