Rookie Experience - Jesse Teno

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Having just come off an incredible season with the Cologne Express, Teno was riding a high that they had not been able to experience in the VHLM. A winning record in the regular season (29-12-5) boosted Teno’s confidence in a way that it had not been since they last played for the University of Vermont. A hard loss in the playoffs followed but Teno still managed to help get their team far into it. 

The off season saw Teno at the training rink every day trying to get ready for the VHL. They wanted to be able to compete at a higher level starting day one. The expectations for their performance seemed high among scouts and coached alike and Teno was determined to prove them all right.

Being drafted 10th overall by the London United shocked Teno. Not only did they get into the coveted top 10, but it meant that all their hard work in the VHLM and VHLE truly paid off. The determination and dedication to growing their skills was showing real world rewards.

Teno has spent their rookie season more on the bench than off but that doesn’t mean that they haven’t put up decent numbers. With a current 7-3-1 record, Teno is holding their own against seasoned veterans. Talks regarding rookie goalies are not always the most positive so it’s been good to hear that Teno is not only doing well, but also getting praise for their hard work. They continue to be near the top of their draft class in terms of production and have expressed interest in continuing their constant climb.

One week out from the end of Teno’s rookie season and they are looking good to get the coveted spot of starting goalie for the United next season. Spending their rookie season as a backup to David Davis has allowed Teno to hone their skills and learn from some of the best. It was announced prior to the start of the season that the United has planned to make Teno the starting goalie one day and now with the announced retirement of Davis, it’s officially happening as of S86. This just means that Teno has a few more weeks to prove themselves as being worthy to take over. 

As the rookie season comes to the final stretch, Teno has said that they feel good about where they are and plan to continue to do well. Only time will tell at this point how the next few seasons will go but hopefully the upward trajectory will continue.