Redmond Alert

Tech Freshman Becomes Key Part of Team’s Turnaround

by Christopher Boulay/CHN Writer

Coaches have ideas about how seasons will go and who will step into important roles on the ice before the season even begins. At the same time, they have to be prepared for surprises, because plans don’t always work as intended.

Michigan Tech coach Mel Pearson planned on both senior Matt Wintjes and sophomore Devin Kero working in a goaltending tandem at the start of the year, with the hopes that someone would come forward to win the job. Both goaltenders sat and waited their turn last season while Jamie Phillips played out his impressive senior season between the pipes.

However, the plan didn’t work. The Huskies began 1-5-2, with opening season sweeps by Minnesota-Duluth and Minnesota State. Neither goalie separated himself, with Kero posting an .883 save percentage, and Wintjes with just an .859.

By late October, it was clear Pearson needed to find a spark for the team.

The answer would come in mostly untested freshman Angus Redmond.

While playing slightly more than 12 minutes in a 7-3 victory over Alabama-Huntsville on Oct. 14, Redmond didn’t get his first start until two weeks later against Northern Michigan. In that game, he recorded a 19-save shutout. He followed his first victory with a second the next night, allowing just one goal on 30 shots.

“If I was smart enough, I would have played him from day one,” Pearson said.

Redmond started hot, and hasn’t cooled off since. The Langley, B.C., native currently has a .933 save percentage, tied for eighth in the nation. He proved to be a revelation for the Huskies (15-9-6), tallying three shutouts so far, and propelling his team to second in the WCHA standings. Michigan Tech hasn’t lost consecutive games since before he was the team’s starting goaltender, posting a 14-4-4 record dating back to that initial Northern Michigan series.

“It’s been quite the experience,” Redmond said. “Coming into the season, I was just hoping to get a few games in. I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew I might have a chance to play some games. I eventually got my chance a few weeks in, and tried to make the most of the opportunity.

“I’ve had a lot of help from the guys in front of me. We always have a really strong d-corps.”

That defensive corps proved crucial in Redmond’s transition to the college ranks. Though he’s 21 and has starting goaltending experience from his time with Salmon Arm of the BCHL, there’s been some adjustment to the NCAA game. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be a part of the fifth-ranked defense in the nation, as the Huskies only give up 2.03 goals per game.

The efforts from his defensemen — six of whom attended NHL development camps during the summer — significantly aided in this transition, working with his more active style of play and puck-handling.

“They’re great in front of me,” Redmond said. “They limit a lot of chances and keep a lot to the outside. There’s obviously a few breakdowns every night. (But) they’re solid every night and they show up to play. They’ve made my life not too difficult throughout the season. We’ve worked a lot together. I like to play the puck a lot in my game. A lot of communication between us has to happen. They’re a great d-corps and they help me out a lot.”

Pearson is confident that Redmond not only is the right goaltender to be the number one now, but he’s also the type of who can successfully guide the team to a MacNaughton Cup challenge and beyond.

The Huskies coach should know, as he’s worked with some notable names between the pipes in the past.

“I came from a situation at Michigan where we had Steve Shields, Marty Turco (and) Al Montoya, and just rode a guy. It’s no different here with him right now.”

Pearson explained that like any freshman, Redmond stepped into a difficult situation, and the adjustment wasn’t immediate. Michigan Tech’s practices are strenuous and working six days a week can be hard on a newcomer. However, the early work paid off as Redmond has quickly developed into one of the top netminders in the conference.

“A lot of it starts with him, “Pearson said. “Everybody can see the numbers, but what they don’t see is the person; the way he is around his teammates, the way he approaches the game, the way he prepares. All those things that the regular fan wouldn’t see, we see it every day. We understand his approach to the game, which is very serious and very professional.”

Not only has Redmond been excited about the opportunity, but he’s embraced his team’s goal of capturing another MacNaughton Cup. The Huskies have two games in hand on Bemidji State, and while many thought that the Beavers wouldn’t be caught in the chase for the No. 1 seed a couple months ago, Michigan Tech is quickly closing the gap. A sweep of Alabama-Huntsville this weekend would put the Huskies within striking distance of Bemidji when the two face each other next weekend at the Sanford Center.

“Everybody’s feeling really good right now,” Redmond said. “We’re getting some offense from different sources, and our (defense) is there every night. It’s nice to get some offensive output, and I think (the) team’s feeling really confident the next few weekends. We know we control our own fate in the WCHA. We have a chance to get up to the top and catch Bemidji.”

It’s clear that Redmond is adjusting fantastically to the pressures of the collegiate game, and he has the support of a talented team on the ice. But, just as importantly, he has the respect and admiration of the coach who took a chance on him in an effort to save the season.

“Since the time he’s gotten in the net, he hasn’t surrendered it,” Pearson said. “He’s played extremely well. A couple hiccups here and there, but for the most part, I think he’s been better than we ever hoped.”