For the primary time in a decade, although, he’s not draped in a Syracuse Crunch jersey.
“It’s truly been type of enjoyable,” mentioned 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 sport 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 season when he grew to become a free agent.
Along with his eyes set on a brand new vacation spot, Walcott turned to a connection he made in the course of the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season – wherein the Checkers opted out of enjoying and the Crunch housed gamers and workers from each the Panthers and Lightning.
“The 12 months the place Florida and Tampa despatched their guys to Syracuse, I type of bought a really feel of what this group was,” he mentioned. “They have been my first name once I was a free agent as a result of that is the place I needed to be.”
After spending time as an invitation on the Panthers’ coaching camp, Walcott has joined the Checkers as an expert tryout (PTO) and is trying to slot in with the atmosphere head coach Geordie Kinnear has created inside his squad.
“I pleasure my sport on working laborious and enjoying the proper method,” mentioned Walcott. “I believe that this group – particularly right here in Charlotte – that’s what they preach. Work laborious on the small print and provides it your all.”
By way of 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 12 months locally.
“My constructive perspective on and off the ice,” mentioned Walcott on what he can convey to the desk. “Work laborious – head down, do the work. And I prefer to hit, so throw my physique round just a little bit. That’s type of what they anticipate of me, simply be myself and play laborious.”
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 group’s drive for a Cup.
“Successful tradition,” mentioned Walcott. “That’s what I need to be part of right here. I haven’t received 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 group 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,” mentioned Walcott. “I like Syracuse, but it surely’s one thing new. I get to start out yet again so to talk. It’s enjoyable. My household loves it right here. To date, so good.”
