Walker Duehr Embracing The Challenges of Making the NHL
PENTICTON - At the time, Walker Duehr knew it was a big deal.
A legit really, really big deal.
That was no debating the history-setting spin on the ice he took that was given the media attention it so rightfully deserved.
When he suited up for the Flames in his NHL debut last season on Nov. 14 in the Nation's Capital against the Senators, he became the first South Dakotan to play at hockey's highest level.
But while gravity of what he achieved and the path he had just paved wasn't lost on him, he was more focused that night on trying to impress the team brass in his ongoing quest to become an everyday NHLer.
"When it happened, I was more worried about just playing in the NHL," he recalled following the first Flames Young Stars practice Thursday at the South Okanagan Events Centre, shortly after the team flew from Calgary to Penticton. "I wasn't worried about the accolades or whatnot then."
The Flames went on to win 4-0 that night, with Duehr logging 8:47 of ice time in what was his only appearance with the big club during the season. He skated in 59 games with the Stockton Heat - since located to Calgary for this season and renamed the Wranglers. He put up 11 goals and 23 points skating for the AHL affiliate, before adding five goals and six points in 13 postseason skates in a deep postseason run for the club.
However, when he headed home to the Mount Rushmore State for the summer, what he had accomplished really hit the proud Sioux Falls product on another level.
"It kind of sunk in when I got home and I was going to the local rink and stuff and a lot more people were coming up to me, just kind of congratulating me ... so that was pretty cool," he said. "And just being able to go back home and see again where I grew up and stuff and talking with family about that experience, it set in a lot more and is something I'm really proud of."
So did they name a burger after him at that local rink, or slap a 'Home of Walker Duehr' sign outside of town?
"Probably got to get a few more games before they do that," he smiled. "That'd be awesome, though."
Which brings us to the here and now, and the Young Stars tourney where the Flames will face the Canucks at 8:30 p.m. MT tonight in their first of three tilts. Click here for game preview
Duehr - along with the rest of the lineup - will be looking to make their case for a longer look at main camp and, most importantly, the ultimate goal: a permament seat in Flames dressing room for the upcoming season.
"It's going to be a very competitive camp and I kind of embrace that, I like the competitive nature," said Duehr. "I believe that brings out the best in me and yeah, hopefully I can win one of those spots just by coming in and being a good teammate, having a good mindset, being positive and just working my butt off each and every day and doing the right thing."
The 6-foot-3, 205-lb. winger knows the key to making that sought-after and dreamed about leap - be physical, aggressive, and tencacious, with some offensive production thrown in for good measure,
"I'm just never going to change," he said. "Always coming in and giving it my all and just putting my best foot forward so I can leave no questions to myself no matter what happens at the end of camp."
That first taste of the NHL is often referred to as 'having a cup of coffee.' It sure tastes great to young players and is a massive motivator to get back there for long enough to drink a pot or two or three - or more.
"It's kind of the cliche, but it leaves you more hungry," he agreed. "You get the first game and you're like, 'Wow, this lived up to (what you expected) and more. You want to get out there and you want to get back to that level and you want to stay; you want to get in as many games as you can and kind of stick up there."
Like all first-year pros, he learned a lot about what it takes at the next level skating in the AHL last season. The jump to the pro level can be akin to Evil Knievel's attempt at jumping over the Grand Canyon - to state the blatanly obvious, it's a big gap to get across.
"I just learned how to be a good pro each day, to take care of your body," he said. "What you are doing away from the rink and on the ice for me it was just kind of developing my game in all three zones and just honing in on what makes me successful and stick to my identity and doing that night in and night out.
"And that's where I found success last year, especially down the stretch and I want to try to hone in on that here this year and do that consistently. Just focusing on those things that make me good."
The fact the Heat went on an lengthy playoff run to the Western Conference final where they eventually fell to the Chicago Wolves gave Duehr and all the Stockton players invaluable additional experience.
"Yeah, for sure, it makes you confident," he explained. "We had a great group down there last year so it was it was easy to to grow. We had success on the ice and it made coming to the rink fun each and every day and trying to get better fun each and every day. So yeah, it gives you confidence when you make a deep run and that's usually the best thing in hockey, and you can learn a lot and take a lot of good lessons from the playoffs."
During the first ice session here in Penticton, Duehr was on a powerhouse line with top prospects Jakob Pelletier and newcomer Cole Schwindt, acquired as part of the blockbuster Matthew Tkachuk deal this summer with the Panthers.
Incredible company to keep when you are trying to stand out and showcase your abilities.
"Yeah, playing with Cole there and Pelts, it's two phenomenal players," he said. "So hopefully we get a little chemistry here quick for the weekend and we can do well.
"Just try to use my body and my size and try to create some opportunities for them and (capitlize on the) various opportunities that they give me."
Source: NHL.com / Ty Pilson