Wasilla blueliner won't back down

DARRELL L. BREESE/ Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA - Ask any opponent of the Wasilla Spirit this season, and they will tell you defenseman Jeff Dimmen isn't one to back down from a challenge.

All season the 6-foot, 190-pound, Dimmen has built a reputation of being a big physical force for the Valley's Junior A hockey franchise.

But there is more to this blueliner then just brawn.

The 19-year-old from Colorado Springs has always accepted challenges, and this season has been no different. His first challenge was dealing with the move of the Spirit from Springfield, Mo. to Wasilla.

&#8220I wasn't sure if I would stay with the team when I first heard about the move,” Dimmen said. &#8220I just wasn't sure about coming to Alaska. Then someone challenged me to stick with my commitment, and I am happy I did.”

Spirit head coach Dean Larsen was happy with that decision as well.

&#8220Jeff came to our first camp in shape and ready to play,” Larsen said. &#8220Not only was he a veteran, but he came in ready to improve his game.”

Once in camp, Dimmen faced a new challenge.

&#8220There were a lot of adjustments to be made,” he said. &#8220Not only was the team playing in a new state, but there was a new coach and a new philosophy, and approach to the game.”

But after a period of getting comfortable with his new surroundings, Dimmen began to focus on his next challenge, getting involved in the offense.

&#8220That was a big change from my first year with the team,” he said. &#8220Last season my duties were primarily defensive. So being asked to take scoring chances was a welcomed change.”

It didn't take long for Dimmen to show his skills as he assisted Steve Murphy on a shorthanded goal in the fourth game of the season against Billings.

That was the beginning of a very productive season for the blueliner. He wrapped up the regular season with two goals and a team-high 20 assists. That's a considerable improvement from the three goals and four assists he collected during his rookie year.

He had what may be his biggest night when it counted the most. He scored two goals, including the overtime game winner, against Fairbanks in the opening game of the NAHL playoffs. It came as a bit of surprise to everyone but him.

&#8220I knew I had it in me,” he said. &#8220Normally I look to set up a teammate, but I can score when given the chance. After scoring two goals in the entire season, getting two in one game was huge.”

His increased involvement in the offense has made Dimmen the team's top scoring defenseman. It also ranks him fourth on the Spirit squad in scoring behind David Gault, Mike Glaesmer and Murphy.

Besides scoring more, Dimmen also was asked to step up his defensive play.

&#8220He's got it all. We send him out there against the top line and he shuts them down,” Larson said. &#8220He is also key to our penalty kill unit and power play.

&#8220We ask a lot of him,” Larson continued. &#8220And every time he has responded by stepping up his game.”

Dimmen came into the season along with his teammates accepting the challenge from the Spirit coaching staff to get the team into the playoffs. But he is not satisfied with just achieving that goal.

&#8220I'll be back next year,” he said, before being asked about his future plans. &#8220I've got one more year of eligibility left in junior hockey and I plan to play here again.”

He as already begun thinking of his next challenge, after junior hockey.

&#8220The Ivy League,” he said. &#8220I'd like to get a good college education while playing a little hockey.”

The rigorous academic requirements and time commitment required to play college hockey doesn't seem to bother him.

&#8220I know my social life might suffer a bit,” Dimmen said. &#8220But if you never challenge yourself, you'll never get better.”

Contact Darrell L. Breese at 352-2267 or at darrell.breese@

frontiersman.com.