Cal Petersen is among the NHL leaders early this season with a .925 save percentage in his second full season with the Los Angeles Kings, quickly establishing himself as one of the League’s top young goaltenders just a couple of years after making his NHL debut.

Petersen reflected on that first NHL start in his chapter in The Power Within II, the new book co-authored by Justin Goldman of The Goalie Guild and former Dallas Stars goalie coach Mike Valley, who also worked with a young Petersen. His memories from that first start include some great insights on how he was able to overcome nerves by embracing the moment and creating some personal swagger as he headed to the game. Petersen, who is from Iowa, also shares an eye exercise he uses to focus himself using the American flag during the national anthem:

Remember, you can also hear more from the authors on Episode 101 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, and we’ve already featured a pair of insightful excerpts here at Premium:

Robin Lehner shared how he’s slowed the game down visually and mentally

Florida goalie coach Robb Tallas shared a lesson from Roberto Luongo on handling mistakes

How Jake Oettinger stayed in the moment on path to, and preparing for, first NHL start

Connor Hellebuyck shifts from studying what goes on around him to focusing on own game 

We’ve got more excerpts planned for Premium Members, so stay tuned.

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