[ad_1]
Michigan hockey coach Brandon Naurato chose experience over youth to decide the season opening goaltender. Though graduate netminder Logan Stein got the nod on Friday, his spot wasn’t secure for the second game. With one loss, Naurato made a swift change.
And just like that, freshman goaltender Cameron Korpi made his collegiate debut. But he didn’t just make his first start — he helped the Wolverines earn their first win.
“(Korpi) is really calm in the net,” Naurato said Saturday. “I think our defense did an unreal job of boxing out so (Korpi) could see pucks.”
Michigan’s offense took off some of the stress off Korpi’s shoulders with two goals early in the first period. While Korpi had some room to breathe, Minnesota State consistently tried him, launching a multitude of shots into the defensive zone. Instead of freezing in the moment, Korpi lept into action and blocked nine shots in the first period alone.
Korpi’s first real test came with just under two minutes left in the opening period. The Wolverines fell short on a power play opportunity, and Mavericks forward Kaden Bohlsen skated from the penalty box onto the ice. As he stepped onto the ice, the puck flew right to his stick through the neutral zone. Bohlsen sped down the ice to meet Korpi 1-on-1 and attempted to sneak the puck into the left corner. Korpi dropped quickly, using just his foot to block the shot and cease Minnesota State’s momentum.
While Korpi settled in, his foundation grew stronger, even as the Mavericks tried to crack through.
“It probably took me a couple minutes (to settle in) once I got that first save,” Korpi said. “And that crowd just helps you out big time, they’re picking you up.”
Yost Ice Arena continued to holler with support throughout the second period as each puck that entered Korpi’s crease never met the back of the net. Michigan benefited from Korpi’s shutout period where he thwarted Minnesota State’s most productive shifts of the night, blocking 11 shots.
However, early in the third period, Mavericks forward Luigi Benincasa received an assist from the left side, sending a quick shot to the top shelf past Korpi to tally Minnesota State’s first goal of the night.
The pressure on the young netminder hit a new level with just one goal separating the Wolverines. With Michigan’s defense continuing to box offensive players out of the crease, fewer pucks were even making it to Korpi. Only needing to make four saves in the final period, he left the ice with his first win.
While Korpi’s performance wasn’t perfect, he showed he’s a strong option in the net. With Stein allowing five goals on Friday, Korpi became the logical start for the next game. And he took advantage of his chance to prove he deserves the role, rather than just being the next best choice.
“I think (Korpi) was great,” Naurato said. “I don’t know yet who the starter is going forward, but he definitely put himself in a good spot.”
For Naurato, two games into the season is simply too early to designate the starting goaltender for the season. But after spending Friday on the bench, Korpi showed he can perform past the expectations of his freshman status.
In his collegiate debut, Korpi was given the chance to prove his youth doesn’t detract from his talent. He showed the poise of an experienced player, embracing his opportunity and making a memorable first impression.
Related articles
[ad_2]
Source link
