Courtesy of Will Dineen

If you ask anyone on the Yale men’s hockey team about Will Dineen ’25, their answers will always circle back to one commonality: his impeccable character. Not only did he lead the Bulldogs this season as their captain, but he also consistently demonstrated why his size and speed have long been attractive for pro scouts. 

Now, after a senior year where Dineen posted a team-leading 12 assists in 30 games, he signed a professional tryout contract with the Montreal Canadiens’ American Hockey League affiliate — the Laval Rocket (41–16–3–1) — on March 13.

“Laval had some injuries the past couple of weeks, and they approached me after we lost out in the playoffs,” Dineen told the News. “Spring break had just started and I was still at school because I didn’t have any plans. They approached me … and I met the team in Utica the next day. I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to keep playing”

Dineen, a native of Lake George, NY, has deep roots in pro hockey. His father, Kevin, played almost 1,200 NHL games during 21 seasons, and he tallied 760 points before retiring in 2002 and turning to bench duties. Moreover, Kevin’s father — Will’s grandfather — was an AHL Hall of Famer who won two Calder Cups before turning to the coaching ranks himself.

Before coming to Yale, Dineen played 80 games for the Sioux Fall Stampede in the United States Hockey League, and he recorded 37 points while captaining the team in his second season. In 2021, he won the Curt Hammer award as the USHL’s Gentleman of the Year. 

Over the course of his four years at Yale, Dineen has continued to exemplify the type of leadership, both on and off of the ice, that bodes well for a professional career in the hockey world.

“I don’t think anyone on the team was surprised when we saw that (Will) signed that PTO,” first-year standout Zach Wagnon ’28 said to the News. “He’s such a great leader and player [and] we all knew he deserved it. For us freshmen, it was so easy to look at him as a role model with the way he carries himself on and off the ice. Everyone around the rink loves him, and seeing how hard he works every day is so motivating. He really embodies what it means to be a Yale hockey player.”

Wagnon also detailed to the News how Dineen reached out to the first-year class this past summer in an effort to help them with the transition to Yale and Division 1 hockey. In addition, Dineen invited the entire team to his house in Lake George to build camaraderie before the start of the school year.  

Aside from steady contributions on the scoresheet, Dineen received the Malcom G. Chace award for outstanding sportsmanship, spirit and ability after his sophomore year. Then, in his junior year, Dineen was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team. This year, Dineen notched a personal high of 18 points in 30 games and was solid defensively all season long.

“[He]was a huge part of our team all year,” said sophomore Will Richter ’27. “I’ve played with him for two years now, and he’s one of those guys who always leads by example both on and off the ice. This season he was a rock for us; every time he stepped on the ice he would give 100% and would give everything for Yale hockey. I definitely look up to Will, as he is someone I try to model my game after.”

Joining Laval means that Dineen has stepped right into the best team in the entire AHL. Currently, the Rocket have the best winning percentage (.705) in the league. For Dineen, the team’s success was a major draw.

“Laval has a great coaching staff and the team is ranked first in the league currently. The opportunity to learn from the people and players in the organization was a no-brainer for me,” Dineen continued.

After signing on March 13, Dineen jumped right into the team’s practices — which meant adjusting to a faster game where there is “way less time” to make plays than in the NCAA. Just eight days after signing, Dineen took the ice in his first professional hockey game as Laval faced off against the Cleveland Monsters (30–21–5–5), the affiliate team of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“I had my first two games this weekend,” Dineen said. “It was great to get some pro experience and play in a sold-out building. The fans in Montreal are so passionate about hockey and it makes the energy in the building amazing.”

With just 11 games in a 72-game season for Laval, the team has added Dineen in the hopes that he can provide some depth for a potentially lengthy playoff run. Against Cleveland, Dineen played right wing on the team’s fourth line, and his ability to slot in as both a centerman and winger will be a useful asset for the Laval coaching staff. In addition, his 6-foot-2,194-pound frame, combined with his high-end skating ability make him a forward that can fit in anywhere on the line chart.

“I think [Will’s] game will translate very well professionally because he will be utilized in so many ways. He can score, he’s a great puck carrier and playmaker, great at faceoffs, play power-play or penalty-kill, and so much more,” said Yale forward David Chen ’26. “Will is the exact player and teammate that every team would want. He plays a 200 ft game on the ice, works hard in practice and lifts, and is always making sure that everyone else is held to that same standard.”

Later this week, Laval will take on the Toronto Marlies (32–20–3–6) at home on Friday before lacing up their boots against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (31–25–5–2) on Saturday. Although his playing days as an Eli have come to an end, Dineen’s impact on the men’s program will not soon be forgotten.