Zach Fucale is clinging to his dream

Posted On: January 27, 2023

Zach Fucale has had ups and downs since the beginning of his career. At times the goalkeeper would have had every reason to drop his arms and hang up the pads. Instead, he decided to show perseverance.

Last year, after seven years of hard work, the Quebecer was able to play his first games in the NHL. The Canadian’s former second-round pick in 2013 was one of the big stories of the 2021/2022 season.

• Also read: Ovechkin wins his duel against Crosby

• Also read: “Boys who deserve everything that happens to them”

During the summer season, the Washington Capitals cleaned up their goaltenders. Vitek Vanecek (New Jersey), Ilya Samsonov (Toronto) and Pheonix Copley (Los Angeles) left the organization within weeks.

Lindgren takes over the job

At the time, it was believed that the door would open for Fucale to a regular position in the NHL. However, in a desperate move, the Capitals signed Darcy Kuemper and Charlie Lindgren to deals on July 13.

At the end of the training camp, Lindgren was preferred to Fucale. The latter had to return to the American League.

“I’ve been through a lot of things in my career,” said Zach Fucale, who he met during the Bears’ passage from Hershey to Laval. For me, the demotion was not a shock. I’ve been through worse situations than hockey.”

“The competition is great everywhere. Don’t think that the American League is weaker and that it’s easy to play there. It’s very difficult to perform because everyone wants to make it to the NHL.”

A former teammate

Since the start of the season, he’s done well with a 12-7-2 record, a 2.52 GAA and a .901 save rate.

He doesn’t want Lindgren, with whom he has played at Laval Rocket in the past.

“We have a great relationship. He was in the AHL last season. As you can see, the line between the AHL and the NHL is a very fine one.

gratitude for the job

Instead of falling into resentment, he decided to have gratitude for his profession.

“I feel lucky to be here and to be able to play in a competitive league,” added Fucale, who is now 27. I played in the ECHL and had a tough time. Playing at Hershey’s is a privilege.”

“I deserve the chance to play in the NHL. It took me years of work to get there. I just have to be ready if the opportunity arises again.”

“There are no guarantees in hockey. I just want to deserve another opportunity like this.”

Because of his experience, Fucale is aware that the situation within an organization can change quickly.

“I may find myself in the NHL very soon, but it may be a few years before I have another chance. In the meantime, I want to continue playing with a good attitude.

enjoy the moment

The former QMJHL goaltender for the Quebec Remparts and Halifax Mooseheads is comfortable with the Capitals organization, for which he is playing a third season.

“The responsibility of the team [les Capitals]It is to have the best players, explained the Laval native. The managers really like me in the organization.”

“It’s up to me to keep working and earning my position at the top. I feel great here [à Hershey]. I love the coaches and we work really well together.”