THUNDER BAY – Healthy competition between the pipes is never usually a bad thing for a hockey team.
Heading into the current season, it was widely thought American Blake Weyrick was the heir apparent in the Lakehead Thunderwolves net.
But six games into the season, it’s Brock Aiken who will get the start in goal on Friday night, as the T-Wolves get set to host their final two home games for the next three months.
After a couple of rough starts by Weyrick, who has a 5.18 goals against average in three appearances, Aiken stood tall in the Thunderwolves net in his debut, earning LU its first win of the season. He heads into weekend play against Toronto with a 2-1 record, a sparkling 1.83 goals against average and a .947 save percentage, the latter two statistics leaving him alone in second place in all of Ontario University Athletics.
The Thunder Bay native, who like most of his teammates sat out last season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, said being named the hockey team’s player of the month is a testament to the work the second-year veteran put in during last year’s lost season.
“I worked last year. Without the (season) it kind of sucked, actually, but I started working hard at the start of this year. When I came in, there was obviously a competition for playing time and I feel like I’ve showed up, done my best and I’m going to keep on going,” said Aiken, a graduate of the Thunder Bay Kings program who also spent time with the Kenora Thistles, Portage Terriers and Thunder Bay North Stars before landing at LU.
Even though their fighting for starts, Aiken, Weyrick and newcomer Max Wright and there for each other, cheering the other goaltenders on when it’s their turn to play.
“It’s just friendly competition. We know that obviously there are things out of control, but we’re just doing our best to control what we can and always supporting each other. Whoever is going and that’s how it’s going to be.”
Weyrick missed time after being pulled last Thursday night against the Ryerson Rams, but will be good to go this weekend if called upon, said Lakehead coach Andrew Wilkins.
Wright, the third goalie in the mix, who last played with the OJHL’s Burlington Cougars, has a 4.03 goals against average and a .917 save percentage, giving up four goals in Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Ryerson.
Wilkins said Aiken in particular has been exceptional this season, adding he’s encouraged by the trio’s potential.
“It’s good to have all three of them. All three are good kids and they’re pushing each other and making each other better,” Wilkins said.
“I think you’ve got to manage it the best you can. Brock will be our starting goalie on Friday. I think he’s earned that opportunity. He’s been playing as good as anyone in the league. We’re excited to see what he can do for us.”
The 2-4-0 Thunderwolves host Toronto on Friday and Saturday night. Game time is 7 p.m. each night.
