Halverson pumped about start No. 2
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SAULT STE. MARIE - Of the many questions NHL scouts are asking the Soo Greyhounds these days, is this: When is Brandon Halverson going to get another start?
The answer to that query would be Saturday night, when the Hounds play Game 2 of a three-game road trip in Peterborough.
“They want to know when he's playing,” said Hounds head coach Sheldon Keefe, who must find a balance between winning as often as possible and developing his young players. “Brandon's talent is obvious and he's earned another start. I'll talk to Matt (Murray) and explain the situation.”
That's because Murray, like all veteran netminders, would like to play every game, if possible.
But Halverson, a 17-year-old native of Traverse City, Mich., must see action on a regular basis to aid his development.
And in his only start to date, the six-foot-four, 180-pounder secured a shutout. Halverson stopped all 32 shots sent his way on Oct. 5 as the Hounds defeated Belleville 4-0 at Yardmen Arena.
So what can the rookie goalie do for an encore?
“I'm going to go out and try to do the same thing again,” said Halverson, whose club opened this trip with a 1-0 win over Barrie Thursday night.
Murray made 38 saves for his second consecutive shutout. The Hounds enjoyed a day off Friday and after facing the Petes, they'll conclude their trip on Sunday in Oshawa.
“Even if I do get scored on,” Halverson continued, “there's nothing I can do about it. I just want to go out and get a win.”
Halverson expects to review video of the Petes in action Saturday morning. He said Friday he's already discussed some of the unique aspects of the Peterborough Memorial Centre with his coaches.
“Their rink is a little different,” he said. “The boards are a little pointy in the corners. I'll have to be careful playing the puck and aware of the fact there could be some strange bounces.”
With Murray's outstanding start – a league leading goals against average of 1.61 and a saves percentage of .945 – mirroring that of the 7-1-0-1 Greyhounds, it would be easy to lean almost exclusively on the four-year vet.
But Keefe spoke of the confidence he has in Halverson, a seventh-round choice by the Hounds in the 2012 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selections draft.
“I'm very impressed by his work ethic on and off the ice,” Keefe said of Halverson. “He knows what he needs to do to be a high-level goalie.”
The Greyhounds bench boss also spoke of Halverson's athleticism, size and competitiveness in net.
“He has all of the necessary ingredients to be a professional goalie,” Keefe added.
A season ago, Halverson competed for the Oakland Grizzlies, a Michigan-based Tier I AAA midget squad.
More than any other aspect of his game, he said the biggest improvements for him have materialized between his ears.
“I've really improved mentally,” he said. “You have to be mentally strong to survive in this league.”
Halverson explained how he was once “a hot head,” who would let his temper get the better of him during practice sessions.
Today, being mentally stronger is something he works on every day.
But with the level of play in the OHL so much faster than what he'd been used to, Halverson has also needed to improve his ability to play his angles and to read plays.
He says the biggest thing is to just be quick in everything he must do.
As for NHL scouts following him, Halverson said he likes knowing there are people in the stands watching him closely.
He began the season as a C Goaltender on NHL Central Scouting's 2014 North American Ones to Watch list, heading into next summer's NHL Entry Draft.
“Knowing scouts are there doesn't make me more or less nervous,” Halverson said. “I try not to think about things I can't control. No matter what, I'm going to get into a zone and play my game.”
The young goalie spoke of how he'll do “what I know I can do. I'll work as hard as I can and hopefully come out with a victory.”
Halverson said he's thoroughly enjoying life in the Sault and playing in the OHL.
His parents, Paul and Jen Halverson, come to the Sault for every Hounds home game. They've yet to see their son play at Essar Centre.
“I'm looking forward to getting my first home start,” Halverson said. “That'll be exciting for sure.”
The answer to that query would be Saturday night, when the Hounds play Game 2 of a three-game road trip in Peterborough.
“They want to know when he's playing,” said Hounds head coach Sheldon Keefe, who must find a balance between winning as often as possible and developing his young players. “Brandon's talent is obvious and he's earned another start. I'll talk to Matt (Murray) and explain the situation.”
That's because Murray, like all veteran netminders, would like to play every game, if possible.
But Halverson, a 17-year-old native of Traverse City, Mich., must see action on a regular basis to aid his development.
