Watch above: battle shaping up between pipes for Saskatoon Blades
SASKATOON – Blades rookie goaltender Nik Amundrud has been stellar in his past two starts. The 17-year-ol has turned aside 61 shots in his past two outings, both of which have resulted in wins for Saskatoon.
Amundrud has been rewarded for his efforts, as he will get the nod on Friday night in the Queen City, when the Blades clash with the Regina Pats.
“It definitely feels good because it shows that Bob (Woods) has a little confidence in me to put me in back to back and give them a chance to win,” said Amundrud after practice on Thursday.
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Amundrud feels a lot more comfortable in between the pipes now, compared to when he was traded to Saskatoon just over a month ago.
Blades goalie coach Tim Cheveldae believes that confidence is crucial, especially for a young goaltender that is just starting his junior hockey career.
“Every time you step on the ice as a goaltender you have the capabilities of winning or losing a hockey game,” said Cheveldae.
“Usually if you practice well and you have good fundamentals you’re going to build up confidence and that’s going to carry over into a game.”
When Amundrud was dealt to the Blades, he was presented with an opportunity to compete for the job of starting goalie, a position currently held by 19-year-old Alex Moodie.
However if Amundrud can string together a few more quality starts, Blades head coach and general manger Bob Woods won’t hesitate to ride the hot hand.
“If he’s playing well, you use the kid.” said Woods on Thursday.
“That was the message we said to him right away, there’s no expectation, just go out and we want you to kind of take your time, get your feet wet here and we’ll just play it by ear. Your play will determine how much you play.”
Nik Amundrud will make his first back-to-back start in the WHL on Friday against the Regina Pats, and Alex Moodie is expected to get the call on Saturday when the Blades face off against the Prince Albert Raiders.
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