MARIO ANNICCHIARICO / TIMES COLONIST
JANUARY 14, 2016 10:16 PM
Winning is fun, just ask Matthew Galajda.
The first-year Victoria Grizzlies’ netminder is on an impressive run and beginning to open some eyes when it comes to early discussions regarding potential B.C. Hockey League rookie of the year considerations.
After starting the season with seven straight losses, the Aurora, Ont., native is now 15-7 in his last 22 games and 15-14 overall. Stretch those statistics even further and you’ll find the 18-year-old is 13-4-0-2 over the last 19 appearances, with two shutouts.
His three total shutouts have him tied for second in the entire BCHL; his goals-against average of 2.28 is third behind only Penticton’s Anthony Brodeur and Zachary Driscoll; his save percentage of .919 sits sixth; and his 1,789 minutes played is also sixth.
Galajda is likely to get a break tonight as the Grizzlies face the host Spruce Kings in Prince George before moving on to Chilliwack on Saturday and Surrey on Sunday.
“It’s a lot more fun for sure, now, than at the beginning of the season,” admitted Galajda, who is a big reason for the team’s resurgence after a sluggish first two months. “I think the team has improved for sure, at least defensively.
“We’ve been playing a lot harder in our zone and that’s definitely a reflection of my personal stats. I think I’ve just moved into [the top handful of goaltenders] the last couple of months. It’s good to see myself up there, but it’s definitely a reflection of the team’s play.”
Galajda admits he is one of those goaltenders who keep close tabs on statistics and he has to like what he sees.
“I kind of like looking at them. I like seeing who is ahead of me and try to jump them, using it as motivation.”
But he also shores the limelight, much like as he turns aside pucks.
“We’re happy. The team is playing well and it’s easier for me to stop pucks,” he said, focusing on team. “I’m seeing a lot of the pucks and that makes it easier. I love playing and I don’t like taking nights off.”
The 17-20-4-0 Grizzlies head into tonight’s game looking for a fourth straight win to start 2016. It would match the longest win streak of the season and set up a much tougher matchup on Saturday in Chilliwack (27-8-1-4).
The 10-29-2-1 Spruce Kings were home to the Trail Smoke Eaters on Thursday night and have struggled throughout the year.
Victoria is finally on the positive side of the ledger in the goals for and against differential at plus-3. Prince George is minus-90, second worst to the minus-99 Surrey has posted (prior to Thursday’s play).
Galajda and team defence has improved tremendously. In the last three wins, the Grizzlies have scored a whopping 17 goals and allowed just four.
“He has to be one of the most underrated players in the league,” Grizzlies’ captain P.J. Conlon said of Galajda. “He gives us a chance to win every single night and we feel comfortable playing in front of him.
“There’s something about his style, where he can slow down the game. He’s very calm, which you see in a lot of the top goalies in the NHL these days. We’re definitely a calmer team playing in front of him.”
As for any rookie-of-the-year talk, Galajda deflects that as well. Easton Brodzinski of Penticton and Austin McIlmurray of Coquitlam, who both have 48 points, and Chilliwack’s Vimal Sukumaran (46 points) have garnered a lot of that attention.
“I haven’t even thought of that yet. It would definitely be a huge honour, but we just have to keep working hard, get more wins, make the playoffs and maybe move up to third or second spot in the division,” said Galajda, who is impressed with how his team has bounced back after 19 days off during the Christmas break.
“A lot of people thought we would have a slow start. We’ve proved them wrong and we’re looking to get another huge weekend here with a big win on Friday,” he said.
