By Sean Dufresne | AHL Rhythm
In the final year of his entry-level contract, Dylan Garland The Hartford Wolfpack have been nothing short of phenomenal this season.
The 2020 fourth-round draft pick of the New York Rangers has shone in his third pro season, with statistics across the board reflecting his meteoric rise to become one of the NHL’s top goaltenders.
To understand Garland’s strong start, we have to look back to the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs, a defining moment in the young goaltender’s career as he appeared in 9 of 10 postseason games with the Wolves. game.
“I think this year has helped me really mature,” Garland said. “While playing these games, I was really able to find my game and what felt right for me.”
He played a key role in the Wolfpack’s best-of-three series victory over the Charlotte Checkers on the road. Garland has a 0.954 save percentage in the series and a 1.61 earned run average.
The 22-year-old netminder is proud of his preparation and attributes it to having a positive impact on his game in every aspect.
“I think the way I prepare is the most important part of my development and ultimately my performance throughout my career,” Garland said. “If you put in the work and do everything you need to do to be ready to go into battle, then There’s no doubt in your mind and you’re free to play and go to work.”
Garland’s hard work paid off. He opened the 2024-25 campaign with a 4-0-1 record through his first five games and had an even more impressive run heading into Hartford’s four-game homestand in early December.
Garland defeated the Rockford IceHogs and Hershey Bears in back-to-back games, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished by a Wolfpack goaltender in more than a decade. The shutout occurred in five games from Dec. 4-20, with Garland allowing just four goals, which put him in the top 10 in AHL wins, GAA, save percentage and shutout percentage.
As the Wolf Pack prepares to celebrate 50 years of professional hockey in Hartford this month, Garland reflects on the experience of playing in front of the Hartford faithful.
“I really enjoyed my time here,” he said. “The fans here are great and they provide a lot of support for our team and me personally.”
The Atlantic Division is as close as it’s ever been this season, and that, coupled with a solid goaltending in the backcourt, gives the Wolfpack a fighting chance night in and night out.
