SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Noah Dobson acknowledged his phone has been going non-stop since the New York Islanders’ season-opening roster was posted on social media Tuesday.
The 19-year-old Summerside native was one of seven defencemen listed.
“I have had lots of friends and family reach out and lots of people from P.E.I.,” said the son of Andrew and Jenny Dobson. “It’s nice to have so much support from back home and there have been so many different people who have helped me along the way to get to where I am, whether it’s former coaches, friends or teammates. To hear from them is great.
“You don’t get here on your own. There are lots of other people from P.E.I. who have helped me get to where I’m at today and I’m grateful for that and they are part of it as well.”
But Dobson’s first phone call, after learning he was sticking with the Islanders, was a special one.
“My dad called me,” said Dobson. “They (Andrew, Jenny and Noah’s younger sister, Elly) had been waiting to hear the news, too, over the last few days and were anxious to see what was going to happen.
“They obviously played a big part in getting me here and it’s been a big sacrifice for them. It’s kind of a dream come true for them as well.”
Andrew and Jenny, along with family friends Brian and Jennifer Hawrylak, were travelling to New York on Thursday for the Islanders’ first two games. Elly is unable to make the trip due to soccer commitments as she prepares to play in the upcoming Canadian championships.
“We are not sure if Noah’s going to play,” said Andrew. “They only dress six (defencemen) and we’ll have to wait and see.
“It will be good to see him. We haven’t seen him since August.”
Andrew noted he and his family are “obviously very proud of Noah’s hard work and dedication.”
He added the phrase it takes a village to raise a child also applies to hockey players.
“There are the coaches, volunteers and we are most appreciative of that,” said Andrew. “There are too many names to name, but we are awful grateful for the people who have supported Noah.”
Jason.simmonds@journalpioneer.com
RELATED:
- Summerside native Noah Dobson looking to prove he belongs with NHL's Islanders
- Noah Dobson feels ready for the NHL
- Rouyn-Noranda Huskies defenceman Noah Dobson wears No. 53 to honour memory of late grandfather
- Dobson brings championship trophies to local organizations
- World junior hockey championship ‘an incredible experience’ for Summerside's Noah Dobson
