It's been a season of firsts for rookie Guelph Storm goaltender Colin Ellsworth.
First season, first game, and now, first shootout.
Ellsworth, the youngest player in the OHL who doesn't turn 16 until Dec. 3, had his first shootout Saturday as the Guelph Storm fell 3-2 to the Kitchener Rangers.
Tanner Lam and Trent Swick scored on Ellsworth in the shootout, while Jake Karabela was the lone storm player to score after regulation ended 2-2.
"I don't think I've ever been in a shootout to win the game," said the Storm's third round pick in the most recent OHL draft. "Didn't go how I wanted it to go, but it's still good to get that out of the way."
Ellsworth said staying calm and not getting too emotional heading into the overtime was key.
"Just try to keep calm and just play my game. I know there's going to be better chances in overtime and especially the shootout. Just trying to make every save until the boys can win. Don't want to get too high or too low."
Guelph led 2-0 late in the second period on goals by Jake Karabela and Parker Snelgrove.
But Cameron Mercer made it 2-1 before the middle frame ended and then Lucas Ellinas tied it up at 10:53 of the third period.
Ellsworth was out-rookied on the night by Rangers 16-year-old goaltender Jason Schaubel, who made a great save on Max Namestnikov in overtime that should have won it for Guelph, then stopped Namestnikov again in the shootout.
Guelph, who had just two shots on net in the first period, ended up outshooting Kitchener 29-19 in the game.
Just the fact Ellsworth is in the league at such a young age is an achievement.
Teams rarely keep 16 year olds as backups. Guelph hasn't had a 16-yer-old netminder make the team since Cody St. Jacques did it in 2006.
Ellsworth said he knew the backup job to starter Brayden Gillespie was on the table and he just wanted to play hard, play well and earn the spot.
He ended up beating out Zach Joanovski, a Storm pick the previous draft now playing in Ayr, for the job. Jovanovski has also been signed by the team, setting them up in net for the next few years.
"I had a good summer and worked hard. I had a good start to the season so I think as of now I think I've earned it. I've just got to keep working, keep learning and get better. Help the boys get some wins," said Ellsworth, who said he models his style after that of Carey Price.
"I'm more comfortable playing but I'm also more comfortable with the boys every day. They're really nice guys. Going out there every day just feels like going out and playing hockey and there's not much pressure to deal with."
Guelph (3-4-0-1) will try and avenge the loss Sunday when they play in Kitchener in a 6 p.m. start. Next home game is Friday when Flint visits.
