The Allen Americans posted an article today announcing which of their players would be attending AHL camps this year. Of the 14 players attending AHL camps, four will be coming into OKC for the Barons camp; forwards Jarret Lukin, Dustin Donaghy, and Dave Bonk and defenseman Justin Dacosta.
Jarret LukinCenter Jarret Lukin is entering his 5th season as a pro. He's listed at 5'11", 187 lbs. After a junior career with the Kamloops Blazers where he had mediocre to great success depending on the season, he played a season and a half with the University of Calgary where he averaged 1+ points a game. Beginning his career in the ECHL, he netted 38 goals and 59 assists in 164 games with the Florida Everblades and the Dayton Bombers. In 2008-09, he got a look at the AHL with the Rochester Americans, getting three assists in 6 games. Last year with Allen, he netted 14 goals and 18 assists in 47 regular season games, and 5 goals and 9 assists in 20 playoff games.
Dustin DonaghyLeft Winger Dustin Donaghy will be entering his first season as a pro. Listed at 5'11", 187 lbs. he has played the last three seasons with the Spokane Chiefs and the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL. In 176 games he scored 15 goals and added 23 helpers. He appeared with the Americans in the playoffs for two games where he was held scoreless.
Dave Bonk
Center Dave Bonk, listed at 5'10", 176 lbs., is entering his 7th year as a pro. Starting out with Northern Michigan University in the NCAA, Bonk put up pretty mediocre numbers, 25 points in 74 games. He began his pro career with the Motor City Mechanics of the UHL, posting 41 points in 66 games. The next year, he split time with the Bakersfield Condors and the Columbia Inferno of the ECHL, posting 54 points in 60 games. Following that season, he went overseas to play in the Netherlands, scoring 35 goals and 47 assists in 43 games, then Germany, scoring 14 goals and 27 assists in 50 games. In 2008-09, he returned to the States to play for Bakersfield again, netting 31 goals and 51 assists in 60 games. Last year, he played in Norway, scoring 18 goals and 28 assists in 44 games.
Justin Dacosta
Defenseman Justin Dacosta, listed at 5'10", 183 lbs., is entering his 2nd year as a pro. After splitting 4 years in the OHL with the Barrie Colts, Owen Sound Attack, and Mississauga IceDogs he posted 83 points in 212 games, with 2005-06 being his most productive season, scoring 10 goals and adding 32 helpers. He then played two season with the University of New Brunswick, getting 38 points in 54 games. Last year, he split time with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and the Stockton Thunder. After getting 3 points in 9 games with Muskegon he went on to score 3 goals and add 21 assists in the Thunder's regular season and and assist in three playoff games.
Of the forwards, I think the only one that might have a shot at cracking the Barons roster is Bonk. If he doesn't make the opening day roster, I definitely see the Barons signing him to a two-way deal. Dacosta, I see the same thing. These guys definitely add a little bit more interest for me for training camp next week.
-Written by Eric Rodgers-
