January 11, 2008
Zatkoff Rises Above
by Courtney Lewis/CHN Reporter
You wouldn't think a goaltender whose GAA ranks second in the nation and whose name has been mentioned in the same sentence as the words "Hobey Baker" would have to fight for his team's starting spot.
But while junior Jeff Zatkoff has emerged as Miami's No. 1, he's always mindful of the guy right behind him on the depth chart. And that has helped push him to be one of the top goalies in the country this season.
Zatkoff shared time between the pipes the last two years with Charlie Effinger, who's now a senior, and the difference between their numbers was slim. Zatkoff played in 46 games his first two years, while Effinger was in net 36 games those two years. Zatkoff had 28 wins in that span, Effinger 22.
But Zatkoff has broken out this season, starting 18 games.
"In our opinion, Jeff has played a little bit better than Charlie," Miami head coach Enrico Blasi said.
Blasi said Zatkoff began to show signs of being ready for full-time duty at the end of last season — he played the RedHawks' final nine games after splitting weekend series much of the season.
Zatkoff, a 6-foot-3 southpaw from Chesterfield, Mich., said he knew he had a chance to earn the No. 1 spot.
"Over the summer, I worked a lot on my stance — my lateral movement, narrowing my stance — and being better with my hands," Zatkoff said.
He added that he prides himself on his consistency and took advantage of the opportunity by proving to the coaching staff that he can be relied on every night.
He's 15-3 so far, with 1.59 GAA and a .933 save percentage that ties him for sixth in the country. And until Miami's 4-2 setback at Bowling Green on Jan. 4, Zatkoff hadn't given up more than two goals in a game.
That stellar play is a big reason the RedHawks (19-3, 11-3 CCHA) have the most wins in the country and currently sit in a three-way tie atop the conference standings. It has also earned him a spot on the Hobey Baker Award watch list.
"He has played great," Blasi said. "His focus and preparation throughout the week is very good. Right now, that's leading to good things on the ice.
"He's a very tactical goalie, plays the angles very well, and he can make the athletic save when he needs to."
Still, Blasi wouldn't say definitively that Zatkoff has secured the starting job.
"That can always change, no matter what position it is," Blasi said. "We still continue to evaluate it every week. We want to give ourselves the best opportunity to be successful, and (Zatkoff) has done that so far."
Effinger is a proven goalie in his own right. The Belleville, Ill. native, who received All-CCHA Second Team honors in 2005-06, has won all four of his starts this season and also relieved Zatkoff in the loss to Bowling Green. He boasts a 1.62 GAA and .925 save percentage.
"It's a tough decision, but one that a lot of coaches would probably like to have," Blasi said.
Zatkoff is well aware that Effinger is ready to step in if given the chance, but he doesn't let that distract him.
"That's not something I worry about," Zatkoff said. "It's not something that's talked about, but it's understood. We both know where we're at and where we want to be. You always know if you have an off night, the other guy's right there."
While Blasi is comfortable employing a two-goalie system if it's the best way for the team to compete, Zatkoff said he has benefited from the routine that comes with playing every night. He has found that he can get into a groove for a series and be relaxed, instead of "coming in cold once a weekend."
And although he knows he has to stay on his game to keep that starting job, he doesn't feel under pressure to do something spectacular every game. He tries to play steady and solid.
"The biggest thing for me is to give my team a chance to win every night," Zatkoff said. "The team has done a great job of keeping the shots outside, keeping scoring chances down. I just focus on every shot, try to give the team a chance and try to make the big saves that I need to."
While Zatkoff and Effinger have been vying for time between the pipes for three seasons now, Zatkoff says there's no rivalry or tension or even awkwardness. They're close friends.
Zatkoff added that the two sometimes talk hockey when hanging out away from the rink, but "it never involves playing time." And he asserts that if the situation were reversed, he'd be just as supportive of Effinger as Effinger has been of him.
"Charlie's a great goalie, we're the best of friends off the ice, and I think we have a healthy relationship and a competitive relationship," Zatkoff said.
Blasi said the fact that the two netminders are such good friends reflects the team attitude.
"I think that's part of our program, the way we handle things around here," Blasi said. "This is a family, and at the end of the day, we're all in this together (and) we want to make sure everybody respects each other. Only one can play, and they know it's a tough decision and it's not because we don't care about them or don't want to play them but because we want to make the decision that's best for the team."
In a way, Effinger is actually one of the reasons behind Zatkoff's strong play.
"My freshman year coming in, I learned a ton (from Effinger), especially from his work ethic on and off the ice and little style tidbits," Zatkoff said. "That's something that was huge for me.
"He helps push me, and I push him. I think that's a huge part of my success."
I wonder why no one has ever brought up the fact that Zathoff was Frazee's back up during last seasons WJC tourney last season. LOL...
Jan 20 2008, 7:06 pm by MELVIN
Melvin, please learn how to spell....I suppose thats why your a Melvin...
Jan 21 2008, 3:13 pm by Dave, Oxford, OH
Dave ... "thats" is spelled "that's" ... and "your" is spelled "you're" ... Now can we get back to commenting on the topic as opposed to insults. Thanks.
Jan 21 2008, 3:23 pm by CHN Editor
Sorry CHN, some people just can't stand to see a player have a good season, nice article.
Jan 21 2008, 3:39 pm by Dave, Oxford, OH
Dave .. my guess is, Melvin was simply pointing out how humorous it is that Zatkoff was a backup to Frazee. That sounds like a knock on the World Junior people - not Zatkoff. Although, in fairness, at the time, it wasn't that crazy a choice, and Frazee did win a bronze.
Jan 21 2008, 3:41 pm by CHN Editor
