One Small Net for Hispanics, One Giant Leap for Hockey
Al is trailblazing into a unique arena for Hispanics, who dominate baseball and international football (soccer), and have presence in both football and basketball. Hockey has traditionally been the province of Canadians, not Cubans, particularly at the net.
"I feel a sense of pride," said Montoya when asked about the barrier he's intent on clearing. "I know I'm privileged and blessed with this opportunity I've been given. I appreciate the sacrifices people have made. I sort of want to do what I can to reach out to Hispanics… to show how it's possible to put on skates and be successful regardless of where you come from."
Montoya stands at the gates to the next level where skaters are faster, shots are harder and new rules have decreased the size of goalies' pads.
Through his first six games with Hartford, Montoya was 5-1-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. During a 3-2 victory over Bridgeport on Oct. 28, Montoya broke the franchise record for most saves in a game by stopping 51 shots.
Montoya broke something else on Nov. 8, the ring finger on his left (catching) hand, an injury that was expected to sideline him from four to six weeks.
Ranger in Training
Montoya has made an impression on coach Jim Schoenfeld.
"To me he seems at this point in time like a hungry young kid," said Schoenfeld. "He does have some very good raw talent and an air of confidence. He likes to move the puck and keep the rush going.
"I think he enjoys that and has fun with the game. I'm looking at a youngster who wants to improve and grow."
Montoya works diligently with Benoit Allaire, who is in his first season with the Rangers as their goaltending coach.
"He's helping me make my game simpler so that I'm not scrambling and moving around because in this league you can't do that," said Montoya. "He's helped me be in position more and become more fundamentally sound. And if there's a rebound, I'm right there."
Despite Montoya's work ethic, Schoenfeld realizes the Rangers' prize prospect won't transform himself into a solid NHL goaltender overnight.
"Right now he's relying on his high skill level," said Schoenfeld. "He has quick legs and takes away the low part of the net, and he has a quick glove. But all young goaltenders need to work on stopping the puck in a game when they're not at their best. This is where positioning comes in.
"It's a process that doesn't happen in two weeks or two months. Sometimes it takes years. But I know Al's going to get great instruction from Allaire and he's shown me he's willing to soak everything up."
For now, Hartford is home ice, where locals may have to learn a new hockey chant: “Viva Montoya!”
See also: Al's FAB50 Hockey Honors: 2006 | 2007 |
