Bob Cramer's Blog

The NHL finally starts its season this month, while down on the farm, so to speak, play continues at NCAA Division 1 Hockey schools as all teams–pro or amateur–work feverishly to keep the COVID boogie man at bay.

Over at Notre Dame, eyes have shifted from a promising football season that came to a sudden halt to the stunning Compton Family Ice Arena, Notre Dame’s hallowed hall of hockey, where regular season play is hollowed out with no fans, little cheers, but just the crack of wooden sticks, creaky boards and the occasional curse or two fill the cold Indiana air.

There has been one constant for the past four years associated with Notre Dame Hockey, and that is a goalie who sits ready, willing and able.  He mostly occupies the far left side of the bench, out of the way to avoid the constant line changes, but arms length from his teammates and just feet from the ice.

Being a goalie requires a special layer of resilience. Merely getting suited up requires preparation and persistence, with the pads, the glove, the facemask, the chest and arm protectors, a 2021 gladiator ready to work.  

Just think of the number of practices this young goalie has dutifully donned his duds, occupied his net, and signal to some of the best young hockey players anywhere to let it fly.  Summer training, 10-hour road trips, missed Thanksgivings, and lots of laundry, this young goalie has become the team’s backstop, and for more than just pucks.

And therein lies the problem:  for some inexplicable reason, this young goalie, now a senior with a limited number of games left, has never played in an official game.

But please don’t mention this to the young goalie.  He would be aghast.  He just continues to work, a leader by example, no complaining, great attitude, appreciative of the opportunity, unselfish teammate, thoughtful mentor to younger student-athletes, and by all accounts, one damn good goalie.

Notre Dame now has a modern day “Rudy” moment on its hands.   It is time for them, head coach Jeff Jackson included, to create a storybook ending.