Dain Gordon grew up playing hockey in the Denver area and has spent the last several years playing prep school hockey for the Bishop Kearney Selects in Rochester, N.Y.

Recently, Gordon committed to NCAA Division I Colorado College and will head home for his college career in 2027-28 at the earliest.

“I started talking to CC on January 1 of this year and started building a nice connection with them,” said Gordon. “I toured and loved the facilities and great coaches. The 2027-28 season would be my first year of eligibility to play, but it’s all about when I’m ready to make the jump to college.

“What really shot out to me the most was the amazing coaching staff and strength coach. Those are big parts for me and choosing a school. Also, being close to home is great and they have great academics. Academics have always been a big part for me as they are very important for school and in life.”

Gordon said he’s not sure on a major just yet.

Dan Collins, a former NHL draft pick of the Florida Panthers in 2005, is Gordon’s coach this season with the Bishop Kearney Selects’ 16U AAA team.

“Dain is a big, smart and skilled forward,” said Collins. “He possesses the puck very well and has a knack for scoring in tight to the net. We look to Dain to help provide offensive production and leadership.”

“The experience with BK has been so great for me,” noted Gordon. “I’ve really developed and took big steps in my game. The coaching here has really helped me become the player I am now and set me up for the near future.”

Back home, Gordon said getting involved in the game came naturally.

“I started playing hockey because my dad loved watching it and got my brother and I into it when we were younger,” remembered Gordon. “I did learn-to-skate lessons in my hometown, Denver, and really started to love hockey.”

Gordon played for the Krivo School of Hockey Elite for seven years and then moved to the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders for two years.

“My coach with Krivo really helped me develop the fundamentals of skating and stick handling,” Gordon said. “With the RoughRiders, I learned a lot more about the game and developed a higher hockey IQ there.”

Looking ahead, Gordon has goals in mind that he plans to check off his list.

“Short-term goal is to win a national championship this year,” said Gordon. “I want to put on 15-20 pounds before the start of next season and really build my body. I also want to play in the USHL next year (Gordon weas selected last year in Phase I of the USHL Draft by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders). For school, I want to keep a 4.0 average. Long term is to play on a top line in college and ultimately play pro when I’m older. If hockey doesn’t work out, I want to have a job that I love doing.”

Photo/RCAH

— Matt Mackinder

(November 1, 2024)