Given the option, Olds Grizzlys goaltender Jesse Gordichuk would prefer the endless onslaught of opposing shots each time.
He got his wish during the team's most recent road trip, first making 28 saves to help the Grizzlys beat the Okotoks Oilers 4-1.
Then came what head coach Brett Hopfe called the “pinnacle” of his career: a 55-save spectacle that led to a 5-2 win over the Camrose Kodiaks, the No. 2-ranked CJHL team.
As expected, the 20-year-old netminder from Penticton said he was exhausted afterward — but in a good way.
When things are quiet in his end, Gordichuk said he starts thinking about how the skaters in front are doing all the work. The focus shifts from stopping the puck to not spoiling their effort, which is why he'd prefer to be busy.
“It keeps your mind in your game and your confidence too. It's hard when there's one shot and five minutes later you have another shot,” he said.
Gordichuk had a rough first month with the Grizzlys, posting an .886 save percentage and a 3.83 goals-against average (GAA) in six games. But he's rounded into form in December, with a .940 save percentage and a 2.28 GAA in seven games.
As a result, the Grizzlys are 4-2-1 in those December games.
Hopfe said it's taken some time for Gordichuk to get back into game shape but “over the last two weeks, he's been a really, really solid goalie for us.”
“As of late, he's made more than just the first save. He's made two or three saves back to back,” he added.
Much of Gordichuk's slow start can be attributed to a “fluky” injury he suffered at the start of the season as a member of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.
While playing the Canmore Eagles, Gordichuk skated behind his net to stop the puck. He tripped and tore two ligaments in his left foot, sidelining him for more than six weeks.
Surgery wasn't required but his cardiovascular fitness and play suffered after he returned.
He once alternated starts with Oil Barons backup Zach Fortin but Gordichuk wound up losing his No. 1 position on the goalie depth chart.
Like many players in the AJHL, Gordichuk has been playing in hopes of landing a collegiate scholarship. But to get one, he needed more exposure and playing time.
So it was welcome news when the Grizzlys traded for him, sending forward Kyle Star north to Fort McMurray.
“I was happy. Things weren't going too well in Fort Mac. I'm really thankful that Hopfe picked me up and gave me an opportunity to play for Olds,” he said.
While he doesn't know too many details, Gordichuk said some NCAA schools have been in talks with the Grizzlys coaching staff.
“I'm kind of taking it step by step. Hopefully there will be offers.”
