Dustin Tokarski

Dustin Michael Tokarski (born September 16, 1989 in Watson, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was a prospect of the Tampa Bay Lightning, drafted by the National Hockey League (NHL) team as their fifth round selection, 122nd overall at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Tokarski led the Spokane Chiefs of the 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.

Playing career
Tokarski played junior hockey with the Spokane Chiefs. He played a combined 30 games in his first season, posting a record of 13 wins, 11 losses and 2 overtime losses. Tokarski took over as the Chiefs' starting goaltender in 2007–08. Tokarski 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'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. Tokarski made his NHL debut on January 19, 2010, against the New York Rangers. He replaced Antero Niittymaki in the Lightning net in the third period after Niittymaki surrendered 6 goals.

International play
Tokarski was named to Canada's roster for the 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Tokarski struggled during the tournament, entering the final as the eighth best 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.