Incoming University of Minnesota Duluth freshman forward Dominic Toninato is among 44 individuals who will be in Lake Placid, N.Y., for the week-long USA National Junior Evaluation Camp, which opens Saturday (Aug. 3). Those nearly four dozen invitees, the best American-born prospects under the age of 20, will audition for a spot on the U.S. National Junior Team that will take part in the 2014 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship on Dec. 26, 2013-Jan. 5, 2014, in Ufa, Russia.
A 6-1, 170-pound forward, Toninato engaged in one season of United States Hockey League warfare and wound up tying for eighth among league skaters in scoring with 70 points on 29 goals and 41 assists while taking part in all 64 regular season outings with the Fargo Force. In addition, he ranked third in the USHL in game winners (seven) and 12th in plus-minus rating (+29). For his efforts, Toninato was selected to the 2012-13 All-USHL second team. He added another six points (three goals and three assists) during a 13-game playoff run in which the Force advanced to the Clark Cup finals.
Toninato capped off a rewarding three-season career at Duluth East School in March 2012 by being named a Mr. Hockey Award finalist in addition to landing a spot on the Associated Press All-State second team. As a senior, he captained the Greyhounds to a fourth straight berth in the Minnesota State Class AA Tournament appearance and delivered his second consecutive 61-point season, amassing 27 goals and 34 assists in 25 outings. Toninato was the first Minnesota prep player selected in the 2012 National Hockey League draft, going to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fifth round (126th pick overall).
Once he hits the ice for the first time as a Bulldog, Toninato will complete the program's ninth father-son combination. His dad, Jim, skated in 155 games at center and left wing for UMD between 1982-86 and had 19 goals and 35 assists to show for it.
Recent Bulldogs who have participated in the U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp include defenseman Andy Welinski (2012), defenseman Justin Faulk (2010), center Jack Connolly (2008), defenseman Trent Palm (2007), goaltender Alex Stalock (2006), left winger Michael Gergen (2006) and defenseman Matt Niskanen (2005).
