InGoal Radio Episode 244 with Erik Portillo
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Erik Portillo credits Henrik Lundqvist as a formative influence during his time in the Frolunda system in Sweden, including a personal interaction that shaped his development. Portillo later chose to attend the University of Michigan, where balancing NCAA hockey with a demanding academic program helped prepare him for his first professional season with the Los Angeles Kings, during which he made significant changes to his tactical and technical approach.
- Henrik Lundqvist personally influenced Portillo during his youth hockey years in the Frolunda system in Sweden.
- Portillo made a deliberate decision to come to North America as a teenager and chose the University of Michigan for both its hockey program and academic rigor.
- Balancing NCAA academics with elite hockey demands provided Portillo with mental tools that eased his transition to professional hockey with the LA Kings.
- Portillo has made significant changes to his tactical and technical goaltending approach since joining the Kings organization.
- When buying a hockey mask for a young goalie, fit and certified protection levels matter more than brand name.
Episode 244 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports, features an in-depth interview with Los Angeles Kings prospect Erik Portillo.
Feature Interview
presented by NHL Sense Arena
In that feature interview presented by NHL Sense Arena, Portillo shares his roots in the position growing up in Sweden, including the influence of goalie coaching from an early age and the impact (and a personal interaction) that Henrik Lundqvist had on him as a young goalie in the Frolunda system. Portillo walks us through his decision to come to North America as a teenager, how he ended up at the University of Michigan, and the unique challenges — and personal benefits — of balancing the demands of NCAA hockey with the desire to also push himself academically in a tough program, and how it’s made his first year as a pro easier in some ways despite making some significant changes to his tactical and technical approach (which he also discusses in detail) since joining the Kings.
Parent Segment
presented by Stop It Goaltending U
We also introduce a new segment for parents, answering your questions. This week – what mask to I buy for my son or daughter? (hint: we don’t name a specific brand).
Weekly Gear Segment
presented by The Hockey Shop Source for SportsAll that, plus an in-person trip to The Hockey Shop Source for Sports for a closer look at the CCM All Out custom graphics program, and how to plan and order your own personalized set.
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