September 11, 2015
Virden, MB – The Virden Oil Capitals welcomed a special guest on Thursday morning.
Former NHL’er and assistant goalie coach with the Arizona Coyotes Alfie Michaud stopped by Tundra Oil & Gas Place to work with goalies Sean Kuehn and Patrick Zubick.
Michaud is currently taking a year off from his AHL/NHL coaching responsibilities to focus on family and his new goaltending company “Dreamcatcher’s Hockey”. Through his connections with Chad Leslie and Ryan Potter, he made Virden a stop on his radar.
“The biggest thing with young goalies is how much they move in the net” said Michaud.
“Its important to help them understand the position a little better and make sure they know they don’t have to move so much to be effective.”
Michaud played in the SJHL with Lebret before embarking on an outstanding career with the University of Maine Blackbears.
His shining moment came in 2000 when he reached the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks. His 17-year professional career took him to three different countries and 8 different leagues.
With his playing days behind him, the Selkirk product spends time working with Hockey Manitoba as well as traveling to different communities, working with young goalies and telling his story to the next generation.
“Anything is possible if you dream big and you put in the work.” Michaud said of his message.
“I’m a prime example of that. With a lot of hard work, belief and a great support system I was able to make it to the NHL and achieve my goal.”
This week’s stops also will include Ochapowace First Nation and Onion Lake First Nation.
“I just want to let these kids know that there is something out there for them whether in hockey or life. I’m hoping to go share my story, do some teaching and give back to these communities.”
For more information on Dreamcatcher’s Hockey click here.