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Saturday, January 20, 2001

Netminding is his business
IceRays’ goalie Eddy Skazyk has made the most of his opportunity
By Javier Becerra
Caller-Times

David Adame/Caller-Times

The IceRays have posted a 8-3-2 record since Eddy Skazyk took over as starting goalie.

To Eddy Skazyk, life as a professional hockey player is nothing more than a job.
   "You have to put in some time your first couple of years," Skazyk said. "You always start at the lowest level. Sometimes early on, you'll open a few eyes and they'll give you a chance. That's when you have to take advantage."
   After two years of patiently waiting for his chance with the IceRays, Skazyk hasn't disappointed.
   Since becoming the team's No. 1 goaltender on Dec. 15 following the trade of Jason Carey to Fort Worth, Skazyk has started 13 of Corpus Christi's last 14 games, helping lead the IceRays to a 7-3-2 record.
   Tonight Skazyk will likely see Carey across the ice in goal for Fort Worth, as the Brahmas visit Memorial Coliseum for the first time since the holiday swap, which sent forward Layne Roland to Corpus Christi.
   Don't expect Skazyk, however, to consider Carey's presence a distraction.

David Adame/Caller-Times

Corpus Christi goalie Eddy Skazyk (right) stops a puck against Amarillo on Wednesday. Skazyk’s .913 save percentage ranks third in the WPHL.

   "It's a very mental position. If you're not 100 percent focused on the game or following the puck, there's a good chance it's going to go in the net," said Skazyk, whose .912 save percentage is the fourth best mark in the Western Professional Hockey League.
   "People always ask me if I hear them yell my name. I do, but if I look up at every fan, it takes me off my game," Skazyk said. "I feel bad I can't acknowledge them, but I've got a job to do. All it takes is one brief moment. I try to eliminate everything else around me. Little distractions will cause you to make mistakes."
   Corpus Christi hasn't made many mistakes with Skazyk in front of the net. The IceRays have continued their steady rise in the Eastern Division by winning seven of their last nine games, including a X-X win * over the first-place Austin Ice Bats Friday night.
   Coach Taylor Hall said Skazyk has been a key factor during Corpus Christi's recent run.
   "Eddy's proven he's as good as any goalie in the league," Hall said. "I want every guy who plays for me to be better when they leave. In the two years we've had Eddy, he's definitely gotten better. He's at the top of his game, and now is his time to shine."
   The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Skazyk (11-8-2) has allowed 63 goals and made 652 saves in 25 appearances this season. He stopped 34 shots in last Wednesday's 7-3 win over Amarillo, and followed that with a XX-save performance against Austin.
   Hall said Skazyk doesn't put much stock into individual statistics.
   "He loves to win and cares about the team first," Hall said. "Some players care about themselves more than the team, but Eddy's one of those guys who has no problem taking a back seat. He's just been waiting for an opportunity and has been very loyal."
   Skazyk also wants to be known for his consistency, which he believes acts as a catalyst for the rest of the team.
   "I'm counted on to play the full 60 minutes," Skazyk said. "It's tough and exhausting and not every one is going to go my way, but you have to forget about that. Being consistent builds confidence in you. When the rest of the team sees that, they can start playing their game and not have to worry about the net."
   Skazyk appeared in 42 games last year with Corpus Christi, giving up 142 goals and stopping 1,302 shots. He earned his first career shutout with a 3-0 win against El Paso in the playoffs and finished with a .902 save percentage.
   With the season now more than halfway over, Skazyk has turned his attention to helping the IceRays secure their third consecutive playoff berth.
   "If we win two out of every three games for the rest of the year, we'll be solid," Skazyk said. "I have to make sure the team stays in every game. If we hold (opponents) to three goals or less, with our offense we'll be in every game."
   Hall said Skazyk's passion for the game never diminished during his time as a backup.
   "Eddy works hard every day and loves playing in Corpus Christi," Hall said. "There were times he wasn't playing a lot, but he never complained. I respect him for all he's been through."
   There's no doubt Skazyk enjoys his job.
   "Most don't get to step right up into a starting role," Skazyk said. "I'm thankful the time I've put in has paid off. Who knows how long you'll keep playing? It's good to know that I had my chance."


Staff writer Javier Becerra can be reached at 886-3734 or by e-mail at becerraj@caller.com

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