January 16, 2007
Plymouth Whalers coach Michael Vellucci wasn't sure how his goaltending tandem would fare this season.
Things have turned out better than Vellucci could have ever imagined. A large part of the Whalers' success can be attributed to the play of second-year goaltender Jeremy Smith (Brownstown Township) and rookie goaltender Michal Neuvirth of the Czech Republic.
"I didn't know what to expect," said Vellucci, whose team is 29-11-1-2 and atop the Ontario Hockey League's West Division. "I knew Smitty was good and was hoping Neuvirth would be just as good.
"They are the best tandem I've ever had. If you look around the league, most of the guys in the league are dying for one good goalie."Smith is ranked second overall among North American goaltenders, according to NHL Central Scouting's midseason rankings. He will play in the Canadian Hockey League/National Hockey League Top Prospects Game in Quebec City on Wednesday as one of the top 40 CHL draft prospects.
"I'm pretty excited to go and pretty honored to represent the OHL," said Smith, 17, a senior at Woodhaven High.
Neuvirth has already been drafted -- he was selected in the second round by the Washington Capitals last season. He alternates as a starter with Smith.
"They are 1A and 1A," Vellucci said.
Smith, who played in five games last season and went 0-2, is 13-5-0-1 in 2006-07. His 2.43 goals-against average ranks third in the OHL, and his .925 save percentage is second.
Neuvirth is 16-6-1-1 after Monday's 6-3 victory over Saginaw and ranks fourth in the OHL in goals-against average (2.52) and first in save percentage (.926).
Smith said the practice time he earned playing behind Justin Peters last season helped. Peters went 19-15-0-1 with a 2.75 GAA last season for Plymouth.
"Justin Peters is a great guy," Smith said. "He showed me a lot. I think last year did a lot. It kind of showed me what it takes to be successful in this league."
Smith said he and Neuvirth have formed a bond and aren't jealous of the other's opportunities to start.
"Me and Michal, we came from two different parts of the world," Smith said. "After every game we're talking about goals and saves, we talk about styles. We have a really good relationship."