You can never have enough of a good thing.
It’s a logical conclusion, and one Vancouver Stealth netminder Tye
Belanger would endorse – especially when it comes to playing time.
The 26-year-old goalie is a big reason the Stealth are battling for a playoff spot in the National Lacrosse League, as he’s taken on the bulk of the crease work the past month.
He’s also looking forward to re-establishing his position between the pipes this summer in the Western Lacrosse Association, after signing with the New Westminster Salmonbellies this week.
“I spent (what) seems like five, six years as a backup goalie, paying my dues and learning my way from guys I’m behind,” said Belanger, of both his NLL and WLA track record. “You learn from them, how they manage the workload, success and a work ethic.”
Belanger, who has been one of the Stealth’s standouts over the past month, will battle Alex Buque and Eric Penney in New West’s camp for playing time when the NLL season comes to an end.
After being released early last season by the Burnaby Lakers, Belanger said he’s motivated and eager to win the ’Bellies starting role and help them get to the next level.
“Last year, being dropped by Burnaby was a shock and came out of the blue,” the Wallaceburg, Ont. native said. “I went on and had fun playing senior B in Langley, but I really want to get back (to the WLA). The quality of shooters is that much better.
“New West is a proven organization with a goal of pushing for a Mann Cup, and that’s what I want to contribute to.”
Two years ago in Burnaby, Belanger went 8-7 with a 7.85 goals against average. It earned him a spot on the WLA second all-star team – while Penney was the first all-star team netminder.
With Vancouver this year, Belanger has set a new NLL personal best for minutes played with 494 so far, to go with an 11.04 goals against average and .794 save percentage.
Penney is currently Vancouver’s third netminder, and Belanger knows Buque from past years. All three are former Brampton Excelsiors property, the organization New West had to go through to ink Belanger.
“We’re all fighting for one position,” Belanger said of the Stealth, but equally applicable to New West. “With offensive forwards, they are fighting to be one of the top four or five. We’re battling for the No. 1 job, and in practice we push each other to get better.”
New West general manager Dan Richardson said a crowded crease for the preseason, and possibly for the start of the year, will be beneficial in the long run.
“I think it’s very important to have competition at every position, and (Belanger) has shown, not only with the Stealth, that he is capable of being a good (WLA) goaltender,” said Richardson.
The Stealth travel to Toronto this weekend for the first in a home-and-home series with the Rock (continuing March 31 at the Langley Events Centre).
The ‘Bellies will ramp up training camp soon with an eye on May 25 regular season opener against Nanaimo.
