A Goaltending Conundrum (RW77)

by Redwing77

Today, as I tediously tracked the Vermont score from the North Dakota iPhone App (I was with company and couldn't tune in), a viewer chimed in and remarked:

"Wouldn't it be interesting when Cam Johnson returns to be the third string goaltender."

I'm not sure this was tongue in cheek or serious, but let's pretend the poster was serious.

My response would be:  A-wha?

There's no doubt in my mind that Matt Hyrnkiw has played fantastically and far exceeded EVERYONE'S (except perhaps the coaches and players) expectations.  I will not take that away from him.  I hope he continues to shine (He's now helped sweep Vermont).

That being said, he was brought in as a practice goaltender.  The accurate statement would be "Wouldn't it be interesting to see the fans reaction when Matt goes from starter back to third stringer once Matej and Cam return?"

There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Johnson and Tomek are destined to be the feature goaltenders this season and Matt's career as a starter will last only until either Johnson or Tomek are once again at 100%.  After all, 3 games started does not mean a goaltending controversy... especially when the goaltenders being usurped all all injured.  This isn't Anthony Hammond usurping Robin Lehner and Craig Anderson here.  Also, wins and ties against BSU and UVM are hardly quality wins.  I'm curious how well the team would play if they were facing a lot tougher opponent... say a Denver, a UNO, or even a Miami (OH).

Like I said:  This isn't to flame Matt or berate him in any way.  It's just a plain fact.

I don't expect him to return to third stringer overnight, though.  What Matt's play DOES do for UND is allow the trainers to bring Cam and Matej back to health fully before getting them on the ice.  I wouldn't be shocked to see Matt start a game with Cam (or Matej, whomever is healthy first) as backup before ceding the starting role back to Cam or Matej (most likely Cam at this point).

Matt's a cinderella story.  A very pleasant surprise.  Surely we lucked out to have him as our #3 with the ability to step up under very unusual circumstances and step up in a big way.

Matt is destined for great things and I'm sure is living the dream as a starting goaltender for a top tier NCAA powerhouse hockey team.  But he knows his role and he'll do whatever he can to fulfill that role.

I think the overall aftermath will be that you will see Hyrnkiw more than previously as primary backup for Johnson or Tomek (with one or the other taking a turn in the press box when healthy).