Dickson headed to Idaho

(Boise, ID) ? Forward John Scott Dickson has been returned to Idaho by Rochester of the American Hockey League and is expected to be in uniform Friday when the Steelheads play their first playoff game, head coach Derek Laxdal announced Tuesday. It?s an unusual roster move because Dickson is being returned to Idaho despite never having played for the Steelheads. Laxdal signed Dickson out of the University of New Brunswick on April 2 and immediately loaned the 26-year-old to Rochester. Laxdal then placed Dickson on the team?s playoff roster on April 5. In nine games with Rochester, Dickson picked up a pair of assists. ?He?s a big body that can play both ends of the ice,? Laxdal said of the North York (ONT) native. ?He helps fill the physical and skill void we lost when Ashton (Rome) went to the AHL.? Dickson is a two-time national champion at New Brunswick, where he was a teammate of Idaho defenseman Dustin Friesen. He scored 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in just 27 games this past season, finishing his UNB career with 50 goals. He?s also familiar with the ECHL, having skated in 19 games for the Alaska Aces between his junior career and his college career. Idaho will face either Las Vegas or Utah in the National Conference semifinals beginning Friday. The Wranglers and Grizzlies meet in a decisive game 5 of their best-of-five series Tuesday night. The Steelheads open up the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs on April 16 and 17 at Qwest Arena. Catch playoff fever with a group night with the Steelheads ? a great way to get family, friends, or colleagues together for a discounted price. Each ticket comes with a soda, hot dog, and bag of chips. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.