One of the things we'll be doing throughout the season is following former UMD hockey players in the pro ranks.The Google document -- the one that quickly disappeared for some odd reason after Dec. 1 -- will be back, and it will be updated throughout the season.
Three-year goalie Alex Stalock moved on to the San Jose Sharks organization after last season. It was perfectly reasonable to suggest he would do this, as Stalock was easily the best goalie in the WCHA last season. After carrying the Bulldogs to a Final Five title with two shutouts in three nights, there was nothing much for him to accomplish at this level.
At the Sharks' rookie camp in San Jose, Stalock has picked up where he left off. In a game against MacGregor Sharp (remember him?!!?) and the Ducks, Stalock stopped all 25 shots he faced over two periods in a 5-0 win.
The coaches and teammates came away impressed with the University of Minnesota-Duluth product.
“He made some big, timely saves,” said Roy Sommer, who is coaching the group for all three games. “He deserved the shutout. He was really calm back there and moved the puck well.”
“He played really well in net,” said (Kevin) Henderson. “He steered away the loose pucks and make the big saves.”
Stalock appreciated the fact that his teammates gave their netminder the early advantage for a second straight night.
“We jumped out and got the lead and then added the second right away,” said Stalock. “We kept going until the final buzzer. We kept a lot of the shots to the outside and the penalty killers played great.”
Stalock is likely going to start the season in the minors, where the Sharks are loaded with prospects. If he keeps playing the way he did in his final college games, he may press the Sharks to move him through the system faster than they're expecting.
It's also nice to see that he's still "moving the puck well." Some things never change.
Stalock is a great goaltender and I am just happy the Sioux don't have to face him again. :)
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