Fucale: 'All of the work I'm doing will pay off one day'

LAVAL - Zach Fucale has made his fair share of trips between Laval and Brampton so far this season.

Once again this week, the young goaltender practiced with the Rocket before being re-assigned to the Beast to play a couple of games over the weekend.
It probably hasn't been the type of season he was hoping for when he had his mask painted with Rocket colors last summer.
"It wasn't easy to accept at the start, but it's just one of the challenges I have to overcome. The guys describe me as being a positive person. I'm not always like that, but I just have to keep on working. Like now, I had the chance to be here for the week and spend some extra time on the ice, do more work and really get myself ready for my games this weekend. I'm not taking anything for granted here and I'm using it the best way possible. I think if I prepare like that, I'll have success," mentioned Fucale, during Thursday's media availability at Place Bell before heading back to the ECHL ranks.
Admittedly, though, it isn't easy for Fucale to maintain a completely positive outlook day after day.
"When I'm at the rink, it's easier to stay positive because we're on the ice and that's what I like to do. But, there are moments when you have to be realistic and you say to yourself: "You know what, sometimes in life things really do suck - and that's o.k." Everybody has to overcome tough times," he admitted.
But, the local product is far from feeling demoralized. Things aren't easy right now, but Fucale is still happy.
The goaltender noted that "things change quickly in the hockey world" and referenced the story behind veteran Jeff Glass' career. Glass just made it to the NHL at age 32, suiting up for the Chicago Blackhawks.
But, Fucale isn't putting his heart and soul into his craft at practice to write a similar tale.
"I don't play the game so that will be me. I play because I love it. I'm not here because I have to be here, I'm here because I want to be here. Of course I want to play with the Rocket. I want to be in there for big games, but my time will come. Right now, I'm at the stage where I need to be ready for the moment when it arrives," said Fucale.

Fucale is convinced that all of his efforts really do represent a long-term investment.
"You have to look at the whole picture. I sincerely believe that all of the work I'm doing, all of the games I'm playing that aren't in the spotlight, all of the things I'm doing off the ice, will pay off. It might be hard to see right now, but I really believe that with all the work I'm doing, all of the extra hours I'm putting in on the ice, and all of the extra practices, it will all pay off," said Fucale, who boasts a 5-2-0 record in eight games with the Rocket, along with a 3.32 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage.
Whether he's in Laval or Brampton, though, Fucale continues to enjoy himself and has confidence in his abilities.
"I'm playing well. I'm confident and I'm staying positive with a good state of mind. I'm not really a main focus for the team right now and that's fine. It gives me time to get back to basics. I'm working on things that really are priceless. You can't buy experience like this. Right now, I think I'm the best goaltender I've ever been. That's good, because it motivates me to work even more on my game and I know I can still make progress. I still have work to do to get to the NHL," concluded Fucale.