Interesting news for former Smoke Eaters goaltender Grant Rollheiser. The good people at the Terrier Hockey Fan Blog passed on news to me today that Boston University has made it a little easier for Rollheiser to win their starting job next season. They've released Sophomore goaltender and Phoenix draft pick Brett Bennett. What does that mean? Now rookie goaltenders Rollheiser and Kieran Millan from Spruce Grove in the AJHL will be battling for the top job. Millan has recorded a save percentage above .900 in two consecutive AJHL seasons, but his numbers took a step back in his second season. I'm told he was very impressive during his team's playoff run this season, so we'll see how he does at camp this fall.This is a familiar position for Rollheiser. When he joined Nelson in the 06-07 hockey season it was as part of a tandem in goal. Rollheiser worked all season to win the confidence of Coach Simon Wheeldon, and he was given the starting job for a playoff run all the way to the KIJHL finals. When he joined the Trail Smoke Eaters in the 07-08 hockey season it was as part of a tandem in goal with Paul Barclay. Rollheiser struggled with confidence early, but he found his game and won the confidence of Coach Jim Ingram. Within a month or so Rollheiser took over the starting job and ran with it all the way to a fantastic finish and scholarship to BU.
This whole scenario has got to feel like deja vu to Rollie. Three seasons in a row he jumps to a new level of hockey with another rookie goaltender battling for the starter's job. Each time he started a bit slow as he got used to the level of play, and each time he won the starters job and played at an elite level in the second half. We know the jump from Junior A to Division 1 is a huge leap, but I expect Rollheiser will establish himself as the starter for the Terriers at the very least by Christmas this year. I also expect he'll be doing that after getting his name called by an NHL team this June at the draft in Ottawa. What a crazy three years it's been for the young goaltender.
Here's a release from the university...
"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Sent Tuesday, May 6, 2008)
Bennett Released from Men’s Ice Hockey Program Sophomore goaltender made 29 starts in 2007-08
BOSTON – Sophomore goaltender Brett Bennett (Williamsville, N.Y.) will not return to he Boston University men’s ice hockey team for the 2008-09 season, as announced by head coach Jack Parker on Tuesday.
“Our staff has decided that we move in a different direction in regards to our goaltending,” said Parker. “We wish Brett the best in his future endeavors.”
Bennett appeared in 31 games this season, making 29 starts. He posted an .888 save percentage and a 2.63 goals against average along with a 16-10-3 record."
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2 comments:
I'm a BU senior-to-be and there's nothing I fear more next season, my last as a student-fan at BU, than a situation where the starter isn't clear. Bennett didn't win the starting job until after the winter break, and look where he is. I'm praying for Rollie to come in and assert himself VERY early.
I wouldn't say it's a guarantee that Rollheiser would get off to a slow start, but there's always going to be some adjustment for a rookie I would imagine.
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