As the season winds downs and the prospect of a post-season run begins, of late, the Sudbury Wolves have put its goal keeping into the hands of 17-year-old Nate Krawchuk.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Krawchuk has been part of the Wolves organization since last year, having been drafted third overall.
Over the last month, the goalie has found his place in the starting lineup.
“It’s been a while since these guys have been in pressure situations. You know if there was no pressure we wouldn’t have a chance, we have a chance now, so there’s some pressure and we’ve got to feel comfortable in these situations,” said Wolves head coach, Derek Mackenzie.
“However it all plays out, I feel pretty confident that this team can compete with any team in our conference.”
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After sitting and waiting for a chance to earn his place, Krawcuck told CTV News that he embraces the challenge.
“It’s exciting to help the team get back to the playoffs, where they were a couple of years ago and to get me some experience in the playoffs would be great,” he said.
Mackenzie said the team has come a long way since Krawcuck took over in goal, which is a positive outlook.
“It actually gives me a lot more confidence to play my game and just make saves,” said Krawchuk.
Mackenzie said both Krawchuk and goalie Keyvn Brassard have come up with some big saves over the last stretch of games and continue to build their confidence.
“Continue this kind of growth and become basically number one goalies in this league that are very dependable into the playoff stretch is going to make our team much more dangerous,” said Mackenzie.
Entering the weekend, the Wolves sit seventh overall in the eastern conference with the Ottawa 67’s and the North Bay Battalion in a head-to-head battle to finish first overall.
Correction
The video version of this story indicates Krawchuk is 18-years-old in error.
