When goaltender Ryan Ferguson was named to the Canmore Eagles squad, he expected to spend much of the season stapled to the bench.
Two months into the season, he’s effectively removed the backup label from his game.
Ferguson was named AJHL player of the week on Monday (Nov. 4) after posting a 2-0 record with a minniscule 1.00 GAA. He’s been an integral part of the Eagles’ recent five-game winning streak, as the club is currently playing inspired hockey, stringing together one-goal wins over the top teams in the southern division.
“It’s pretty nice. Some of the other guys heard about it before I did and were congratulating me and I didn’t know what they were talking about,” Ferguson said. “It’s a nice honour and I’m happy we’re playing well.”
To say Ferguson’s play is unorthodox is a tremendous understatement. In the age of calm, cool and collected goaltenders, he flits and flops about the ice, diving like a man possessed at opposing scoring chances. When the play stops, he waves at his goalposts, fidgets with his wristband constantly and leads post-tapping ceremonies around his crease.
“I’ve been more controlled. The first time I played Brooks, I let out a lot of rebounds and had to make ridiculous diving saves. The next time I played them, I wasn’t nervous at all. I feel like my rebound control is better, I’m a lot calmer and more settled down. Hopefully that relaxes the guys as well,” Ferguson said.
His change in play means he’s top five in the league with a .933 save percentage to go along with a 2.28 goals against average and 7-4 record.
The Eagles don’t want him to get too calm in the nets, as his puck battling skills fire up his opponents.
“Fergie’s biggest strength is his compete level. The guys appreciate that. Whether it’s in the game or taking a lot of shots in practice, he competes so hard. He’s not the most orthodox goaltender, and that frustrates his opponents. They’re not sure what he’s going to do. Goalies these days are so mechanical in their movements, it’s great to watch him,” said head coach Andrew Milne.
Ferguson said the player of the week honours are the first he’s ever won in his hockey career. The rookie goaltender has adjusted to the speed of the league, and he still wants to share the load with veteran goaltender Cam Barnes.
“We’re going with the hot guy. I had a rough go in Drayton Valley, and then we rode Cam for four straight. Cam had a hiccup in Brooks, and I went from there. We’re working for starts,” Ferguson said.
Ultimately, he wants to translate his strong play into an NCAA scholarship and he wrote his SATs last week, but he knows it will take more than a month of strong play to attract the interest of U.S. schools. He loves Canmore and is happy to keep playing for the Eagles.
The team is playing well in front of him, and he’s quick to not take success for granted.
“There are no easy nights in this league. We beat Brooks, Okotoks, the Canucks, but it’s just the little details that make the difference. We’re going to keep playing the way we’re playing. I’ve got to keep proving myself and take advantage of this opportunity,” Ferguson said.
As for his in-game quirks, he’s not planning to abandon them either.
“I have way too many superstitions. It keeps my mind off the game, so I don’t think too much. I don’t think about the score or how it’s a tight game. I touch my goalposts and it relaxes me. It helps me get in the right mindset,” Ferguson said.
The Eagles play their next four games at home, first facing Whitecourt on Friday (Nov. 8) and the Calgary Mustangs (Nov. 9).
