Liberty Honoured By MVP Award, Sparked By Final Season

Kings captain Dillon Liberty says the realization he was in his final season of junior hockey sparked his historic season, leading to the Stobbs Division MVP Award | Photo courtesy of Ali Dion

As earlier reported by CKSN.ca, Dresden Jr Kings captain Dillon Liberty has been named MVP of the PJHL Stobbs Division.

Dillon told 99.1 CKXS radio personality and PJHL play-by-play broadcaster Jay Smith the MVP award is an honour he doesn’t take lightly.

“It feels awesome to receive it in my overage season. I also have to give credit to my teammates and coaches and the entire Kings organization for the support they’ve shown me since my first season in Dresden” said Liberty.

The 21-year-old Thamesville native had a monster year, claiming the Stobbs Division scoring title on top of the MVP honours, while dominating the division and finishing just five goals shy of 50. Liberty’s 45 goal output, alongisde 32 assists (77 points) demolished his earlier career best point total of 46 and more than doubled his 2104-15 career high 20 goals.

The Kings captain revealed his game ramped up in large part due to seeing his playing days coming to a close in Dresden.

“I think what changed for me this season was the realization that this was my last year of junior hockey and taking pride in coming to the rink, being with my teammates and working hard,” he added. “Being named captain and taking on the role as a leader really pushed me to be my best.”

Having suited up for the Kings throughout his entire five year junior career has been special for the local product, playing in what is considered Thamesville’s “hometown” rink. Over time, the game may have changed, but Friday nights in Dresden still have that same ‘special’ feel for Liberty and his Kings team mates.

“Looking back I will always remember the friendships I made along the way with teammates and the fun we had playing in front of the Dresden crowds on Friday nights,” Dillon echoed. “That will always be special.”

Aside from a stint with the Lambton Shores Predators of the GOJHL for one season and change, Liberty has proudly worn the Kings crest on his chest throughout his junior tenure. In 243 regular season games, Dillon tallied 102 career goals (46% of them this year!) and added his 200th assist during the Kings final regular season affair of the year last week.

Liberty’s last mission with the “C” on his chest is to lead the Kings into battle against an early season division favourite, the Blenheim Blades. The Chatham-Kent rivals open their first round playoff series tonight (Thurs, Feb 2) in Blenheim. Puck drop is 7pm and the game can be heard live on 99.1 FM CKXS and online at ckxsfm.com

The Kings captain has accepted that mission, and anticipates a thriller, much like the season he’s already delivered for local hockey fans.

“I expect our series with Blenheim to be an exciting one. I don’t think either team is going to take one another lightly,” said the MVP. “We’re just gonna take it one game at time, work hard and hopefully that mindset pays off for us in the playoffs.”