Prospect Scott brings calm to the crease
Former world junior star has seen progress slowed by injuries and COVID-19
Ian Scott has had a rougher ride to the professional ranks than most.
After a stellar junior career in Prince Albert, Sask., lingering injuries — and then COVID-19 — prevented the one-time world junior star goaltender from making any headway. But he has still impressed Toronto Marlies coach Greg Moore.
“I was telling him the other day how much I love having him in net, just from his energy, his presence,” said Moore. “It’s like going to the spa. He’s just so calm, cool, collected.
“He gives a good vibe energy to players in front of him. And usually when you have that consistent energy, the players play better.”
Scott, a fourth-round pick in 2017, is one of three goalies on the Maple Leafs’ roster for a rookie tournament starting Thursday against Columbus in Traverse City, Mich. Scott and Erik Källgren, drafted 183rd by Arizona in 2015, will get the bulk of the duties. Keith Petruzzelli, who played college hockey last year, is also on the trip.
The 22-year-old Scott played one game in the AHL last year, five in the ECHL. Other than that he hasn’t played since May 21, 2019, when his WHL champion Prince Albert Raiders lost to Guelph and bowed out of the Memorial Cup. A hip injury, requiring surgery and rehabilitation, cost him a full season. He also had a COVID setback.
“It’s been kind of crazy the last year and a bit, the ups and downs, mentally, physically,” he said. “So I’m just happy to be back on the ice again competing, and I just go from there.”
His mental outlook — that spa-like calmness Moore talked about — helped him through the rough patches.
“It’s important just to take it day by day,” said Scott. “You can’t get too far ahead of yourself. And it’s important to stick with good habits and just keep building your game every day.”
It may well be that some players from this tournament will play for the Leafs this coming season. Forward Nick Robertson, for example, seems to have what it takes. The goalies are farther behind.
“I think oftentimes the goalies are a bit forgotten,” said Moore. “It’s a position that takes a little bit longer to develop than defence or forward when it comes to making it to the NHL. It’s very unique to each person as to where they’re at technically, tactically. Confidence is the big one, just trying to build the right trajectory for them to have the confidence before you can even get into a framework of the technical and tactical pieces.
“Sometimes as players, even though you’re not confident, you can still go out there and work hard, fighting back in the game. Goalies, it’s a little bit different. It’s week-to-week. It’s day-to-day. It’s person-to-person, always trying to evaluate what’s best for them in that moment.”
Scott says it isn’t about competing with other goalies for playing time. It’s about being a good teammate, helping each other along.
“We’re a real close goalie group already,” said Scott. “I think it’s important to learn and see what helped other goalies get to where they’re at, and as well share information to help them. It’s important to always be learning, always listening to what other goalies have to say. It’s a learning experience.”