WPIAL Alum Q&A – Alex Dagnal
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Monday, December 12, 2016 | 3:05 PM
With the PIAA football championships concluding this past weekend, it’s now time to officially shift the focus to the winter sports. As such, a hockey standout will be featured this week on the WPIAL Alum Q&A.
More often than not, Peters Township has been one of the best teams in the PIHL. Similarly, Robert Morris University has put a very competitive squad on the ice in recent years. Alex Dagnal has experienced that success first hand, as he was a member of the Indians previously, and now contributes to the Colonials.
Like many other top prospects from the region, Dagnal played only a portion of his teenage years for his high school. The one year he did skate for the Indians was memorable, though, as he averaged a goal per game. In 17 regular-season contests for Peters Township, the forward tallied 17 goals and 15 assists in 17 games. He also notched three points in three playoff games, as the Indians reached the Class AA Penguins Cup
Championship at the former Consol Energy Center. Prior to the defeat to Bishop Canevin, though, the Indians scored impressive back-to-back 8-1 wins against Pine-Richland and Chartiers Valley.
For the next three seasons, Dagnal plied his craft at various other levels of competition, playing two seasons for the Buffalo Junior Sabres in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, and a year with the Lone Star Bahamas.
Dagnal then attended Robert Morris University, but instead of playing with the varsity team right away, he had to prove himself with the club team. In the 2014-15 campaign, Dagnal shined, scoring 18 goals and 34 points. That performance opened some eyes, and earned him an opportunity to make the varsity squad for the Colonials.
Not only did Dagnal make the team, but he became a key component, playing in 27 games last season. He scored three goals, boasted a +1 plus/minus, and also won nearly 70 faceoffs. In the process, the Colonials had a season to remember, reaching the Atlantic Hockey Championship Game and finishing 24-11-4.
This season, Dagnal has appeared in eight games thus far, scoring a goal on six shots. RMU is off to another strong start, as the Colonials are 9-5-2.
Alex took a moment away from the ice to answer questions about the transition from club to varsity hockey, what impact his time in the PIHL had on his career, and his favorite video game of all time.
Q: Your path to the varsity team was an unusual one, as you actually started with the RMU club team. How much of an adjustment did that require, and how were you able to make the transition and become a contributor?
A: The leap from club hockey to NCAA was a huge challenge. Everything from the speed of the game itself, to the daily preparation for weekly games was elevated. I think my enthusiasm and work ethic helped me to make an impact on and off the ice.
Q: What is the biggest area in which you hope to improve through the rest of your time with the Colonials?
A: I would like to improve my skating during the rest of my time at RMU. I think it’s one of the most important aspects of the game. Everyone can always improve their skating.
Q: Do you have a defined role for the team this season, and if so, how do you work at achieving it?
A: I am an energy guy – physical play, getting pucks deep and going to work in the offensive zone while remaining defensively sound are my responsibilities. Faceoffs are also extremely important, as I’ve started to kill penalties this year, as well. Working on faceoffs after practice and studying film for penalty killing are ways that I am achieving my responsibilities.
Q: What are the team goals for this year?
A: I think improving as a group with every game is something we strive for. Becoming the best team we can by the end of the season will be beneficial to us as we enter the postseason. Winning the Atlantic hockey tournament is certainly an attainable goal that we are striving for this year.
Q: What has been the most exciting or intense atmosphere you’ve played in thus far at the college level?
A: Last year in Rochester for the Atlantic Tournament was pretty intense. The Three Rivers Tournament, as well.
Q: You have played alongside several other former WPIAL athletes at RMU. Did you have relationships with any of them prior to college, and do you guys feel any more of a bond?
A: I didn’t really have prior relationships with any of the other local guys (Coleman, Lynch), but we have become close friends this year.
Q: What led to your decision to attend RMU?
A: I was interested in the academia here at RMU, as my father is an alumni. The individualized learning experience is something that I enjoy. Its closeness to home is nice, as well.
Q: What is your major and preferred future career?
A: Biology, chem minor. I want to pursue a career in cancer research and gene therapy technologies.
Q: You played just one year at Peters Township, averaging a goal per game. What role did the PIHL play in your development?
A: Ice time. Being on the ice a few extra times per week was something that enabled me to take my game to the next level at that time.
Q: What is your favorite memory from Peters?
A: Playing in Consol for the Penguins Cup – even though we lost – in front of family and friends was something that I’ll never forget.
Q: If you could go against any NHL goalie in a shootout, who would you pick?
A: Henrik Lundqvist.
Q: What is your favorite video game of all time?
A: FROGGER!
Q: Is there a movie you can recite nearly every line to?
A: Dumb and Dumber
Q: What is a little-known fact about you, or a hidden talent you possess?
A: I taught myself how to play guitar.
