How have you been, babydoll?

Tokarski, who turns 20 on September 16, had an outstanding season in 2007-08 for Spokane of the Western Hockey League. He went 30-10-3 in the regular season with a 2.05 goals-against average and .922 save percentage then led the Chiefs to the Memorial Cup Championship.

The Saskatchewan native topped it last season, winning 34 games in the regular season with a 1.97 goals-against average and .937 save percentage. He then led Team Canada to the World Junior Championship Gold Medal.

Now, he’s a pro.

“This is the hardest step of them all,” Raeder said. “There are a lot better shooters and more of them. But he’s got the make up for it.”

Raeder likes Tokarski’s instincts for the position and the economy of motion he uses to get the job done.

“He’s got a pro style, where it’s positioning and blocking,” Raeder said. “His demeanor is perfect. He’s going to be fun to work with.”

Both Helenius and Tokarski should get plenty of playing time in Norfolk, which often has one of the toughest travel schedules in AHL.

Read the article here.

I’ve been reading nothing but glowing things about Dustin. Some reports figure he could be the starting goalie for the Norfolk Admirals by Christmas. The fans in Tampa seem to be loving him too;

If there’s one person who’s thoroughly enjoying himself at the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Young Guns camp these days it has to be goalie Dustin Tokarski.

Every time I’ve seen him, from the team’s hotel to the rink to a post-scrimmage autograph session, the kid, a 2008 fifth-rounder, has had a milewide grin.

My guess? He’s just soaking up the experience, even if winning MVP honors in Canada’s 2008 WJC gold wasn’t enough, and looking forward to training camp. If it’s anything else, it’s only because he’s a goalie.

From Hound Central.

Two new blogs for you to check out;

• Chairman How’s Glorious Army. Of all the gin joints in all the world, I happened upon this blog which is focused on the AHL. And we love the AHL, right? When our Chiefies graduate they often go on to play in the AHL and we need peeps keeping tabs on our babes. Be sure to read what Magic’s Johnson wrote about rivalries in his league, because really it makes ours look like pillow fights.
• So Google Alerts are truly wonderful. I suggest you set some up. I have some set up for some of the Chiefs. Including former Chief Dustin Tokarski. My heart just broke typing that. The other day my alerts directed me to The Prairie Puck and really, I need to move to Saskatchewan and find me a good ol’ prairie boy. They must just grow wonderful and strapping hockey players there. Between bales of hay or something.  Some of my favorite boys come out of this province; Tokarski, Jared Cowen and Luke Schenn. That’s just a trifecta of awesome right there.

I’m in the process of putting together a survey for a project I am working out. I’d like to take a look at how hockey effects relationships and how relationships effect hockey and all that. I’ll need a slew of people willing to participate. Participants are welcome to remain anonymous. Email me if you’re interested.