By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
Minot, ND – As the Minotauros seventh season draws near it is time to start meeting the players heading to Minot for training camp. Camp opens September 3rd and the pre-season opens on September 9th against the Bismarck Bobcats at the Maysa Arena. We continue meeting the team with Tauros veteran forward Austin Dollimer.
Dollimer enters his second and final junior season after a successful rookie campaign with the Tauros. Dollimer earned himself a spot in the Tauros’ lineup in 54 of 60 games in the regular season and dressed in all four playoff games posting a goal and an assist. In the regular season Dollimer finished 11th in scoring for the Tauros with nine goals and 13 assists.
With only seven players returning from last year’s team there is certainly an opportunity for Dollimer to step into a big role, and the returning forward knows it, “the I believe the most important goals for me this year are to compete as hard as I can every single night and be as consistent with my play. Also, with a lot of new faces this year I want to be a leader that guys can look up to and be a guy that coach can count on to be a threat every night.”
The fact that Dollimer recognizes his need to get more consistent in his play is an excellent sign for the forward’s maturity. Tauros’ Head Coach and General Manager Marty Murray agreed that Dollimer needs to become more consistent, however if he finds it Murray believes the sky is the limit for Dollimer. “There were nights when he was the best player on the ice, and other nights he was inconsistent. There’s no doubt in my mind that if he finds consistency in his game, he could be one of the best forwards in our division,” said Murray.
Aside from consistency Dollimer hopes to improve his first step as well, “I really want to focus on improving my quickness this season. I think if I can improve my first couple strides to be able to beat guys to loose pucks it will really benefit me.”
Most of all Dollimer is excited to get back to Minot and get back to hockey, “I am most excited to get back to Minot to meet the new guys and start working hard together day in and day out, I’m also very excited to get back to Minot and to be able to play in front of our great fans. The atmosphere our fans bring on a nightly basis is unbelievable and we are so fortunate to be able to play in front of them.”
Come back tomorrow when we will meet Ian Doner. Do not miss your chance to see Dollimer and all of the Tauros in action for the first time September 9th at 7:35 at the Maysa Arena when the Bismarck Bobcats come to Minot to open the pre-season.