Sophomore goalie up for the challenge
Mario Cavaliere has some big shoes to fill for the Brock Badgers men’s hockey team this season.
Cavaliere acted as the back-up to Logan Thompson last year, getting into only a handful of games while Thompson put together one of the greatest seasons ever for a Brock netminder.
Thompson is now with the Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL, leaving Cavaliere as the No. 1 man between the pipes.
“We knew Logan was gone but I didn’t have a lot of insecurities,” Brock coach Marty Williamson said. “We knew we had to recruit another goalie, but we knew Mario could do the job because every time we put him in last year he was outstanding.
“He really did play well, not just average. We had Logan who was on a different level than everyone in the league but we weren’t concerned about having to put Cavs in.”
Cavaliere, a 22-year-old native of Mississauga, said he took in a lot from Thompson.
“Getting to learn from LT was huge,” he said. “He was an elite goalie. I tried to bring everything I learned from him last year into this year. It’s a process so we’ll see how it goes.”
Cavaliere admits it’s a much different feeling this season in his new role.
“It feels good. That’s what you work for and train all summer for. Last year, that’s what I wanted and what I was training for, so it’s nice. Now it’s just about getting behind the team and getting some wins and getting a playoff spot.”
The Badgers are off to a tough 1-3-1 start, but Cavaliere has more than held his own.
“He’s a battler,” Williamson said. “He competes. He never gives up on a play.
“He’s going to carry a big load and we’ve talked to him about that.”
Cavaliere has played in all five games so far, save for a spell Saturday in Quebec where he had to come out and give way to back-up Jacob Hutchings.
“He cramped up in the second game so we had to get him out. I think it was two games with such a quick turnaround,” Williamson said.
Cavaliere feels there is no magic wand to wave to get the Badgers back on track.
“It’s not the start we want but you have to work for your bounces. You come to work everyday and just keep working hard and (hope) that something goes our way soon.”
Cavaliere joined Brock last year after an extensive career at the Tier 2 junior A level that saw him play in the Northern Junior Hockey League, Ontario Junior Hockey League and British Columbia Hockey League
He was recruited by Brock goalie coach Lucas Lobsinger.
“I ended up coming for a tour and as soon as I came I fell in love with the place,” Cavaliere said. “It felt like a small community where everyone is so tight and so passionate about the sports here.
“It’s a nice environment to be around and a great group of guys.”
He admitted there was a little culture shock last year as he began his time as a student-athlete after concentrating on only hockey for a few years.
“Being out of high school for three years, coming in as a 21-year-old freshman, it’s tough to come back. The second year helps. You’re familiar with everything and back in the school routine, that obviously makes a big difference.”
The Badgers are home to Laurier Thursday at 7:15 p.m. and in Waterloo Saturday.
Williamson would love to see the Badgers get back on track this week, but admits there in no quick fix.
“I think it’s going to be a process. We’re in a position now where the team isn’t playing well for 60 minutes and there are so many distractions,” Williamson said.
The Badgers have been missing top defencemen Dexter Weber all season while Ethan Spaxman recently went down with an injury. Even more serious are personal matters that are weighing heavily on the hearts of some players.
“There just seems to be some bigger things than hockey with our team and I think we need to take a deep breath as a group,” Williamson said. “We’re going through some rough waters but let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot. Let’s give ourselves every chance to win.
“Let’s show up here let’s play hard and when you have to take care of stuff, then you have to take care of stuff. We understand that.”
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
