There are many advantages to growing up in a place like Tokarski’s hometown of Watson, Sask. (population: 719). Take all the open space and safe roads, for starters. They give Tokarski plenty of room to test out the muscle cars that have become a second passion for him.
Tokarski wasn’t trying to be showy, it’s just that he and his dad used to love picking up the odd Duster, Charger or Road Runner and fixing them into working condition. He said his favorite was a 1973 Duster.
“When I was looking at cars, at 15, 16, I really liked them,” he said. “It stuck with me.”
Cars gave way to hockey, which is where Tokarski’s career blossomed from another hometown perk. When you play youth hockey in a small town, you get to try out all the different positions. Tokarski was the same in that regard, yet a little different.
Ok, I’ve always wanted a Duster. And the fact he put one together? Amazing. There was a Duster for sale once, for like 700 bucks. I wanted it to bad but it needed a ton of work and my family was all like “get a sensible car.” Whatevs so I did. But I’m still sad I never bought that Duster…
I bet he watches Top Gear. He better. We can have arguments over who the Stig really is and debate the Bugatti Veyron vs the Koenegsigg CCX. I’m sure he’d be down to help me fix up and restore the Toronado that is sadly sitting tarped and underloved at my family’s house.
Hey Toka, what do you say? Me, you, some Led Zeppelin and the back of a 67 black Impala? I got a plan.
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.
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.
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.
I am always amazed by the people in far away parts who read my little blog of mine. Yesterday, I got this wonderful email from some lovelies in Tampa. They are watching the Lightning do their summer camp practicing and of course, keeping an eye on my goalie. And guess what? We have pictures! I am sticking this all under a post jump. Thanks you so much for all the awesome pictures, seriously. And thanks for telling him he has peeps in Spokane missing him like whoa.
Ok, you know how we talk about making convoys and roadtripin’ to other arenas? I found THE game that we are doing. You ready for this? Warning this will have a lot of caps and excitement.
THE PHOENIX COYOTES AND THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING ARE PLAYING A PRESEASON GAME IN EVERETT. YES, OUR EVERETT. THE ONE BY SEATTLE.
Lightning Announce 2009 Preseason Schedule Tampa Bay, July 7, 2009, 9:00 AM EDT
The Tampa Bay Lightning will play seven preseason games in 2009, including one at the St. Pete Times Forum. Highlights of the schedule include games in non-NHL cities, including Regina, Saskatchewan; Everett, Washington; Loveland, Colorado; and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Prices and a ticket on-sale date for the preseason game at the St. Pete Times Forum will be announced at a later time.
The Lightning will open the preseason on Wednesday, September 16 in Dallas against the Stars. From there Tampa Bay will return home to host their Southeast Division Rival Atlanta Thrashers on Friday, September 18. The Lightning will then travel to Regina, Saskatchewan where they will take on the Ottawa Senators at Evraz Place for what will be the first of four games in four days. From Regina they will fly to Everett, Washington to take on the Phoenix Coyotes at the Comcast Arena. Tampa Bay and Phoenix will meet again the next night in Loveland, Colorado at the Budweiser Events Center. On Thursday, September 27 the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba will play host as the Lightning take on the Edmonton Oilers. Tampa Bay’s preseason schedule will wrap up Sunday, September 27 when the Lightning travel to Atlanta to take on the Thrashers at Philips Arena.
The 2009 preseason will mark the first time in franchise history the Lightning will play an exhibition game in Regina, Everett, Loveland or Winnipeg as well as the first against the Coyotes or Oilers. It is also the third consecutive year Tampa Bay will meet Dallas during the preseason. The Lightning and Thrashers have not met in the exhibition season since September 19, 2004.
It’s on babycakes. Let’s start planning this. Who is game? You can go ahead and email me and I’ll set up a thread that way and we can figure out details. And Dustin Tokarski BEST be playing that Everett game…
I totally love that if I forget some news item about the Chiefs, you amazing commenters will tell me what’s up. Such as this article about Dustin Tokarski’s amazingness. That is seriously what the article is about. Toka’s been busy training and visiting his former high school to give speeches. Precious! I hope there is a video so we can all coo. And count the “you knows…” Look! He suited up for the occasion;
was this taken on a cellphone?
