DUSTIN WALSH
Dartmouth
Jr. | F | Shannonville, Ontario

Dustin Walsh

His Statistics: Walsh finished his sophomore campaign with 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points. He ranked fifth on the Big Green in points and will head into the upcoming season as the third-leading returning scorer following the graduation of Scott Fleming and Adam Estoclet.

What He Does: Walsh is a 2009 draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens and spent time this summer at the team’s rookie camp, the third straight year that he’s attended the offseason workouts. The Habs wanted Walsh to improve his skating and he made vast improvements in that area. He’s poised to be one of the dominant forwards in ECAC Hockey this year.

The Bigger Picture: It seems that Dartmouth is in the mix for an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament most years and has narrowly missed out on earning a spot in the national tourney several times in recent seasons. That included last year, when the Big Green posted a 19-12-3 record and advanced to the ECAC Hockey championship weekend in Atlantic City.

Those close misses have motivated Dartmouth’s returning players to take those little steps necessary and break through to the NCAAs. Walsh will be a big part of that improvement, as he takes on bigger scoring and leadership roles as an upperclassman.

“I try not to set point-total goals in a given year,” Walsh said. “We lost some key guys and I just want to step in and take over as a bigger contributor.”

Dustin Walsh Scouts His Game: “Putting the puck in the net is what I try to do most. When I’m playing well, I am taking advantage of opportunities, and when I’m not playing well I’m gripping the stick a little tighter.”