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01/17/2018 11:00 PMMichael Anderson started playing hockey at age five and, after a couple of years on the ice, he decided to try something new by testing his mettle in net. After spending three seasons honing his skills on the JV level and as a backup goalie, Michael earned his chance to play on the varsity stage this winter, and he’s making the most of that opportunity with the Hand boys’ ice hockey squad. Michael went 2-1 in his first three starts this season and recorded a shutout for the Tigers.
“My mindset changed to being a goalie, because I thought it would be challenging, yet fun for me, and it would be another way to help my team,” says Michael. “This year as a starter has been challenging, but it’s shown me what I need to improve upon. [First-year Head Coach Luke Galvin] has done very well with team building and bringing it together, as well as developing the underclassmen.”
Michael says he’s strengthened both his physical and mental skills as a netminder throughout the past few seasons. As a result, he’s developed the confidence that he needs to face his opponents head-on.
“My freshman year, I was a bit short-tempered, but over the years, I had help from my coaches and they developed my skills and flexibility in the net,” Michael says. “I’ve gained a lot of muscle memory over the years, and I like to come out of the net and challenge skaters. I try to make the net seem smaller to players.”
Now in his senior season, Michael is taking on more of a leadership role for the Tigers. As one who never stops studying his craft, Michael says that Hand’s goalies all help other become better keepers.
“I’m glad there are other goalies on the team, so that we can learn from each other’s mistakes,” says Michael. “We tell each other what we are doing good at, and we also critique each other. The other seniors have also helped bring the team together.”
Coach Galvin says the Tigers are growing every day in terms of both their chemistry and skills, and he feels that Michael is a microcosm of that progress. Galvin credits Michael for how he came into his senior season ready to make an impression.
“One of Michael’s most important attributes evidenced so far is his desire to compete and improve. When I was hired and spoke to Michael last June, we briefly discussed the opportunity before him coming into his senior season. He showed up to camp looking visibly different, which underscored the effort he put into his preparation during the offseason,” says Galvin. “Our team is growing together, and a significant part of our growth is how the players relate to and respect each other, and Michael has been at the forefront of this growth. As this maturation of our team continues, it will provide significant dividends for Michael and our entire team. Watching Michael improve every day, mentally in his approach and physically in his execution, is truly enjoyable.”
For the rest of this season, Michael wants to keep thwarting the opposition’s threats, while aiding the Tigers in their quest to be a factor in the playoffs and, potentially, take it all the way to the championship game at Ingalls Rink.
“I want to be physical in the net and around the crease. I never want to let anyone block my view of the puck, and I just want to be the best goalie I can be and save as many shots as I can,” Michael says. “For the team, we want to have good communication, and so far that has been good. We also hope to make it to Ingalls Rink.”