Dustin Tokarski

Dustin Michael Tokarski (born September 16, 1989) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing under contract to the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, but grew up in neighbouring Watson, which he considers to be his hometown.
Tokarski led the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL) to the 2008 Memorial Cup, Canada's national junior championship, and was named the top goaltender and most valuable player of the tournament. Tokarski then backstopped Team Canada to their fifth consecutive gold medal at the 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fifth round, 122nd overall, at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. In 2012, he won the American Hockey League (AHL)'s Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals, the top minor league affiliate of the Lightning.

Minor/junior

Tokarski with the Spokane Chiefs

Dustin Tokarski played midget for the Prince Albert Mintos and led the team to capture the Telus Cup, Canada’s midget hockey championship in 2006. Tokarski had three shutouts and a 1.98 goals against average (GAA) for the Mintos. He was added to the protected list of the Western Hockey League (WHL)'s Spokane Chiefs in December. He played a combined 30 games in his first season with Spokane, posting a record of 13 wins, 11 losses and two overtime losses. Tokarski then took over as the Chiefs' starting goaltender in 2007–08. He played every game for the Chiefs in the playoffs, leading them to the Ed Chynoweth Cup championship by giving up just 31 goals in 21 playoff games. The Chiefs' title earned them a berth in the 2008 Memorial Cup, Canada's national junior championship. With Tokarski in net, Spokane won all three games in the round robin to earn a berth in the championship game. Tokarski made 53 saves in the final as Spokane defeated the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)'s Kitchener Rangers to claim the Chiefs' second Memorial Cup championship in franchise history. His performance earned him the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy as the tournament's outstanding goaltender, and the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player. Tokarski was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fifth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Professional

Tokarski with the Hamilton Bulldogs during the 2013-14 season.

Tokarski made his NHL debut on January 19, 2010, against the New York Rangers, replacing Antero Niittymäki in the third period after the latter had surrendered six goals.

Tokarski made his first NHL start on March 8, 2012, against the Washington Capitals. He had 29 saves on 32 shots and let three pucks by for a 3–2 Lightning overtime loss. On February 14, 2013, he was traded from Tampa Bay to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for goaltender Cédrick Desjardins.

On March 5, 2014, Tokarski played his first game with Montreal, a 4–3 shootout victory over the Anaheim Ducks. On March 16, he recorded his first NHL shutout in a 2–0 win over the Buffalo Sabres, stopping all 29 of Buffalo's shots. On 19 May, it was announced that Tokarski would be starting in place of Montreal's Carey Price due to an injury sustained against the New York Rangers. He started Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Rangers but stumbled in his first playoff game with a 3-1 loss. He remained solid in the third period but the Canadiens had problems getting goal scoring. In Game 3, Tokarski made 35 saves on 37 shots to help the Canadiens win 3–2 in overtime, cutting the Rangers' series lead to 2–1. In Game 4, he played well and had a good chance to have a win but loss in overtime 3-2. In Game 5, he then led the team to a 7–4 win, staving off elimination and reducing the Rangers' lead to 3–2 in the series. In Game 6, he stopped 31 shots on 32 shots to give his team a chance to win. Although the Canadiens lost the series 4–2 against New York, Tokarski's performance earned high praises.

Following the conclusion of the Canadiens' 2014–15 pre-season, goaltender Peter Budaj was traded to the Winnipeg Jets on October 6, 2014, effectively leaving Tokarski as Carey Price's backup for the regular season.

At the beginning of the 2015–16 season, on October 5, 2015, Tokarski was placed on waivers, ending his tenure as backup goaltender for the NHL club. Other Montreal Canadiens' prospect Mike Condon had a really good training camp, and the team took him over Tokarski. On January 7, 2016, Tokarski was traded by the Montreal Canadiens to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Max Friberg.

Tokarski was named to Canada's roster for the 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He struggled during the tournament, however, entering the final as the eighth-best tournament goaltender statistically, though he led Canada to thrilling 7–4 and 6–5 wins over the United States and Russia, respectively. Tokarski played his best game in the final, posting 39 saves on 40 shots as Canada defeated Sweden 5–1 to win its fifth consecutive gold medal.

Regular season and playoffs

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	W	L	T/OT	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2009	Canada	WJC	01 !		4	4	0	0	249	11	0	2.65	.906
Junior totals					4	4	0	0	249	11	0	2.65	.906