American League: former CH 2nd round pick Zach Fucale clings to his dream

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

• Read also: Zachary Fucale breaks an NHL record

• Read also: 5 Quebecers who could be recalled

Photo d’archives, Martin Chevalier

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

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

Lindgren takes the job

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

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

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

“Competition is high everywhere. Do not think that the American League is less strong and that it is 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 been doing well with a 12-7-2 record, a 2.52 GAA and a .901 save percentage.

He does not want Lindgren with whom he has already played with the Laval Rocket in the past.

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

Gratitude for the profession

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

Photo provided by Hershey Bears, Tori Hartman

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

Photo provided by Hershey Bears, Tori Hartman

“I deserved 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. »

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

“I can pick myself up in the NHL very soon, but also it could take me a few years before I have another chance. In the meantime, I want to keep playing while having a good attitude. »

savor the moment

The former Quebec Remparts and Halifax Mooseheads goaltender in the QMJHL feels good in the Capitals organization with whom he is playing a third season.

“Team responsibility [les Capitals], is to have the best players, explained the native of Laval. The leaders like me very much in the organization.

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

The long road of the Quebec goalkeeper over the last five seasons

1. Fort Wayne (ECHL) 2018-2019

34 pj | 3,18 moy. | .894% off

2. Chicago (LAH) 2018-2019

5 pj | 2,51 moy. | .909% off

3. Orlando (ECHL) 2019-2020

24 pj | 2,36 moy. | .928% off

4. Syracuse (LAH) 2019-2020

1 pj | 3,20 moy. | .800% off

5. Hershey (LAH) 2020-2021

11 pj | 1,80 moy. | .932% stoppage

6. Caroline from the south (ECHL) 2020-2021

1 pj | 1,00 moy. | .972% stop

7. Washington (NHL) 2021-2022

4 pj | 1,75 moy. | .924% off

8. Hershey (LAH) 2021-2022

31 pj | 2,62 moy. | .896% stoppage

9. Hershey (LAH) 2022-2023

23 pj | 2,50 moy. | .901% stoppage

10. Washington (NHL) 2022-2023

Recalled at the start of the season but did not play

---

Source

---