Braves alum Tritt excited about NCAA D1 Lakers playoffs

Spokane Braves alum Dawson Tritt (2017-18) is in his fourth and final season of NCAA DI hockey with the Lake Superior State Lakers. As a 17-year-old, Tritt had 43 points in 43 games for the Braves, then joined the BCHL Alberni Valley Bulldogs for three seasons and spent one in the North America Hockey League with the Lone Star Brahmas. 

It’s his second season as a Lakers assistant captain and he said it’s an honour to have that role.

“We have a great, older group in general here so it’s a pretty easy task,” said Tritt on having that responsibility. “I just try to be myself. We have a lot of leaders, not just the guys with the letters on their chest.”

KIJHL communications director Emanuel Sequeira spoke with Tritt about his season with the Lakers and his time in the KIJHL.

 

KIJHL: How do you feel you have been playing this season?

DT: I had a slow start but found my groove, and things have been going well. I’ve dealt with some injuries, so it’s been a bit of a weird season personally. But heading into the final 10 games, I feel good, and our team is in a good spot for the playoffs. I’m excited to see what we can do.

 

KIJHL: What have you been focused on to continue developing into a better player?

DT: I work with my coaches weekly, reviewing my shifts. I break things down at home, looking for ways to improve each week. Staying consistent with that has led to good results.

 

KIJHL: How good are the players that you play with and against in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association?

DT: There are a lot of good players, a lot of skill. As you move up, the players are going to be better and better. In talking about development, that’s helped me a lot. My development is playing with my teammates and against some great players. It’s been fun.

 

KIJHL: You played one season in the KIJHL with the Braves, how did that season help you development wise that allowed you to advance to a higher level?

DT: As a 17-year-old, playing against older guys helped a lot. The jump in speed was noticeable. I had a solid role with the Braves, which allowed me to develop my scoring and all-around game. I was put in key situations, which ultimately helped me move up to the BCHL.

 

KIJHL: What did you enjoy about that season in the KIJHL for your hometown Braves?

DT: Being back home was huge. I left at 14 to play minor hockey in Seattle, so returning to Spokane and playing with friends made it one of my favourite seasons. It was great to be home, play with my buddies, and go to school there again.