_{"My goal was to be Kirby’s backup and I’m happy in that role.” - Danny Todosychuk, Vernon Vipers goaltender. Photo: Don Klepp}

Goaltender Danny Todosychuk has played a lot of forward and defence in his 12 years of hockey. In fact, he describes himself as “a hybrid player until I hit bantam and became a full time goalie.”

He has played all of his hockey in Vernon. He’s also an avid road hockey player, which is where he first played in net. His father, who played goal for the University of Alaska Fairbanks, saw that Danny was “fundamentally sound between the pipes and suggested that Danny try playing the position on the ice.

So, after a summer of three-on-three hockey, Danny switched to goal in his first year of bantam. Last year he played Midget hockey and gained some attention with his solid play. He was encouraged enough to try out as a free agent with the Swift Current Broncos this fall.

“I had my best camp ever in Swift Current,” he says, “and even though I didn’t make the cut I gained confidence before trying out with the Vipers. My goal was to be Kirby’s backup and I’m happy in that role.”

He and Kirby have a positive relationship, he says. “We’re good buddies. He’s funny and approachable and willing to share his knowledge. He really knows what he’s doing out there so I can learn a lot from him.”

“He’s taught me to always be alert on the ice, especially when the other tr4eam sets up on the power play.”

The veteran and the rookie talk a lot during breaks in play. Whoever is in net will come to the bench during the timeouts to compare notes. We talk about things like who’s trying to get to the slot and whether the other team is trying the back door play.”

Danny’s had early success, winning three of his first four starts and posting a shutout, but he’s modest about that achievement: “It’s a team game, right? I just try to make good reads and stay positionally sound and rely on the skaters to take care of the rest.”  

That modesty extends to his classmates as well. “I get a lot more attention at school, now that I’m with the Vipers but I make sure that they know that I’m the same guy I’ve always been. The only thing is that guys are always asking for Viper tickets!”

What does the future hold for Danny Todosychuk? His play at the Broncos camp has him on the watch list for several WHL teams. However, he’s been careful to retain his NCAA eligibility, so we could see the 17-year-old in a Viper uniform for another year or two.