TJ Dahl

By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

With only two seniors on the Falcon men's hockey team, the younger players are expected to step up and play big. Luckily for the Falcons, TJ Dahl is one of those younger players and just might have the most talent on the squad.  

Dahl first started playing hockey at the age of three. His father, Todd, has been his biggest influence throughout his hockey career.

"My dad has always been my role model in hockey and in life," said the junior forward.

Dahl grew up in Burnsville, Minn., and was a threat on the ice from the start. In his senior year at Apple Valley High School, Dahl helped lead the team to a 25-1 record while earning honorable mention to the all-conference squad.  

Dahl then went to play junior hockey at Des Moines and Tri-City of the USHL. He put home 19 goals and 20 assists while with Des Moines.

The Falcons then came knocking on Dahl's door and he is glad he made the choice to come to River Falls.  

"I'll miss the games a lot," said Dahl of what he will miss the most after leaving the Falcons. "But I'll mostly miss the friends I have made and just hanging out with the guys in the locker room everyday and sharing laughs."  

River Falls was also thankful for Dahl's arrival on campus after he showed his work ethic on the ice and in the classroom.

"TJ is a great all-around person and player," said Falcon Head Coach Steve Freeman. "He is a great leader on the ice and is on top of all his schoolwork. He is definitely an asset to our team."

Dahl impressed in his freshman season with the Falcons. He recorded 12 goals and 18 helpers while aiding the Falcons run to a 17-9-2 record. Following the season he was named to the All-WIAC team and was the leading scorer among all NCHA freshmen.

Dahl did not fade out in his sophomore year. His goal scoring dropped down to nine but his assists jumped to 21. Dahl was second on the team with 30 total points.

"My favorite hockey moment was definitely being selected to the All-NCHA first team following last season," said Dahl.

So far in his junior season Dahl leads the team in both goals and assists. He has five goals through eight games to go along with 10 assists. His 15 total points thus far puts him well on pace to break his previous season high of 30.  

"We have a great team this year with a lot of depth," said Dahl. "I feel that I have gained a lot of experience from last year and I am coming in with a lot of confidence."

Dahl was also voted to be one of the team captains by his teammates.

"Being selected team captain was a huge honor for me. I want to be a player who is looked up to and I am really excited about stepping into the captain role and hopefully giving the team great leadership throughout the season both on and off the ice."

In his spare time Dahl enjoys to be out on the golf coarse and watching TV. Dahl and family members were able to win the golf tournament put on by the Falcon Face Off club this past year.  

Dahl likes to watch and follow the Minnesota Wild. "My brother is the biggest Minnesota Wild fan ever and he's also my roommate. I have to be a Wild fan or else there would be trouble at the house," Dahl joked.

Dahl is majoring in finance and should graduate following next season.  

After college Dahl plans on getting a good job and starting a family.