Comeback for Clarkson Alum Lauren Dahm Begins with Boston Blades

Part of a 2016 CWHL Draft Class that featured five alums from the Clarkson Golden Knights, goaltender Lauren Dahm represented an exceptional era for the program. Having stood between the pipes as a member of the green and gold from 2007 to 2011, she helped lay the foundation for the rise to national prominence, resulting in the eventual and historic national championship achieved in 2014.
Dahm’s sparkling career at Clarkson is highlighted by many superlative achievements, complemented by a nod to the ECAC conference All-Academic Team. Having accumulated over 2000 saves, she posted a solid .929 career save percentage, complemented by a sparkling 20 career shutouts. The 2009-10 campaign was one to remember for Dahm, posting an exemplary 23-11-5 mark, along with a miniscule 1.59 goals against average and an impressive 9 shutouts. As a freshman, her 1.03 GAA ranked first overall among goaltending in the NCAA.

In addition to the other Clarkson alums selected in the 2016 draft (including Renata Fast, the second pick overall, and Shannon MacAulay, who scored the Frozen Four winning goal in 2014), there has already been a significant number of players from Clarkson making their mark in the CWHL.

Among them are two of Dahm’s former teammates at Clarkson, including Jamie Lee Rattray (the winner of the 2014 Patty Kazmaier Award) and fellow goaltender Erica Howe, who was credited as the winning goaltender in the inaugural CWHL All-Star Game. In addition, Dominique Thibault (who played one season at Clarkson) became the first Clarkson alum to win the coveted Clarkson Cup with Montreal in 2011. Dahm is exceptionally proud to see so many exceptional players from Clarkson extend their hockey careers and continue to make their mark in the game, testament to the strong bond that comes with donning the green and gold.

“Absolutely! We are all part of the Clarkson Golden Knight (CGK) Family so I could not be more honored to be in the mix with the other four Knights that were drafted. Add to that the current CWHL players from Clarkson, and that is definitely a group to be proud of!”

Having first established herself in Syracuse Nationals Mid State Youth Hockey, which also includes alums such as NHL stars Dustin Brown, Tim Connolly, Robert Esche and Brian Gionta, Dahm is currently active as a competitive softball player. Undoubtedly her return to the rink holds the potential to become the feel good story of the 2016 CWHL Draft. Although Dahm was absent from competitive hockey over the last few seasons, her love of the game could never be extinguished, retaining a motivation that propelled her back, potentially resulting in a win-win situation for teammates and fans alike.

“There has not been a season that has gone by that I did not want to be playing at this high of a level again. I have been playing in women’s tournaments and men’s league, but nothing compares to elite women’s hockey. Previously, location-wise, job-wise, and timing just have not worked out. The opportunity presented itself this year and I just had to take it.”

For the Blades, such an opportunity may prove to be perfect timing. Despite the visceral loss of Boston goaltender Genevieve Lacasse in a transaction to the Calgary Inferno, Dahm provides solid credentials for the Blades goaltending picture, potentially easing the impact of said loss. In addition to graduating from Clarkson with career marks for wins and shutouts, she also brings international experience to the Blades goaltending picture, having donned the Stars and Stripes for the US Under-22 National Team in 2010.

Taking into account that Boston is one of America’s premier sporting cities, highlighted by elite women’s teams in ice hockey, lacrosse and in tackle football, Dahm is excited to continue to contribute to such a proud sporting chapter and growing heritage. Although Dahm is a product of New York state, she is quick to acknowledge what sports means to Beantown, and the opportunity to help the rebuilding Blades return to the postseason reflects a strong focus,

“Of course playing at such a high level of hockey again will be amazing, but I am also looking forward to the atmosphere. I have heard great things about the team’s vibes and chemistry; it would be great to be a part of that. Also, even though I am a New Yorker, I can respect the passion that the city of Boston has for its sports. I think it will be a great atmosphere to compete in and bring more wins to Boston!”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”

Image obtained from Twitter: https://twitter.com/CUknights