DION
KNELSEN
Alaska
So. | F | Three Hills, Alberta
Knelsen had a pair of two-goal games in his first
three college games last fall.
Key Statistics: Knelsen
put up some impressive numbers as a freshman, finishing
third on the Nanooks with 17 assists and fourth with
22 points, despite being dogged by a shoulder injury
for much of the year. He was limited to one goal in
his last 32 games after starting off with four goals
in three games.
What He Does: As a freshman,
Knelsen's game could get overshadowed by his age –
17, the youngest player in the CCHA and two years younger
than his brother and classmate, Brandon. But his talent
is evident. Even at 17, he showed flashes of offensive
brilliance. His hands could make him a dynamic scorer
in the CCHA.
The Bigger Picture:
New head coach Doc DelCastillo has come away from a
few phone calls back to Three Hills, Alberta, impressed
by the off-season commitment of the brothers Knelsen.
The combination of his age and that type of work ethic
leaves open the possibility for huge strides in Dion's
game after an already impressive rookie season. "The
sky's the limit for this young man," DelCastillo
raves.
New Alaska head coach Doc DelCastillo
on Knelsen: “As an opposing coach you're
more worried about your own team, but you just knew
he was a player. When he's on the ice, he's dangerous,
with his skating, his skill and his ability to make
plays.”
