THE LOS ANGELES KINGS - GOALIE JAMIE STORR

Storr Keeper - Jamie Storr


Photos by Bernstein Associates/Los Angeles Kings


Since being drafted seventh in the first round by the Los Angeles Kings in 1994, Jamie Storr has patiently played back-up to NHL goaltenders such as Felix "The Cat" Potvin, "Lord" Byron Dafoe, and Stephane "Needs a Nickname" Fiset. In a reserve capacity during his first eight seasons, Storr backstopped the hockey club to 73 wins, 59 losses, and 19 ties with an impressive goals-against average of just 2.52. When rockabilly fan Potvin sprained his MCL in January­the latest casualty in an injury-plagued season­Storr was awarded the starting position for at least 6-8 weeks. So far, the 27-year-old goaltender has a 10-8 record and is helping the banged-up Kings scramble for a fourth consecutive playoff run.




GR: Have you always wanted to be a pro goalie?
JS: I started out wanting to be a forward, but my father knew more about goaltending and we had a puck machine. I was fortunate to have a father who was able to help me. It's been a lot of hard work and there have been a lot of sacrifices made, but it's worthwhile.

GR: How long were you in the minors? Was that grueling or great?
JS: Parts of two seasons. I think the fact that I've been able to have nine NHL seasons has been great, but the minors are definitely a stepping stone. They're a learning experience that 95 percent of the people who play in the NHL should have to go through just to get an idea of what it's like to be a professional athlete with less pressure, media-wise. Realistically, you don't want to step down just in case you can't get back up. Sometimes when they let you out, they don't let you back in.

GR: Did you ever have a mullet?
JS: No. I did have a little bit of one in hockey as a junior­it was kind of a fad to have a little bit of your hair show in the back of your helmet­but my hair doesn't grow that long in back. I was lucky that way.

GR: What was it like playing with Wayne Gretzky?
JS: It's a dream come true. It was like meeting your idol, living with him, and playing with him for two years. I was very fortunate in my hockey career to play with a man of that stature. Every day I go home and no one can ever take away that I played with the greatest player ever.

GR: I've seen you come close to dropping the gloves a few times. Have you been in fights?
JS: I can throw a punch but I can't take one, so I stay away from fights. Your emotions get hot, but everyone at this level is big and strong. It's not like you're going to fight someone who you have control over.

GR: What goaltenders did you look up to when you were growing up?
JS: Some of the guys, like Patrick Roy, are still playing now. Growing up near Toronto, Allan Bester was a goalie for the Leafs, then Felix Potvin, my partner, shortly after that. You grow up watching a lot of those guys and wonder how they can be so good every night over a long period of time. Over the years, you learn it's from hard work and preparation. When you get to this level, everyone has the same talent. It's mind power and being able to go out there and do the job consistently.

GR: The Kings have had so many injuries this season. Is it hard to stop pucks with different players and lines in front of you every night?
JS: Injuries are part of the game. That's why you have 22-24 guys on your roster and a team in the minor leagues. Having depth in the organization helps out a lot. When one guy gets injured, it gives other guys a chance to step up and really show that they can get a job for themselves.

GR: Having different combinations play in front of you doesn't affect your play?
JS: The only thing I can control is the way I play and the way I prepare prior to a game. Preparation for me is the biggest thing: paying attention to all the details and working toward being the best goaltender I can be.

GR: Do goaltenders and defensemen share a bond of some sort? Kind of like drummers and bass players in a band?
JS: I think we do. We work together for a common goal: to keep the puck out of the net. Forwards have a great key in that, but for some reason I end up hanging out with a lot of defensemen. I hang out with everyone on the team, though.

GR: It must take a certain mentality to handle having no control over scoring.
JS: We only have control over what we can control. That's one of the great things about team sports. Twenty guys are going to determine the outcome each night, and it's something special when you've got them going in the same direction.



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