Panthers set in net
Nicholas Kidd, left, and Brandon McCorriston, right, give the Pelham Panthers a solid duo in goal. Photo by: BILL POTRECZ
The Pelham Panthers have a luxury few teams can match.
The Panthers employ a pair of goaltenders, Nicholas Kidd and Brandon McCorriston, they both consider to be their No. 1 netminder.
Pelham bench boss Mark Barrick said he has never come across that situation in his long coaching career.
“I think back to a lot of years and there’s always been a definitive guy,” Barrick said.
Regardless, Barrick appreciates having two capable backstops.
“It’s huge. Having Kidd and McCorriston allows our team to play a whole lot freer,” he said. “When you have the confidence in the guy between the pipes, no matter which one is going that night, you just play a different style. In your mind you are a whole lot more comfortable because if you do make a mistake, it’s not going to end up in the back of our net.
“I’ve always believed you build a hockey team from the net out and having both of those guys is a great feeling.”
Kidd, a 19-year-old native of Kanata, played with the Panthers last season. McCorriston, a 20-year-old Welland native, joined Pelham in the off-season after spending last season with the Caledonia Corvairs.
Both have embraced the situation so far in the young season.
“This is the first time for me to be in a position like that,” Kidd said. “It’s really driven my play to be a lot better. It’s more motivation in the net and comfort that if I get injured or whatever, we have another guy. I know everybody in the room is confident in the back end.”
McCorriston, too, seems comfortable sharing the net.
“You just have to go in with a positive mindset that you’re going in to get a win whether you’re playing or you may not be playing,” he said. “You have to stay with that mindset.
“One guy makes a big save and the other guy wants to make a big save. It’s a great environment and it’s led to success so far.”
Barrick said the situation has worked so far and expects it to continue.
“What I find extremely encouraging right now in our situation is they both know what is expected of them and they both get along, they both push each other, they both are happy for the team success over individual success,” he said. “It can’t become an issue and it won’t become an issue. They are both here to win, whatever it takes for both of them to win, that’s what they’re all in for.”
Barrick feels the competition is good for both goalkeepers.
”Any goaltender knows there’s a guy at the end of the bench opening the gate who wants to be on the ice,” he said. “There’s a push, always the understanding there’s a guy who’s around the corner who could take my spot and fill my role.”
Kidd admits he would love to play every game, but realizes the team comes first.
“No matter how badly you want to play every night, there’s going to be nights where you’re not playing and you just try and get the team going however you can,” he said. “Part of the job is being in there and stopping pucks and the other part is being on the bench and cheering the boys on.”
McCorriston, who went through a similar situation last season in Caledonia splitting time with Pierce Charleson, is enjoying the process so far.
“So far it’s been good. There’s no complaints,” he said. “We’re good in the room and it’s a good atmosphere where everyone comes to the rink ready to step on the ice.”
The play of both goaltenders has been a big factor in the Panthers racing out to a 5-0 record. They have permitted just five goals in a pair of wins over Fort Erie, as well as victories over Thorold, Lockport and Hamilton.
Barrick scoffs at the thought the Panthers have only defeated second-tier teams.
“5-0 at this level is 5-0,” he said. “We’ve played some good games and some games we’re probably not so proud of that we could be better.”
Barrick and his staff worked the Panthers hard Wednesday at practice as a reminder that nothing comes easy.
“We have to work harder. There’s no foot coming off the throttle or anything like that. It’s a continual process,” he said. “The worst thing can ever think to become complacent and that they don’t have to work hard. It’s my job to see that doesn’t happen. We haven’t achieved anything yet.”
The Panthers will get their biggest test of the season Friday in Niagara Falls against the 5-0 Canucks.
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