Dalhousie University men’s hockey head coach Chris Donnelly is pleased to announce the commitment of Ryan Falkenham and Zack Taylor to the Tigers for the 2016-17 season.
“It is great to have some of the top local talent choosing Dalhousie University to pursue their educational and athletic goals” said Donnelly.
Falkenham joins the Tigers after a successful QMJHL career. He spent four seasons with the Halifax Mooseheads (2011-2015) and was part of the Presidents Cup and Memorial Cup winning teams in 2013. He played 161 career games for the Mooseheads and registered 54 points.
“I’m extremely happy and excited to have committed to the Tigers,” says Falkenham. “Being a student here at Dalhousie this year I was able to familiarize myself with the hockey program which made the decision an easy one. I’m looking forward to reuniting with some junior teammates as well as head coach Chris Donnelly who coached me during the 2011 Canada Games here in Halifax. I can’t wait for the opportunity to get on the ice and try to help the team to produce.”
The 5’10 forward and Halifax native has been accepted into the Bachelor of Commerce program at Dalhousie University.
“Ryan Falkenham is the consummate leader at every level he has competed, whether it be as captain of the 2012 Canada Games team or captain of the Halifax Mooseheads.” says Donnelly. “Our program is excited to have him joining us and he will definitely add to our offensive output in the coming years.”
Joining Falkenham on Coach Donnelly’s squad is current Moosehead Zachary Taylor. Taylor is a 6’ defenseman who comes to the Tigers after spending three and a half seasons with the Shawinigan Cataractes before joining the Halifax Mooseheads. In 171 games, Taylor has notched five goals and 30 assists. In his last two seasons in the QMJHL he is a plus 17.
“I’m really excited about coming to Dal,” says Taylor. “I knew I wanted to be in Halifax and looking at the way the hockey program is rebuilding and getting better every year I knew I wanted to be a part of that.”
Originally from Dartmouth, N.S., Taylor graduated from Dartmouth High School with Honours and has been accepted into the Bachelor of Arts program.
“We continue to build our program from the net out and the addition of Zach Taylor has made our defensive group that much better,” says Donnelly. “He is a very good puck moving defenseman who has played against the other team’s top players in the Quebec Major League, since he joined the Shawinigan Cataractes. Zach, much like Ryan, has been a leader at every level and is currently an assistant captain with the Halifax Mooseheads. Our team and dressing room continue to strengthen with these two additions.”
The Tigers will be looking to build off their strong end to the 2015-16 campaign and make a strong push for the playoffs in 2016-17.