Golden Rockets forward Dawson Butler has been named the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s rookie of the week for the period ending Dec. 7.
In two games, the Fort McMurray, Alta., native put up two goals and three assists. He tallied a goal and an assist in a 5-4 shootout win over the Fernie Ghostriders, then added a goal and three points in a 6-5 victory against his former team, the Merritt Centennials.
Now four games into his stint with the Rockets after a recent trade, Butler said he’s happy to be helping his new team earn key points in the playoff race.
“I’ve played pretty good. Against my former team, there was a bit of motivation to beat them,” said Butler. “I had a great time in Merritt.”
Rockets head coach and general manager Jed Houseman calls Butler an outstanding addition to the roster.
“Dawson’s game pace is unbelievable. He really brings another element with his speed and offensive instincts,” says Houseman. “He has a good IQ and can create offence by finding things that aren’t quite there for others. His dynamic speed is one of his greatest assets.”
Butler describes himself as a speedy playmaker who likes to read the play as he enters the zone and manage the puck at the right tempo.
“If I get the puck, I know I’m more than capable of putting it in the net,” he says. “I feel like I can pressure the puck very well with my speed, and that helps me create turnovers.”
The 17-year-old joined Golden from the Merritt Centennials via trade in late November.
