Dickman commits to Bemidji State

Mar 12, 2014

by John Peterson, Austin Bruins

 

The top scorer on the Austin Bruins will have a chance to use his imposing size and heavy shot at the college level, after two strong seasons in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Jay Dickman (Shoreview, MN) announced his commitment to play his Division I college hockey at Bemidji State University. The Beavers compete in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

“Jay has dedicated the majority of his time over the past two years for the opportunity to play Division I hockey,” said Bruins Head Coach Chris Tok, “and he has been rewarded with his commitment to Bemidji State.”

The 6’6’’, 225 pound forward performed well in front of scouts multiple times this season. Dickman started the season strong, tallying six goals and two assists at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, MN back in September, including a four-goal game in a win over Wichita Falls. He also scored a goal and helped his Team Central to a 2-0 record at the NAHL Top Prospects tournament last month.

After graduating from St. Paul Johnson High School in 2012, Dickman entered juniors with prototypical power-forward size and what many described as an NHL-caliber shot. One of the areas Dickman has worked hard to improve over the past two years is his skating.

“The biggest things we have worked on with Jay all revolve around doing things faster and faster,” added Tok.

Dickman’s 55 points in 53 games so far this season is good for third in the NAHL, and he is seventh in the league in goals (22), third in assists (33) and fourth among all skaters in plus/minus (+31). For his career, Dickman has racked up 45 goals and 67 assists for 112 points, which is six points away from the Bruins’ all-time record of 118, set by Brandon Wahlin (White Bear Lake, MN–University of Massachusetts).

Dickman is the 17th player in the Bruins’ four-year history to earn a Division I opportunity, and the first to commit to the Beavers.

“BSU has been talking with Jay for the past two years, tracking his progress and doing their homework to make sure he would be a good fit for their program,” said Tok. “This is a great future challenge that he will meet head-on.”