Wednesdays with... Trinity Western University defenceman Dustin Deugau

"Wednesday with..." is a weekly feature on BCIHL.ca that gets fans up close and personal with a different player from around the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League.

Wednesday, November 14th with... Trinity Western University defenceman Dustin Deugau

Deugau was born and raised in Calgary and came up through the Northstars Minor Hockey Association, highlighted by two seasons of Midget AAA in the Alberta Midget Hockey League. He began his junior hockey career in Cochrane, Ontario with the Crunch and netted eight points in 49 games as an NOJHL rookie.

The 2015/16 season saw him move west, if only slightly, to play for the SIJHL's Fort Frances Lakers. His offensive game started to round out in Fort Frances as he scored six times and totalled 21 points. At that point, Deugau chose to bypass his final season of junior hockey to make the jump to the BCIHL and Trinity Western University.

He dressed in 19 contests as a Spartans rookie and counted one assist, help TWU advance to the third and deciding game of the 2017 BCIHL Finals against the University of Victoria. Deugau's team lost that series, but they made up for it a year later in large part due to his growing contributions.

Trinity Western posted a league-best record of 23-3-0-1 in 2017/18 and Deugau led all BCIHL with 24 points. He was named a First Team League All-Star for his regular season play as well as a Playoff All-Star after scoring three points in four games en route to the Spartans capturing their first-ever league championship.

Deugau: I chose Trinity Western because it gave me the opportunity to continue playing high level hockey, at a smaller but highly respected Canadian University. Our facilities and athletic department are top notch, and we have great support from our school.

Q: Who have been the important influences in your junior and collegiate hockey career? Who has helped you get to where you are today?

Deugau: I would not be anywhere I am today if it wasn't for the support of my Mom and Dad, who have been essential in my hockey career but most importantly in my development as a person. As well, I have had a lot of great coaches within my time as a Calgary Northstar, as well in my junior career.

Q: What are your personal on-ice goals this season?

Deugau: I want to become a more well-rounded player, one who can be counted on to be on the ice in crucial moments, whether it be preserving a one-goal lead or attempting a late game comeback.

Q: What are your team goals this season? What are the positive signs so far this season that make you feel you can reach them?

Deugau: Obviously, the team goal is winning a BCIHL championship. So far we have seen a lot of good things from our new recruits, as well as our returning players who have seen their on ice roles increase from previous seasons. We have a balanced team, with lots of great character guys who know what it takes to get the job done.

Q: How would you describe your game to someone who hasn’t seen you play? What are you strengths as a player?

Deugau: I'd describe myself as a two-way defenceman, who typically doesn't make flashy plays. I believe my strengths to be my positioning and skating.

Q: What are your education goals and future career path?

Deugau: I’d like to graduate from TWU and possibly look to explore further education, or work for the government in an environmental conservation position.