Student of the Game: Thatcher Demko
7 years ago
The Canucks and their fans have high hopes for Thatcher Demko this season. There’s bound to be a learning curve, though, and adjustments made along the way for the young blue chip goaltender. That process began tonight in Penticton.
The Canucks Young Stars struggled throughout the first half of the game on Friday night, though Demko did his part to keep the Canucks within striking distance. Known for challenging shooters in the NCAA, Demko will need to modify his approach to avoid getting himself in trouble against better, more polished offensive players.
Based on tonight’s showing, those adjustments are already taking hold.
Facing a two on one, Demko is deep in his crease, hoping for the shooter to shoot — he uses his glove hand to snag it.
“That’s something I need to work on, and it already started this summer with Cloutier” Demko said following the game. When asked about his aggressive tactics in college hockey, Demko knows he can’t get away with that at the next level. The players are too good and will expose you.
It’s fascinating to hear Demko talk about the position and his own game. He is confident in his ability and athleticism but understands these changes needed to be made to take the next step.
Demko is a student of the game. He’s constantly learning, making adjustments and studying shooters and goaltenders alike, trying to find that edge.
Demko remarked that the information he collects about current NHL goaltenders isn’t about one specific player or movement. It’s about the totality of all the goalies, how they got to that level, and what can he do to take that next step.
The San Diego native added that another thing he will need to get used to will be the schedule, admitting that the most he’s ever played in a season was 43 games.
Being healthy for the first time, Demko is now able to focus on working on these things. Tonight was obviously just the first game of the Young Stars tournament in Penticton, but from this point forward, it’s about the process and how to get better with each day. Listening and talking with Demko, it’s becoming apparent that he is ready to get that process started.