And in his only start to date, the six-foot-four, 180-pounder secured a shutout. Halverson stopped all 32 shots sent his way on Oct. 5 as the Hounds defeated Belleville 4-0 at Yardmen Arena.
So what can the rookie goalie do for an encore?
“I'm going to go out and try to do the same thing again,” said Halverson, whose club opened this trip with a 1-0 win over Barrie Thursday night.
Murray made 38 saves for his second consecutive shutout. The Hounds enjoyed a day off Friday and after facing the Petes, they'll conclude their trip on Sunday in Oshawa.
“Even if I do get scored on,” Halverson continued, “there's nothing I can do about it. I just want to go out and get a win.”
Halverson expects to review video of the Petes in action Saturday morning. He said Friday he's already discussed some of the unique aspects of the Peterborough Memorial Centre with his coaches.
“Their rink is a little different,” he said. “The boards are a little pointy in the corners. I'll have to be careful playing the puck and aware of the fact there could be some strange bounces.”
With Murray's outstanding start – a league leading goals against average of 1.61 and a saves percentage of .945 – mirroring that of the 7-1-0-1 Greyhounds, it would be easy to lean almost exclusively on the four-year vet.
But Keefe spoke of the confidence he has in Halverson, a seventh-round choice by the Hounds in the 2012 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selections draft.
“I'm very impressed by his work ethic on and off the ice,” Keefe said of Halverson. “He knows what he needs to do to be a high-level goalie.”
The Greyhounds bench boss also spoke of Halverson's athleticism, size and competitiveness in net.
“He has all of the necessary ingredients to be a professional goalie,” Keefe added.
A season ago, Halverson competed for the Oakland Grizzlies, a Michigan-based Tier I AAA midget squad.
More than any other aspect of his game, he said the biggest improvements for him have materialized between his ears.
“I've really improved mentally,” he said. “You have to be mentally strong to survive in this league.”
Halverson explained how he was once “a hot head,” who would let his temper get the better of him during practice sessions.
Today, being mentally stronger is something he works on every day.
But with the level of play in the OHL so much faster than what he'd been used to, Halverson has also needed to improve his ability to play his angles and to read plays.
He says the biggest thing is to just be quick in everything he must do.
As for NHL scouts following him, Halverson said he likes knowing there are people in the stands watching him closely.
He began the season as a C Goaltender on NHL Central Scouting's 2014 North American Ones to Watch list, heading into next summer's NHL Entry Draft.
“Knowing scouts are there doesn't make me more or less nervous,” Halverson said. “I try not to think about things I can't control. No matter what, I'm going to get into a zone and play my game.”
The young goalie spoke of how he'll do “what I know I can do. I'll work as hard as I can and hopefully come out with a victory.”
Halverson said he's thoroughly enjoying life in the Sault and playing in the OHL.
His parents, Paul and Jen Halverson, come to the Sault for every Hounds home game. They've yet to see their son play at Essar Centre.
“I'm looking forward to getting my first home start,” Halverson said. “That'll be exciting for sure.”
Halverson posts shutout in first OHL start
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SAULT STE. MARIE - It takes something special for Darnell Nurse to get excited.
But on Saturday night, Nurse didn't hold back.
“That was one of the best performances I've ever seen from a rookie,” the Soo Greyhounds captain said of Brandon Halverson's effort while posting a shutout.
Playing in his first Ontario Hockey League game, the 17-year-old native of Traverse City, Mich., blanked the Belleville Bulls 4-0 before 2,572 at Yardmen Arena.
Halverson, taken by the Greyhounds in the seventh round of the 2012 OHL Priority Selections draft, made 32 saves on a night he won't soon forget.
“Oh, Wow! It's a pretty-great feeling to do this in my first game ever,” said the six-foot-four, 180-pounder. “I felt real good in warmups. I got in my zone and everything fell into place.”
Andrew Fritsch and Jared McCann paced the winners with a goal and an assist each. Sergey Tolchinsky, with a beautiful effort, and David Miller, with his first OHL goal, completed the scoring.
Brandon Hughes contributed a pair of assists.
Asked if he was nervous before the game, Halverson answered in the affirmative.
“I always get nervous before big games,” he chuckled. “But once I get these first couple of games under my belt I hope the nerves go away.”
