For the primary time in a decade, although, he’s not draped in a Syracuse Crunch jersey.
“It’s truly been form of enjoyable,” stated Walcott. “I really feel like I’m a rookie once more.”
The 31-year-old ahead was taken by the New York Rangers within the fifth spherical of the 2014 draft and appeared in a single recreation for the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2014-15 on the conclusion of his junior profession. Since then, Walcott has logged 494 AHL video games – all as a member of the Crunch.
A fan favourite who would put on a letter as an alternate captain for eight straight campaigns in Syracuse, Walcott entered uncharted territory this summer time when he grew to become a free agent.
Together with his eyes set on a brand new vacation spot, Walcott turned to a connection he made throughout the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season – during which the Checkers opted out of taking part in and the Crunch housed gamers and employees from each the Panthers and Lightning.
“The yr the place Florida and Tampa despatched their guys to Syracuse, I form of received a really feel of what this group was,” he stated. “They have been my first name once I was a free agent as a result of that is the place I wished to be.”
After spending time as an invitation on the Panthers’ coaching camp, Walcott has joined the Checkers as knowledgeable tryout (PTO) and is wanting to slot in with the atmosphere head coach Geordie Kinnear has created inside his squad.
“I pleasure my recreation on working exhausting and taking part in the precise means,” stated Walcott. “I feel that this group – particularly right here in Charlotte – that’s what they preach. Work exhausting on the small print and provides it your all.”
When it comes to pedigree, Walcott has constructed up a well-rounded resume throughout his time within the AHL – posting 147 factors (56g, 91a) and 568 penalty minutes throughout 495 video games and incomes the 2023-24 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award because the league’s man of the yr locally.
“My constructive angle on and off the ice,” stated Walcott on what he can deliver to the desk. “Work exhausting – head down, do the work. And I prefer to hit, so throw my physique round a little bit bit. That’s form of what they anticipate of me, simply be myself and play exhausting.”
After witnessing what the Panthers and Checkers have been capable of construct from afar, Walcott’s hope is to carve out a spot for himself within the workforce’s drive for a Cup.
“Successful tradition,” stated Walcott. “That’s what I need to be part of right here. I haven’t gained a championship but in my profession – I’ve been shut. Hopefully I can come right here, do what I do, earn a contract and assist this workforce win.”
As camp rolls on and the battle for roster spots intensifies, the veteran is embracing this new problem over a decade into his profession.
“It’s been actually a breath of contemporary air,” stated Walcott. “I really like Syracuse, however it’s one thing new. I get to start out over again so to talk. It’s enjoyable. My household loves it right here. Up to now, so good.”
