Pistons’ Radomsky enjoying WJAC experience

 

Photo credit:  Matthew Murnaghan/Hockey Canada Images

Considered a pretty cool customer in the net, goaltender Matt Radomsky admitted to being a tad nervous earlier this week when he suited up for Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville, AB.

The seasoned Steinbach Pistons’ goaltender settled down pretty quick, reflected in an impressive 6-1 win over Team Canada East.

“Yeah, for sure I was a little nervous,” said Radomsky, who hails from Winnipeg. “It was a little bigger stage than what I’m used to ─ representing my country, scouts watching, bigger crowd and being an international level tournament.”

“This was my first time pulling on a Team Canada jersey. It’s a real honour. I suppose after that first shot, I went back to playing my game.”

Which on that night was a win. Winning is what Radomsky has done a lot of while playing for the Pistons. He’s currently leading all MJHL goaltenders in wins with 15 after 23 starts. Consider that he earned 20 wins all of last season, it’s a pretty safe bet he’ll easily surpass last year’s win totals.

At 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, Radomsky is a big goaltender who takes up a lot of net. He’s also shown he knows how to play under pressure, and stop pucks. It’s those qualities which is drawing the attention of the many college scouts in attendance at Bonnyville.

Radomsky is very open about his future ambitions: to play college hockey. And he says a number of schools have shown interest in him. In fact, he’s already received one solid offer which he’s seriously considering.

Meanwhile, Radomsky is clearly focused on the task at hand. Winning for Team Canada West, who just so happen to be the defending WJAC champions. The tournament wraps up the weekend of Dec. 16-17. And Radomsky and Team West teammates want to be in that final.

“Being here has been a great experience,” he says. “When we’re not playing or being at the rink, we do a lot of team building. The other day we went bowling. That was a lot fun; I hadn’t bowled for quite a few years.”

Radomsky says the calibre of player at the WJAC is impressive. “Very high skill level. The shots are definitely harder. It’s a very fast-paced game. Very high level.”

Radomsky is one of three MJHLers on Team Canada West, joined by Reilly Funk of the Portage Terriers and Matt Osadick from the Swan Valley Stampeders. Also on the bench is athletic therapist Hailee Dayman of Virden Oil Capitals, while Kevin Saurette (MJHL’s Director of Operations), is off ice for Team Canada West.

While he’s a member of Team West this week, Radomsky admits he’s still closely following the fortunes of his Piston pals. “I saw they beat Neepawa the other day in the Showcase. I definitely check their scores and keep up to how they’re doing.”

Interestingly, but likely not coincidence, Radomsky is roomed with the other Team West goaltender Matt Davis (Spruce Grove/AJHL). Both are battling to become the No. 1 ‘tender for Team West.

“He (Davis) is a good guy. We obviously have a lot in common both being goaltenders.”

And both hoping to take home a gold medal!

Fans wanting to follow the WJAC can go to: HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC