Balsar Ready To Compete Between The Pipes
September 7, 2006 - SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
CELEBRATION, Fla. - Competition, they say, is healthy - especially if it comes from within. It can motivate an athlete and help to make teammates better.
Goaltender Matt Balsar is hoping to accomplish both.
The Florida Seals and Head Coach Tommy Stewart announced that they have agreed to terms with the Oshawa, Ontario native. He will join the Seals at training camp in October as the backup to SPHL Goaltender of the Year Terry Denike.
"I look at this as a learning experience - my first year pro," Balsar said about working with Denike. "I can put the pressure on and make him better the same way he can make me better at the same time."
From an early age, Balsar wanted to be a goalie because of the importance of the position.
"I just like being that last string of defense on a team," he explained. "A goalie can make or break a game. I like that pressure."
His career began at the double-A level in Oshawa. He then moved to the Central Junior League where he played for the Port Perry Mojacks for four years before heading to the Eastern Ontario Senior "A" League and the Whitby Dunlops.
Despite starting the season as the number two net minder, Balsar's play earned him the number one spot by mid-season. He posted a 14-1 record with a goals against average of 2.83 and a save percentage of .914. The Dunlops made it all the way to the finals before falling.
"It was unreal. The players I played behind were great," Balsar said. "I had to work for my spot because the goalie I came in against had a couple of years (of experience) in the OHL. I actually signed as the number two goalie but took over the number one role halfway through the season and carried it through the playoffs. Having such a great year after not winning anything in juniors was definitely a confidence builder."
That confidence, according to the 22 year old, manifests itself both physically and mentally.
"I think staying focused and my quick reflexes make me a good goalie," he explained. "Being in the right place at the right time make me good also."
Balsar's path to Florida was actually paved before he knew it. Whitby player/assistant coach Cory Bricknell and Seals coach Tommy Stewart had played together in 1997-1998 with the Brantford Smoke in the UHL. When Bricknell suggested that Balsar look into playing professionally, he immediately brought up Stewart.
"I sent Tommy an email and he wrote me back saying he was interested in having me on the team," Balsar noted. "The fact that he had the confidence in me to sign me right away based on what he had talked to my old coaches about did it for me."
Coach Stewart likes what he has heard about Balsar.
"He's a young kid but very smart. He comes highly recommended," Stewart said. "The kid is going to be a very good goalie. I expect him to push Terry (Denike) this year."
As for personal goals, Balsar is more team related than focused on himself.
"I want to keep my goals against average under three, which I see as pretty good," he said. "I just want to meet Tommy's expectations that he sets out for me."
"I want to work hard hopefully and push Terry and overall be a good team guy," he added. "If the coach is happy with my hard work, that's what I made it for."
The Florida Seals are currently in preparation for the 2006-2007 (SPHL) season. The Seals return to the Silver Spurs Arena is only 50 days away. Florida Seals will begin their season at home on October 27th vs. Huntsville at 7:35pm. Season ticket packages and corporate sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For more information please call the Seals at (407) 343-7825 or log on to www.floridaseals.com.
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SPHL Stories from September 7, 2006
- Balsar Ready To Compete Between The Pipes - Florida Seals
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