Dotson Commits to Babson

A standout on the blue line for the Worcester Railers JHC, defenseman Patrick Dotson is thrilled to announce his NCAA Division III commitment to Babson College for the 2026-27 season.

Dotson, who hails from Bronxville, N.Y., has posted a remarkable 9 goals and 48 assists for 57 points in 47 games played this season, numbers that speak directly to the offensive instincts and playmaking ability from the back end that caught the attention of Babson head coach Jamie Rice. He had nothing but positive things to say about his time in Worcester.

“Having played for multiple junior teams across different leagues, I can confidently say there is no place like Worcester,” said Dotson. “I joined the team for the second half of last season, and the level of coaching I received, combined with the culture Coach Bertoni has built, made it clear this was not something I wanted to walk away from. Coach Bertoni truly invests in each player’s development, both as a hockey player and as a person. In addition, we have a strong group of returning players this year, many of whom I’ve built lifelong friendships with.”

Dotson‘s interest in Babson predates his time in Worcester, with the program on his radar since his prep school days. Direct contact with Coach Rice in March 2025 set the formal recruitment process in motion.

“I first began communicating directly with Coach Rice in March 2025,” said Dotson. “He saw me play several times toward the end of the season and during the playoffs, and he was complimentary of my offensive instincts and ability to create opportunities for my teammates.”

A campus visit in April 2025 brought the decision into full focus. Dotson found everything he was looking for in Wellesley, from the facilities to the program’s culture to Babson‘s world-renowned reputation in business.

“While I had always been interested in Babson, everything became clear when I stepped on campus in April of last year,” said Dotson. “After touring the campus with Coach Rice and seeing the world-class facilities, including the classrooms, rink, and gym, I knew it was where I wanted to spend the next four years. The small, tight-knit community combined with an unparalleled business education is something I knew I would not find anywhere else. I also immediately recognized how much Coach Rice genuinely cares about his players, and I knew he was someone I would be proud to play for.”

Worcester Railers JHC head coach Sean Bertoni has seen the full arc of Dotson’s development firsthand.

“Patrick Dotson is a quarterback on our back end. His ability to see the ice and make plays with his legs is high-end. His game has matured and he has become a valuable asset in the defensive zone. He was not as mature in the D-zone when he first arrived, but he learned and became a complete defender. Patrick is going to be a great member of the Babson community.” – Coach Sean Bertoni, Worcester Railers JHC

Before heading to Wellesley, Dotson has his sights set on helping the Worcester Railers JHC finish the season with hardware. The Bronxville native is also eager to watch his teammates follow their own paths to the next level.

“From day one, our goal has been to win a championship, and that goal has not changed,” said Dotson. “I am also excited to see my teammates continue to earn their college commitments as the season progresses.”

The NCDC congratulates Patrick Dotson, his family, the Worcester Railers JHC and Babson College for his commitment.