Molle played 31 games in his first season at Alaska
last year after transferring from Alaska Anchorage. |
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Key Statistics: While
you won’t find Dustin Molle near the top of his
team’s scoring list like Tyler Eckford was last
season, he’s a solid, stay-at-home blueliner who
scored one goal and added one helper last season. The
junior-to-be blocked 33 shots last season, second best
on the team, and provides a solid physical presence
with his 6-foot-2, 214-pound frame.
What He Does: Molle is
a smart and physical defenseman who is maturing and
eliminating poor habits on a daily basis. Coming from
juniors, where players often try to do too much with
the puck in an effort to get noticed, Alaska coach Dallas
Ferguson said that Molle is focused on learning not
to over-handle the puck and make a decisive first move
in the transition game. Ferguson has also noted Molle’s
efforts to improve his mobility in the defensive zone,
which will inevitably help him enhance his offensive
game as well.
The Bigger Picture: Alaska’s
blueline will be extremely young this year, featuring
four freshmen, one sophomore – Molle’s younger
brother, Bryant – two juniors and only one senior.
Because Molle has such a strong work ethic, Ferguson
is hoping that his habits will rub off on the newcomers.
Molle will certainly be counted on to play a key role
on the Nanooks’ penalty kill unit. He may improve
his offensive numbers as he improves his mobility and
as Ferguson tries to develop a more uptempo transitional
and offensive game.
Alaska head coach Dallas Ferguson
on Molle: “(Molle)’s a kid who
is very dedicated to becoming a better athlete and a
good student. It’s hard to find someone who outworks
Dustin in the weight room, in the classroom or on the
ice … he’s going to get it. He’s there
before practice and after practice working on his mobility,
turning pivots and edges constantly.”
—
James V. Dowd |
