It didn't take long for Estevan Power Dodge Bruins rookie goaltender Curtis Meger to find his game in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).
“So far, so good,” said Meger, who has a 3.20 goals against average (GAA) and .910 save percentage (SP) through 13 SJHL games. “I'm obviously playing a lot, so I really like that aspect of the game and so far I think I'm adjusting to the league and the speed really well.”
The 18 year old has compiled a 7-4 record through those 13 games including a 37-save 5-0 shutout win over the Yorkton Terriers at Affinity Place on Nov. 1. Meger credits his daily routine and the help of Bruins veteran goalie Nathan Alalouf for the early success.
“We've had him since he's 15 and he comes from a winning background and that's what's expected, so that's what he's brought here,” said Bruins assistant coach Aren Miller. “He's vocal, he practises hard, he's technically sound, he's everything you want. The best part is he's a good kid too. He comes here and does his job and doesn't cause a stink or anything like that, so it's easy to work with him.”
Meger joined the Bruins on Oct. 17 after being reassigned by the Western Hockey League's (WHL) Prince Albert Raiders. He saw his first action in a relief role for Alalouf during a 6-5 overtime win over the Terriers at Affinity Place on Oct. 25 before notching his first start, a 39-save 5-4 road win against the La Ronge Ice Wolves at Mel Hegland Arena, three days later.
“Megs had his heart set on making PA and when that didn't happen he needs to play and he wants to play, so I don't think Megs came here with the mindset of just being a junior A backup,” said Miller. “He is going to push Al for as many minutes as he can and I think his play has led to that. He's not here to be a backup. He's here to try and be a number one and that only makes your team better when you've got a couple of goalies like these two battling for minutes.”
The 6-foot-1 and 172-pound netminder spent the past two seasons as the starting goaltender for his hometown Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League's (SMHL) Regina Pat Canadians where he picked up a league championship in the 2014-15 season followed by a bronze medal at the national midget AAA championship Telus Cup. Meger also won the SMHL top goaltender award and best GAA award both seasons along with a SMHL first all-star team selection in his rookie year.
That 2014-15 season also saw Meger get his first taste of SJHL action when the then 16 year old came into a Bruins game in relief for Tyler Gutenberg.
“We were in Melville and we were losing 5-0 I think and the coach came in (during) the second intermission and said I was going in,” said Meger. “I was like 'oh boy.' Just a little kid going in, but I remember I got scored on once from the slot. It was a really hard shot. I was like 'oh I got to be ready for the next one,' but I think I probably had 12 or 15 shots and that was a good experience back then as a young kid coming up. I had lots of fun.”
Before joining the Bruins this season, Meger suited up for three pre-season games with the Raiders posting a 2-1 record along with a 5.74 GAA and .862 SP. Meger stuck around with the club for nine regular season games, but didn't see any action with Prince Albert relying on Ian Scott and Nicholas Sanders to handle the duties.
“It was unbelievable,” he said. “The atmosphere there was awesome. The fans love their hockey and the organization is so professional. I have no bad things to say about it. It was an unreal experience and I'm so glad I got to be there for a couple of months. I definitely come here with the same mindset that I had there in always working hard and coming to the rink every day prepared because at that level you have to. There is no way around it. You have to be at your best every day and I think that's why I'm having success here so far.”
