Caleb Dawson was once seen as a shy kid with big hockey dreams. Now, he’s a leading scorer on the Powassan Voodoos. “Not much I can complain about,” he said at practice. “We’re going in the right direction.” 12-year journey His journey with the team began 12 years ago, when the Voodoos were founded – he was one of the stick boys. Caleb would be on the ice after a Voodoos victory, giving high fives to the players. But he had his own dreams of being in their skates one day. Then in 2022, he got the call to join the team as an affiliate player. His biggest fan, his dad, Chris Dawson, is the team’s general manager. “I’m just really proud of him. He’s worked hard to get where he’s at.” “When we were practicing on Trout Lake when the rinks were closed during COVID, he and a lot of his friends got to meet a lot of our older players,” Chris said. Caleb was an affiliate player for two years before he officially signed with the club as a 17-year-old. Earning his way Even though his dad is the GM, Caleb said he never receives any special treatment and he had to earn his way on the team. Caleb said playing limited minutes on the fourth line in his rookie year and battling some grueling and sometimes long injuries helped him become the battle-hardened forward that he is today. “It’s my fourth year here. So, I’m one of the older guys now,” he said. “I try and use my experience I’ve gained over the last couple of years and bring it forward to the younger guys.” Chirs said he remembers his son growing up. Chris called them the “fun memories.” From cheering on their favourite team, the Dallas Stars, together, to Caleb’s first time wearing skates out on the ice and his first goal. “The one thing Caleb had ever since he was a little kid was he always had that drive and that desire to play hockey. The term I like to use is ‘fire in the belly,’” Chris said. “As kids get older, they end up finding other things to do: like going to school or finding another sport they’re interested in. But Caleb’s always had that passion for hockey.” Advice from the bench When he can step out of the management boardroom, Chris will watch and give his son those little extra pieces of advice. “Keep your feet moving,” Chris said from the bench as Caleb skated by with the puck. The father added that his son ‘does not really need it.’ Caleb has put the puck in the net 50 times for the Voodoos. He’s closing in on the franchise record for games played with the team and he could eclipse the franchise point total in the new year if he continues to rack up more goals and assists. Caleb, however, said he is focusing on one thing – a team-first mentality. “We’re working towards that championship,” he said. Cherishing the final season This is his last season with the team as he’s an overage player. As his playing time with the Voodoos continues to get closer to the end, Caleb said he’s trying to cherish every moment and spend time with his dad, who’s cheering him on. “He’s the one who got me into the game. He’s a big part of where I am today,” Caleb said.
