Confidence Boost: Paterson Starts Tournament with a Shutout
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Jake Paterson was the reason why the Red Wings won their opening game of the NHL prospect tournament in Traverse City, MI. The 6-foot-1, 183 pound goalie stopped all 22 shots he faced against the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night.
“He was outstanding,” Coach Todd Nelson said. “With these games being the way they are, the guys are nervous and it gets sloppy. Anytime it is sloppy like that, the goaltender has to be big for you and he held his ground and kept us in the game.”
The Red Wings played a strong defensive game and got a second period marker from Tomas Nosek who was in the right place at the right time for the easy tap in. On the other end of the rink, Detroit’s defense was solid but the story of the night was Paterson backstopping the team to a shut out win.
Paterson will need to string together several strong performances during training camp and preseason to solidify his place on the Red Wings depth chart. With Tom McCollum and Jared Coreau slated to play in Grand Rapids entering the season, he has his work cut out for him.
“It’s important to get off on the right foot and I think i did that tonight,” Paterson said. “I am focused on myself and what I have to do and if I play well the rest will take care of itself.”
This will be the 21 year-old’s first full pro season after starting the season in the AHL last season before returning to Saginaw for his overage year in the Ontario Hockey League. He was eventually shipped to Kitchener for draft picks to finish off the season.
“I got a chance to play a lot last year in junior which gave me a chance to learn a few things out about my game,” he said. “I think I played 50 games in the regular season and it was really good for me so I didn’t mind one more year in junior. I am excited about this year though.”
Paterson spent the offseason getting himself ready to play his first professional season. After bouncing a round a bit last year, he’s mentally ready for whatever this season brings.
“It was a good offseason,” he said. “I was just on the ice more than I had been in the past, just fine tweaking a few things and I spent time off ice getting stronger and faster to compete at this level. I’m excited to get going”
If the rest of his training camp is anything like his opening game against the Hurricanes, he’ll give the Detroit brass something to think about. For now though, Patterson has already earned a consecutive start for the Red Wings prospect team.
“Jake has earned the right to start,” Coach Nelson said. “We want to build his confidence and we want to see how he reacts after a game like tonight. I think it’s a smart play to go back to Jake tomorrow.”