Dustin Tokarski spent three seasons manning the net for the Spokane Chiefs, where he was nothing short of spectacular.

 

The 20-year-old product of Watson, SK, racked up 77 wins in 129 career regular-season contests while posting an amazing .937 save percentage and a 1.97 goals-against average in 54 games over his final season with the Chiefs in 2008-09.  His goaltending heroics helped the Chiefs win the 2008 WHL Championship and Memorial Cup Championship, while also helping guide Canada’s National Junior team to a Gold medal in 2009.

 

Now, Tokarski is showing off his stellar netminding abilities at the next level as a rookie with the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals.

 

Drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 5^th round (122^nd overall) at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Tokarski has been terrific in his first season with the Lightning’s AHL affiliate in Norfolk.  Having appeared in 41 games for the Admirals, Tokarski has posted a very respectable .915 save percentage to go with 22 wins as the Admirals fins themselves in the thick of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. 

 

So good has Tokarski’s first professional season been that he even earned a call from the Lightning, making his NHL debut on January 19^th in Manhattan versus the New York Rangers and appearing for 44 minutes of action over the course of two games.

 

A winner at every level he has played, Tokarski is looking to establish himself as a bona fide NHL-caliber goaltender for the Lightning, and bring his winning pedigree to Tampa Bay.

 

 

“It’s been a great experience.  I think I’ve adapted pretty well to the lifestyle of being a pro, and I’m playing on a good team with a lot of good players.  It’s been a bit different.  I’m used to living on my own, having left home at 15, but you have to get used to taking care of yourself and taking care of day to day things like laundry and cleaning.  Coming out here, you don’t know too many people at the start, but guys on the team have been good at helping me along and making the transition easier.”

 

“The big thing is that you’re going up against great players every night – guys who are close to playing or have already played in the NHL – so you need to bring your ‘A’ game every night.  Guys here can shoot the puck, and you have to be on your toes all the time.  There is no room for taking shortcuts or taking nights off.” 

 

“It was pretty amazing.  To hear I was called was a special moment, and when you get there and put on that jersey, it’s a pretty great feeling.  I made my debut in Florida (against the Panthers), and came into the game in relief.  I stopped all five shots I faced.  The nerves were there, but everything happens so quick that you don’t have time to let it get to you.  I also played in New York at Madison Square Garden, which was pretty cool.  Now, I’m looking to improve and prepare so I can be a full-time NHLer.”

 

“My old roommate is Mitch Wahl, and we still talk quite a bit.  I’m always checking up on the WHL Website to see how things are going.  Whenever the Chiefs play against Tri-Cities, I make sure to find out how those games went.  I still have lots of friends in Spokane and will always remember the great times we had there.”

 

“It was huge.  The WHL is an awesome league, and is the best way to prepare for a pro career.  You play a heavy schedule with lots of games, and you’re playing top quality teams and with great players.  The competition is tough and makes you a better player.  I credit a lot to my coaches I had in my three years in Spokane.  Bill Peters helped me a lot when I was young and coming into the League, and he guided us to a Memorial Cup.  Hardy Sauter let me roll with it in my last year, gave me a lot of playing time and showed the confidence in me.  The WHL is definitely the closest thing to the professional level, and helps you develop the way you need to in order to have success at the pro level.”