Dustin Wolf; Finalist for WHL goaltender of the year

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

I also remember Leland Irving's first two camps where he was better than anyone not named Kiprusoff and both times he was sent back to Everett. I remember clearly thinking why spend a 1st round pick on a player you give no chance to succeed, Irving had the talent, the mental toughness and the attitude to be very good goalie but by the time he played an NHL game his confidence was shot.

Sorry, but if that's all it took to sink his career, than I would suggest he didn't have the mental toughness or attitude to be a very good goalie in the NHL level.

[blankall]

Leland Irving has just never been very good at a pro level. Sometimes talents don't transition over. The shots are harder, the plays are faster, the plays are more complex, the players drive the net harder, etc...

Irving also put up great number in the Finish and continues to put up great numbers in the Austrian league. He has confidence. He's just not good enough to be a pro goalie.

[Gallick]

Seems like a slam dunk for the award.

Because I was curious, here's how Wolf stacks up to some of the best WHL seasons by some other notable goaltenders.

Dustin Wolf
2019-20 Everett Silvertips (46-13-4)
34-10-2, 1.88 GAA, .935 SV%, 9 SO

Carter Hart
2017-18 Everett Silvertips (47-20-5)
31-6-3, 1.60 GAA, .947 SV%, 7 SO

Tristan Jarry
2013-14 Edmonton Oil Kings (50-19-3)
44-14-3, 2.24 GAA, .914 SV%, 8 SO

Braden Holtby
2008-09 Saskatoon Blades (49-18-5)
40-16-4, 2.62 GAA, .910 SV%, 6 SO

Martin Jones
2008-09 Calgary Hitmen (59-9-4)
45-5-4, 2.08 GAA, .915 SV%, 7 SO

Carey Price
2006-07 Tri-City Americans (47-23-2)
30-13-1, 2.45 GAA, .917 SV%, 3 SO

[dammage79]

Wolf is a different breed of goalie IMO. One O think will be a #1 in the NHL. He's like a goalie Gaudreau. I dont think I've seen anyone as snap quick as him. Parsons is explosive and reactionary but Wolf... hes so fast. Truest likeness to a nimbly bimbly cat a human has come close to.

[Reggie Dunlop]

His competitor Jiri Patera of the Brandon Wheat Kings, has more prototypical NHL size. Sixth round Vegas pic in 2017.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by blankall

This will change with equipment rule changes.

I guess it depends on how the rules actually change. But I don't see that any changes will favor smaller goalies. I suspect that if goalie equipment size is reduced, then every goaltender will suffer for it. Large goalies will struggle to cover the entire area they once did, but then smaller goalies will also be found leaving more of the net exposed than in the past.

All things being equal it will always be better to have the bigger of two goalies with comparable abilities. I don't see that ever changing.

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[CalgaryFan1988]

Originally Posted by blankall

Leland Irving has just never been very good at a pro level. Sometimes talents don't transition over. The shots are harder, the plays are faster, the plays are more complex, the players drive the net harder, etc...

Irving also put up great number in the Finish and continues to put up great numbers in the Austrian league. He has confidence. He's just not good enough to be a pro goalie.

Whether people like to admit it or not, some goalies just don't get the break needed in the NHL.

If it wasn't for injuries, a lot of goalies would never see the time of day to make that breakthrough (Look no further than Kipper for proof).

Not saying Irving would have sunk or swam, but 13 games over 2 seasons isn't being given a chance one way or the other IMHO.

[djsFlames]

Becoming successful at anything professional doesn't come without a few #### ups along the way. Those learning experiences are necessary and sharpen you. Problem with the pros is you're often only allowed a couple before you're gone.

A guy like Backlund might already be in europe if he were in another system where the competition at center was there.

But he was given the 5-6 seasons or so because of the situation here to really start to gain traction at this level and become solid at his position and a producer.

It is even tougher to "stick" at G where you have to impress in a smaller sample size to be retained, and their are only two spots per club.

Some dont have the skillset and mental fortitude, and then I'd wager a good number have the ability but aren't given enough time in the show to sharpen their skills. I felt Ramo was one of those guys from the Flames goalies over the years. I feel like he had similar upside to Rittich but they didn't keep him to carve out more development. Was Irving? Quite possible. Maybe a couple others. Plenty of vets that had already topped out though - Hiller, Macdonald, Elliott.

I have high hopes for Wolf with those stats and his consistency in juniors where the numbers are typically inflated. Also knowing the best goalie we've had here had a similar stature and was also known for impressive quickness and reflexes.

[transplant99]

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