Not since 1967...

Not since 1967 have two NHL rookie NHL goalies faced off against each other in their first career start. That was the case last night as Stop It Goaltending's Mike Condon played his first game for the Montreal Canadiens and at the opposite end Matt O'Connor debuted for the Ottawa Senators. The Habs won the game 3-1 and both goalies played very well. The similarities they have are equally as striking as the fact they played their first NHL game against each other.

Both Mike Condon and Matt O'Connor were passed over in the NHL draft. The two rookie goaltenders opted for the NCAA college route, Condon (Princeton University) and O'Connor (Boston University), as opposed to taking the major junior path. Neither goalie stepped into college and were handed the starting positions. Both Condon and O'Connor battle every week in practice to get games and only became a starter their final season of college hockey*. Mike Condon stands 6'2 and Matt O'Connor at 6'5 which is consistent with NHL standards these days.

Injuries have played a distinct role is last nights events as well. Ottawa's Matt O'Connor, was slated for the AHL this season but was called up due to Andrew Hammonds injury. At Boston University, O'Connor was splitting time with Sean Maguire his first too seasons but a concussion kept Maguire out of hockey last year which gave O'Connor the chance to take the ball and he ran with it. During senior year spring break, Mike Condon signed a PTO in the ECHL in which he played four games. At the time he was to return to school, he was offered an AHL spot with the Houton Aeros because of an injury. Upon arrival not only was the starter injured but also their backup which thrust Condon into the starting role. Mike Condon responded with five stellar games which led to an entry level contract with the Montreal Canadiens.

There are definitely circumstance where a 20 year old goalie comes into the NHL and makes an immediate impact, think Patrick Roy, but for the vast majority of goaltenders time is the most important asset they have. At the younger ages it is physical skill that differentiates one goaltending for the other. As the pyramid closes at the older levels it is the mental game that separates all of these gifted athletes. The ability to read a play, read a release and control emotions can only come over time. So goalies, relax, enjoy the process and work hard so when your number is called you are ready.

*Mike Condon played all four seasons at Princeton and Matt O'Connor played three years at Boston University.