When Dukes overage goaltender came to the Wellington Dukes in 2019-20, fans got to see one of the top notch goaltenders in the OJHL. He followed a long list of outstanding goaltenders to have excelled in the Dukes program and helped lead the Dukes to a Regular Season title before the season was eventually cancelled to do Covid-19. After spending a season in the QMJHL, Dunsmoor returned to the Dukes and stated there was unfinished business to take care of. After another season where the Dukes came from behind to steal the regular season division crown from the arch rival Trenton Golden Hawks, Matt Dunsmoor will become a Golden Hawk; however, he will a Laurier University Golden Hawk, after committing to the Usports program this past weekend.
Dunsmoor, a native of Bracebridge, Ontario, had a slow start to his overage year. With a lot of new faces on the roster, it took the Dukes a while to mesh as a team. The veteran goaltender was at his best towards the end of the season, and was an integral part of the Dukes run that helped them catch the Trenton Golden Hawks for the East Division regular season crown. For the season, Dunsmoor had a 14-13-0 record with a 2.81 GAA and .914SV%, both numbers having him among the top 15 goaltenders in the league.
Wellington Dukes Head Coach, Derek Smith, talked about Dunsmoor’s leadership skills and how he was beloved by the Dukes fan base. “Dunny came to Wellington in his 18 year old year and back stopped the Dukes to our most successful regular season in almost 20 years. Unfortunately our playoffs were cut short due to Covid and he couldn’t get the chance to help take the team to the goal of a National Championship, He left for the QMJHL and returned for his 20 year old season. He was a huge part of the leadership core and helped stabilize the team. He was great in the community and beloved by the fans! Dunny will always be a Duke and we wish him nothing but the best in the next chapter of his hockey career.”
For Dunsmoor, the choice to play at Laurier was an easy one for him. “Laurier is a fantastic school with a great hockey program. It is very close to where I grew up and it’s nice to be able to stay close to home and continue my academic and hockey career.”
Dunsmoor joins 5 teammates from the 2021-22 Dukes team with college commitments for next season. He leaves the Dukes with a 38-18-2 record. The Dukes wish Matt all the best as he moves on the Laurier University!