Questioned as to how much he thought about the shutout as the third period entered the final minutes, Halverson described that time period as “nerve-wracking. I really wanted it so bad.”
“I'm thrilled for him,” said Hounds head coach Sheldon Keefe, who told the young netminder of his starting assignment during a Friday skate.
That was an off day on a three-day trip that began Thursday in Ottawa.
“He's a young kid and you never really know how it's going to go,” Keefe continued. “But he looked nothing like a young kid making his first start tonight (Saturday). He had some swagger. He was confident and he handled the puck like a pro.”
Halverson was tested early when the home team went on the power play with just over six minutes remaining in the opening period.
He called those two minutes “nuts,” when asked about killing the penalty off.
“It was shot after shot,” Halverson added.
He went on to describe his play as “steady” the rest of the way, giving credit to his teammates.
“Without them, I wouldn't have gotten the shutout,” Halverson said. “They cleared everything out and didn't let anyone walk in. There was lots of talking and lots of good communication.”
“He was unbelievable,” added Nurse. “For someone to come in and make an impact like that in their first game is unbelievable.”
But on Saturday night, Nurse didn't hold back.
“That was one of the best performances I've ever seen from a rookie,” the Soo Greyhounds captain said of Brandon Halverson's effort while posting a shutout.
Playing in his first Ontario Hockey League game, the 17-year-old native of Traverse City, Mich., blanked the Belleville Bulls 4-0 before 2,572 at Yardmen Arena.
Halverson, taken by the Greyhounds in the seventh round of the 2012 OHL Priority Selections draft, made 32 saves on a night he won't soon forget.
“Oh, Wow! It's a pretty-great feeling to do this in my first game ever,” said the six-foot-four, 180-pounder. “I felt real good in warmups. I got in my zone and everything fell into place.”
Andrew Fritsch and Jared McCann paced the winners with a goal and an assist each. Sergey Tolchinsky, with a beautiful effort, and David Miller, with his first OHL goal, completed the scoring.
Brandon Hughes contributed a pair of assists.
Asked if he was nervous before the game, Halverson answered in the affirmative.
“I always get nervous before big games,” he chuckled. “But once I get these first couple of games under my belt I hope the nerves go away.”
Questioned as to how much he thought about the shutout as the third period entered the final minutes, Halverson described that time period as “nerve-wracking. I really wanted it so bad.”
“I'm thrilled for him,” said Hounds head coach Sheldon Keefe, who told the young netminder of his starting assignment during a Friday skate.
That was an off day on a three-day trip that began Thursday in Ottawa.
“He's a young kid and you never really know how it's going to go,” Keefe continued. “But he looked nothing like a young kid making his first start tonight (Saturday). He had some swagger. He was confident and he handled the puck like a pro.”
Halverson was tested early when the home team went on the power play with just over six minutes remaining in the opening period.
He called those two minutes “nuts,” when asked about killing the penalty off.
“It was shot after shot,” Halverson added.
He went on to describe his play as “steady” the rest of the way, giving credit to his teammates.
“Without them, I wouldn't have gotten the shutout,” Halverson said. “They cleared everything out and didn't let anyone walk in. There was lots of talking and lots of good communication.”
“He was unbelievable,” added Nurse. “For someone to come in and make an impact like that in their first game is unbelievable.”
Halverson opts for pro hockey Goalie to ink deal with Greyhounds
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MARIE — SAULT STE.Brandon Halverson is going pro.
The Traverse City native will sign a professional contract with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League this week after being given an offer after last weekend's team camp and scrimmage.
The 6-foot-4, 16-year-old will be an alternate goalie for the Greyhounds — who already have Matt Murray, Justin Nichols and Charlie Millen on their roster. In the meantime, Halverson will play for the Oakland Grizzlies U-18 team.
Murray is a Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick, and will miss part of the OHL season while in Penguins camp, opening up a spot for Halverson to be called up. Once he gets promoted, he'll be a professional and paid for his craft.
Murray has played in the Soo for two years, Millen one and Nichols is an OHL rookie who was the Greyhounds' second-round pick in the 2011 draft. Halverson was a seventh-round pick in 2012 as the team continued to look for depth at the position to be ready for the eventual departure of Murray and Millen. The Greyhounds made him one of just three non-Canadian netminders selected in the draft.
