Minot, ND – As the 2016/17 NAHL season draws near we are giving Tauros fans a chance to meet all of the new members of the club as well as learn a little more about the returning Tauros. We will play 20 questions with a different Tauro every day from now until the NAHL Showcase going in number order, today we catch up with veteran defenseman #23 Jake Dittel.
Dittel has spent the last two seasons paired with NCAA DI players Jon Lizotte and James LaDouce, now in his final season of junior hockey it is Dittel who will be looking to get the DI call. Two seasons ago as a rookie DIttel posted 5 goals and 8 assists, then last season he posted the kind of jump coaches like to see from a second year player with 3 goals and 21 assists. His increased scoring saw him finish tied for 25th among NAHL defensemen in points and 18th in assists. Just as important was his play in the defensive zone where Dittel improved from a solid +9 as a rookie to +17 in his second year which was tied with teammates Jarrod Brandt and Sam Fuss for 15th among NAHL blueliners. Dittel has perhaps the highest profile of any of the Tauros returning defensemen and will be counted on to be a steadying force both on the ice and in the room.
From the Coaches’ Office: Jake has played a big role for us in the two years he’s been with us. He is a fierce competitor and plays hard every game. We will expect him to be a leader on our team this winter and a guy that we can lean on in all situations. – Marty Murray
20 Questions Do you have a nickname: Ditts
Older/younger siblings: Younger, Joe, 18
Favorite NHL team/player: Arizona Coyotes/ Oliver Ekman-Larsson
What inspired you to start playing hockey: My dad
Pregame routine: Warm up and tape stick
Ideal pregame meal: PB&J
Any hockey superstitions: Tape stick in bleachers before game
Best hockey memory: Sweeping Bismarck in the first round of playoffs my first year
Aside from people, what will you miss most from home: My pug
Do you believe in ghosts or aliens: Yes, Both
Favorite vacation spot: Aruba
Least favorite word: Hate
Favorite candy bar: Twix
Favorite pizza topping: Pepperoni and Sausage
What song would you sing for Karaoke: Burn by Usher
Favorite cartoon as a kid: Spongebob
Do you have a hidden talent: Pretty above average Clash of Clans player
What’s your dream car: A nice old fashioned muscle car
If you could have one superpower what would it be: Mind reading
If you had to go on a reality show which one would you choose: The Bachelor