From Port Dover to the World Stage: Dylan Hills Is Just Getting Started

Port Dover had a player on one of the biggest minor hockey stages in the province this past season.

Dylan Hills. Twelve years old. U13AAA with the Waterloo Wolves.

Quebec City. The OHF All-Ontario Championships. A season full of memories.

A Season Worth Remembering

Ask Dylan what moment stood out most and he does not hesitate.

"My most proud moment was scoring 4 goals and two assists in one game."

A six point game at the AAA level is a night any kid will remember. It is the kind of performance that reminds you why you put in the work.

The Wolves were one of the top programs in the ALLIANCE all season long. Dylan earned his spot on that roster and made the most of it.

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Quebec City and the Pins That Said Everything

The Quebec International Pee Wee Tournament has been running for over 60 years. More than 2,200 players from over 15 countries. A tournament where Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Guy Lafleur all played as kids.

Dylan was there this past February.

"The Quebec Peewee tournament was an amazing experience, one of the biggest hockey tournaments in the world. We got to play and interact with teams from all over the world."

The Wolves faced teams from South Korea, Japan, Hungary, and the United States.

But the moment that stuck with Dylan most was not on the ice.

"The thing that stood out to me the most was trading team pins with teams from all over the world."

That is what Quebec City gives a kid. Players from completely different countries finding common ground over a handful of pins. It is the kind of thing you do not forget.

Fourth at the OHFs, on Home Ice

When the OHF U13AAA All-Ontario Championships came to Waterloo in April, the Wolves were not just competing. They were the host team. Seven of the best U13AAA teams in Ontario, playing in their own building.

The Wolves finished fourth in the province.

For Dylan, the result was not the biggest takeaway.

"Even though we didn't finish as strong as we had hoped for, it was a great opportunity. I think from the overall experience we learned as a team how to win and lose together humbly."

That kind of reflection at twelve years old says a lot about the group they built this season.

The Bond That Built the Season

Good teams find ways to win. Great teams actually enjoy the journey.

"We did a lot of team building activities outside of hockey. We trained hard together on and off the ice. We always had each other's backs on the ice."

That comes through in how a team plays. And it is the part of a season that sticks with you long after the scores are forgotten.

What Comes Next

The season is done and Dylan is already focused on what is ahead.

Spring and summer tournaments, more development time with trainer Howie Garrison, and building toward a season he is genuinely fired up for.

"I'm looking forward to next season, especially playing contact."

One of the best seasons of his young hockey career and he is already thinking about the next one.

Port Dover, this one is yours.

Community Partner Spotlight: Walker Mortgages

Sports families in Norfolk and Haldimand give everything to keep their kids on the ice. Season after season the costs add up in ways that are easy to lose track of.

Walker Mortgages works with families across the region to build mortgage strategies that free up room in the budget and reduce financial stress at home.

Take two minutes and check out the free Mortgage Gameplan quiz at www.adamwalkermortgages.com/my-mortgage-game-plan. No pressure. Just a clearer picture of where you stand.

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