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Sam Dickinson Shines as Top Defenceman in OHL
In a remarkable turn of events, Sam Dickinson was selected 11th overall in the NHL Entry Draft held in 2024, prompting speculation about why NHL teams had not recognized his talent sooner.
On April 24, Dickinson earned the title of Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Defenceman of the Year after achieving an unprecedented offensive season as a defenceman for the London Knights. He not only led the team in scoring from the blue line but also topped the entire league with an impressive plus-minus rating.
Finishing the regular season with 91 points and a plus-64 rating, Dickinson expressed gratitude for this accolade. “It’s obviously a huge honour,” he said, recognizing the contributions of his teammates, coaches, and family throughout his journey.
Dickinson’s achievement places him among a prestigious group of past recipients of the Max Kaminsky Trophy, including hockey legends like Larry Murphy and Al MacInnis.
Interestingly, Dickinson’s journey to becoming a defenceman was not straightforward. Early on, he encountered setbacks, notably being cut from a travel team three consecutive years. It was during this difficult period that a coach offered him a chance to try out as a goaltender.
“My journey to get to defence was pretty long,” he recalled with a laugh. “After not making the team, I was told they needed a backup goalie, and I figured I’d give it a try. I was still figuring out if I wanted to play hockey.”
His season as a goalie ultimately set him on a new path. “After my one year of goalie, I swore to myself that I’d never strap the pads on again, and I’ve stuck to that,” Dickinson revealed. Following that experience, he transitioned to defence for a year before exploring forward positions for a couple of seasons. Eventually, he returned to defence full-time around the age of 14 or 15.
This diverse experience on the ice may have enhanced his understanding of the game. “I don’t know that I was thinking the game too well at that point,” he chuckled, reflecting on his younger days of simply skating around and aiming to score.
Dickinson’s unique path has culminated in a distinguished hockey career, and he is now the eighth player from the London Knights to receive the honour of being named the league’s best defenceman. Previous Knights who have received the Max Kaminsky Trophy include notable names such as Evan Bouchard, who won in 2019, as well as Danny Syvret, John Erskine, and Bob Halkidis, among others.
As Dickinson and the London Knights gear up for the opening game of the OHL’s Western Conference Championship series on April 25 at 7 p.m. at Canada Life Place, the excitement builds. Fans can tune in for coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. on 980 CFPL and streaming on various platforms.
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globalnews.ca