The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize Dawson Mercer, who was selected 18th overall by the New Jersey Devils, in the first round of the National Hockey League Draft last night.
The 18-year-old Bay Roberts native is the 42nd player from our province to be selected in the NHL Draft, and the seventh to go in the first round. A member of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Dawson is considered one of the top junior aged hockey players in the world. His ability and skill is expected to make him a pivotal player of Team Canada’s entry at the World Junior Hockey Championship this year, where he will aim to win another gold medal as a part of Team Canada.
Mr. Speaker, the Mercer family in the Conception Bay region are well-known for their ability on the ice. Father Craig was a senior hockey star in the province, brother Riley is currently a goalie with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and sister Jessica, plays Triple A hockey here at home.
Mr. Speaker, Dawson’s family must be over-come with joy as he is certainly living out a dream. His family must also be proud of the fact so many in the hockey community speak of Dawson’s maturity, his magnetic personality, and his leadership qualities on and off the ice.
Athletes from Newfoundland and Labrador are making an impact, and this is the second consecutive year a hockey player from our province has been selected in the opening round of the NHL Draft, as St. John’s native Alex Newhook was chosen 16th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2019.
I ask all Honourable members to join me in congratulating Dawson Mercer on his selection in the opening round of the NHL Draft, and for being an inspiration to hockey players across our province and the country.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.