Dylan Ernst is the front-runner for the Blazers' starting goaltending position (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

BLAZERS TRAINING CAMP

From one Dylan to another: Ernst looking to earn starting job following greatness of Garand

Sep 7, 2022 | 4:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — Replacing Dylan Garand, one of the greatest Blazer goaltenders ever with a franchise-best goals-against (2.15 in 2020-21 and 2.16 in 2021-22) and saves percentage (.925 in 2021-22), is going to be difficult.

Add the fact it’s a season Kamloops is hosting the Memorial Cup, the pressure around the crease is heating up.

Dylan Ernst, who’s been with the team the last three years, has an opportunity to step into that role.

“It’s really exciting. I just really want to show the city of Kamloops what I can do as a starting goalie. It’s going to be really good this year,” Ernst told CFJC Today.

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Ernst was thrust into the crease last season for a nine-game stretch with Garand out with a knee injury. In those starts, he went 5-3-1 with a 2.94 goals-against average and a .905 saves percentage.

“It was really big for my development and my confidence as well,” said Ernst. “I went in there and played probably my best. I do have more to show, but it was huge for my development. I got to see what it’s like as a starter for basically the first time in my whole career.”

Head Coach and GM Shaun Clouston has liked Ernst’s development in the last year, and while he hasn’t committed to him as the starter yet, appears to be putting his confidence in him for now.

“I think we’ve seen a lot of growth,” Clouston said during training camp. “A lot of potential there. A talented young goaltender. He went to Carolina [Hurricanes] camp and performed very well. Real positive feedback. He’s been invited back.”

Clouston says with the ‘terrific’ job that goaltending coach Dan De Palma does with the Blazers netminders, he’s confident Ernst is on the right path.

For his part, De Palma says from what he’s seen, Ernst is ready to be a starter.

“He’s worked really hard for it. He came in early and did a lot of work this summer, so really happy for him,” noted De Palma. “It’s always a progression. The trend line’s not the same for everybody. But yeah, I think he’s ready for the opportunity.”

De Palma added, “I think Dylan has the skill right off the hop. Most goalies at this stage you’re looking for talent. The talent’s the first step, and then from there you’re trying to build the habits around the talent — whether it’s on or off the ice. Dylan Ernst has the talent, there’s no question. We’re just developing all the rest of it, and I think it’s coming along pretty good.”

Ernst says he wants to outwork everyone and become a leader this year. He feels lucky to have the opportunity to be the starting goalie on a Memorial Cup-bound team.

“It’s amazing. There are so many other people who would kill to be in my shoes, so I just want to make the most of it and have the best year I can possibly have,” said Ernst.