Prospect Q&A: Josh Dickinson

Josh Dickinson signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche on April 5 as an undrafted free agent and is preparing for his first season of pro hockey.
The Georgetown, Ontario, native played in 40 games with the Clarkson University Golden Knights last season, where he tallied 26 points (15 goals and 11 assists). Dickinson then played five games on an amateur tryout for the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League and recorded two assists.
Prior to playing for Clarkson, he spent three seasons with the Ontario Junior Hockey League's Georgetown Raiders and won the league championship with the club in 2017.

The left-handed center is 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds and recently talked with ColoradoAvalanche.com about joining the Avs organization and getting ready for the 2018-19 campaign.
How was your year at Clarkson University?
"It was unbelievable. We had a good year and a really strong team. Unfortunately, it did not end the way we wanted it to. The guys were unbelievable. The coaches were awesome; they really let us play and gave us a good opportunity. It was an unbelievable year."
What are you hoping to accomplish this season?
"I'm going into camp looking to make the Avalanche. I don't want to set my goals low. I want to be a key contributor to whatever team I end up making, but my main goal right now is to make the Avalanche."

What is your favorite hockey memory?
"It would definitely have to be me and all of my best friends back when we were 9 years old. We went undefeated in our hockey season. They are my best friends now, and we were all growing up together."
How have you liked Colorado?
"It's been unbelievable. I went and saw some of the mountains. I went up to the top of Pikes Peak. Just being here with the Avalanche has been incredible, beautiful facilities and the staff here is unbelievable. They really take care of you."
Who were your hockey inspirations growing up?
"My brother (Jason Dickinson of the Dallas Stars), just growing up and watching him play. With him being a couple years older than me, I just always wanted to be like him since he has done so well."
How would you describe your playing style?
"I would say I'm a two-way guy. I like to be as effective as I can in every zone. I like to work on my scoring, and I like to be a big, defensive guy and win key faceoffs."

How did it feel to win the OJHL championship?
"That was unbelievable. Again, all my good buddies were on that team too. It was in my hometown (Georgetown Raiders). It was unbelievable to win it in my third year when I knew I was leaving for school the next year, and it was a good way to go out. We all came together, and it was such a team effort and it was such an unbelievable way to go out."
Who got you into playing hockey?
"My dad and my mom. They didn't get to grow up playing hockey. My mom is from Scotland and my dad is from the Caribbean, and they both loved the game. When they finally came over to Canada, they said, 'If we couldn't play, let's put them in and see if they love it.' They did that, and it turns out my brother and I both loved it."
What is your favorite activity to do when you are away from the rink?
"Me and Travis Barron like to play some Xbox together in our free time right now."
What is your favorite movie?
"Probably Shooter."
If you didn't play hockey, what would your job be?
"I really love working with kids, so I would probably have to say a teacher. I have a lot of little cousins, and they have molded me into a kids' guy. So I would be a teacher."