Upper Echelon Goalie Feature: Gavin Fitzgerald

Sometimes as an instructor and goalie developer, you get a chance to become involved with someone right out of the gate in terms of both the position and the sport.  For me, one of these young individuals is the Dartmouth Whaler Gavin Fitzgerald.  I was introduced to him late last summer during our Summer Skills clinic where he attended our power-skating hour every morning.  He was totally new at the position and the gear and all the basics were all new to him.

For a seven-year-old, he was taking a large bite by throwing on all the heavy and bulky gear and skating with experienced minor hockey goaltenders.  But he didn't miss a single session and even though his skates hurt his feet and the equipment was uncomfortable, he persevered.  Later in the summer and starting up in the autumn, he attended more sessions.  He was bitten by the goalie bug and it looked like I had a new lifetime member in the brother-(sister)hood of goalies.

I was inspired and motivated by the spunky, gregarious Gavie-Monster.  (Some may wonder why I call him Gavie-Monster.  One of his first new pieces of equipment he received was a mask painted with a red devil, and he told me with relish that it's because he's a little devil himself).  While he loves to chat and relay his stories to me on the ice, once he gets between the pipes he is all business.  He is very diligent in working on his basic skills and once he "nails" it, he cracks a wide grin.  You know then, we "coach and goalie" did well.  I've been amazed at his progress and from the reports that I have received, he finished the season extremely strong with two shutouts in the SEDMHA at the Novice Intermediate level.  If I were asked what would be more difficult to accomplish, "a shutout in the NHL or a shutout in Novice hockey", I would have to think a very long, long time.

Gavin is starting to get focused on trying out for rep hockey at the atom level next season.  If he takes a leap in progress like he did last year, I know he can do well and turn some heads next year.

Excellent work, Gavin, and I'm looking forward to working with you soon!