NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
Medicine Hat Tigers goaltender Ethan McCallum enters the ice for warmup ahead of the Tigers 5-4 overtime preseason win against the Lethbridge Hurricanes at Co-op Place on Sept. 10.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
Ethan McCallum had his sights set on making the Medicine Hat Tigers’ opening night roster when training camp opened in early September. His dreams came true Tuesday afternoon.
The 16-year-old Brandon, Man. product was tabbed the Tigers’ backup goaltender behind 19-year-old Beckett Langkow heading into the season, after James Venne, the third goalie on the preseason roster, was traded to the Prince Albert Raiders. McCallum said when he was told about his new role it brought a sense of relief.
“I had been stressing the past few weeks over school, hockey and if things were going to work out, and obviously, it worked out for the best,” McCallum said. “I’m glad I’m on the team but I know right now that the easiest part is behind me and the hard part is in front of me, and that’s just making sure I can stay on the roster for the whole year and make sure that I can help make our team be successful.”
He said he’s looking forward to working with Langkow and goaltending coach Matt Wong throughout the year.
“Beckett has had to work really hard for where he’s at right now, I respect that and obviously I can learn from that,” McCallum said. “He’s willing to stay on the ice for extra minutes. Whenever he was cut during preseason, he was taking extra hour skates, just putting in that work ethic to the point where he was just drenched in sweat after practice. That’s what I kind of look forward to, just having that mentality and grind to get through the pain and the rookie season. Also being able to have him in front of me is a huge aid because he’s such a nice guy. Matt Wong’s taught me so much in just the past couple of weeks, so it’s been really helpful.”
Langkow said he is also excited to work with his younger counterpart.
“Ethan’s a great kid and he works hard every day and we’re pushing each other already,” Langkow said. “It’s good to get an idea going into the season and I know we’re both going to battle every day in practice and each game and we’re going to be there for the boys.”
Medicine Hat Tigers head coach and general manager Willie Desjardins said it will be a big step for McCallum coming from the U16 level last season, but he has confidence in his goaltending duo.
“Both guys have played well in the preseason, Beckett obviously a really good last game, the first time he had the full game, but he made some huge saves for us and was basically the difference in that game, so that’s a good way to start.” Desjardins said. “McCallum has had a good showing for a young player.”
Langkow shut out the Swift Current Broncos 3-0 in the Tigers’ final game of the preseason on Sept. 17. The Vegreville product is excited to start the first game of the season for the first time since minor hockey.
“When you’re thinking about stuff before the game you’re not thinking about going out there and sitting on the bench for the game, so it’s going to be good,” Langkow said. “It’s going to feel good. I’m sure there’s going to be some nerves, there always is at the start of the season. A little bit different feeling this year but we’ll be ready to go.”
His only advice for McCallum heading into the season is take the game day by day, Langkow said.
“There’s times in my past couple years, I haven’t been happy with the way things are going and I just try to stick with it. I’m in a good situation right now. You just have to stick with things and make sure you’re working hard every day.”
Langkow said he has a new set of pads and gloves coming soon and is working on a new mask for the season. He said he won’t have it for the home opener but will don the new gear in the next couple of weeks.
McCallum came into camp with a set of white pads with orange and black sprinkled throughout but still had his red helmet from playing with the Notre Dame Hounds. He said a new white mask is on the way to replace his well used one.
“I’m impressed that the helmet’s still holding up because all the straps are broken and the foam on the inside has all been super glued back together, so it’s not really a mask anymore,” McCallum said. “I’ll keep it as a keepsake but I just ordered in a brand new mask so that way I can match a bit more with the team and maybe later on I can get some stickers or have some fun with it.”
McCallum said he can’t wait for his first start between the pipes in the Western Hockey League and earn a win for his team, and the Tigers’ fans who he has a message for heading into the season.
“I just think the fans need to know that we have a completely different team this year and it’s going to be fun to watch us coming up in the season.”
