Anaheim 16U forward Dixson plays with USNTDP Team

January 21, 2015

North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) and Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U forward Justin Dixson made the most of his time spent in Michigan this past weekend and turned it into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

 

The 16-year-old forward from Sunnyvale, California, got the opportunity to play this past weekend for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) 17 Team in their weekend home games against the Chicago Steel.

 

On Friday, Dixson had to miss the Ducks game against New Jersey, which turned out to be a 2-1 win, and instead made his National Team debut. The NTDP team lost to the Chicago Steel, 3-1.   

 

The next day, Dixson played second game of the series between the NTDP team and the Steel, as the NTDP team came away with a 3-2 win. Later that night, Dixson had three points for Anaheim in their 7-3 win over Omaha.

 

“I think the opportunity for Justin to play for the NTDP team was very unexpected. Justin, along with our organization were very grateful for the opportunity.  All of his Jr. Ducks teammates were very excited and were able to watch him play on Friday night along with his parents.  It was a very great experience for Justin, he has been working extremely hard and is well-deserving of any opportunities that have come to him this season,” said Anaheim 16U head coach Alex Kim.

 

Dixson has had a tremendous season in the NAPHL this year. He was named the 16U Peak Performer for forwards from the first event of the year at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine. He also played for Team Blue and scored a goal in the NAPHL 16U All-Star Game. He finished 2nd in NAPHL 16U scoring with 35 points during the regular season.

 

Earlier this season, he signed an NAHL tender agreement with the Topeka RoadRunners, currently the top team in the South Division.

 

“Justin is a very talented player and has had a very good season.  He has simplified his came and that has allowed him to be successful. I am pleased with his progress as a player and believe that he is a player that has NCAA potential,” said Kim.