Pats and Congrats to the Novice Minor Heat Goalies: Rylan and Carter

I love getting updates and emails from coaches and parents.  At this time of year, it is almost impossible to keep up with the news.  With everyone driving all over Heck's acre for tournaments and the tournaments not having websites, I can only get my info from these missives.  And boy are they starting to flood my inbox. Keep them coming, folks!

This evening, I'll write a note about a pair of goalie cubs playing for the AHG's Eastern Heat Novice Minor team.  Although they didn't win the tournament in Glace Bay this past weekend, the two boys bounced back from a tough earlier weekend.  Adjusting to the quicker and harder game that is AAA Spring Hockey, the first weekend of games really got them to open their eyes.  As I have said many a time, it isn't how hard you fall but how high you bounce back that is the test.  With their lessons stuffed in their back pockets, the boys had to make a statement for team this weekend.

And bounce back they did!  Rylan making the save

Rylan only gave up 4 goals all weekend to get a W and L and even in the loss, his coaches said that it was the best game they have seen him play to date.  He gave his team a chance to win and that is a goalie's job, is it not?  Rylan combines some amazing athletic ability with major league flexibility.  I have watched him several times this season and I know what he is capable of developing into.  When he starts to put his natural talents together with his building experience, look out!

Carter went on to play extremely well, as well.  His highlight game was a 3-3 tie where their team was on the ropes several times, but Carter manned the battlements and kept the enemy at bay.  By the time the smoke cleared, there was 38 shots (35 saves) on the score clock.  Carter did more work in one game then some goalies would do the whole tournament.  Carter is not your traditional style goaltender, either.  Less conventional and more traditional (think Marty Brodeur), the shooters never know what he's going to throw at them.  And the one other thing that I will say about Carter is that he loves to stop pucks.  Keep rockin' it, C-Boy!

Carter getting a bench talk between periods

These two little guys showed everyone that they have the tools and heart to play at this level and I expect they'll continue to deliver the goods for their team.

Looking forward to working with you guys again this week.  Bring your work boots!

As an addendum, head instructor Roman also got his goaltending start with the Novice Minor Heat many years ago.  It is very nice to see things coming full-circle.Save & Close

Roman posin'