Goalie Medina to rep Spits at Memorial ecup
With OHL action on hold until January, Medina represents Spits at Memorial ecup
Windsor Spitfires goaltender Xavier Medina is ready to have his skills put to the test.
It won't happen on the ice, but rather, the 18-year-old Medina's video skills will be on full display next week. With Ontario Hockey League teams not set to open camp until January, the Canadian Hockey League is looking to keep players and fans engaged by holding a Memorial ecup for its 60 member teams along with four guests competing in the NHL '21 tournament event.
“I was at the rink one day and (associate coach Jerrod Smith) was talking about it and I said, `I'm not bad and would do it' and he said yes,” Medina said. “I know a lot of guys were upset they didn't get picked (for it), but I think I can win it.”
A Michigan native, Medina has been in Windsor since June training and doing some community appearances for the club.
“I would rather be on the ice and actually play for the Memorial Cup,” Medina said.
“The way 2020 has gone, if this is the closest thing, I might as well stay competitive.”
Medina worked his way into the starter's role in his rookie season in 2019-20 and finished the season with a 17-11-4-0 record. His 3.46 goals-against average was second in the league among first-year goalies and he added an .886 save percentage in 37 games.
“I wanted to keep training over here, so I've been skating and working,” Medina said.
“You can only train for so long. “I'm getting a little anxious to start, but the way things are in the world, I would rather be safe.”
With only so much time to train on the ice, Medina admits he's had plenty of time to practice his video skills.
“I've been practicing a lot,” Medina said. “Sometimes, all you can do is play video games. I've been playing (NHL '21) for about the last month. (Spitfires forward Kyle) Mcdonald and I have been playing three of four times a day.”
His first exposure to the game was NHL '11 and he admits his favourite part of the game is throwing big hits.
“As a goalie, I can't hit, so I might as well throw some big hits,” Medina said. The tournament kicks off on Saturday with 10 games. Medina is set to play his first game on Wednesday against Mississauga Steelheads forward Ty Collins.
“I don't really know him,” Medina said of Collins. “I just know he plays for Mississauga.”
The first 32 games of the tournament will be played over eight days, with further scheduling to be revealed after that first round is completed.
All games will be streamed on Facebook Live and Twitch, with Medina's match scheduled for 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
The tournament is set to crown a champion on Dec. 17 with a $1,000 donation to be made to the winner's charity of choice.
“I don't see it as pressure,” Medina said of competing.
“I see it as an opportunity, and I just hope I don't let down my teammates or coaches.”