It’s always strange to see him not in goalie gear. Like my brain can’t comprehend it. It’s a bit like Clark Kent/Superman. OMFG, how amazing would it be if he wore glasses? Man I love a dude in glasses. It’s all about the naughty professor scenario from all the years of my watching Buffy. Giles in the stacks with his tweed and his books, pouring over texts, furrowing his brow and drinking tea. Mmmm nothing like a thinking man. Oh where was I;
DUSTIN PLZ COME BACK WE ALL MISS YOU. AND YOU LOOK AMAZING IN YOUR SUIT.THANK YOU FOR NOT CUTTING YOUR HAIR TOO SHORT.CAN I BUY YOU A MILKSHAKE?
That needed caps because he is far away and I wanted him to hear me. Guhhhhh is it hockey time yet? Is it September? Instead I’ll waste the time away by deciding who I like better; Chris Pine or Zachary Quinto.
One tumbler, some ice.
Slice strawberries, add a splash of strawberry schnapps.
Some vodka to you liking.
Finish with club soda and a dash or two of powdered sugar.
Lori decided it should be called The Marc Andre Fleury. Or Toka on the Beach. Pretttty sure it’s getting called the second one.
For Brady Calla, Trevor Glass, and captain Justin McCrae, their junior hockey and Chiefs careers came to an end as they graduate after this season. For Ondrej Roman, he will move on as a 20 year old to play in the Dallas Stars system next year. For Dustin Tokarski, he will do the same in the Tampa Bay Lightning farm system, and for Drayson Bowman, his NHL career is already underway, as he was called up the day after the loss to play for the Hurricanes.
Well, I have an answer. It’s not the one I wanted. My babycakes is leaving me for Norfolk, Virginia. Lori, you better keep tabs on my boo. I feel like crying and throwing a hissy fit. YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME. WHAT ABOUT MY FEELINGS, HUH? I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME. It’s been lovely, darling and I will absolutely miss you. You smashed the record books for the club and I couldn’t be more thrilled with your unreal saves. I’ll miss your obsessive compulsive routine, your awesomely painted mask, the occasional protesting a call, popping your jersey and pointing at the scoreboard with swagger as well as the countless “you knows” in your interviews while wearing the construction hat.
I’ll miss you Toka. We all will. Don’t be too surprised when a bunch of us turn up in Norfolk or Tampa or wherever you are in the pipes, we’ll be screaming MVP! in our Tokarski Saves shirts. You truly are a fantastic goalie and I hope you kill them in the NHL and your name ends up on the Stanley Cup. And if the Chiefs know what to do, they won’t let another player wear 34.
This is real life. This is happening. The Chiefs are done with their run for a third Memorial Cup. I am nothing but proud of them considering there were quite the snags along the way. The team was constantly fighting through injuries as well as some suspensions and that whole food poisoning fiasco. I had my doubts in the team throughout the season. I threw a fit when they went captainless for so long. I wasn’t pleased with James Reid not seeing more minutes he deserved. I lost my mind when the Chiefs got lazy and would rest on Dustin Tokarski. I questioned the chemistry of the team more than I wanted to.
I knew the magic of last years team was going to be difficult to replicate because really, how do you best Chris Bruton? You don’t. He had so much heart and was the quintessential captain and Chief. The team was a scrappy bunch this year who had the talent and experience to go far, but ended up being beaten by the fierce Vancouver Giants.
This game was more tension that I could handle. Scoreless in regulation and the penalties in favor of Spokane but it just didn’t happen. There were several near goals and I was screaming and shrieking at my television. Hoping that I could will the puck into the net. It needed to happen. A hat tip to Dustin Tokarski, it was a fine performance. Tokarski was just pounded with shots and I started to have a sinking feeling when I saw the numbers and just how far ahead the Giants were on scoring attempts. And then in the first overtime, a bouncing puck ended up in the Chiefs net.
