Getting To Know: Cal Petersen

Hockey players can come from anywhere. Whether you're from Slovenia, California, or even Waterloo, Iowa; if you're good enough, there's a path for you. For Cal Petersen, a small-town Iowa native with big dreams to make it to the NHL, he found that path.

After growing up in Waterloo, Iowa, Petersen took his talents to Chicago to play with the U18 Chicago Young Americans (CYA) as a 15-year-old. Following a successful run with CYA, Petersen had the fortune to go home and play for his hometown team, the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League. Over the next three years, Petersen would post a record of 51-19-5, earning himself a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame.

In his three-year bout with the Fighting Irish, Petersen appeared in 110 games and went 55-39-15, which included making over 3,000 saves. Notably, in his final season with Notre Dame, Petersen's on and off ice leadership qualities and skill gained him the captainship of the team. Petersen's collegiate career would with two NCAA Tournament appearances, where he went 2-2, reaching Frozen Four in his junior year.

Petersen was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the 129th overall selection in the fifth round but ultimately did not sign with them. Following Petersen's three-year career at Notre Dame, the tendy signed with the Kings as a free agent on July 1, 2017.
Between 2017-2020, Petersen would work as the back-stop for the Kings AHL affiliate, Ontario Reign. In 116 games, Petersen went 53-51-7 and recorded a save percentage north of .900.
During his tenure with the Reign, Petersen made his NHL debut on November 13, 2018 in relief of Peter Budaj. In the 35 minutes that Petersen played, the rookie made 16 saves, allowing just one goal. Three days later, Petersen made his first career NHL start in Chicago, where part of his youth career took off. In an overtime thriller, Petersen stopped 35-36 shots in a 2-1 victory for the Kings.

Year-to-date, Petersen has appeared in 22 games for the Kings and produced a 11-9-1 record. The lefty also has a career 2.59 GAA and a .923 SV%.
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