Post by dogcatcher on Feb 8, 2008 7:21:08 GMT -4
Shot on goal
QMJHL Coach waiting for a goaltender to step up and earn No. 1 spot
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Friday February 8th, 2008
Appeared on page B9
SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs net is wide open.
That's the message head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu has delivered to his goaltenders - Travis Fullerton and Robert Mayer - heading into the stretch run of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season.
With 17 games to play, including tonight's road game against the Victoriaville Tigres, and the playoffs looming, a clear No. 1 netminder has not been established.
"Whoever wants that net - it's theirs," an emphatic Beaulieu said prior to the start of a three-game road trip that also includes stops in Shawinigan Saturday and Drummondville Sunday.
The head coach was quick to point out the team will not make the decision on who starts in the playoffs until the end of the season.
"We don't have our mind made up right now," he said.
"We're hoping one of them can make our mind up for us."
Both goalies have been given their fair share of playing time this season with Fullerton seeing action in 33 games, while Mayer has appeared in 23. The Swiss import missed time this season playing in the world junior championship over the holidays and recently for the Canadian Hockey League Top Prospects game.
Fullerton said the message has been received loud and clear.
"Obviously, if he says that, he wants us to play better," the 20-year-old said. "The only thing you can do is work harder. I think I've been playing decent, but if (Jacques) says that then you've got to be better."
The Riverview native has posted the better numbers of the duo with a 19-11 record, 2.99 goals-against average and a save percentage of .903 heading into tonight's game.
Mayer has put up a 14-6 mark, goals against average of 3.41, two shutouts and an .886 save percentage in his rookie season.
The 18-year-old admits he hasn't played up to his own standards this season.
"The season is not going like I thought it should be," Mayer said. "I've got to improve my goaltending from here on in."
"It's a lot of mental stuff right now and I need to work on the little things and make sure I'm doing them right. I need to get back to the basics and look there (for answers)."
As for the top stop when the Sea Dogs make their inaugural playoff run, both said they want the job.
"It's my last year and obviously I want to be the starter when playoffs come," Fullerton said.
Mayer also stated his desire to backstop the Sea Dogs during the playoffs and said with both goalies pushing one another the best results should come, but the final decision is out of their hands.
"Jacques picks the starter and he seems to be doing well because we're winning," Mayer said.
Both netminders expect to see action this weekend as the Sea Dogs play three games.
QMJHL Coach waiting for a goaltender to step up and earn No. 1 spot
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Friday February 8th, 2008
Appeared on page B9
SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs net is wide open.
That's the message head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu has delivered to his goaltenders - Travis Fullerton and Robert Mayer - heading into the stretch run of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season.
With 17 games to play, including tonight's road game against the Victoriaville Tigres, and the playoffs looming, a clear No. 1 netminder has not been established.
"Whoever wants that net - it's theirs," an emphatic Beaulieu said prior to the start of a three-game road trip that also includes stops in Shawinigan Saturday and Drummondville Sunday.
The head coach was quick to point out the team will not make the decision on who starts in the playoffs until the end of the season.
"We don't have our mind made up right now," he said.
"We're hoping one of them can make our mind up for us."
Both goalies have been given their fair share of playing time this season with Fullerton seeing action in 33 games, while Mayer has appeared in 23. The Swiss import missed time this season playing in the world junior championship over the holidays and recently for the Canadian Hockey League Top Prospects game.
Fullerton said the message has been received loud and clear.
"Obviously, if he says that, he wants us to play better," the 20-year-old said. "The only thing you can do is work harder. I think I've been playing decent, but if (Jacques) says that then you've got to be better."
The Riverview native has posted the better numbers of the duo with a 19-11 record, 2.99 goals-against average and a save percentage of .903 heading into tonight's game.
Mayer has put up a 14-6 mark, goals against average of 3.41, two shutouts and an .886 save percentage in his rookie season.
The 18-year-old admits he hasn't played up to his own standards this season.
"The season is not going like I thought it should be," Mayer said. "I've got to improve my goaltending from here on in."
"It's a lot of mental stuff right now and I need to work on the little things and make sure I'm doing them right. I need to get back to the basics and look there (for answers)."
As for the top stop when the Sea Dogs make their inaugural playoff run, both said they want the job.
"It's my last year and obviously I want to be the starter when playoffs come," Fullerton said.
Mayer also stated his desire to backstop the Sea Dogs during the playoffs and said with both goalies pushing one another the best results should come, but the final decision is out of their hands.
"Jacques picks the starter and he seems to be doing well because we're winning," Mayer said.
Both netminders expect to see action this weekend as the Sea Dogs play three games.
