Strong support system
Western Capitals goaltender Nathan Torchia follows in his father’s footsteps
SUMMERSIDE – Nathan Torchia plays a pressure-filled position that can be demanding and lonely at times.
The Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals goaltender is fortunate to benefit from a support system – his parents Mike and Laura Torchia – that has provided a wealth of on- and off-ice advice throughout the ups and downs of his career.
"They have both been equally supportive," said Nathan. "My dad has been the one getting the credit, and rightfully so, but I have to give credit to my mom. They have both been great.
"My dad has been able to share a lot of his experiences, and what it was like for him in his journey. It's helped me a lot just by giving me ideas."
PLAYED IN NHL
Mike is no stranger to the goaltending position as he played 10 years of professional hockey, including six games with the NHL’s Dallas Stars during the 1994-95 season.
“He played a short stint in the NHL, but he still got to play, and not a lot of people get to say that,” said Nathan. “It’s pretty cool to say, ‘My dad got to see what it’s like to be there.’
“I wasn’t born when he played in the NHL, but I got to see him play when I was young and he was in his final years of pro hockey in England. I don’t remember too much about it, but what I remember the most is the advice he gave me and what to expect, especially from minor hockey to junior.”
Nathan’s parents are a perfect team in supporting Nathan. Mike is a great source hockey-wise, while Laura provides emotional support.
“At times, it’s been tough for me, and there have been lots of ups and downs, to say the least,” said Nathan. “It’s been very emotional, and (my mom) has always been the person who has been right there beside me the whole time.”
Nathan said his decision to strap on the pads was “100 per cent” because he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“As a little kid, five-, sixyears-old, I was seeing my dad just finishing his career,” said Nathan. “He is the one who has inspired me from Day 1, been there by my side and supported me through this crazy journey as a goalie.”
JOINED CAPS IN NOVEMBER
The Capitals acquired Nathan from the Georgetown Raiders of the Ontario Junior Hockey League in November.
He was named the league's top goaltender in 2019-20 and was a finalist for the MVP award.
Caps head coach Billy McGuigan said Nathan has not disappointed.
“He’s everything that he was billed as being,” said McGuigan. “He’s a real good goaltender, he challenges, he’s quick down low, he makes timely saves, and he’s been really good.
“He’s a great teammate, he comes from a good family, and he can stop the puck.”
LONG WAIT
After completing his two-week quarantine and practising a couple of times, the Caps’ schedule was paused due to an outbreak of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia. Then the Atlantic bubble burst and P.E.I. implemented a two-week circuit-breaker in December.
Nathan added there was about a month where he only skated once. He made his Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) debut with the Caps in Truro, N.S., on Jan. 31 – an 8-1 win. He then lost his next two starts to the Amherst Ramblers – 7-3 and 5-4 in overtime.
“As a team, we know we were not our best, but I take a lot of the blame, too,” said Nathan. “That was not like me to give up some of the goals I gave up.
"I felt this had to be a reality check, and I have to figure out what it’s going to take for me to get back to where I was 11 months prior because that’s how long (it had been) since I had played.”
Nathan admitted it was more of a mental than physical adjustment. He won his next five starts, and made 39 saves in a 2-1 road loss to the league-leading Yarmouth Mariners in his last game on Saturday.
Nathan’s strong play last week, which included a 2-1 record, a 2.00 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage, earned him a playerof-the-week recognition from the MHL.
"Since Nathan has been here, he's almost been the lone goalie,” said McGuigan. “It’s a lot of strain and a lot of pressure on him . ...
“We’ve been having some affiliate goalies on the bench, but I’m sure it’s tough on the psyche.”
Nathan’s recent heavy workload resulted from an injury to his goaltending partner, Jacob LeBlanc. McGuigan said LeBlanc, who recently joined the Caps from the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, is close to returning.
Nathan said he’s looking forward to healthy competition with LeBlanc.