Betts making the most of second chance with IceDogs
One-time long shot to make the Rangers returns to Kitchener as a full-time OHL player with Niagara
Dakota Betts came to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium as a long shot nearly two years ago.
On Friday night, the Niagara Falls native returned as a full-time Ontario Hockey League player with the Niagara IceDogs.
“I know it’s not easy to get to this level,” he said. “I know you have to work hard, and that’s what I did.”
Betts spoke to several OHL clubs ahead of the 2017 draft, but was bypassed, despite posting a solid season with the Clarington Toros.
“I was hoping I’d go,” the 18-yearold recalled. “When I didn’t, I just used that as motivation.”
Betts, now living in Bowmanville, used his mix of grit, defensive ability and occasional offensive pop to get back on the radar with OHL clubs. A year later, the Kitchener Rangers gave him a lifeline by selecting him in the first round of the under-18 draft.
That event was created to give late bloomers a second chance and, while it’s an admirable concept, the reality is that few players from the draft ever make a meaningful contribution in the league.
Forwards Daniel D’Amato (Erie), Victor Hadfield (Barrie) and Kaleb Pearson (Owen Sound) are the biggest success stories.
Now, you can add Betts to that list. Though, he didn’t get there in a Rangers sweater.
Betts attended two rookie camps and one main training camp but didn’t progress any further. When Kitchener added two import defencemen this past summer, the message was clear.
But a door opened in St. Catharines. His agent helped facilitate a trade to the rebuilding IceDogs and Betts made the most of his tryout.
“At the end of camp, we had a meeting and they said they loved me and wanted me to sign here,” he said. “It was exciting, for sure.
“All my family is here and I thought it’d be a great place to play,” he added.
Betts is one of a few IceDogs who have dressed for every game this season. The six-foot-one, 185-pounder has provided some stability to a young blue line and chipped in with three goals and nine assists, heading into the completion of the two-game season series between the IceDogs and the Rangers.
“He’s fit in great. He has composure, battles, is tough, can skate and make plays,” Niagara head coach Billy Burke said. “He has been a big part of our team.
“Our core in the back end is going to be together for three years and it’s exciting to have him part of it.”
There is no ill will toward the Rangers. Betts gave it his best shot in Kitchener, but there just wasn’t a fit at the time.
Now, he’s found a home and is fulfilling his dream.
And he has a message for any other players on the outside looking in. “Don’t give up,” he said.
“Even though you get passed by, just keep working hard and you’ll eventually get here.”