LONDON, Ont. – In the hockey world, emerging talents often captivate the attention of scouts and enthusiasts, and a name generating plenty of buzz as the 2024 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft approaches is Sam Dickinson.
As it currently stands, the Toronto, Ont. native is top five amongst Ontario Hockey League blueliners in goals and points while also leading London Knights defenceman in almost every category.
Dickinson, who will play in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Top Prospects Game in a few weeks, was selected fourth overall by the Niagara Ice Dogs in 2022 but was traded to the Knights shortly after and has been grateful to be a part of the organization since day one.
“The second that London became an option for me, it washed everything away,” the defenceman noted at Budweiser Gardens after practice. “The history and the background of the team, along with the current success of the program, is unparallel to any other team in the CHL, and really any other junior program, so I think it was perfect for my development.”
Dickinson shares a blueline with Isaiah George (NYI), Oliver Bonk (PHI), and Jackson Edward (BOS), all of whom have been drafted into the NHL. This coming June, the 17-year-old, who is projected as a top-10 pick by many outlets, will walk across the stage in Las Vegas before dawning his new sweater for the first time, and he appreciates the guidance his three teammates have provided along the way.
“Having three drafted guys on the blueline alongside me is really awesome,” Dickinson said. It’s important to have guys like that to look up to, ask questions to, and learn from.
“Obviously, on the ice, they’re all special players and playing with any one of them is going to make me look good. I think the four of us bounce off each other well, and we’re excited for what’s to come in the second half of the season.”
It is well-known across the hockey universe that the Knights are a very successful junior franchise. Along with winning many awards, the organization has produced plenty of NHL talent, such as Mitch Marner (Toronto), Patrick Kane (Detroit), and Evan Bouchard (Edmonton). A large portion of that stems from 22-year head coach Dale Hunter.
“He’s one of the best coaches, not only in junior hockey but in the world,” the top prospect said. “He’s so knowledgeable and knows so much about the next level because of the playing career he had. He knows how to get there, he knows how to act when you get there, and that’s what he’s teaching us here, how to be pros early.”
Dickinson, who stands out as a beacon of promise, possesses such a dynamic two-way game, where his speed, skill, and hockey IQ make him undoubtedly a player to watch.