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03/05/2014 08:00 AMChris Pullano hasn’t played every game for Indians’ hockey this winter, although the senior goalie has certainly capitalized on his starting assignments with North Haven prevailing each time he’s stepped between the pipes.
Chris has been North Haven’s backup keeper the past two seasons, yet recently earned the nod to start a pair of contests. Chris showed no rust by notching wins against Cheshire and Guilford to improve to 5-0 with a 1.75 goals against average and a save percentage of 94 for North Haven, which just capped a quality regular season and is primed for a playoff push.
“It’s been exciting to help the team win when I’ve played, but it’s an honor to be part of this team whether I’m playing or not because we’re a huge family that supports each other no matter what,” says Chris. “It’s tough to stay mentally prepared when you walk into the locker room and don’t know if your name will be on the dress list so I just prepare myself to play every game.”
Chris saw his name on the dress list on Feb. 16, when he made 28 saves on in a 5-3 Senior Night victory versus Cheshire. A few days later, Chris spoiled Guilford’s Senior Night by turning aside 25 shots in a 4-1 triumphe.
“It felt wonderful to win on our Senior Night. It was one of the most memorable games of my career. My fellow seniors and I grew up playing hockey together and to win that game with them was really special,” Chris says. “In the Guilford game, they were hungry for a win on their Senior Night and it was fast-paced so I just had to stay focused, be quick, and control the rebounds properly.”
A few years ago, Chris rebounded from a situation that could have caused him to stop playing hockey. After seeing some time in net as a freshman, Chris was cut from North Haven’s varsity squad his sophomore year and found himself playing JV. Chris says he was devastated, but rather than walk away, he instead trained relentlessly to get back to the varsity ranks, which he did as a junior.
“I was faced with two options: persevere and get better so I could make the team the next year or just forget about hockey,” says Chris. “But I’ve always loved the game and knew I’d regret it if I quit.”
Coach Tom Roche is definitely happy Chris decided to stick with hockey and talks about why the netminder has performed so well this year.
“Chris has been successful because his dedication is at the highest level. He’s always ready at a moment’s notice due to his conditioning and work ethic and is quick with his feet and his glove. And even though Chris hasn’t played as much as he’d like, he’s always upbeat and supportive,” Roche says. “Having two goalies we can interchange is a great asset for the team and there’s no doubt Chris will play big if we need him.”
The Indians’ other keeper is junior Andrew Graziano, who’s started most of North Haven’s games the past two seasons. Chris says he and Graziano often give each other pointers and have “a friendly competition in that we support each other and want to do what’s best for the team.”
Now with the playoffs approaching, both goalies want the Indians to play their best so they can claim some championship hardware.
“We have a good chance to make it some finals,” Chris says. “We have the talent, the mental strength, and we can make it far in both tournaments.”