Post by dogcatcher on Oct 19, 2007 7:11:48 GMT -4
Dogs' record backed by excellence in goal
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Friday October 19th, 2007
Appeared on page B12
SAINT JOHN - By all accounts the Saint John Sea Dogs should have a goaltending controversy on their hands. All of the factors are there.
The established veteran in 20-year-old Travis Fullerton is playing stellar goal and the rookie sensation Robert Mayer is coming into his own quickly in his first Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season. Add to that the fashion in which each goalie has picked up their most impressive victories.
Mayer made 22 saves to post a 3-0 win over the Quebec Remparts, only the second shutout in franchise history. Fullerton defeated the high-powered offence of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 in a shootout, stopping all three shooters he faced in the breakaway duel.
While some coaches would be racking their brains about the predicament, albeit a good one to have, Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu is relaxed.
"It's a comfortable situation right now," he said. "It looks like they're pushing each other and both want the net which is a good situation for a coach."
A good situation, but an unfamiliar one for the Sea Dogs. The tandem is the best one-two punch between the pipes the franchise has ever had. Just look at the numbers. The duo has allowed a QMJHL low 27 goals this season, sit fourth in goals against average at 2.68 and seventh in save percentage at .901.
The reason the controversy is non-existent is two-fold. First, both players knew coming in they'd be splitting time. The second is the competition is a friendly one.
"That was one of the questions in the summer, were we going to like each other and get along," Fullerton said. "The competition that's growing is friendly. He plays well, I'm happy for him and I hope to go out after and play a great game."
Winning doesn't hurt either.
"Seven wins in 10 games is great," Mayer said. "We're trying to push each other this year and it's good because we've both had big wins."
Having two quality goalies also has a big effect on the rest of the team, Beaulieu said.
"Both are playing hard and it gives the guys in front of them a lot of confidence," the bench boss said.
The division of playing time will continue at least until Christmas when Fullerton will be the definitive No.1. Then, Mayer leaves to play with his native Switzerland at the World Junior tournament. The Sea Dogs' third goalie Troy Passingham will take Mayer's spot during his absence.
Carrying two starting caliber goalies is something Fullerton thinks fans will see more of in hockey.
"A lot of NHL teams are going that way now," he said.
As for the Saint John situation, the team is in an enviable position. "As long as the team wins, I'm fine with it and I'm sure (Mayer) is too," Fullerton said.
DINING WITH THE DOGS: Members of the Sea Dogs will be serving customers at East Side Mario's on Oct. 28 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for the event are $12 and are being sold at all home games and the Sea Dogs office. Proceeds from the event go to the Children's Wish Foundation.
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Friday October 19th, 2007
Appeared on page B12
SAINT JOHN - By all accounts the Saint John Sea Dogs should have a goaltending controversy on their hands. All of the factors are there.
The established veteran in 20-year-old Travis Fullerton is playing stellar goal and the rookie sensation Robert Mayer is coming into his own quickly in his first Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season. Add to that the fashion in which each goalie has picked up their most impressive victories.
Mayer made 22 saves to post a 3-0 win over the Quebec Remparts, only the second shutout in franchise history. Fullerton defeated the high-powered offence of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 in a shootout, stopping all three shooters he faced in the breakaway duel.
While some coaches would be racking their brains about the predicament, albeit a good one to have, Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu is relaxed.
"It's a comfortable situation right now," he said. "It looks like they're pushing each other and both want the net which is a good situation for a coach."
A good situation, but an unfamiliar one for the Sea Dogs. The tandem is the best one-two punch between the pipes the franchise has ever had. Just look at the numbers. The duo has allowed a QMJHL low 27 goals this season, sit fourth in goals against average at 2.68 and seventh in save percentage at .901.
The reason the controversy is non-existent is two-fold. First, both players knew coming in they'd be splitting time. The second is the competition is a friendly one.
"That was one of the questions in the summer, were we going to like each other and get along," Fullerton said. "The competition that's growing is friendly. He plays well, I'm happy for him and I hope to go out after and play a great game."
Winning doesn't hurt either.
"Seven wins in 10 games is great," Mayer said. "We're trying to push each other this year and it's good because we've both had big wins."
Having two quality goalies also has a big effect on the rest of the team, Beaulieu said.
"Both are playing hard and it gives the guys in front of them a lot of confidence," the bench boss said.
The division of playing time will continue at least until Christmas when Fullerton will be the definitive No.1. Then, Mayer leaves to play with his native Switzerland at the World Junior tournament. The Sea Dogs' third goalie Troy Passingham will take Mayer's spot during his absence.
Carrying two starting caliber goalies is something Fullerton thinks fans will see more of in hockey.
"A lot of NHL teams are going that way now," he said.
As for the Saint John situation, the team is in an enviable position. "As long as the team wins, I'm fine with it and I'm sure (Mayer) is too," Fullerton said.
DINING WITH THE DOGS: Members of the Sea Dogs will be serving customers at East Side Mario's on Oct. 28 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for the event are $12 and are being sold at all home games and the Sea Dogs office. Proceeds from the event go to the Children's Wish Foundation.