Knights ’ Dickinson named OHL’s top defenceman

Sam Dickinson. (Source: Morgan Roobroeck/Wild Ave Photography)

Sam Dickinson of the London Knights has been named the OHL defenceman of the year.

The San Jose Sharks prospect won the award based on votes by the league’s general managers.

“It’s such an honour to win this award and to think of all the incredible players to win before me,” said Dickinson. “My family, teammates, coaches and the entire London Knights organization are the first people I’d like to thank in helping me achieve such an incredible honour. I’m looking forward to what’s next for our team in these playoffs.”

Dickinson established a new London Knights single season record for points by a defenceman with 91, including 29 goals and 62 assists along with a league-leading plus/minus rating of plus-64 over 55 games. His 12 power play goals, eight shorthanded points and 245 shots on goal led OHL defencemen.

“We knew at 16 that Sam was going to be a special player,” said Knights Vice President and General Manager Mark Hunter. “He has high-end talent and can make plays at both ends of the ice. He is very deserving of this award and we are very proud of what he has accomplished as a London Knight.”

Dickinson is the latest in a list of Knights to have won the Max Kaminsky Trophy that includes Evan Bouchard (2019), Danny Syvret (2005), John Erskine (2000), Bob Halkidis (1985), teammates Brad Marsh and Rob Ramage (1978) and Rick Green (1976).

A Toronto native, Dickinson will be formally recognized as the OHL Defenceman of the Year at the OHL Awards Ceremony to be held at The Hockey Hall of Fame in June.