Dugan has a unique personality. Although he considers himself a funny guy and likes to provide the locker room with laughs - he does have a big chip on his shoulder on the ice. According to Dugan, he's naturally had this attitude since he was young. With this mindset comes something else; he doesn't like to move onto the next level in his hockey career until he feels he has dominated at the level he is at. That's what he sought to do in his two years at Providence College.
The Pittsburgh native decided not to return to Providence for his junior year after proving everything he felt he had to at that level. In two seasons in college, he played in 75 games and produced 91 points (20G, 71A). Dugan finished the 2019-20 season as the leader in the NCAA in points with 52 points (10G, 42A). After a dominant collegiate career, he decided to go pro and join the Henderson Silver Knights for the 2020-21 season.
After just one shortened season with the Silver Knights, Dugan put up strong numbers yet again. In 37 games, he tallied 33 points (10G, 33A). Another impressive season gave the rookie a confidence boost and he believes that he's close to taking his game to the next level.
"I think I'm right there," Dugan said. "I think I'm at the edge. Coming into last year, I tried to have a lot of confidence going in even though I was a rookie."
Dugan set a high bar for himself for 2021-22 and he knows what must be done to take his game to the NHL level. He stayed in Vegas most of the summer so he can skate with NHL players to keep his pace up - something he hasn't had a chance to do yet. He's had the opportunity to pick the brains of players he looks up to on the Golden Knights which he believes has been a huge help in developing as a player. He explained that his past season with the Silver Knights motivated him to stay in the area and train differently.
"I had a good year and that's why I stayed around this summer," said Dugan. "I know I have a lot more and I wanted to see what would happen if I approached training in the offseason differently."
Silver Knights head coach Manny Viveiros said he thinks highly of Dugan as a person and a player. Viveiros is aware of his offensive skills, but it's his play away from the puck that he wants to see improve.
"We know what he can do offensively, but you need more to get to that next level," said Viveiros. "He's going to have to add different things to his game to make him an everyday NHL player. Our job as a staff working with Jack is to concentrate on his 200-foot game. We want to see him come back into our zone and play solid defensive hockey without sacrificing the things he does offensively, the thing that's gotten him here and probably will get him to the NHL."
Dugan reported to the Golden Knights rookie camp this week and will look to stand out. After having a year under his belt, he expects to add a bit of leadership to the locker room as well.
