Former Ice Hawks defenseman Matt Dawson has joined the Delta Ice Hawks coaching staff for the 2021-22 season.
Dawson was on the Hawks blue line for the 2012-13 season, as well as five games for the BCHL Surrey Eagles. Dawson joined the Eagles full-time the following season, making it all the way to the RBC Cup.
In 2014-15, Dawson moved to the US to play for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. He played his way to a scholarship from the University of New Hampshire’s hockey program. He played 100 games for the Wildcats over five seasons, graduating in 2020.
Hawks head coach Steve Robinson is excited for Dawson to join the coaching staff and work with the Delta defensemen this coming season.
“Matt’s recent experience and hockey journey will be invaluable for our young aspiring players. He’s eager to learn and hopes to be able to pass along some of his experiences and mentorship to all our players, especially the D-men, with whom he will be working closely.”
Dawson echoes the sentiment, glad he can remain connected to the game while training to become a firefighter.
“Delta is an organization that molded the rest of my hockey career. The lessons and maturity I gained in this organization had a direct impact on the rest of my time playing hockey, and to this day. With so many great memories, I always wanted a way to give back to this team, and coaching is a great opportunity to do so.
I want players who play in Delta to have the same or better experience than I had. I would like to have every player improve and if they want, have an opportunity to play at the next level, whatever that may be. I hope to have a positive impact on every player not just on the ice, but off the ice as well.”
