Freshly minted Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck is our feature guest for Episode 86 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports. Our exclusive interview with the Winnipeg Jets star was one of the first he’s done since winning the Vezina, and it’s loaded with fascinating stories about his unique path from ignored high school hockey graduate, to the top of the NHL.

Hellebuyck talks about dedicating himself to the position later than most after also playing out until he was 13, and the role a particular set of pads played in that decision to finally just become a goalie. He shares a story about going to stick-and-puck to run drills with a friend to prepare himself for a NAHL camp invite he drove 12 hours to attend, and how that led to a relationship that helped pave his way to pro. He shares insight on his evolution in college, from barely playing to winning the first Mike Richter Award as the top NCAA goalie in just his second season, and his initial hesitation to turn pro after that. He is candid about the changes in his game since joining the Jets, including some early stubbornness and specific examples of post play and hand positioning that he ultimately needed to alter.

It’s a fascinating interview with one of the game’s best, and should serve as both an inspiration and a reminder to young goalies everywhere that where you’re at with hockey in your early teens doesn’t necessarily have to dictate where you end up. 

We also head back to The Hockey Shop for our weekly visit with Cam Matwiv, and a detailed conversation about the Bauer Ultrasonic pads that have been incredibly popular with his staff and customers. Cam goes over the innovative new pads and their revolutionary Stabilislide Knee, and shares feedback about fit, flex and feel, as well as some of the custom options he’d recommend to other goalies.