I winced after the first period when Jared Spurgeon was interviewed and basically said the Chiefs were lucky to have Toka in the pipes. That isn’t what I wanted to hear; he shouldn’t be propping the team up. Len Barrie, of the Tampa Bay organization, was interviewed during an intermission as well and was rather flippant about Tokarski. Who is drafted to his fucking team. Barrie said the Lightning are deep as far as goalies go. But you know, that doesn’t mean they are deep with solid goalies. So it remains unknown if Saint Tokarski will be returning in a Chiefs sweater or will be jumping into the blue and black Bolts.
I am putting off thinking about the potential over-ager situation of the next season. We can dwell on things later. For now we will thank the Chiefs for another great season while I am wondering what to do with my (junior) hockey void. I have projects lined up for the summer that you darlings will love. I will be going to Montreal for the NHL Draft because I need to see in person if my darling Maple Leafs take our Cow Cow. I will find other things to write about. What will we do without hockey? We have baseball (Griffey is back!) and footie matches (Go Sounders!), not to mention my usual brand of silly girl fun (oh heyyyy). Before you know it, it will be August and we will have new babeh Chiefies to coo over.
I recommend the Midnight Truffle Blizzard at DQ. Seriously divine.
Stay tuned I will have some nostalgia posts up here in a few days, so we can relive the better bits of the season.
I think that might have been the cutest game ever. It was filled with moments that made me go AHWWWWWW. The lone goal was scored by Tyler Johnson in the first. You’d think after that it would be totally dull. AU CONTRAIRE. What a great game. It’s amazing how much can be accomplished when the boyos stay out of the penalty box.
Tyler Johnson after scoring his goal in the first.
During the second period Drayson Bowman’s mouthguard fell out. And onto the ice. And he kept looking around waiting for the right moment to rescue it. He tried to like pick it up with his stick. And then decided to just flop over the boards and snatch it. He held it out for the trainer, “water.” And then put it back in his mouth.
I dropped my mouthgaurd. will you get it for me plz?
Then during the second it was getting a bit hectic in Tokarski’s crease and at one point Reddington just shoved the puck to Toka so he could cover it. It was pretty much “here you hide this!”
Reddington and Tokarski.
I should probably talk about the goalie. He did get a shutout, stopping an insaneeeee 41 shots on goal. Cupcakes, amirite or amirite? It wasn’t like it was a light workload either, he was everywhere and on point, go go gadget arm style. It was like, “Hey babe it’s ok I got this, I am Dustin FRIGGEN Tokarski. ” He was the first star, obvs. I wanted to give him all three stars. Apparently you aren’t allowed to do that. Second star of the night was Trevor Glass who was in beast mode. He broke two sticks and was a complete animal landing hits. Glasser, I love you darling. I love the beard too. It reminds me of last year. Fuzzy, warm, metal memories…
oh hey wassup, i'm trevor glass. i'm in beast mode.
It was a brilliant effort by the Chiefs and I was proud of them. The arena atmosphere was ridiculous. Despite the small numbers, it was just unreal. Standing ovations for saves and screaming triumphantly at the hustle the Chiefs were showing. There was a buzz like there would be on sold out game night with Tri. Kids, we are in post season. This is playoffs, welcome and thanks for joining us.
the Chief celebrating the win.
The Chiefs will be on the road Friday. Can you handle that? And the home Easter Sunday. Wear your Sunday best to the game. Please believe I will.
Was it me, or was Seattle a bit ferocious tonight? The Bromance Line kept getting shuffled around much to my dislike. Apparently the only one showing up to score goals in post season action is Drayson Bowman. Darlings? You cannot rest on Bows and Dustin Tokarski to carry the games. Oh, Tyler Johnson, please stop trying to scrap. The Chiefs cannot afford any more injuries or suspension. Mitch Wahl is totally off his game, he just seems scattered. The Chiefs were ehhhh, but the Thunderbirds came to play and Baby Pick was great. He tried to tuck his first star award into his blocker, like no one would notice. I SAW THAT, PICK. Tokarski was clearly frustrated with the end result, but at least it wasn’t a blow out? Chiefs lost 2-1.
The only thing that softened the blow of the game were the relentless That’s What She Said jokes. Good times.
We’ll need at least a game 5, which will be played in Spokane.
The WHL awards were announced and I can’t say that I am entirely happy with the results. But at this point in time I am pretty much used to Dustin Tokarski being snubbed. He’s made his young career out of being skipped over and showing everyone what’s what.
