Greater Latrobe alumnus Dylan Morris, former Athlete of the Week, PIHL All-Star, and current USPHL player, is taking his hockey career to the next level. After captaining a successful high school team, Morris now plays in the United States Premier Hockey League, the largest junior hockey league in the world. The league consists of 150 junior teams that compete across North America and a roster of over 20,000 players. With this move has come a shift in intensity, competition, and expectations.
Morris’s passion for hockey began early in life. At just two years old, his uncle encouraged his first strides on the ice at Kirk S. Nevin—the same rink where he’d later play in high school—and by six, he was hooked. The rink quickly became his second home, and the sport became a major part of his identity. Now, years later, that early passion has taken him hundreds of miles from home to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he’s competing at a level he once only dreamed about.
Morris emphasized his desire to contribute in any way the team needs. “[My] goal of the season [is to] just be a consistent contributor to the team, whether that be a role player, with being a locker room guy and being a motivator, whether that be a lead-by-example kind of guy showing everybody how it’s done,” he said. “Just finding my role, sticking to that role, and making sure that whatever I’m doing is contributing to the team’s success.”
Although assistant captains have not been officially selected for the Boston Junior Rangers, Morris hopes his leadership skills, shaped at Latrobe, help him earn the position. He talked about older role models he had and how they helped him develop his skills for team leading now. “Having Peyton [Meyers] as a captain was really important for two of the years at Latrobe. You can see how he’s a good leader, and he also went on to junior hockey. He was a good leader to look at and get good inspiration from because he pretty much did exactly what I wanted to do. He shaped the way that I played and led the team after. I tried to lead in a similar way to Peyton.” It’s that foundation of mentorship and experience that he hopes will help him earn a letter this season.
Transitioning from high school to junior hockey has not been easy. The fast pace, physicality, and commitment required are at a much higher level than what he experienced in high school. “It’s intense,” Morris said. “You’re practicing five days a week, of course, skating five days a week, you’re playing at least two, sometimes three times a week. You’re lifting all the time. Trying to balance your schedule with working out, skating, eating correctly, getting enough sleep, and still having time to do stuff with your teammates.” After talking through his daily routine, he offered a more specific breakdown of his training schedule. “We skate five times a week, and we lift as a team twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday. On the days I don’t have a team lift, I’ll go on my own. So I lift five to seven days a week, depending on how many games we have.” To keep up with his demanding workout schedule, he follows a consistent, priority-driven diet. “I usually start my day with a bowl of oats and a banana, plus dried fruit, fresh fruit, and nuts with honey. I’ll add an egg or two, but not too much, before skating. After my skate, I stop at the café where I work and get an avocado toast sandwich with eggs and veggies. After practice, I head home for another meal—usually chicken or steak with a potato or two. Dinner is typically a Chipotle bowl, chicken and rice, or a pasta dish. And I’ll treat myself to dessert here and there.” His high-energy, nutrient-dense diet is what fuels him through such an action-packed schedule.
On top of balancing the physical demands, Morris notes that the mental side can be even more challenging. “I think the most difficult part is the mental aspect, being away from home.” It’s his first time living on his own and the farthest he has ever been from the place he grew up. Navigating new communities, routines, and expectations has pushed him to grow—and ultimately shaped the person he is today. Another mental challenge is the ruthless competitiveness within the team. “I mean, every practice and game is a fight for your spot on the team. And that can add a little bit of additional stress. I’d say that’s the hardest part about it.” A spot is never guaranteed, and your teammates are also your competition. Balancing the pressure of earning his place while preparing for each opponent can be a lot for Morris to manage.
Despite the pressure, Morris thrives on the intensity. His competitive drive keeps him motivated. Through the first 11 games of the season, he has recorded six assists. He explained that contributing to the team matters to him just as much as scoring goals. “If you’re not scoring, contributing to other people’s success is a goal of mine,” he said. “Even if it’s in non-noticeable ways, like, you skate behind a defenseman to almost set a pick for your buddy to go out and skate, get an open shot. Not a whole lot of people notice things like that, but when you do, you know that you helped, and that feels good.”
Morris chose the USPHL because he sees it as a pathway toward collegiate hockey. He said, “Most kids don’t go directly to a high-level college from high school.” Playing juniors gives him exposure and increases the chance of being recognized by college programs. With his first junior season underway, Morris still isn’t sure what next year will look like — another season with the Boston Junior Rangers? a move to a different junior team? College hockey? Stepping into his career?
When asked about life after hockey, Morris paused. While unsure of the exact path, he knows the values he wants to pursue. “Hockey will always be there. I’ll always be on some sort of little team,” he said. “As far as competitive hockey, I don’t know. Get a job, start a family, get married. Buy a house. Start investing, doing adult things.”
For now, Morris is fully committed to the game he fell in love with at age six. Closing his high school hockey career where it all started, and excelling to the next level. Whether assisting a teammate on a key play or fighting for his spot in the lineup, he is embracing every part of the journey, one shift at a time.
