Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com NOV. 26, 2018 53 BY COREY BODDEN F or three years, Cal Petersen manned the net for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hockey program. The Iowa native finished his ca‑ reer with a 2.30 goals against average (GAA) and a .924 save percentage, and helped the Irish reach the Frozen Four in 2017. He notched a 55‑39‑15 record during his Irish career, posted 11 shutouts and was the first goal‑ tender in program history to become captain. Following his time in South Bend, Petersen signed with the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL on an entry level contract in the summer of 2017. "I think L.A. has kind of been one of those teams that is now known for be‑ ing a bit of a goalie factory," Petersen told The Athletic. "I saw that and knew that I'd have an opportunity to work with those guys [Billy Ranford and Dusty Imoo] every day and have an opportunity to get my game into the best possible position so when an opportunity comes to play in the NHL, I'm as ready as possible. "There are great situations at all the other teams, but that was kind of the main thing I felt comfortable with. I was going to kind of put my chips into developing my game to being the best that it is with the orga‑ nization that could help the most and that was a clear‑cut choice with L.A." Petersen spent his first year in professional hockey with the Kings' AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. He posted a 23‑14 record with a 2.58 GAA and .910 save percentage. "I know when he was in the net I always worried," an AHL coach told The Athletic. "Like you're going to have to earn a goal to get one. He's not going to give you any." He returned to the Reign to begin the 2018‑19 season before getting the call he hoped to receive. Kings goaltender Jack Campbell suffered a meniscus tear in early No‑ vember, with a recovery time of four to six weeks expected. The organi‑ zation decided to give their young goalie prospect a chance. Petersen got the call to the show Nov. 12 and made his NHL debut the following night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The former Irish star shared time in the net, but saved 15 of 16 shots, allowing just one goal in a 5‑1 loss. "I had some nerves going in there, but I think once I got my first saves under my belt, it felt good and I was able to settle in," Petersen told The Los Angeles Times. "Obviously, it's a very good hockey team over there." Before getting the call up to the Kings, Petersen's personality of not getting too high or too low while on the ice stood out to the team's front office. "He's just so calm," Kings assis‑ tant GM Mike Futa told The Athletic. "He's just a calming influence back there. I don't think he's a blocker. He moves around too well to be a stationary blocker so to speak. "… But he's such a fierce competi‑ tor that really he shows quickness, even though when he's being quick he still has this patience about him‑ self. It's calming." How long Petersen remains in Los Angeles remains to be seen once Campbell is healthy, but it is clear he has a future in the NHL when he gets a full‑time chance. "He's athletic and sound techni‑ cally," an NHL amateur scout told The Athletic. "I wouldn't say he is a franchise guy but I think he has NHL upside. … I think his ceiling is more of a 1B type of guy." Before arriving with the Kings, Pe‑ tersen had a 2‑3‑1 record with a 4.29 GAA and a .881 save percentage in the AHL this season. ✦ IRISH IN THE PROS NOTRE DAME IN THE NFL: WEEK 10 HIGHLIGHTS • Josh Adams (Played at Notre Dame from 2015‑17), RB, Philadelphia Eagles: Led the Eagles in rushing with 47 yards on seven car- ries in a 27-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. • Theo Riddick (2009‑12), RB, Detroit Lions: Had six catches for 60 yards in a 34-22 loss to the Chicago Bears. • Isaac Rochell (2013‑16), DE, Los Angeles Chargers: Recorded 1.5 sacks in a 20-6 win over the Oakland Raiders. • Golden Tate (2007‑09), WR, Philadelphia Eagles: Caught two passes for 19 yards in his first game as an Eagle, a 27-20 loss to the Dal- las Cowboys. • Sam Young (2006‑09), OT, Miami Dol‑ phins: Started at right tackle for the Dolphins in a 31-12 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Cal Petersen Makes His NHL Debut Petersen allowed one goal while making 15 saves in his NHL debut for the Los Angeles Kings against the Toronto Maple Leafs Nov. 13. PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND