They are the last line of defence. The shot is either blocked or it’s in the net.
That’s the life of a goalkeeper in any sport but in lacrosse it’s particularly true because of the speed of the game and the number of shots on goal. A good goaltender can play a major role on a mediocre team and carry his teammates further in a game or a season than they deserve.
Knowing the importance of the goal-tending position the Huntsville Hawks found themselves in the predicament of having to scramble for goalies just weeks before the start of the season.
Robbie Moore, who had played for the Hawks last year, decided not to play this year after suffering his second concussion. And Owen Duggan of Barrie decided to join the military and therefore was not available.
Coach Joe O’Halloran and other Hawks officials got on the phone and in the end were able to scoop newcomers Mitchell Wagner of Orangeville and Zach Hubbard of Clarington. Both have only minor lacrosse league experience but creditable resumes in the Intermediate division last year.
The big difference for them, aside from playing with older players, is the size of the nets. They are six inches larger and that means adjusting to covering more area.
Hubbard came up through the minor ranks. He filled in one game when he was paperweight and liked it and just continued to play the position. “I liked it,” he said, “being that last player back. I’m fast being a smaller player and can go side to side quickly.”
Mitch Wagner also says his strength is speed and his competitiveness, but he wasn’t sure if Huntsville was where he wanted to play this year. “It’s a two-hour drive but I’m really happy I decided to play here,” he said. “The team is really great and so is coach Joe.”
The Hawks are affiliated with the Halton Hills Jr. B team and it was through that relationship that coach O’Halloran was able to get Wagner.
“Some shuffling down there pushed him our way,” explaned O’Halloran, “which worked out great for us. Hubby came to us on the recommendation of Alex Wagner who played goal for us last year.”
Mitch is a left handed goalie so stands with the stick in his right hand and Zach is right handed, just the opposite. They really are two mirrored goalies. They stand and cover a lot of territory. Mitch may move a little more, while Zach is more of an angles goalie.Coach Joe O’Halloran
Both goalies are juggling school and the commute to Huntsville, but the coaching staff are happy with their play so far.
Coach O’Halloran pointed out that last year they were a strong offensive team and while he expects this year’s squad to find their scoring edge soon, both Wagner and Hubbard have given them solid performances each time out. They have shared the first eight games of the season and the Hawks have a 5 and 3 win-loss record.
Neither has been earmarked the number one goaltender although that could come as the season progresses. The competition for that number one designation has not been a bad thing.
That rivalry continues this weekend as the Hawks play three times, against Barrie and Peterborough at home and in Clarington.
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