An interview with…

Andrew Dickson

Sitting quietly in the corner of a local Irish bar I found Hawks star forward Andrew Dickson enjoying a Guinness with his pals. Or more accurately, half of the team and their fans, taking up most of O'Neil's Bar on King William Street.

It's St Patrick's day and just a few hours before Andrew, Brian and Lamont fly home to Canada. The players were enjoying one final get together before they officially split up for the summer break.

Andrew was raised in Pakenham, a small farming community of about 300, on the outskirts of Ontario. It's one of those places where everybody knows everybody else by name, just like the Arena bar on a match night!

His earliest memories of skating are in the town's ice rink where his father Bill taught him and his year older brother, David to skate. David also used to play hockey but has since turned his talents to refereeing. Andrew assured me he is a good ref as well!

Born July 28 1970 in Almonte, Ontario, which was the birthplace of Basketball. Andrew's first game was in 1974, at just four years old, as usual his inspiration for hockey coming mainly from his parents and of course, the game itself.

At the age of 15 Andrew suffered from a spate of injuries including a broken ankle, collar bone, arm and three broken noses, all in the space of two years.

While studying for a BA Economics Degree at the Colgate University he played hockey for the Uni. team, the Colgate Red Raiders.

In 1993 Andrew signed for the Lee Valley Lions in London's east-end. From 17 games with the Lions he scored 36 goals and recorded another 39 assists giving him a points total of 75 by Christmas, which is when the club hit financial difficulties and folded.

For the next three season's Andrew played with German outfit Memmingham in the BayernLiga in the south of the country.

1998 saw Dixi returning to Britain to play with the Hawks and becoming our top points scorer, breaking the 100 barrier by the end of February, so how does he think the season has been?

"It's been an interesting season. Very successful considering the avoidable obstacles. We should be very proud of the remaining imports.

"The facility [Blackburn Arena] is one of the best in Britain and much better than the majority in Germany. It could be better though if heat was supplied!!

"The fans are great. Very appreciative, loud and understanding."

I then asked Andrew to describe himself in five words. This one usually gets them all, but Andrew was quick with his response: "Comical, caring, loyal, laid-back and considerate."

When he's not on the ice Andrew likes to relax and take in a round or two of golf. "I've got a handicap of 2," which he tells me is very good!

And looking towards the future, Andrew doesn't know what he'll be doing come next season but say's he'll let the Hawks fans know via Eye of the Hawks as soon as he has something sorted. "It's a waiting game. I've got to follow the best offer and play in the highest league available to me."

Now, all sportsmen know that their career has to end eventually, so come the time for Andrew to hang up his skates what does he want to do? He would like to go into some kind of management position, making use of his Economics Degree. [Editors note: Maybe Mr Finlay's job will be up for grabs?]

Here is a quick list of some of Andrew's favourite things in life:

Andrew's ideal night out would be dinner with Christie, his girlfriend and some close friends, and maybe a barbecue. One of those friends is Craig Barrie, who Andrew wanted to thank for all the support he's given him. And hopefully he'll have a few friends at the Arnprior golf club after this quick plug!

Compared to Canadian hockey, Andrew says that the British are "Similar in the physical part, but different in the dedication and skill parts."

Finally, I asked him who he'd most like to have a fight with, "James Beale, damn American!"

Thanks for your time Andrew and good luck in your future, both in hockey and on the golf course. Make sure you keep in touch with us here and all your news will be passed onto the Hawks fans.