As backup goalie, Bolton always prepared
Patience, good attitude key for Storm netminder
Thursday, February 11, 2010
By Michael Fahrenbruch
Tri-City Storm Communications
KEARNEY, Neb. - If you’re at a Tri-City Storm hockey game, chances are goalie Steve Bolton isn’t on the ice. He’s probably on the bench, cheering on his team.
That’s because Bolton is the backup goalie for the Storm and only plays one-third of the time.
His job is still important.
“It’s probably tougher than being a starter sometimes, because you don’t always know when you’re gonna go in,” Bolton said. “You always have to be mentally prepared for every game.”
Tri-City assistant coach Eric Fink said the mental aspect is one of the most important parts of being a backup goalie.
“It takes a special mindset and a special character, not only as an athlete but also as a character as well,” Fink said.
Bolton posted the first shutout for the Storm this season on Jan. 8 against Cedar Rapids, which helped earn him United States Hockey League Goaltender of the Week honors. He has a 6-5 record in 16 games played, and his 3.22 goals against per game ranks 21st in the USHL. His .898 save percentage ranks 17th.
Bolton often gets his chance in net when the Storm plays back-to-back-to-back games. He said the weeks with three games are tough on a goalie, physically and mentally. He also gets a chance when he’s hot, or when starting goalie Carsen Chubak is down.
“If (Chubak) is having a down night or a down weekend, then I go in and hopefully I’ll start the team up and give them a little hope,” said Bolton, a Las Vegas native.
The situation doesn’t affect the relationship between the two goalies. “Actually, the two of them are very good friends,” Fink said.
He said the two aren’t really in a battle against each other; instead, they push each other, which makes both players better. “It’s good for both people, because both Carsen and Steven can improve, and that’s what they’re looking for,” Fink said.
A backup’s greatest challenge is staying prepared for his chance. Bolton is no different.
“I don’t change anything before the games I do play,” he said. “I always put my socks on inside-out when I come to the rink, my dress socks, and I always put Chap Stick on before every period.”
There is more to Bolton’s preparation than his pre-game ritual. He said during a game he visualizes himself in the net. He watches the opponent to see how he would move in response.
Time will tell where Bolton goes from the USHL.
“I think the sky is the limit for anyone on this team and anybody that’s in this league,” Fink said. “For Steven, it will all depend on how he keeps doing.”
Fink said Bolton is a great kid who works hard on and off the ice. Bolton took an ACT class, and he plans to retake the ACT. He said he wants to be able to apply to more schools.
“I’m trying to get a college scholarship,” Bolton said. “I’d definitely like to go to Denver University.”
Being a backup goalie can be a challenge, but one Bolton is ready to face.
“You’re always gonna get your chance so you have to be ready,” he said. “You’ve got to work your way so that the next year you can be a starter.”