Hawks welcome new netminder
A change of scenery has done Noah Fortuna a world of good.
The 17-year-old Niagara Falls native was having a decent season as a backup to Zach Moore with the Canucks, but has really come into his own since joining the Thorold Blackhawks.
“I think a change was all I needed, to be honest,” said Fortuna, who turns 18 Monday. “Just something to rejuvenate me and get me going in a different direction.”
Fortuna had a 2.90 goals-against average and .891 save percentage with Niagara Falls. In five games with the Hawks, Fortuna has a 2.14 GAA, .934 save percentage and blanked the Pelham Panthers 3-0 last week.
“I feel like the team here has been welcoming and letting me do things inside and away from the rink,” Fortuna added. “It was really something I wanted to do and something I was thinking about doing for a little bit.”
Fortuna was familiar with Hawks coach Scott Barnes, which made the transition even easier.
“I’ve known him for a while and being able to talk to him if I needed anything, was something I really liked,” he said. “I made the decision really quickly and I’m totally happy with the decision I made.”
Fortuna was acquired for veteran goaltender Anthony Tremonte in a deal that should help both teams.
“Noah was a guy who I knew for a long time coaching spring hockey,” Barnes said. “He was a guy I tried to acquire in deals last year and this year. He’s a guy who I had my eye on.
“I hadn’t talk to (Canucks coach) Frank (Pietrangelo) for a long time and he came to me after we played one night. I think he was looking for two solid starting goalies in his lineup going for a playoff run.”
Barnes left the choice up to Tremonte out of respect for the Thorold native.
“He had done a great job for us and was a great teammate and a great player all around here and a Thorold kid,” Barnes said. “I told him there was an opportunity to go to a team that was probably going to go on a good playoff run. They’re trying to win a championship and we’re more set up for next year and we’re also trying to get better for this year.”
Fortuna feels the extra playing time will aid him down the road.
“I’ll be playing way more than I did in the Falls and even the practices here when I’m not playing, we’re always working hard and going through a good routine,” he said. “It’s something that will be good for my future development as I get older.”
Fortuna admits he has had to make some adjustments with the extra playing time.
“There’s nothing like a game and when you’re playing one of every five, even when you do play, it’s tough,” he said. “Playing every day is different. I came home the other day and told my dad how stiff my legs were because I playing every day. It’s something I’m not used to but I’m happy.”
Barnes loves what Fortuna brings to the table.
“He’s got a good personality and he also fit with what we’re trying to do here with his age and character. He’s a good, quiet kid and just goes about his business.
“He’s got a ton of potential and we knew that. He’s got good size. He’s just a very good goalie who fit in right away.”
Fortuna attends A.N. Myer and plans to attend university next season, with Brock at the top of his list.
The Blackhawks, 17-18-1-3, can get back to the .500 mark with a win at home Thursday versus Fort Erie.
“We’re getting guys back healthy and we’re pretty confident with our defence,” Barnes said. “We’ve got a full lineup and it’s going to take a full team effort for us to win games.”
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