April 1, 2023

By Fred Liggett
sports.lstribune08@gmail.com

Now competing in their 14th season of professional hockey the Kansas City Mavericks have enjoyed having a number of talented players and coaches helping the franchise succeed. When looking into Mavericks franchise history one name that sticks out is John-Scott Dickson. On Saturday, Mar. 25 the Mavericks inducted Dickson into the KC Mavericks Ring of Honor.

The 2022-23 season is the first year the Mavericks have named a Ring of Honor recipient but plan to make it an annual night each season to celebrate Mavericks hockey history. Dickson being the first honoree is of no surprise by longtime fans of the franchise. Dickson spent nine seasons with the Mavericks. Four seasons as a Mavs player, one as an assistant coach and four more years as Mavs Head coach.

Dickson ended up playing in 246 games and ranks to this day fourth in Mavs franchise history in points, goals and assists. During his nine years with the team Dickson was a part of 540 games total with the Mavericks hockey franchise. Mavericks team owner Lamar Hunt, Jr. said of Dickson “helped build our culture, is a pillar of youth hockey.”

Dickson became aware of the honor when team president Mike Cukyne called Dickson about a month ago. Dickson says “very fortunate to be a part of their names.” Dickson feels “other names will go up there, be a part of the history of the team.”

Dickson states he “always worked hard for the team, been able to give back to the community.” Dickson loved the fact on this night his “entire pee wee team was here.” Dickson has heard from many of his former teammates and his first pro coach since news came out about his honor. Sebastian Thinel, Scott Hillman, Andrew Courtney and Dave “Chezy” Pszenyczny just to name a few of them.

Current Mavericks head coach Tad O’Had says “he knew of Dickson, have a friendship with him.” O’Had feels it’s “an incredible honor for him, very deserving for him.” There are still some Mavericks personnel who were with the franchise and worked with Dickson before he left in February 2020. Current forward Loren Ulett played for him and trainer Nick Potter worked with him.

Dickson, his wife Ashley and three children still call the Kansas City area home. Dickson is still sharing his passion for the sport of hockey by coaching youth hockey teams in the metro area. A large banner with Dickson’s name on it and years he spent with the team was unfurled on the east end of Cable Dahmer Arena. For many years to come Mavericks fans will be able to see Dickson’s name and learn about his many contributions to KC Mavericks history.