A Goalie's World

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The life of a goalie is unforgiving. It's a position where you live and die by the stitching on your glove. If you make a key save in a crucial moment of the game, you're a hero. If you make one mistake, you're burned at stake. There is rarely a time where a goaltender is neither beloved nor hated. So why is it worth the abuse, both physical and mental? Some do it because they had no choice but to become goaltenders and some do it to achieve glory. However, there's a more simple explanation for most goaltenders... They're crazy. Many goalies see themselves as not quite right in the head and former Houston Bull, Owen May is no different.

 

" I think, at least for myself, that every goalie likes to be the anti-hero. I still want to be loved by the home fans but I want to be booed when I step on to the ice in opposing arenas. I like getting under the skin of attackers by making saves when they think they've scored and always chirp a little to rub salt in the wound. Sure when things go bad they go bad. That chirping comes the other way and that's fine. Because at the end of the day it's all in good fun. I go out to eat after games with a lot of they guys I chirped at."

 

When things go bad they go bad? Well, May has had a taste of that this season with his streaky Houston Bull teammates. Losing and winning streaks gave May a good taste of being the chirper and the chirpee. What did May think of his season? Pitiful to say the least, but quite enjoyable.

 

"When I packed up my bags and went to Houston, I was nervous I wouldn't fit in and wouldn't be of any use of the team. While I wasn't as good as I wanted to be, nowhere close, I think the team was thankful to have me. The locker room was welcoming and honestly the best I could have ever asked for. The guys really helped bring me to speed fast and answered any questions I had. They were all some characters but I think they're the reason I'm still in this league. From top to bottom they were all invested and I got a taste of what the world of pro hockey was like. I can't think of a better start to my career emotionally. Result wise it was just poor. I couldn't find my groove and littered the ice with inconsistent play. My lack of results shows in the award voting, not playing a game in the WJC and not getting a sponsorship. There are very few opportunities for goaltenders in this league and being a subpar minors goalie doesn't turn any heads. I think once I get an offseason under my belt and more time working with my VHL coaches, I'll be able to produce more beneficial results for my side. "

 

With the draft on the horizon, many expect May to be the first goaltender off the board thanks to his work ethic. We will see what the future holds.