CANUCKS SIGN GOALIE PROSPECT THATCHER DEMKO
Former goalie Cloutier says patience required while college star develops in the minors
Dan Cloutier knows the tough transition from prized prospect to pro player that awaits Thatcher Demko, who signed a three-year, entry-level deal Wednesday with the Vancouver Canucks.
Cloutier, who is a former Canucks goaltender and current consultant for the NHL club, was a wide-eyed rookie with the Binghamton Rangers of the AHL in the 1996-97 season. His numbers reflected the giant leap from the OHL and a bloated 3.55 goals-against average and .892 saves percentage were a far cry from a 2.09 GAA and .927 saves percentage he had posted with the Guelph Storm.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” recalled Cloutier, selected 26th overall in the 1994 draft by the New York Rangers. “Honestly, I didn’t feel very comfortable with shots or the speed of the game until Christmas. It took that long, but it was better in the second half and in the playoffs. I felt really comfortable coming back for my second year. I was my old self again.”
Cloutier has worked extensively with Demko, a 20-year-old San Diego native who is willing to learn, plays an aggressive style and has a 6-foot-3 frame that provides a strong foundation.
The Canucks’ second-round pick in the 2014 draft had a standout junior season at Boston College, backstopping the Eagles to the Frozen Four semifinal and winning the Mike Richter Award as the top NCAA goalie. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Trophy as the top collegiate player. He posted a 27-84 record, sparking 1.88 goals-against average, .935 saves percentage and a school record 10 shutouts — eclipsing the mark set by Cory Schneider — to set the stage for his ascension to the Utica Comets next fall.
However, the pro game is a different animal. Players are better, expectations are higher and the stuff you can get away with in college because of sheer size aren’t there in the AHL.
“It’s going to be a big jump,” added Cloutier. “Goalies coming out of junior or college, the first month is always tough for a number of reasons. Especially the college game. I find with bigger ice, there’s more time to get in position and more time to get set. When you come to the AHL, you don’t have as much time to get set. And there are more turnovers.
“He’s going to have to bring it up another gear, speed wise. All of a sudden, you’re up against guys who can pick the corners. In junior and college, you could just use your size to your advantage. Usually the first two lines in the AHL are pretty talented with good shooters. He’s going to have to read releases and track pucks, but these are little things he can work on.”
And that’s where Demko may have a leg up. He’s not only good, he’s intelligent and driven. The applied psychology major had surgery a year ago to repair torn labrums in both hips. His flexibility and durability have improved dramatically.
“I like his competitiveness and net presence and the way he doesn’t give up,” said Cloutier. “He tries to make every save, even if he’s out of the play. Obviously, his size and with the surgery he had, he has more stability and more flair with his butterfly. The way he battles and competes are his biggest strengths. Technically, he has improved a lot, but it’s an area he needs to improve a lot, just like any other young goalie.
“It takes time. That’s the most important thing to realize that it’s a process.”