"Once I came to the camp, I had to work for it," Halverson said. "I didn't know if I was going to get it or not yet. Once I played in a couple of games, they decided they wanted to sign (me)."
"I did pretty good," Halverson said. "The kids there are really good, so I didn't really stand out. But I only let in like one goal a game."
Halverson — who was tabbed by USA Hockey as one of the top 20 goalies in his age group two years ago — had a good week of scrimmages before letting in four goals in the end-of-camp Red and White game Saturday. Playing ion the White squad, he gave up four goals on 22 shots, splitting time in goal with Millen, who yielded three goals on 21 shots as the Red team won 7-4.
Millen was called up by the Greyhounds in 2011, much like Halverson could be this season.
"The starting goalie (Murray) is going to play in some exhibition games with the Penguins, so when that happens, they're going to call me up," Halverson said. "Or of one of the goalies gets sick or injured.
"Next season will be different. I will actually be on the roster. I think that's how it's going to happen. I'll still have to work for it, though."
Murray was 13-19-1-4 with a 4.08 GAA last season for the Hounds, while Millen was didn't register a decision in two appearances with a 5.22 GAA.
Last year, Halverson played for Little Caesar's Midget minor U-16 team.
"We didn't have that great of a season," Halverson said. "We weren't that great of a team, but I definitely improved and got better. I've been able to read the play a lot better. Just knowing where the puck is going to go. Puck handling. Being able to use my size and quickness."
Halverson was also drafted by Kalamazoo Junior Wings in North American Hockey League, but instead could be playing behind Detroit Red Wings prospect Ryan Sproul — a 2011 NHL second-round draft pick — who lines up at defense for the Greyhounds.
The Traverse City native will sign a professional contract with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League this week after being given an offer after last weekend's team camp and scrimmage.
The 6-foot-4, 16-year-old will be an alternate goalie for the Greyhounds — who already have Matt Murray, Justin Nichols and Charlie Millen on their roster. In the meantime, Halverson will play for the Oakland Grizzlies U-18 team.
Murray is a Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick, and will miss part of the OHL season while in Penguins camp, opening up a spot for Halverson to be called up. Once he gets promoted, he'll be a professional and paid for his craft.
Murray has played in the Soo for two years, Millen one and Nichols is an OHL rookie who was the Greyhounds' second-round pick in the 2011 draft. Halverson was a seventh-round pick in 2012 as the team continued to look for depth at the position to be ready for the eventual departure of Murray and Millen. The Greyhounds made him one of just three non-Canadian netminders selected in the draft.
"Once I came to the camp, I had to work for it," Halverson said. "I didn't know if I was going to get it or not yet. Once I played in a couple of games, they decided they wanted to sign (me)."
"I did pretty good," Halverson said. "The kids there are really good, so I didn't really stand out. But I only let in like one goal a game."
Halverson — who was tabbed by USA Hockey as one of the top 20 goalies in his age group two years ago — had a good week of scrimmages before letting in four goals in the end-of-camp Red and White game Saturday. Playing ion the White squad, he gave up four goals on 22 shots, splitting time in goal with Millen, who yielded three goals on 21 shots as the Red team won 7-4.
Millen was called up by the Greyhounds in 2011, much like Halverson could be this season.
"The starting goalie (Murray) is going to play in some exhibition games with the Penguins, so when that happens, they're going to call me up," Halverson said. "Or of one of the goalies gets sick or injured.
"Next season will be different. I will actually be on the roster. I think that's how it's going to happen. I'll still have to work for it, though."
Murray was 13-19-1-4 with a 4.08 GAA last season for the Hounds, while Millen was didn't register a decision in two appearances with a 5.22 GAA.
Last year, Halverson played for Little Caesar's Midget minor U-16 team.
"We didn't have that great of a season," Halverson said. "We weren't that great of a team, but I definitely improved and got better. I've been able to read the play a lot better. Just knowing where the puck is going to go. Puck handling. Being able to use my size and quickness."
Halverson was also drafted by Kalamazoo Junior Wings in North American Hockey League, but instead could be playing behind Detroit Red Wings prospect Ryan Sproul — a 2011 NHL second-round draft pick — who lines up at defense for the Greyhounds.