Spotlight Story: Dawson Lukey, Men's Hockey

Finding Home on the Ice & Wanting to Help Build a Program

For as long as he can remember, hockey has been woven into the fabric of Dawson Lukey's life. He grew up in a family where the sport wasn't just a pastime but a legacy. His dad, a former OHL player who also spent time in the Washington Capitals' farm system, passed down not just skill but a deep love for the game.

"My first memory of hockey was in Mites [entry-level hockey, ages 4-6]," Dawson recalls with a grin. "I actually have a photo of it in my room—me playing goalie. It's the only time I've ever played goalie in my life. Every guy on our team had to rotate through a game. I don't remember how it went, but it probably didn't go too well."

That early start was only the beginning. Dawson played just about every sport growing up—lacrosse, soccer, basketball, volleyball—but hockey always had a special pull. By the time he reached high school, the choice was clear. "With AAA hockey, the time commitment was huge," he says. "I couldn't pursue everything anymore, so I stuck with the one I loved the most."

Choosing Creighton: A New Path & Purpose

Dawson hadn't considered Creighton University until a family member pointed it out. His cousin, Matt Lukey, completed his residency there, and he and his wife Lisa—both Creighton alumni—encouraged Dawson to check it out.

"I had just come out of juniors and wasn't sure what I wanted to do next," he says. Injuries had already taught him how fragile a hockey career could be. "Matt flew me out last October. I toured campus and fell in love with it. The small class sizes, the feel of the community, even seeing how successful the sports programs were—everything clicked."

What was supposed to be a one-week visit turned into two. As soon as he got home, he applied.

Dawson now studies biology on a pre-med track, driven by the same experiences that once pushed him back onto the ice after injuries. "I've been in situations where I wasn't feeling well, and people helped me recover. If I can do that for someone one day—make them feel better—that's what I want."

Joining Premier Club Hockey

Shortly after applying to Creighton, Dawson received an unexpected email from Premier Club Sports Director Clay Caswell. His hockey background had surfaced in his application, and Clay wanted to know if he'd be interested in joining a brand-new hockey program.

"I was wary at first," Dawson admits. "I was stepping out of junior hockey and focusing on academics. But after talking with my parents, we realized that being part of a first-year program meant I could really contribute. I could offer my experience. And honestly—being part of something bigger, something that students could come cheer for or broadcast, that meant a lot."

Dawson says finding a community early on was important—and the program gave him exactly that.

A First Semester Full of Momentum

So far, Dawson describes his Premier experience as nothing short of incredible.

"Everybody within the program—coaches, staff—has been amazing. They're so accommodating. If you need to study or you have a big test, they'll work with you. And the guys? Everyone's excited to be on the ice."

Travel, hotel stays, long bus rides—the small moments are what he's come to love most. "Those are the memories you keep forever," he says.

This season, Dawson wears the captain's "C," something he doesn't take lightly. "It's a huge privilege. The more we're on the ice, the more comfortable we get. I'm just excited to be playing competitive hockey again."

Looking Ahead: Growth, Grit, and a Whole Lot of Fun

When asked what he's most excited for this season, Dawson doesn't hesitate.

"Watching the guys get better every day. We've progressed a lot already, and that's because of Coach Martin and Coach Olle. They played at high levels and bring so much knowledge. They give us key takeaways every single day."

He knows there will be bumps along the road—every new program has them—but he embraces it. "It's all part of building something."

And if he could give one piece of advice to next year's incoming players?

"You're going to have so much fun. We're all competing for one goal—winning—but having a group you can rely on is special. This community, the coaches, the staff—everyone is supportive. And you get to play the game you love while getting your education."

Family as the Foundation

Before the conversation ends, Dawson makes sure to talk about the people who made all of this possible.

"Throughout my entire hockey journey, my parents have been my backbone," he says. "Dad was pretty laid back; Mom was always fired up. They drove me all over the country, supported every decision, and encouraged me to pursue Creighton."

He also gives credit to his cousin Matt and his wife Lisa, who helped guide him toward the university—and the future he's now building. "They've both been mentors to me through this whole process. I wouldn't be here without them."

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