Graham Dickerson was the 272nd pick in the 2017 OHL Draft to the Kitchener Rangers. The Port Hope, Ontario native started the sport at age 4. “The earliest memory of my hockey career, that I get reminded of [often], it was going to be my first time stepping on the ice, I had friends and family there to support me. I just would not go on the ice, everyone tried to talk me up so I would do it but I couldn’t.”
He eventually did out there and climbed the way up the youth hockey ladder to eventually be draftged in the OHL at age 16.“My family and I set up the computer and were watching hoping to see my name pop up. The rounds kept [passing] and still I wasn’t called. Then I got to the point where I was getting frustrated and about to shut the computer off, and I saw my name pop up and I couldn’t believe it. I was so stoked!”
Earlier this month Graham made his OHL debut with the Kitchener Rangers. “The day of my first game, my family and I drove to Kitchener before the game to meet the staff and go over a few things. Then after that I was focused and ready to go like any other game. Running onto the ice was the best feeling because I was finally there as a Kitchener Ranger player and not just a prospect. Putting on the jersey for the first time I felt relieved because it showed that all my hard work did not go unseen. The coolest feeling of the game was sitting on the bench hearing coach say my name to signal that I will be going out next shift; dream come true.”
Dickerson started the season in the OJHL for the Whitby Fury but the transition to the OHL is still quite a jump. “The adjustment has been the same so far as any other new team I’ve been on. Just figuring out the guys and how they work, but they have really been welcoming, which made the transition much easier.”
Graham, like many players, had a to make a decision between NCAA hockey and the CHL, “NCAA was on the radar growing up, I always said that NCAA was the route I was going to take. But after visiting Kitchener and seeing the atmosphere it became my goal to step on the ice as a Ranger.”
While Graham’s road to the OHL may be a bit unique as a late round pick; he talked about being an underrated prospect and not losing faith in the process. “Not getting the recognition I thought I deserved at the end of the day actually helped me. It pushed me to work harder and stay focused so one day I would get the recognition.”
Discussing life after hockey, “After hockey is done I would like to pursue a career in a field of business, but still stay connected to the game whether that’s being a scout or coaching somewhere.”
Graham has played 7 games with the Kitchener Rangers this season.
Photo credit: Hickling Images
