Mingo embracing opportunities for growth in rookie season
MOOSE JAW, Sask. – After securing his first WHL win in only his second full-game appearance, 16-year-old goaltender Dylan Mingo says that while the win felt good, he credits his team for their help in the win.
“I don’t think anybody in the rink watching, if they didn’t know beforehand, would know [Mingo] was playing in his [third WHL game],” said Assistant Coach Darrin McKechnie on the Country 100 Mad Greek Coaches Show with James Gallo and Derek Kletzel after Saturday’s game. “[He] was solid, calm, handled the puck, and made the saves look easy.”
With 49 seconds remaining in Saturday’s win, Brandon’s Prabh Bhathal tallied the Wheat Kings’ only marker to break up Mingo’s shutout bid.
“A win’s a win; that’s all I really wanted to get out of the way,” said Mingo. “The time for a shutout will come again.”
Post-game on Saturday, Mingo noted that coming into this season, it was clear that he would have to work hard to earn his spot.
“I feel like if I play my game, be the backup goalie this year, get my time on the ice, then my time will come,” said Mingo. “[This season], I’ll play the best I can, and hopefully next year, I can be the starter for this team and [maybe] take them all the way.”
Mingo notes that learning from veteran starting goaltender Jordan Switzer is key.
“Switzer is a great role model for me,” said Mingo. “He works hard every day.”
Mingo and the Moose Jaw Warriors are back in action on Saturday night at the Temple Gardens Centre as they welcome the Red Deer Rebels. Tickets for the game can be purchased here. Follow along with the action on Country 100 with James Gallo or stream for free on YouTube.
