Austin Bruins forward Cody Dixon was named Combat Hockey NAHL defenseman of the month Friday.

At the end of September, Dixon, 20, was traded from the Springfield Jr. Blues to the Austin Bruins and left looking for a new identity. A month later, the native of Hales Corners, Wisconsin, is coming off his best statistical month in the NAHL earning him the Defenseman of the Month award for October. During the month, Dixon, who is 5-11 and 185 pounds, registered nine points in eight games played, which included six goals from the blueline. He was also a +7 during the month as the Austin Bruins moved themselves into first place in the Central Division. Dixon is currently riding a six-game point streak and registered at least a point in seven of his eight games played in November.

Dixon spent the entire season last year in the NAHL with the Springfield Jr. Blues. Austin head coach Chris Tok said that they felt very fortunate to pick up in a trade.

“We were familiar with Cody and we needed some more production from the blueline, so we felt like it was a good fit for us and a good deal to make,” said Tok. “He made an instant impact with the team, especially on the power play. There was some ready good chemistry from the moment he joined our team and I think that made the transition easier for everyone. I think he has really made everyone around him better, which has translated into team success.”

Dixon’s first games with the Bruins came at the beginning of October and he said he wanted to make the best of the situation.

“I think it was a gut check for me because I was comfortable in Springfield, but after the first few days in Austin, I knew it was going to be a really good place for me to play,” said Dixon. “I have really tried to concentrate on making our breakout and transition to offense the best it can be. That first pass is so important, so that is something I have really tried to work hard on. Most important to me is team success. We have a group of forwards that work as hard in the defensive zone as they do in the offensive zone, so it makes it a lot easier on the defensemen. I think we have the team here to contend for the Robertson Cup. I think that is my short term goal right now. Long term, hopefully I can keep playing well, working hard and get a Division I opportunity.”

Dixon is the first player in the Bruins’ three-year history to earn player of the month honors.