In this week’s edition of Jets Insider, goalkeeper Ben Kennedy answered questions submitted by the Club’s Members and supporters.
In this week-s edition of Jets Insider, goalkeeper Ben Kennedy answered questions submitted by the Club-s Members and supporters.
Kennedy discusses his promotion to starting goalkeeper, his advice for young shot-stoppers and who he is tipping to win the National Hockey League-s Stanley Cup.
Oliver Braun asks via email: What was your approach to make sure you stayed focused when you weren-t getting a game earlier in the season?
Ben Kennedy (BK): I just made sure that I trained hard each week with the mindset that I could be playing on the weekend.
When I played matches in the NYL I tried to make the most of my game time and perform well there so that I was ready when the call-up came.
Katie Harman asks via email: With all the talk that Birighitti is going overseas at the end of the season, do you see that number one goalkeeper spot as yours for the taking?
BK: The plan for me is to finish the season strongly and hopefully if I can do that I can come back next season fit and start as the number one goalkeeper.
Ryan Duke asks via email: Was it frustrating to go from being our Player of the Year in 2012 to being the back-up keeper for most of the past two seasons?
BK: The most frustrating part was the niggly little injuries that I had, which meant I wasn-t really able to compete for the number one spot they way I liked.
Birraz (Mark Birighitti) was doing a great job in goals as well, so that was always going to make it tough for me.
I just had to be patient, get fit and work hard in training so that I was in the right state physically and mentally to take my chance when it came.
Jasmine Frankie asks via emails: What made you first want to become a goalkeeper?
BK: My junior team didn-t have any goalkeepers, so I got stuck in goals one day and actually did alright and it has just gone on from there.
I-m pretty happy with the way it has turned out though!
Kieran Walsh asks via email: Is there belief amongst the players that they can win these last two games at home and make the finals?
BK: It-s a big couple of games for us, but we-ve got to make the most of the fact we-ve got home ground advantage, so hopefully we-ll see a big crowd there on Saturday against Melbourne and next week against Adelaide.
All the boys are focused on the job ahead of us and we-re confident we can do the job and get the results we need to get into the Finals series.
Josh Gough asks via email: Were you surprised by the response to Pink Day For BK?
BK: I was very surprised and very overwhelmed with the response and the support it received from everyone involved from our players who shaved their heads through to all the Members and supporters who donated money.
It meant a lot to my family and I and I-d just like to say thank you again to everyone for their contributions.
Erin Quntion asks via email: How-s the new hairstyle? Can you see yourself sticking with it?
BK: I really like it actually. It-s so much easier of a morning to get ready because I wake up and it is already done.
I think there is a fairly high probability that it will stay short.
George Stahl asks via email: What advice would you give to a young goalkeeper who isn-t currently the number one at their club?
BK: Just be patient, turn up to training every session with the right attitude, work hard and do everything you can to take you chance with both hands when it comes.
Tom Young asks via email: Who is going to win the Stanley Cup and why?
BK: I would say the Chicago Blackhawks, but they haven-t been doing any good the last few weeks.
I think I can probably see the St Louis Blues winning it. They-ve got good depth and probably have the best goaltender in the league.
Thanks for all your questions! Make sure you follow @NewcastleJetsFC to find out who will be answering your #JetsInsider questions next week!
