Prospect Q&A: Josh Dickinson

Josh Dickinson, 21, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche on April 5, 2018 as an undrafted free agent. He spent the 2018-19 season in the American Hockey League with the Colorado Eagles and the ECHL with the Utah Grizzlies.
The Halton Hills, Ontario, native is coming off his first pro season and is preparing for his second year with the Avs organization. In his 31 games with the Grizzlies, he scored 29 points (eight goals, 21 assists) in the regular season and seven points (three goals, four assists) in the playoffs. He totaled four points (one goal, three assists) in 21 contests with the Eagles last season.

Before signing with the Avs, Dickinson played for the Clarkson University Golden Knights. There, the 6-foot-2 and 190-pound center recorded 26 points (15 goals and 11 assists) in 40 games. Additionally, he spent three seasons with the OJHL Georgetown Raiders and was a part of the championship-winning squad in 2016-17.
Dickinson recently sat down with ColoradoAvalanche.com to talk about his career before Colorado, his season last year and looking ahead to the new campaign.
You've been signed with the Avalanche for over a year now, what has this past year been like for you?
"It's been really good. I think we have a great organization here, and everything is going in the right direction. I think it's been a process for me, and I think it's going great and we're heading in the right direction."
What are your goals going into this season?
"I just want to be a consistent go-to guy. Every situation, I want to be able to be called upon and really contribute."
Do you have any pregame routines or music you listen to before a game?
"Nothing really specific for music. I like to have chicken and quinoa before the game. That's basically all I do. I take a nap at the same time every day, but other than that I'm not too superstitious."

How did your year at Clarkson University impact you as a player?
"It was great. I think that coming from tier-II junior A, you're not quite ready for pro yet. I think my year at Clarkson really fast tracked that level for me and really got me ready for where I am."
How did it feel to win the OJHL championship?
"Oh, that was great. It was in my hometown; all my best buddies were on that team. When you win a championship with anyone it brings you so much closer, and to do it with your best friends was unbelievable."
What made that Georgetown Raiders team so special?
"I think it's a combination of everything. We had depth throughout the whole lineup and a really strong, tight-knit group. We were all such close friends before hockey, so it was really easy to go out there and play for each other."
How has your brother, Jason Dickinson of the Dallas Stars, influenced you in your hockey career?
"I think he's the reason why I am where I am. I was a little bit of a late bloomer, and I just kind of followed him as he made his way up. He's a little bit more of a higher-end prospect, and I think seeing how he trained and lived every day really helped me see what it took."
What was your time with the Eagles like last year?
"The Eagles were awesome. I think Cro (Eagles head coach Greg Cronin) has a really good system in place. I think he pushes you to your limits and really shows you what it takes to play in the NHL. As much as it's hard work, it's what it's going to take to get to the Avs, and that's the ultimate goal for all of us."
What was your favorite part of the 2018-19 season?
"Just my first year in general. I got my first goal in San Diego, and that was pretty cool. I think just experiencing the pro lifestyle, being with the guys, making a goal and working for what you love doing. So, nothing specific--just everything in general."

How would you describe your playing style?
"I like to be a two-way guy. My motto is kind of just 'be good at everything.' In any situation I want to be available, and I want to be one of the better guys up. I'm just an all-around center."
Who is your favorite hockey player?
"That's tough. It's kind of cliché to say Sidney Crosby, but I mean he's the guy that's good at everything and that's kind of how I want to play. So, I'd have to say him."