Being a goaltender in any sport is never easy. The preparation, mindset, and willingness to step in front of a ball or puck to make a save for your team, coupled with the ability to make those saves and consistently perform at a high level, are a tall order for anyone.
Still, Toronto Rock goaltender Troy Holowchuk was able to harness all that comes with being a goaltender and put it on display when he earned his first career National Lacrosse League win on March 7 against the Halifax Thunderbirds.
But first, let’s rewind.
It was less than 48 hours before game time against Halifax that Holowchuk made a guest appearance on the Toronto Rock Total Access Podcast and said, “I’m ready to win here. It’s going to be a cool experience on Friday,” about what he was expecting to experience in his first NLL start.
Holowchuk was awarded the starting goaltender role after the Rock traded long-time goaltender and reigning NLL goaltender of the year, Nick Rose, to the Calgary Roughnecks before the trade deadline. He knew that it was going to be a big step up to assume the starter’s role and hopefully help this team make a push for the playoffs.
“We have some games to win, and I’m excited to compete with this group and see where it goes,” Holowchuk said. “It’s also an opportunity for my family to see all the work they put into me has paid off and that I’ve made it to where I always wanted to be one day.”
As the dream became a reality for Holowchuk, he kept in mind some of the tips and pieces of advice he learned from his time as Rose’s backup and applied them against Halifax.
“Rose knows how to show up when the moment matters,” Holowchuk said, praising his former goalie partner. “He just goes about his business and does what he has to do to be successful. But the biggest thing that I’ll take from my time backing him up is how professional he is and how he does the job. Put your head down and compete to the best of your ability.”
A 15-12 win that saw Holowchuk make 40 saves, was truly a welcome to the NLL moment that was years in the making.
“It was pretty surreal when I heard those words for the first time,” Holowchuk said after earning his first NLL victory. “It’s been something that I’ve worked towards for a long time and I’m thankful for the team’s effort.”
Facing a Halifax team which boasts a potent offence, Holowchuk had to make changes and modifications to his game to limit the Thunderbirds.
“I credit the defence first and foremost,” said Holowchuk praising the players in front of him. “They were able to get out on hands and limit their shooters which allowed me to see the shots I wanted to see and help put us in a position to win.”
Tom Schreiber, who finished the night with one goal and four assists, spoke highly of Holowchuk and explained how Troy is a behind-the-scenes guy and always puts in the time and effort to improve.
“Troy puts in more than what’s asked of him and is constantly staying after practice to face more shots, and to see him get the opportunity (on March 7) and then flourish in that opportunity after walking into an unknown environment with Nick leaving, was great to see.”
With five games remaining in the Rock’s regular season, Holowchuk hopes to get more comfortable between the pipes and get back in the win column. After a difficult second start in Vancouver last weekend where he was pulled in the third quarter but returned in the fourth to stop every shot he faced, Holowchuk has already been a part of the highs and lows that a starting goaltender needs to battle through every week.
“We’ve had mixed results the past two games and with the new vibe and environment with the team, it’s all about consistency and developing a new rhythm. We also haven’t lost sight of what this organization and team want to achieve; we want to win and go as far as we can, and nobody has forgotten that.”
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, Owner, President, and General Manager Jamie Dawick, along with Head Coach Matt Sawyer and the rest of the coaching staff will look to see if Holowchuk has what it takes to be a full-time starting goalie in the NLL.
Coming up next, Holowchuk is looking forward to his first game in front of Rock City with everyone watching, including his family.
“My family couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity at home. Saturday is going to be nice with a big cheering section coming out,” Holowchuk stated. After his family has watched him on TV the last couple of games, the Rock’s number one goalie added that, “they can’t wait to see me live at home.”
Holowchuk and Toronto are back home on Saturday at Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga at 7:00pm ET for Marvel Super Hero Night.
For more information on Toronto Rock tickets, please contact a Toronto Rock account executive by phone at 416-596-3075, by email at tickets@torontorock.com or visit torontorock.com.
