Jason Smits is serving as equipment manager for the U.S. Under-17 Men's Select Team for the second straight year in 2023.

Smits is currently the equipment manager for the University of Nebraska Omaha, where he will soon begin his seventh season.

Prior to his time with the Mavericks, Smits spent one year as the equipment manager for Clarkson University's men's team while also assisting for the women’s team. The Moline, Ill. native also spent six seasons as the equipment manager for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL (2010-16).

Additionally, he was also a volunteer with the ECHL's Quad City Mallards for one season (2009-10). Smits has previously worked with USA Hockey as the equipment manager for World Junior A Challenge teams that won both gold and bronze medals.