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02/02/2022 11:00 PMThe Guilford boys’ ice hockey team is looking to have a strong second half to its season as the Grizzlies play their way through the winter campaign. One of the key people in Guilford’s quest to make the playoffs is senior Gavyn Litvyn, who plays the goalkeeper position for the Grizzlies.
Gavyn owns a save percentage of 90 percent after having stopped 252 shots on 281 attempts thus far this year. The senior keeper has only allowed 29 goals in Guilford’s 11 games to date.
Gavyn’s family has a rich history with the Guilford hockey program. Now, Gavyn is following in those footsteps as he laces up the skates.
“I’ve played a lot of hockey during my life and so has my brother, who was on the team for four years and a state champion in his senior year,” says Gavyn. “I’ve really been involved with Guilford hockey since I was young, as my mom drives a bus for the bus company and used to drive the high school team for many years, as well. I used to help sometimes with fundraisers and was with my brother for some parts of their season.”
The Grizzlies have a record of 4-6-1 at the campaign’s midway point. Despite some early struggles, Gavyn feels confident that his squad can make a playoff run if he holds things down in goal.
“I still feel very ready to keep playing hard, and the second half of the season is going to bring out the best of the season with the championship and all,” Gavyn says. “I hope we don’t experience any interruptions and keep playing, and I think this year is one of the better years I’ve had with the high school. I hope to look back on this year and to keep a strong motivation for years to come.”
Gavyn and the Grizzlies played a limited season last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, Gavyn is taking every precaution to ensure that his final campaign at Guilford doesn’t get cut short.
“COVID really changed the sport for a lot of people. It seems to me a lot of people don’t tend to wear their mask on the ice and, with quarantine rules, that really messed up my junior year,” says Gavyn. “But for me, I try to wear my mask as much as possible and get tested if I feel sick. I also have both vaccine shots. But I think sometimes for our team at least, it really changed how we play every day.”
Head Coach Ralph Russo applauds Gavyn for his efforts in net this season. Russo credits the Grizzlies’ goalie for keeping his team competitive in every game.
“Gavyn has been a solid performer in goal for us. He honestly has given us a chance to win every game we have played in this year,” Russo says. “It has been great to see Gavyn improve every year since his freshman year. He brings a great work ethic and attitude every day to the rink. It’s great to see a four-year member of the team working and contributing to making himself and his team better every day.”
Gavyn says that Coach Russo has been a big factor behind his success as a netminder. When Gavyn was a younger player, he questioned some of Russo’s decisions, but now he realizes that those choices helped make him a stronger hockey player.
“Coach Russo is a highly respected coach that was the head coach for my brother for four years and me, as well. He’s made some choices that seem strange, but often help, more than hinder players,” says Gavyn. “He sets a great example as a Division II coach, and I’ve learned a lot from him over the years.”
Gavyn likes to watch film from his previous games as a way to improve his goaltending skills. Gavyn also enjoys attending professional hockey contests in order to learn from the best.
“I often spend time watching film of classic and present games from the NHL that show great examples of skill and plays,” Gavyn says. “Along with that, I’ve talked to lots of skilled goalie coaches and players who have given me more knowledge than I could ever expect to get.”