Shot on Goal:Goalie Photography

Army vs Bentley

Today’s game is special one for me because it’s the reason I began shooting hockey. Years ago my wife ,a West Point graduate, and daughter would come home from the Army hockey games and tell me what a great time they had. So one February night I decided to check out a game against Holy Cross. I brought the camera just in case I got bored. After spending the the first period on the boards shooting, I realized I was hooked. The pictures from that night were nothing special but they fueled my desire to learn more about hockey photography.

One of the things that draws me to Army hockey is the fact that most of these kids will not get the opportunity to play in the NHL after their time at West Point . This is because they have a five year commitment to the US Military after graduation. Knowing that, these kids play for the love of the game. It’s truly an inspiration to watch.  

Once the game is over, it’s time to share the shots. My wife will take over and send the the pictures to the kids on the team, their parents and other graduates of the Academy.  Many of the parents live to far away to attend the games, so this is one way they can see their kids in action. I figure this is just one small way of giving back to these kids who’s next stop after graduation will probably be Iraq or Afghanistan.

Note: I change my shooting style when I shoot an Army game. I’ll shoot the whole team, not just the goalies. (Click on Army vs Bentley to view more pictures of the game.)

Army Goalie, Jay Clark

Army took the first game of the weekend series 5-1.  Junior goaltender Jay Clark picked up his third win of the season stopping 31 of 32 shots on goal. Army goals were scored by Cody Omilusik, his first career hat trick, Mike Hull and Mike Santee.

Clark sends the rebound off to the right in first period action.

Clark stops the shot while being screened by Bentley's Brendan Harrison

Bentley Goalie, Kyle Rank

Goalie Kyle Rank got the call to start in net only minutes before the beginning of the game. Rank stopped 40 of 45 shots. Bentley’s lone goal came on a short handed bid in the second period by freshman Brett Hartung.

Goalie Kyle Rank stops a second period bid by Army

Rank stops a third period breakaway by Army's Mike Santee