Brandon Halverson Makes NHL Start Against Utah Hockey Club
Lightning goaltender Brandon Halverson is making his first NHL start tonight against the Utah Hockey Club, more than seven years after his first and previously only league appearance.
Halverson Steps In for Back-to-Back Games
With the Lightning playing the first of back-to-back games, Halverson was summoned from AHL Syracuse Saturday morning after Jonas Johansson left the team’s three-game trip to attend to a family matter. Andrei Vasilevskiy will start Sunday at Vegas.
Coach Cooper Praises Halverson
“Richly deserved, a long time coming for him,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said of Halverson. “He’s really battled to get to this spot. J.J. has had a family matter he’s going to take care of, so he’s gone home for the rest of the road trip and Halvy will be with us.”
Halverson’s Journey to NHL Second Start
Tonight marks Halverson’s second stint with the Lightning after a breakout season in Syracuse. The 28-year-old previously dressed as Vasilevskiy’s backup in early February while Johansson dealt with a groin injury.
Success after Adversity
Halverson, a second-round draft pick of the Rangers in 2014, played 12:33 for New York in relief of Henrik Lundqvist on Feb. 17, 2018. After a winding journey that saw him out of pro hockey due to injuries, leaving him working on the Pepin family farm in Tampa, Halverson received an opportunity with an ECHL contract last season with Orlando.
Dominance in Syracuse
He dominated with the Solar Bears, earning a promotion to Syracuse, where he shined in the AHL playoffs. He became the Crunch’s No. 1 goaltender this season, unseating Matt Tomkins. He is 16-9-11 with a .913 save percentage and a 2.32 goals-against average.
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Conclusion
Brandon Halverson’s journey to his second NHL start is a testament to perseverance and hard work paying off in the end. His dedication and determination have led him back to the big stage, and he is ready to seize the opportunity.
FAQs
1. Is this Brandon Halverson’s first NHL start?
No, this is Halverson’s second NHL start, with his first coming more than seven years ago.
2. How did Halverson end up back in the NHL after working on a farm?
Halverson’s journey included battling injuries, leaving hockey to work on a farm, and eventually earning a contract in the ECHL that led to his current opportunity with the Lightning.
