2020 | Rhode Island | BOYS

Canadian Hockey Club | Maple Leafs | BOYS

Dylan has been a member of this hockey program for the last four years. He started as an aspiring young hockey player, working very hard step by step. Dylan was one of the most dedicated players in hockey that I know. He wasn’t a big player but that didn’t stop him. He took on every challenge and succeeded.

Dylan struggled with one of his high school hockey teams because he was non political and was over looked by his coaches there. When I saw him playing, I immediately recruited him because I saw remarkable potential in this young man. As the short years went by, I saw what he was going to become and embraced his passion for the game.

This past year, it all came together. He blossomed into not only a remarkable player but a remarkable leader. When I went to fill up the water bottles, he had already filled them. When I went to get the water bottles and pucks to bring them to the bench, he had already taken them there. I never asked him. He just did it because he cared about his team mates.

Our season was exceptional. Undefeated regular season, won our semi final game, then came the Championship game against a solid hockey program.

At the end of the 1st period, we were down 0-4. I looked at Dylan, as he was one of the captains, and said to him, I gave you the C for a reason. The reason is for times like this, when the ship is taking on water and I am looking for someone to save the ship and get back on the winning road.

Dylan assembled all the players, made an inspiring speech to them, and then it all started. We scored 3 goals in the 2nd period, and let none in. The next intermission Dylan continued his leadership skills and pursued motivating the players. We scored the tying goal with under 5 mins left in the game 2 mins later the winning goal and the team won its Championship. As the game was coming to the end, the opposing team started to get frustrated and became rather aggressive in nature. We called a time out and Dylan regrouped the players and made sure that if we were going to win, it would be with class.

This past season has been the most difficult one for me as a coach to select a recipient for this award. We had 3 exceptional candidates but I feel Dylan did so much extra for this team that I believe the award is being given to a person who really represents the Spirit of Hobey Baker.