EYECANDYAIR was able to catch up with a member of our goalie family
Mark Amato from Ithaca, NY
To do this special exclusive one-on-one interview!
ECA: What inspired you to be a goalie?
MA: I used to play a lot of pick-up and I got tired of never having someone to shoot on. I wasn't a great forward so I figured I'd try playing goalie.
ECA: How old were you when you started?
MA: I was 19. I got into the position late but I've been playing about four times a week since I started. 3 years later, I'm almost caught up with guys that have been playing since they were little.
ECA: What is the highest level you have played?
MA: I'm the starting goalie for the Cornell University Roller Hockey team which competes in Division 2 of the Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey Association. I've been an All-Star alternate in the league for two years running. On ice, I've been playing at the A2/B1 level in the New England Senior Hockey League.
ECA: Did you ever have a goalie coach?
MA: Nope, although I attend a goalie clinic every year. I know my flaws fairly well and I am a firm believer that the best coach out there is yourself.
ECA: What style of goaltending do you play?
MA: Pure butterfly. I'm a tall guy so I cover more net than pretty much everyone else in the league. I've also learned how to move very quickly while down in the butterfly, so I can get away with a simplified game.
ECA: How many times a week do you play?
MA: Ice at least twice a week, and roller at least once.
ECA: What are your strengths?
MA: I play my angles very well and use my ability to telescope to take away the entire net. Most shots hit me in the chest or pants because there's not a whole lot to shoot at. I'm also fairly athletic, so I have been known to pull some saves out of a hat when my team needs it.
ECA: Care to add weaknesses?
MA: Get me moving side to side (or, frankly, any inline goalie) and my size advantage gets taken away. Also, I sometimes let in a softie now and then, but I'm working to get those ironed out.
ECA: Who is your favourite NHL goalie?
MA: Roberto Luongo. His entire game is based around being big and playing simple, but he's so athletic he can pull off old school moves or reaction saves when things get rough.
ECA: What type of gear are you wearing?
MA: A gigantic mishmash of stuff:
ECA: Do you have any game superstitions?
MA: After every whistle and before every puck drop, I tap my posts right to left three times.
ECA: Any advice to other goalies out there?
MA: There's no substitute for playing. Play as often as you can and always take it seriously.
ECA: Anything else you'd like to add?
MA: Go Red!
Mark, that was so much fun! Thanks for taking time to chat with us and share your goaltending experiences and thoughts for all to read.
Best of luck on the ice and enjoy your brand new EYECANDYAIR custom painted goalie mask!
If you are a member of the EYECANDYAIR family and would like to be a featured goalie, please send us an email info@eyecandyair.com
