Blaine Olynick Biography

[AwfulHomesick 148]

Blaine Olynick

 

It took quite a bit of time for Blaine Olynick to decide what position he would stick with for his junior playing years. As a child, Blaine fancied both the forward and goaltender position but never chose a side. Once playing goalie in a mite game, his coach asked him which position he preferred, since he excelled in both. Blaine, with the flip of a coin and chose goalie. The story was writing itself.

 

 

Growing up in Ontario, Blaine rooted for the same team every single one of his classmates rooted for: the Toronto Maple Leafs. But growing up in the late 90s-early 00s, Blaine never stuck with any of the Maple Leafs' starting goaltender as his "idol". Ed Belfor, Curtis Joseph, and Felix Potvin never cut for him. So Blaine went with the best up and coming goaltender of that time: Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils.

 

Blaine was mesmerized by Brodeur's flashiness and puck skills. He spent countless hours working on mimicking Brodeur's glove hand. He positioned himself like Marty, and even tried to score on the opposing team's empty net once just like Brodeur has in the past. All this mirroring would start to pay off when Blaine made the jump to the CHL.

 

After much deliberation and discussion with his family, Olynick decided that playing in the very offensive-minded QMJHL would surely put his abilities to the test. Who knew that a first year goalie in the Q would shatter records? Donning his Halifax Mooseheads sweater, Olynick broke the team record for longest shutout streak with 3 and a half games without conceding a goal. He was awarded the Rookie of the Year award from the team and received 2nd Team Rookie All-Star honors from the league. The performance of the young goaltender started turning heads from scouts all around the world.

 

 

After his sophomore year in the Q, Blaine's agent was receiving calls from the KHL, VHL, and more notably the NHL. He felt overwhelmed with all the offers and contracts he was being offered. Everything hit a turning point when playing a semi-finals game, Blaine took a shot to an unprotected area of his knee, and he went down. His whole season was over but the offers were still on the table. After recovering through the offseason, Olynick made a return for his 3rd year with the Mooseheads and was nothing like how the scouts expected him to be. His "sophomore slump" was actually his "junior slump" and he lost playing time after his performance diminished. Many of those offers were withdrawn. Although, somehow the VHL scouts still saw a future in him. Despite having the terrible year, he maintained a positive outlook as he declared his eligibility to play in the VHLM next upcoming season and the proceeding draft that year. The VHL has yet to get to know Blaine Olynick but just give him a season to show you what's made of. You won't be disappointed.

 

Pros

 

• Size: Standing at 6'2", Blaine takes up most of the net when preparing for a shot. His long arms and legs work to his advantage. 
• Glove: Taking a page out of Martin Brodeur's book never hurt any young goaltender, and it stays the same for Blaine. The glove hand technique that Brodeur uses to trick shooters they have a chance to score glove-side is the same one Blaine mimics. From shootouts to breakaway opportunities, coaches can rely on that fast left hand of his.
• Dedication to Winning:  If you ask any of his Halifax team mates, they will note to you how badly every game Blaine wanted to win, even if he wasn't starting. When he lost, you shouldn't speak to him for a while. When he won, he was the loudest in the room. His determination could be the spark any team could use in tough situations.

Cons

• Injury: Coming off last season's dismal performance, most experts would say his injury is what kept him back. If he could receive the proper amount of rehabilitation for it he could easily bounce back in the VHLM. But as we've seen with many professional athletes, injuries linger on for their entire career.The future could be wide open for Blaine and yet with this variable thrown in the mix, it could go very badly.
• Rebound Control: His inexperience playing with professionals may very well go in favor for the veterans. Shots from the point seem to be his weakness. Planting guys in the crease could result in many dirty goals.
• Immaturity: Going back to his passion for winning, once he racks up the wins he tends to become the show off nobody wants to be around. Given his young age, veterans may have to mold Blaine into the professional one should become once they reach the big time. This one could take some time.

[Fire Tortorella 2,653]

Overview: 3/3 - As a Flyers fan, no more Martin Brodeurs please. I've seen more than enough of that guy over the years. Overall, this was a good biography that gave us some insight into Blaine's past and his previous work as a goaltender. While it sucks you didn't get to play this season, I'm sure you'll be successful in S36.

 

Grammar: 2/2 - Not bad.

 

Blaine, with the flip of a coin and chose = Blaine, with the flip of a coin, chose

game, Blaine = game. Blaine

offseason = off-season

what's made of. = what he's made of

 

Presentation: 1/1 - Solid.

 

Pros: 1.5/2 - What was there was good, but it was short. 

 

Cons: 1.5/2 - Same as pros.

 

Overall: 9/10

[eaglesfan036 4,602]

Content: 3/3 - I like that you modeled your goalie after Brodeur, who is one of the few standup goalies left. I also like the background story where you talked about playing with the Mooseheads, which I think is the best hockey name ever. I wish you good luck in developing your goalie, and hopefully you have a career like Brodeur's.

 

Grammar: 2/2 - Flyers got all of it.

 

Presentation: 1/1 - Good.

 

Pros: 1.5/2 - Same as what Flyers said, you described your pros well but did not reach near 200.

 

Cons: 1.5/2 - Same as above.

 

Overall: 9/10

 

Final: 9/10