As a 2000 birth year, Devante Dixon wanted to use the 2020-21 season as a steppingstone to play college hockey next season.

The Denver native and steady defenseman said he was already in the process of deciding between a few schools when Framingham State University contacted him.

“Coach Mike Bailey simply reached out one day, and after doing some research on the school and taking a visit, it ended up being the spot for me,” Dixon said. “What appealed most to me about the school was just the overall picture where I saw myself fitting into so well. From the courses offered, to Coach Bailey’s style and philosophies, to the campus itself, I believe I’m very likely to succeed in the kind of environment that Framingham has to offer.”

Framingham State plays in the MASCAC and is located in Framingham, Mass.

Serving as captain this season for the USPHL Premier’s Philadelphia Hockey Club, Dixon said he is anxious for a deep playoff run this spring.

“I think this season has gone tremendously well both for the team and myself personally,” said Dixon. “From a team perspective, we continue to grow together as a family each and every day. I think we have this mentality of sacrifice that’s going to do us wonders as we near playoffs. From a personal perspective, I’m ready to continue that process and play my role in it.”

In October, Dixon was named one of the USPHL Premier’s Players of the Month for the North Region with three goals and 13 points over 12 games for PHC. Heading into playoffs, Dixon has registered five goals and 28 points in 31 games during the regular season.

Needless to say, Dixon has come a long way from his humble beginnings.

“My origination story is a little unorthodox,” said Dixon. “I watched ‘Miracle’ in eighth grade in our final period class. The scene where they are getting bagged after their game and spraying snow each time they stop, I thought that was the coolest thing ever. To be able to ice skate and spray snow like they did was the epitome of my ambition. I started going to public skates as much as I could, joined a rec team my freshman year, and got after it.

“I haven’t looked back since.”

Growing up, Dixon jumped programs a bit in Colorado as he tried to work his way up the ranks. He played in Arapahoe’s recreational league, then for Littleton Hawks’ Midget Minor A, Cherry Creek High School in the High Plains Hockey League, Colorado Thunderbirds junior in the old RMJHL, and Colorado Thunderbirds 18U AAA.

“Every single coach that I’ve had has played a tremendous role in my development as a hockey player and as a young man,” Dixon said. “Each and every one of them has taught me something, whether that be what and how long a ‘hockey shift’ is, to the understanding that hard work is a habit. I owe each and every coach more than words can express.”

With the postseason on tap and his college commitment secured, Dixon can now focus on the immediate and long-term future.

“Short term, I want to graduate college, leave with a degree, and be better at hockey than I was when I first enrolled,” said Dixon. “As far as long-term goals, I’m still not sure what I want to dedicate life to, and I don’t have many concrete external goals. I’m more worried about the person I want to be in five years and cultivating those habits now than I am about what exact position I want to be in.”

— Matt Mackinder

(Feb. 26, 2021)