Allen Americans goaltender Chris Whitley skates with his team to thank fans after the final home game in last season's playoffs. Whitley re-signed with Allen this off-season, and will be Allen's No. 1 goalie this season. (Photo Credit: John O'Neill)
Being a goaltender is hard work and is often unfair. Playing that position is akin to being the quarterback of a football team; if a team isn’t doing well, fans will often look between the pipes to place blame, even if it’s undeserved. But, when a team is winning, it’s often players on offense who get the credit.
But, it’s no secret that much of the Allen Americans’ success last season came from the net out. Americans goaltender Chris Whitley led the league in wins last season, and was in the top five in GAA (only a tenth of a point behind Odessa’s Joel Martin for the lead). Not too bad for a goalie with any amount of experience. But, Whitley did all of this as a rookie in the CHL. I recently spoke with him, while he is spending the summer in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
***
First off, how has your summer been? What have you been up to?
My summer has been going very well! I have been teaching some hockey schools in Thunder Bay, as well as other spots in Northern Ontario. Also just spending as much time with my girlfriend as I can and playing some softball a few nights a week.
You’ve stated that you considered passing on playing hockey this year and instead working in another field your passionate about – education. Was it difficult to choose hockey over teaching this season? What factors led to your decision, ultimately, to come back?
Well it wasn’t an easy decision to make but in my heart I wasn’t ready to give up the game I love. I thought about it for a bit but after talking to a few guys and seeing the direction the team was going in I decided to come back to Allen for another year. I think my decision was made easier when guys like Bruce (Graham), Nino (Mussitelli) and (Colton) Yellow (Horn) re-signed; I knew we would have another chance at a run for a championship.
Last year obviously was an incredibly successful year for a team playing it’s inaugural season, but still had a less-than-optimal outcome. Does that outcome weigh on you, as a hockey player, or are you able to look at things in perspective? Does it add any spark to the fire of competition – to come back and win it all this year?
I think we had a very successful season and the Allen Americans organization should be proud. The guys as well as myself feel we have some unfinished business for this season. After being so close last year I think we’re all going to have that drive to win a championship this year.
What was the thing you were proudest of from last season?
I had a few things come to mind: winning the Southern Conference as a first year (team), leading the league in wins as a rookie. But, I would have to say getting a win in the ahl would be the thing I was most proud of last year.
Aside from the obvious (winning the championship), what would you have changed from last season if you could?
Not too much really… I think we had a great first season.
(Photo Credit: John O'Neill)
The team has brought back a lot of key components from last year, yourself included, and also added some offensive firepower in the form of former Amarillo Gorilla, Dave Nimmo. Is there another piece of the puzzle you’d like to see added? Is there someone from the core of last year you’d like to have in the locker room again?
I am glad a lot of guys from last year’s team decided to re sign with the team as well as add some more offence like Nimmo and (Judd) Blackwater. On the backend as a goalie you always want have a solid D core so I am glad Straubber (Brandon Straub) made the decision to come back for another year as well. I would also love to see (Justin) Bowers back but I know he decided to go back to the Coast and I hope he does well with Grenville.
What part of your game are you looking to improve or add to this season?
I am looking to improve on my fitness level first and foremost. I was used to playing 25 games a season in CIS hockey but I ended up playing 63 games total last year so I am definitely improving on my cardio.
What kind of pressure is on the team this season, after the (perhaps to some) surprising success of last season?
I think we are going to have a lot of pressure to copy what we did last season. We might have gotten away with the early part of last season being a new team but after winning 40+ games no team will take us lightly and we will have to be 100% prepared every game.
(Photo Credit: John O'Neill)
How are you staying in shape in the offseason? Do you have a particular workout regime you stick to in the summer, or do you take plenty of time off to clear the head and work on the physical aspects when the season gets closer?
I am a big believer in taking time off from the rink until July. I like to enjoy the summer and not think about hockey until mid summer so I can re energize for the next season. I like to just workout and then about three months before hockey starts re focus and get ready for another exciting season.
What is one of your goals that you feel is easily achievable this season, and what is one that will be difficult but you will still set?
I don’t like to set any goals that will be easily achievable. I just do what I can to help the team out and the rest will take care of itself on the ice. And obviously my goal is to win a championship, the hardest thing to do in hockey is win a championship and if you don’t have that as your mindset at the start of the season then you’re not going to do very well.
