Dundee Stars netminder Alex Leclerc has revealed the secret of his team’s four-post success at the weekend – and it wasn’t him.
The 24-year-old made an incredible 105 saves to help Omar Pacha’s men to victory against Belfast Giants and Manchester Storm.
And he insisted there were no after effects on the body after such a punishing couple of games between the pipes.
“The body’s fine after such a busy weekend and it’s always fine when you get the wins like we did,” Leclerc has told this week’s British Ice Hockey podcast, coming out later this week.
“This weekend was a big statement and we knew the bounces weren’t going our way in previous games, but we needed to work on some things.
“We worked a lot on systems in the build-up to the weekend and good things happen when you respect the system and the bounces finally go your way.
“We looked at the bigger teams and knowing what to expect from them after learning a lot the week before playing Sheffield and Nottingham, we realised, no matter who we play, there’s a ton of talent.
“But we told ourselves we had good players too that are skilled so the main focus was to playing our hockey game and keep it simple and force them to make mistakes and capitalise on them.”
Dundee Stars netminder Alex Leclerc played a key role in Saturday’s Challenge Cup win Belfast Giants, making 65 saves in this game alone (PHOTO: William Cherry/Press Eye)
Leclerc is getting used to life as a professional after moving from NCAA side Colorado College, where he spent three years.
He had a brief taste of the pro life with Utah Grizzlies at the end of last season, but is enjoying making the transition this season and highlighted the main differences he’s experienced.
Leclerc added: “Off the ice, it’s been easy going from college hockey as my schedule isn’t as hectic as it used to be.
“But on the ice, the game’s changed a lot, going from NHL and North American ice sheets to Olympic size ice, which involves some alterations technically for a goaltender.
“Plus you’re coming up against players who are way smarter with the puck and more patient and know how goalies are going to react.
“Some of the guys we play have played at the highest end of ice hockey, so it’s a big learning experience for me.
“It’s one I’m enjoying as well and doing it at Dundee Stars makes it even sweeter, as we’re a good group, who work well together and have each other’s backs.
“The city is wonderful and the community is very involved with our team. It’s a beautiful place, sitting nicely next to the Tay river and I’m having a great time in Scotland.”
