Men’s Hockey Adds Goaltending Alums, Skating Specialist to Staff

Ohio State hockey today announced three additions to its staff for the fast approaching 2017-18 season. Former Buckeye goaltenders Dave Caruso and Dustin Carlson join the coaching crew as a goaltending consultant and volunteer assistant coach, respectively. Skating specialist Lee Harris also comes on board as a conditioning coach.

Caruso is one of the most successful goaltenders in program history. He appeared in 96 games for the Scarlet and Gray from 2002-06. He is Ohio State’s record holder for career GAA (2.07), its co-leader in career shutouts (11), and is tied for third most career victories (52). The Roswell, Georgia native was on three of the Bucks’ NCAA tournament teams (2004, 2005, 2006) and backstopped the Bucks to the 2004 CCHA tournament title.

After completing his collegiate career, Caruso competed for six years in the pro leagues, primarily with the New Jersey Devils organization. Following retirement from active service and a stint as the Albany Devils (AHL) goaltending coach, he and his family settled in Central Ohio. Since 2014 he has coached local youth and high school teams while running Columbus-based Caruso Hockey, goaltender training which emphasizes a strong mental and physical foundation as well as individualized instruction and constructive feedback.

Carlson also ranks among the top 10 in career Buckeye goaltending stats. He competed in 71 games for OSU from 2007-11 accumulating a 2.71 GAA (sixth all-time) and .913 save percentage (tied for fifth). Carlson posted 21 wins in 2008-09 and helped the Bucks to an at large bid in the NCAA tournament. Following his collegiate career he made 77 professional appearances over six seasons in the minor leagues (ECHL, SPHL, and FHL).  

Harris is a former Canadian junior hockey player and National Jr. figuring skating champion. He is the developer of the Lee Harris Skating System. Harris serves as a skating consultant for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Cleveland Monsters. He is also the skating and skills coach for the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. His summer skates have included such notable pro players as Connor Murphy, James Wisnieski, R.J. Umberger, Rick Nash, and Jared Boll as well as former Miami RedHawks stars Sean Kuraly and Jack Roslovic.