US’ Flatow excels in inspiring ascent

Kyle Flatow has a keen awareness of how to compartmentalize.

As a Division I state qualifier in golf, fending off adversity like it never even happened comes naturally.

As a goaltender for University, it has been required in a much different context.

Going into his senior campaign, Flatow had not been a No. 1 varsity netminder for US.

Going into Columbus this weekend for the state frozen four, though, Flatow has not failed to inspire — his teammates, coaches, the faithful in Hunting Valley and the Greater Cleveland hockey community as a whole.

He got his chance — and he never let it go.

Flatow is 12-3-1 as the Preppers’ No. 1 goaltender down the stretch, with 387 saves, a 93.5 save percentage and a goals-against average of 1.60.

From JV to jubilation has been endearing.

“It’s been, by far, the most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey,” Flatow said after a 6-2 Kent District final win over Walsh Jesuit on March 2. “From freshman year, this is what I wanted. This is what I have been waiting for. And I’m glad it’s all played out the way it has.”

With Alec Silver and Jackson Polish logging much of the No. 1 duty for US between the pipes in recent years — and each performing at a state-caliber level when it was their turn — Flatow had to bide his time. Over three years on the JV for the Preppers, he played in 54 games, going 28-21-5 with 1,116 saves and a 2.30 GAA.

“It was really tough at times,” Flatow said. “It was hard to stay focused. Sometimes, I would be showing up a little late, not always giving it my best. But this year I was like, ‘Wow, this is my last year of hockey. So I’ve got to come out and just give it my all.’ And that’s what I did.”

After splitting time primarily with junior Critter Coughlin (245 saves, 2.19), Flatow was a revelation by January. In a pair of thrilling one-goal wins on consecutive days in Great Lakes Hockey League action against St. Edward, the senior had 54 saves combined in 1-0 overtime and 2-1 regulation wins that were a jump start for US.

“He’s had games for us — one that sticks out for me is that second game in the back-to-back vs. St. Edward,” Preppers senior captain and standout center Ethan Whetstone said. “They honestly pummeled us the whole game, and we came out with the win in the GLHL.

“I think he comes to play every time. I think part of it is he’s a senior, and he realizes and thought to himself, ‘I’ve got one more year. I want to make the most of it and contribute.’ I can’t say enough to how much he has stepped up and helped the team this year. “He is just incredible.” Those games against the Eagles may have cemented a spot, but it has not altered Flatow’s approach.

“I had no idea who the starter was until after the two St. Edward games that we won,” Flatow said. “So I tried to keep that mentality that every game, you’ve got to prove it. If you play bad, the next one might not be there. So I’ve just got to give it my best every game.”

Flatow also recorded a shutout over the Eagles in a Cleveland Cup semifinal, 3-0, on Feb. 9 with 28 saves.

In the Kent District final against Walsh, Flatow displayed some of the golf mentality that served him well, including tying for 23rd at the D-I state tournament as a senior.

He yielded a goal 40 seconds in against the Warriors but didn’t allow another until nine seconds were left in the game amid a solid 20-save night. In between, US took firm control.

“Blame it on someone else,” Flatow joked. “You’ve got to be strong mentally, and I think that’s where golf helps me a little bit — obviously, you’re your own worst enemy. So as a goalie, that’s the worst thing that can happen if you just get into your own head. I just try to stay focused and make the next save.”

Whetstone noted how Flatow has called him on practice days, requesting he show up early at Cleveland Heights so Flatow can get in specific shooting practice and work on the nuance of his craft. That attitude — along with save after save on meaningful stages — has won over Whetstone, the locker room and beyond.

“I don’t think words can say how proud we are of him,” Whetstone said. “It would seem to be an understatement. He stepped up in ways we can’t even imagine.”

Especially the unique road of JV goaltender to state frozen four netminder.

While it may not be par for the course, it has made him a medalist.

And like some of the greats before him — recent ones such as Silver and Polish and past luminaries such as John Sideris, Brian Tighe, Jamie Regan and more — he’ll have something in common with them: A chance on the big ice at Nationwide.

“Oh, it’s going to be crazy,” Flatow said. “I’ve been down there as a fan the last three years, just like, ‘God, I want to get down there and play.’ St. Francis is going to be a tough game for sure — by far our biggest test of the year. But we’re ready for it.”

Flatow