The battle is on.
The two goaltenders left standing for the Trail Smoke Eaters after the injury to No. 1 puck stopper Cooper Michaluk will both get a chance to be “the guy.
Head coach and general manager Erick Thurston says they will watch the progress of 18-year-old rookie and Trail native Chayse Johnson, as well as newcomer Brady Smith.
Thurston says Smith was brought in partially because of his pedigree.
He’s played in the Western Hockey League,” Thurston said adding they have done their due diligence on the 20 year old.
“We’ve watched some of his games, just like his composure, like his calmness, his maturity, he seems to be very quiet in the net,” according to the bench boss who stated Smith was fully scouted.
“Pierce Diamond, our goalie coach, liked him too, he said he had the most upside of the guys we had looked at, we had quite a few guys that became available,” Thurston stated, noting the coaching consensus was that Smith topped the list.
“I also felt comfortable with what I saw, but also on the research side of it, the background checks, everybody just raved about the person he is, professional with his preparation, he is also good in the locker room which is key.”
Smith is thrilled about getting a second chance after being the odd man out in Blackfalds following four appearances this season.
Smith says his style is basic.
“I don’t think I’m the most technical goalie ever, but just try to find a way to stop the puck” explained Smith who humorously stated you “won’t see me doing the splits,” but is working on his technique.
“Just overall seeing the puck, allowing myself to get my feet set, just give myself the best opportunity to stop it, don’t want to be behind the play or anything along those lines,” surmised Smith.
The six-foot-one, 185 pound native of Cloverdale pointed out he also does his homework when it comes to tending goal.
“I’m more of a clips guy, highlights, I prefer to watch skills videos, anything regarding that to keep my mind active in new ways of stopping the puck.”
Smith and Johnson will have ample time to earn minutes as Thurston says Michaluk is very early in a long rehabilitation.
“Cooper unfortunately has a slight tear of his hamstring,” the coach confirmed.
“He’s gone back to Edmonton and has been fully diagnosed with an MRI, he’s already getting treatment and we’re just not sure of the time frame,” Thurston stated.
The estimate right after the injury last Saturday predicted Michaluk would be out from six to 12 weeks.
Johnson is 2-1 this season with a 2.50 GAA, including a starring performance in the Powell River victory and coming off the bench to get the win in West Kelowna following Michaluk’s injury.
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