GOALTENDER IN THE MIST

The Rangers have announced that they have signed goaltender Cameron Talbot out of the University of Alabama-Huntsville. I would expect that the organization will look at one or two other netminders before the start of training camp next fall. Chad Johnson  has had his ups and downs this season and while no one has said it, there has to be some concern about Johnson’s struggles this season. He has been very good and very bad at times. One issue that is out there for sure is the number of rebounds that he does leave out there on the ice.

The other concern is over Matt Zaba. There is no doubt at all that Zaba has talent. But the Pack backup has had more than his share of struggles this season. The consistency of solid performance between the pipes, what has been the key to the Pack’s success these past 13 years with minders like Jason LaBarbera, Al Montoya, Steve Valiquette et al, has not even remotely been there this season.

Howlings spoke with Danton Cole, Cameron’s head coach at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

In the first clip, Coach Cole gives a general assessment of Talbot:

In the second clip, Cole speaks about the way that Cole plays in the net.

In this third clip, the UAH coach discusses Talbot’s ability to handle the puck.

In this clip, Cole talks about the teams that were interested in Talbot.

Finally, Cole talks about the plans for what Talbot is going to be doing.

Here’s the official release from the Rangers:

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with free agent goaltender Cameron Talbot.

Talbot, 22, was named the 2010 College Hockey America (CHA) tournament MVP and selected to the CHA All Tournament Team after backstopping the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers to their second CHA tournament championship.  Talbot appeared in 33 games with the Chargers (CHA) this past season, posting a 12-18-3 record, along with a 2.60 goals against average, a .925 save percentage and one shutout.  He established career-highs in games played, wins, goals against average and save percentage this season.  His .925 save percentage led all CHA goaltenders and tied for sixth overall in the NCAA, while he ranked second in the conference in wins and goals against average.  He recorded a 29-save shutout against Robert Morris in the first round of the CHA conference tournament on March 12, his second career collegiate shutout.  Talbot registered five 40-plus save performances this season, including a season-high 46 saves in a 2-2 tie on December 4 at Robert Morris.  In addition, he recorded a career-high four-game winning streak from January 30 vs. Niagara to February 20 vs. Robert Morris, posting a 2.25 goals against average and a .926 save percentage over the span.

The 6-3, 185-pounder appeared in 70 career NCAA games with the Chargers, posting a record of 15-44-6, along with a 3.10 goals against average, a .907 save percentage and two shutouts.  Talbot registered his first collegiate shutout with a 33-save effort in a 1-0 win at Yale on November 21, 2008.  Prior to making his collegiate debut in 2007-08, he appeared in 82 OJHL games with the Hamilton Red Wings, registering a 40-18-0 record with a 2.38 goals against average and a .912 save percentage.

(Photo courtesy of al.com)