From shaky back-up to dependable back-up, Bolton Pouliot has taken a big step forward in recent weeks.
The Red Deer Rebels No. 2 goaltender has dramatically lowered his goals-against average and raised his save percentage while getting into a small handful of games, and posted his first-ever WHL win when the Rebels prevailed 3-2 Feb. 17 at Kamloops with Pouliot making 37 saves.
It’s certainly been a feel-good story considering how the Calgary native struggled when having his number called earlier in the season. And while he’s feeling better about himself, the 17-year-old remains very much a company man.
“It’s been good getting the opportunity to play more and when I’m called upon I’m just going in there and doing what I’m supposed to do,” he said. “I’m not expected to play most of the games, I’m expected to be there when called upon.”
Pouliot credits second-year Rebels goaltending coach Brent Belecki for the improvement in his play.
“Belecks has changed my game completely from the beginning of the season, when I was ready for that first shot but not always able to make that second save,” said Pouliot. “Belecks has helped me out in making sure that I can actually play at this level.
“We’ve worked a lot on my technical skills, doing one-on-one drills and working on little things. It’s not a big thing you have to work on, it’s all the little things, the little details.”
Rebels GM/head coach Jesse Wallin is naturally appreciative of Pouliot’s progression and suggested much of his improvement has come between the ears.
“Bolton hasn’t played a lot, especially in the second half, but he’s started to think less,” said Wallin. “The biggest thing with Bolton is the mental side of the game. He plays his best hockey when he comes on in relief . . . when he steps in and hasn’t had a lot of time to think about the game and get himself worked up.
“He’s done a good job for us as of late. That’s what you need in a back-up — a guy who can step in for you and get you a couple of points when your top gun isn’t in there.”
Wallin also believes that Belecki has been a big help and served as a calming influence to Pouliot. The 34-year-old Calgary firefighter stopped pucks for the Portland Winterhawks in the mid to late ‘90s and went on to play seven seasons at the minor pro level.
“Belecks has done an outstanding job. He’s a guy who really relates to the players well. He played in the league not that long ago,” said Wallin.
“The players relate to him very well and he understands the shoes that they’re in. He’s been a young goaltender as a back-up in this league and also a starting goaltender for a Memorial Cup team. He knows what it takes to win, so he’s been a real good addition for us.
“Kuemps (2010-11 CHL goaltender of the year Darcy Kuemper) credited him (Belecki) last year for the season that he had and he’s been very good for all three of our guys this season.”
The bottom line is that in recent weeks Pouliot, with a limited amount of playing time, has clearly put himself back in the picture regarding full-time employment next season, whereas the Rebels not so long ago might have been looking at a different scenario.
“It’s nice, but I owe a lot to the guys around me,” said Pouliot. “In that Kamloops game, especially, they didn’t give the Blazers much. They (Blazers) had a lot of shots from the outside and I owe that to my team. Numbers are numbers, but it’s not just one guy doing it.”
Pouliot attended a goaltending academy in Calgary last year and will go that route again this summer.
“There will be lots of one-of-one work during the off-season, but we have a lot more hockey to play here yet,” he said. “We have nine (regular-season) games left and we’re still pushing for that playoff berth.”
Pouliot couldn’t predict when and if he’ll be back between the pipes this season, but he promised he’ll be ready to go if the situation arises.
“It’s day by day. If I’m called upon I just have to go in there and do my job,” he said.
gmeachem@www.reddeeradvocate.com