Rather spout vemon because that accomplishes nothing, ragging on someone isn’t attractive either. Instead I focus on the wonderful; the lean and mean under 2.00 goals against average that is currently sitting at 1.97. Tokarski notched seven shutouts this season includes two back to back perfect games. He has seen many minutes in the pipes which I have been critical of but he still stands tall facing the most shots in the league. The boyo meets the challege and is like “it’s cool babe, I got this.” On top of that there is his super hottttt saves percentage that was often league leading. A crisp goalie who has the power to shake up the future of Tampa. It’s ok if he didn’t win this one; there is bigger and better hardware waiting for him. It’s truly unknown whether Toka returns to the Chiefs next season to set more records or starts his journey to the NHL. Clearly, a goalie worth swooning over. But in the meanwhile, it’s PLAYOFFS!!!!1.
Rally in the Red. Mark it, dude. Wear Chiefs colors or go home.
I don’t like what I am hearing. Ugly, ugly things. I am hearing stuff about Jared Cowen being injured and I am really hoping isn’t true. Cow Cow, you are getting a big batch of cupcakes. The Jareds can’t be torn apart.
Also getting cupcakes? Drayson Bowman for his continuation of putting on The Drayson Bowman Show which goes something like, “sup baby? I am Drayson. Have you met my stick? I love scoring goals with it. Peace bitches.” So he was named Pizza Boy of the Week for the Dub. Bows? I am classic. I like a good pepperoni. Oh and breadsticks are always rad. I am weird, I like them with ranch. Awful I know.
Oh but I can’t leave off a certain netminder;
The WHL has also nominated Dustin Tokarski of the Spokane Chiefs for the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week Award for the third straight week. Tokarski posted a 3-0-0-0 record with two shut-outs this past week, allowing just one goal on 82 shots for an outstanding 0.330 goals-against average and .988 save percentage.
Ow ow owwwww!
Was it coded in a cave? Oh the flash! My RETINAS ARE FUCKING SCORCHED. Anyways, read about the amazing Dustin Tokarski. He’s almost like Carmen Sandiego. Since he is everywhere. Gumshoes, we gotta find him…I think the trench coach and fedora will give him away.
Ok so The Panel and I decided this had to be like the best game. Ever. Of all time. Where do I begin with the utter awesomeness? Ok welllllll I thought Ondrej Roman was going to punch someone. He was getting feisty. I laiiiike it. I laiiiiike it a lot. So many goals scored by the Chiefs and Dustin Tokarski was flawless. Again. 6-0, thanks for coming out Kootenay. The Ice started to show their frustrations in the second when the fights started breaking out. Levko Koper fought again. You know what? Here is your penalty summary;
whoa.
At one point the Ice decided to get all up in Tokarski’s Kool Aid which he never takes kindly to. There was smack talk with the Ice goalie. I was hoping with my heart of hearts for a goalie fight. But he knew better. Instead he popped his jersey and pointed at the scoreboard. I sure do pick the good ones.
Anyways I could probably go on about how the Chiefs were great and fighting the bounciness of the puck in the first and the passing was quite lovely. I mean Tyler Johnson had two goals and Bowman, Donaghy, Spurgeon and Wahl put some points up. But instead, let’s do a picture post.
Wahl and Spurgalicious observe fisticuffs.
"I said your mom is a real classy lady!"
the awesome mask. until I come up with a better name than the girlie mask.
Andddddd Luke Schenn continues to be on my top list of hockey boyfriends. I mean I am a sucker for defenseman and goalies…and fowards….shit. Oh I am off task. Yes, Schenngasms. He just shows undending enthusiasm that reminds me of Scrappy Doo. His “lemme at em”-ness is just charming and endearing. I am quite aware I am not the only one swooning. I think The Vesa is too;
they laiiiike each other. they laiiiike each other a lot. no that joke doesn't get old.
What really sealed the deal was this video clip. YOU GOT SCHENN’D, PENS!
Schenn call me? You can email me too. Or facebook me. Or IM me. Really. I luff you.
Oh shit, I forgot to do cupcakes. Uhm I’d give a bunch to Toka for being studly. And then some for everyone else. Extra for Jared Cow Cow as he is out injured. Get better, kitten! Your other half misses you. I mean, you two are The Jareds.
The WHL has also nominated Dustin Tokarski of the Spokane Chiefs for the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week Award. Tokarski posted a 2-0-0-0 record this past, allowing just three goals on 53 shots for a 1.500 goals-against average and .943 save percentage.
With the two victories over the past week, the Chiefs and Tokarski are riding an eight game win streak and find themselves just six points back of the Americans for top spot in the WHL U.S. Division with a 30-14-0-3 record.
Tokarski, a 19 year-old from Watson, Saskatchewan, is in his third season of play in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs. Last season he was named the Memorial Cup MVP and recently helped lead Team Canada to its fifth straight World Junior Gold medal. He currently leads all WHL goaltenders with a 1.88 goals-against average and .940 save percentage.
“If I can’t do it, well then it can’t be done homey,
That's hawt.
Now I’m gonna gonna let the champagne bottle pop,
I’m gonna take it to the top,
For sure I’m gonna make it hot, baybeeeeee….”
Yeah, I quoted 50 Cent. You wanna make something of it? No? Alright. Well Dustin Tokarski hit his stride and did quite a lovely job for the gold medal game. I was sweating the game like whoa. Worse than Canada/US game. I didn’t know if Dustin could bring the thunder twice and braced myself for a doomsday scenario where Sweden blows out Canada then proceeds to rape and pilage and slaughter goats and demand flagons of meade and all the finest virgins. Doomsday viking style, clearly. Oh does Canada have goats? Whatever. I think I held my breath the entire game, it was that nervewracking. I don’t know how the players do it. From the start Toka seemed more in his element. He was sharper and crisper and clearing the puck and eliminating sloppy rebound potential. I chilled after the first period. I still was waiting for it to blow up. It couldn’t be this easy. There has to be some devasting injury or an epic rash of penalities. But Canada hung on and Tokarski was a fortress. The fortress I remembered from the Memorial Cup. And at some point I was like “holy fuck he is doing it again and he might get a shutout.” Alas, the shutout happening was soured but he held strong, slamming downing his pads and batting away everything the Swedes tossed at him. Watching the game I was struck by just the joy and enthusiasm that John Tavares and PK Subban have for hockey. You could just see how thrilled they were to be there and how hard they were grinding for number five. It’s the kind of hockey I love. The unspoiled kind. I am not the only one who has noticed these two, Steve Dangle wrote a great post about the duo and an interesting proposal and scenario. So what is John Tavares next big move? Well a London Knight. But as for Tokarski? He will be welcomed back to Spokane with a gold medal and an MVP award. Homeboy is gonna need a bigger shelf for all those trophies. He also signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning which means something, but not really. I am not sure how exactly Tokarski will fit into the Lightning organization since for starters it’s a goddamn circus. They are a bit busy trying to turn Steve Stamkos into the next Sidney Crosby. Hey how is that working? Oh yeah, not so hot. But they aren’t exactly hurting in the goalie department. So as for Toka joining the NHL ranks, that’s a bit off. Which is a reliefs for Chiefs fans. And for the team, which at times rests a bit heavy on their skilled netminder.
If you have any tips, phone numbers, mayhjah issues, Mustache Monday submissions or don't like the flavor of Haterade; wraparoundcurl@gmail.com
On the docket;
Toronto: Spring Break. The TO could use a dame of my caliber.
hockey boyfriend power rankings.
1. Dustin Tokarski, you will probably always occupy the number one slot. Nice job ninjaing the starting goalie slot for the Admirals.. 2 Kyle Beach, we are just like John Bender and Clare Standish in the Breakfast Club and I sorta love you. 3. Milan Lucic, babe I think I am suffering from Lucic Lust... 4. Sean Avery, you scored two goals on the Leafs and all I could do was giggle.
Watching the game I was struck by just the joy and enthusiasm that John Tavares and PK Subban have for hockey. You could just see how thrilled they were to be there and how hard they were grinding for number five. It’s the kind of hockey I love. The unspoiled kind. I am not the only one who has noticed these two, 
