(Image credit: CFJC Today/File photo).

By Michael Reeve

BLAZERS PLAYOFFS

Blazers goalie Ernst proving he can handle playoff pressure

Apr 14, 2023 | 12:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — They are the last line of defence for a hockey team.

When all else has failed, it’s up to the goaltender to stop the puck. For that reason, they must play under more pressure than anyone else.

Like all successful goalies, the Blazers’ Dylan Ernst relishes the responsibility. After an outstanding regular season that saw him lead the league in wins, he’s proving the brighter spotlight of the playoffs suits him well.

Ernst is coming off one of the greatest goaltending seasons in Kamloops Blazers history. His 38 wins was second only to the 48 wins posted by Corey Hirsch in the 1989-90 season.

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“I think Ernie has had a great season. From start to finish he’s been competitive, he’s found ways to get better,” Shaun Clouston, Blazers head coach says.

Despite the praise Ernst has received for his play, he remains humble and credits the players in front of him for his success.

“It’s great. Our team is just playing our best hockey I’d say, and we got more to prove,” Ernst says.

Entering the season, the 18-year-old was hardly a proven asset between the pipes. Playing behind Dylan Garand last season, Ernst only saw action in 24 games. And while he posted a .900 save percentage and a goals against average under 3.00, he never saw the ice in the playoffs. Instead, he watched and learned from Garand.

“Especially in playoffs, I noticed he was the exact same throughout the whole year. He didn’t take a day off. He didn’t treat any game different, treated everything the exact same,” Ernst recollects.

Ernst seems to be a good learner. In his first playoff game against Vancouver, he was perfect. In fact, in the four game sweep of the Giants, he matched his regular season total of two shutouts. His play has earned the respect of the players and coaches in the room.

“Lots of confidence. I think he’s got the most out of all of us. He’s playing really well, so we just got to play good in front of him and he’ll take care of the rest,” Ryan Hofer says.

“Definitely it’s huge having him back there. He was really good for us in the first series, especially in that last game, it was kind of back and forth at time but we’re going to need him big time down the stretch here,” Captain Logan Stankoven adds.

The series win over Vancouver is now a thing of the past as the Blazers focus on the challenge of beating the Portland Winter Hawks in the second round. Ernst appears to be up to the challenge.

“Having this week is really nice getting everything we need fixed, fixed. And we’re going to come out super hot against Portland,” Ernst says.

Game one of the best-of-seven second round series begin Friday (April 14) at 7 p.m. at the Sandman Centre. Game two goes Saturday.