Jason Smits is serving as equipment manager for the U.S. Under-18 Men's Select Team for the first time at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Smits previously served in the same capacity for the U.S. Under-17 Men's Select Team at the 2022 and 2023 Under-17 Five Nations Tournaments. He was also the equipment manager for the U.S. Junior Select Team at the World Junior A Challenge in 2014 and 2015. 

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