The Dalhousie Tigers - Dalhousie University

In the sport of hockey there are many types of players essential to the game, but arguably none more so than goal scorers like Brian Gualazzi. The addition of Gualazzi to the Tigers hockey program brought a talented point-getter to the team and he proved himself time and time again over his four year university career. Described as an AUAA scoring sensation, Brian became a historical leader of Dalhousie’s hockey program.

Brian joined the Tigers in 1979 from the OHA Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds after surpassing an OHA junior scoring record held by Wayne Gretzky in 1978 with 75 goals. He was drafted that same year by the Minnesota North Stars and attended their training camp in September before coming to Dalhousie. During his first year with the Tigers the talented right winger was named an AUAA second team all-star. In his second year with the Tigers he collected 40 points and finished third overall in the Kelly Division in scoring.

The 1981-82 season was a break-out year for Gualazzi as he led the Tigers by setting an AUAA scoring record with 37 goals. Dalhousie’s Greg McCulloch had previously set the record at 35 goals ten years before in 1971-72. It was during this season that Gualazzi was moved to the position of centre. He also claimed 22 assists for a total of 59 points in the 26-game season. Brian attributes some of his success to his teammates. “Hockey is a team sport,” says Brian. “I was a goal scorer but you can’t do that by yourself – my teammates played a major role.” This incredible accomplishment earned him a spot on the AUAA first all-star team and he was also named a CIAU all-Canadian. At the year-end athletic banquet Brian was honoured as the team MVP and received Dalhousie’s Climo Award for Male Athlete of the Year. 

In a 1982 Dalhousie Gazette interview the Tigers head coach, Peter Esdale, described Brian as a “talented, gifted athlete who has a lot of poise with the puck.” Esdale went on to say that “Brian has a magic touch around the net – that’s his primary role and he does that very well.  I’m glad he’s on my team and not on someone else’s in the league.”

During his final season with the Tigers, Brian was named the team captain, a well-earned title for his great effort and leadership during the previous years. He led the team in his final year, once again as the Tigers points’ leader with a total of 32 goals and 19 assists totaling 51 points for the season. For the second year in a row Gualazzi was named an AUAA first team all-star and a CIAU all-Canadian. At the culmination of the season he was selected as the team MVP for the second year in a row.

With his determination, talent and athleticism Gualazzi led the Tigers and left a remarkable impression on the program. For all of the above reasons we honour Brian Gualazzi today with his induction in to the Dalhousie Sport Hall of Fame