Calvert has eight objectives and 9 assists for 17 factors in 44 video games this season with 4 objectives and two assists in his final six video games.
Article content material
Rowan Calvert thought being a goaltender could be a very cool factor to do — till he truly tried it.
Whereas his dad, Jeff, spent 5 seasons as a goaltender within the Western Hockey League and 5 extra later with the College of Saskatchewan Huskies, Rowan’s personal expertise in internet was short-lived and, properly, slightly disappointing.
Article content material
“I did need to be a goalie … properly, I gained’t say I ‘wished’ to be a goalie but it surely was on my thoughts after I was youthful,” admitted Calvert, who’s into his third season as a ahead, not a goalie, with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades.
Commercial 2
Article content material
“The goalie gear was cool in novice once we didn’t actually have a crew goalie and everybody type of needed to undergo it. I used to be, like, actually excited after I obtained my flip. I used to be so prepared. I used to be, like, ‘I’m going to indicate my dad that I’m going to be a goalie.’ However I used to be horrible, hated it and I by no means wished to return in.
“So ever since that day, it’s been ‘nope, I don’t need to be a goalie.’ I don’t suppose he (dad Jeff) wished me to be a goalie, both, in order that labored out.”
Labored out, certainly.
Lately, Calvert has blossomed right into a productive ahead with the Blades whereas rising as one more go-to man for the crew up entrance.
“We’re speaking a few child who was type of out and in of the lineup, struggling final season to search out his approach,” mentioned Blades head coach Brennan Sonne, whose crew hosts the rival Prince Albert Raiders on Saturday night time (7 p.m.) and Swift Present Broncos on Sunday afternoon (4 p.m.) at SaskTel Centre.
“He got here in unbelievable form. He gained two steps. Truthfully, he’s an exceptional teammate and he’s one of many best gamers, if not the best participant, to play with on our crew. He can play first line, fourth line, PK or PP and he’d be an asset. I like how he performs. I like him as a human being.”
Article content material
Commercial 3
Article content material
Calvert has eight objectives and 9 assists for 17 factors in 44 video games this season with 4 objectives and two assists in his final six video games. Of his eight objectives general, two got here on the ability play and one shorthanded.
“I believe it’s simply sticking with what’s been working for me,” Calvert mentioned when requested what’s been the important thing. “Numbers-wise, I’ve began to warmth up a bit, however I simply really feel like I’m doing the identical factor daily and being constant. Truthfully, I’ve had a little bit little bit of a power-play bump, which helps lots too. If you’re on the market with the man-advantage, it’s a little bit bit simpler to attain a few objectives.
“However, no, it’s doing the identical issues and understanding I can produce a few numbers at this degree. Not too long ago, it’s simply appears to work.”
Calvert was solely not too long ago rewarded, being promoted into the ‘top-six’ combine and onto the ability play unit. Not dangerous for a man who was a wholesome scratch by means of many of the 2023 playoffs.
“It’s a cool feeling,” admitted Calvert, an 18-year-old native of Moose Jaw. “Final 12 months I used to be type of on the surface wanting in when it got here to the playoffs. You will get down on your self and marvel ‘if I’m ever going to take the step’ type of factor. I‘ve simply tried to be good this 12 months. The coaches have actually taken that step in believing in me and I’ve simply did what I might with the minutes I used to be getting and I’ve been frequently transferring up the lineup and that’s superior.”
Commercial 4
Article content material
Calvert is a part of a really robust Blades squad, which entered play Friday night time in P.A. in opposition to the Raiders with a WHL-leading 31-9-2-2 report and 66 factors.
“It’s tremendous particular,” he mentioned. “We discuss lots such as you’ll most likely by no means get this chance once more … It’s actually cool. There are so could good gamers and so many good guys. I’m simply glad that I’m a Blade, that I’m right here and part of this crew. It’s tremendous superior.”
And even higher not enjoying in internet.
dzary@postmedia.com
Advisable from Editorial
-
Three video games in three days for Blades
-
Blades loaded as much as take a run at WHL title
The Saskatoon StarPhoenix has created an Afternoon Headlines e-newsletter that may be delivered every day to your inbox so you’re updated with essentially the most important information of the day. Click on right here to subscribe.
Article content material
