Dylan Gonsalves '26 Recruiting Profile

Dylan Gonsalves
Dual Citizen: USA / Canada
Culver Military Academy – Class of 2026
Weighted GPA: 4.10
Position: Defenseman | Shoots: Left
📧 [email protected]

🎓 Academic & Athletic Goals

My goal is to play NCAA Division I hockey at an academic university where I can challenge myself both academically and on the ice. I am committed to a path that requires discipline, leadership, and will support my growth both on and off the ice. I plan to study Economics and Psychology and continue playing hockey for as long as I can, to develop a well-rounded perspective for life beyond hockey and possibly coaching someday.

🏒 Playing Style

My goal is to do simple plays exceptionally well. I am a disciplined, coachable player who prides himself on strong edgework, smart decisions, and playing a team-first game. I focus on the details by making plays, forcing turnovers, and driving the puck north. I can adapt to any style of play a coach requires. Having a younger brother who’s a goalie has also given me a unique perspective on shot selection and hockey IQ.

🎖️ Leadership

At Culver, I am a proud member of the Band Unit and Lancer Band, respected leadership groups known for their musicianship, precision, discipline, and tradition. This unit has helped me grow as a leader both on and off the ice. Next year, I will serve as Unit Commander, demonstrating my commitment to leading and supporting my peers as I take charge of over 70 cadets. 

On the ice, I was named Captain of the Oshawa Generals U16 AAA team in my first year of AAA. I learned to lead by example and support every teammate, regardless of ice time or role.

I am also a certified lifeguard, which has taught me responsibility, focus, and accountability.

🎼  Musicianship (Tuba & Sousaphone)

I am a Level 400 musician, specializing in Tuba and Sousaphone, and a proud member of the Culver Military Lancer Band, the Honor Organization of Culver’s Band Company. This elite and versatile music ensemble performs across campus and serves the school by providing music for military parades, ceremonial events, and smaller concert settings.

Through the Lancer Band, I’ve developed discipline, timing, and stage presence while representing Culver at high-visibility events. In addition to the Tuba and Sousaphone, I am also proficient on the saxophone and bass clarinet, providing a broad foundation in musicality and ensemble performance.

🌍 About Me
I was born in London, England, and fell in love with hockey after moving to Canada at a young age. I'm a dual American/Canadian citizen, and currently maintain a 4.10 weighted GPA at Culver Military Academy.

My hockey journey began with a challenge. In my first GTHL season, our team finished 1–49. But that experience only deepened my love for the game. I spent hours sharpening my skills on my backyard rink and outdoor ice in Toronto. By my third season, I had earned a spot on the team that once beat mine 17–0. That journey shaped me into the player I am today, someone who hates losing more than he loves winning.

🥍 Multi-Sport Athleticism
I’ve played multiple sports at a competitive level, including lacrosse and soccer.

• Lacrosse: I played long pole defense for Evolve Elite Ontario and Toronto Beaches. Lacrosse has sharpened my footwork, defensive angles, and physicality.
  
  

• Soccer: I spent six years in academy soccer, playing as a midfielder and defender. It taught me spacing, vision, and how to transition play quickly, skills I apply directly to hockey.

📚 Academic Focus & Interests

From 2021 to 2023, I was an honour roll student in the French Immersion stream at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute in Toronto. Now at Culver Military Academy, I continue to thrive in a demanding academic environment while maintaining a 4.10 weighted GPA and balancing a rigorous athletic schedule. 

Off the ice, I enjoy fishing, golf, and reading. I’m a curious and committed learner, drawn to topics like history, psychology, biographies, and leadership.

🔥 What Drives Me

Whether it’s team practice, the shooting pad, shinny on an outdoor rink, battling my brother on backyard ice, or competing in a championship game, I love learning every time I lace up my skates. I enjoy off-season training and take pride in the quiet, consistent work it takes to improve every area of my game.

I’m looking for a program that values strong academics, team culture, and high-level hockey development. If you’d like to learn more about my goals, leadership, and playing style, please email me [email protected]