On today’s episode of Canucks Conversation, Chris Faber was joined by Abbotsford Canucks goaltender Arturs Silovs for a conversation that spanned nearly 20 minutes.
Silovs received a surprise call up to the Vancouver Canucks in February, and made good on the opportunity he was given. Silovs put together a 3-2 record while posting a .908 save percentage over his five starts. Silovs went back down to Abbotsford and talked about that young team as they gear up for a playoff push.
“There’s not a big age difference, so I think it’s easier to get together,” said Silovs. “We’re all pretty similar mentally, and it’s just easier to communicate and just become friends and teammates. I think it’s really good for development. Every single game is different so you’re getting a new experience every single time and managing to win not only two or three games, but to extend it to five or six games. It’s not easy winning in this league, it’s always a grind, you always have to be on the edge, and it takes everyone to win the games.”
Silovs also talked about the way goalies develop in Latvia and other parts of Europe. This was especially interesting because it sounded a lot like Ian Clark explaining his philosophy for drafting goaltenders in the later rounds of the draft
“I just think we don’t really take it too seriously at the beginning when you’re just starting,” said Silovs. “I think all the development stuff comes later when you’re a teenager. Maybe we don’t have the best technique like North America offers, but the point is to make a save, right?”
Silovs expanded on his development further, talking about the guidance he’s received from Curtis Sanford, Ian Clark, and now Marko Torenius out in Abbotsford.
“It’s been really good,” said Silovs. “Different goalie coach, different experience. In goaltending, there’s only small things you can really work on. Everyone is different. Everyone’s stance is different, and everyone’s athleticism is different, right? I feel like it’s just about small things that can play a big role in a game. I think he’s [Torenius] been a really good coach for me.
“Working with top tier goalie coaches is always the best. Taking all the information, all the knowledge they have and translating it to your game, I think it’s an amazing thing.”
Watch the full interview with Silovs below!
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