Goalies looking to create tough decision for United States WJC coaches

EVERETT, Wash. -- Picking a starting goalie for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship from the three at select camp might be the toughest task facing the United States coaching staff.

Kyle Keyser (Boston Bruins), Cayden Primeau (Montreal Canadiens) and Spencer Knight (2019 draft eligible) are competing at the camp, which began at Angel Of The Wings Arena on Saturday and shifts to Sandman Centre in Kamloops, British Columbia on Tuesday.
The U.S. will play exhibition games against Russia at Sandman Centre on Dec. 20 (10 p.m. ET), and Czech Republic at George Preston Recreation Centre in Langley, British Columbia on Dec. 22 (10 p.m. ET).
\[Complete World Junior Championship schedule\]
"We just want to find the guy who gives us the best possible opportunity to have success and perform in different situations and battles around the net," said assistant coach David Lassonde, who will work with the goalies. "Who will make that 10-bell save when needed? Who's going to be the guy to make the timely save? We want a guy that not only permeates confidence in the staff but his team, so they know that if things get a little messy in the defensive zone there's going to be an eraser in net."
The
2019 WJC runs Dec. 26 to Jan. 5
in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia.
The U.S. has kept three goalies on the roster in six of the past seven tournaments, with 2016 the exception. General manager John Vanbiesbrouck said there's a strong chance the three goalies at select camp make this year's roster.
"We're going to let the goalie position play itself out because it could go in different directions," coach Mike Hastings said. "We might have a couple of guys we feel can go out and win us hockey games, or one player who never gives it up and separates himself. Right now it's about the opportunity to either play your way into that spot or out of it."
Knight, 17, is the youngest of the three but has international experience; he had a 2.42 goals-against average and .901 save percentage in five games to help the U.S. finish second at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. In 16 games with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program under-18 team this season, he's 12-2-0 with a 2.40 GAA and a .922 save percentage. He received an A rating from NHL Central Scouting in its November Players to Watch list and could be a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
"Pressure comes natural as a goaltender, but you just have to look at it positively," Knight (6-foot-3, 197 pounds) said. "I think I play better when there's more pressure. I rely on my foundation and calm approach to the game."

Lassonde has been impressed by Knight's mental approach to the position.
"I like his calmness," Lassonde said. "He has confidence in his game and it shows in the way he plays. He loves a challenge, is big, athletic and strong, and has the skill set and mental makeup that has put him in a position as a potential first-round pick."
Primeau, 19, was a seventh-round pick (No. 199) by the Canadiens in the 2017 NHL Draft. He's 10-3 with one tie, two shutouts, a 2.40 GAA and .918 save percentage in 14 games in his second season at Northeastern University. As a freshman last season he had a 1.92 GAA and .931 save percentage in 34 games. He led Northeastern to its first Beanpot tournament championship since 1988 and was named Hockey East Goaltender of the Year.
"I knew I would have to battle for the (starting) position at Northeastern, and I went in with an open mind," said Primeau (6-3, 181), the son of former NHL forward Keith Primeau. "Over the years I've learned to play with a little bit of pressure. Just being around my dad, I took things from him even though I know he played a different position. But it's all about how you handle yourself in big moments."
Primeau also has the right mental makeup to be successful in the tournament, according to Lassonde.
"I like his battle level," he said. "He has proven that when things don't go well he can park it and move on, and that's huge as a goalie."

Keyser, 19, is 16-5-1 with a 2.37 GAA, .931 save percentage and two shutouts in 24 games with Oshawa of the Ontario Hockey League. The undrafted free agent signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Bruins on Oct. 3, 2017.
"We're all excited about the goalie competition and know how good the competition will be; it brings out the best in us," Keyser (6-2, 178) said. "If you can't handle pressure as a goalie you're not playing the right position. I love knowing that I can go out there and be the difference in a game."
Lassonde has been impressed by how far Keyser has come in playing the position.
"His compete is great," he said. "I've seen a steady improvement in his game; he knows his strengths and what his game is and plays to those strengths. He has a calm demeanor and as a result his game has calmed down. He's learned how to manage how to play the position."