By Chad Klassen

Blazers struggles hitting Dylan Ferguson hard between the pipes

Jan 17, 2019 | 5:40 PM

KAMLOOPS — Dylan Ferguson is going through what many other netminders have experienced during their careers, and that is a struggle with confidence. 

Ferguson admitted on Thursday he pulled himself from Tuesday night’s game with Kamloops down 3-1 to Moose Jaw after the first period.

“I just didn’t think I was in the right head space at the time and I just wanted to do what’s right for the team,” Ferguson told CFJC Today. “After talking with the coaches, that’s how we felt.”

Ferguson says he’s been struggling with the mental side of the game for a bit now, and it’s something he’s had to battle through. 

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“I just think I’m overthinking things a bit and I just need to calm down and playing my game,” he said. “There’s nothing I’m not happy with. I think I just need to step up my game a little bit. I’m not unhappy about anything.”

Blazers goaltender coach Dan DePalma has been working with Ferguson and trying to redirect his focus to the things he’s been doing well. 

“A lot of times you’re taking responsibility and blame on things that maybe you’re not doing anything wrong,” said DePalma. “You be honest. You get into video, you get into things on the ice and try to find the little things you can do to get better, and remind yourself of all the things you’ve done right. Sometimes you can do things right and it just doesn’t go your way.”

Head coach Serge Lajoie has been supportive of his starting goalie throughout this process, including Ferguson’s decision to leave the game on Tuesday. 

“I have to respect his decision in that case. I found there was no other option,” noted Lajoie before practice on Thursday. “Again, I think first and foremost, yes we want to win games, but we’re also here to provide an environment where athletes are comfortable to be able to not only develop but also be comfortable to acknowledge that sometimes there’s going to be some downs you’ve got to struggle through.”

Lajoie feels Ferguson, like the rest of the team, is focusing too much on the losses and not how he’s playing. 

“When things aren’t going well, or you’re not getting the results you hope for with all the work you put in, it’s easy to hang your level of confidence on wins and losses,” said the first-year WHL head coach. “For Dylan, specific to goaltending, is his positioning, the saves he’s able to make, how he controls rebounds. That’s how he’s going to draw confidence. He’s had some tremendous games for us where he’s ended up being on the wrong side at the end of the game.”

Ferguson’s backup, 16-year-old Dylan Garand, replaced him for the rest of the game against the Warriors, only allowing two goals over two periods. Garand understands Ferguson’s struggles exactly.

“I keep reminding him that it’s going to be there. It’s just a process to get through. Everyone goes through it in their careers, so it’s not something that’s only happening to him,” said Garand. “I’m just reminding him that he’s not alone through this. I’m there for him. So is everyone else in that locker room.”

A decision still hasn’t been made on how will start in net for the Blazers on Friday night when they host the CHL’s No. 1-ranked Prince Albert Raiders.