Q&A WITH AHL ALL-STAR THATCHER DEMKO
Jan 8, 2018Second-year pro, Thatcher Demko, got the nod and will be headed to the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic to represent the hometown team. Already a CCM/AHL Goaltender of the Month for October the San Diego native has been leading the goaltending campaign for the Comets with a personal record of 12-6-5. Broadcaster Andy Zilch sat down with him before Friday’s game to get his reactions.
Demko - “It was a little bit of a surprise. I hadn’t been thinking about it much as we are right in the thick of the season here. So, it wasn’t the first thing on my mind. Coach Cull pulled me into his office and let me know I’d been picked. It’s a huge honor and I was really excited to have him tell me that. A ton of the guys have been congratulating me and I’ve been able to tell my family as well. Everyone is really excited and I think it will be a ton of fun!”
Zilch – “Who was your first phone call?”
Demko - “I called my dad and then I tried my mom right after. They have both been huge supporters of me and I think they will be able to make it out for the weekend so I’m looking forward to that.”
Zilch – “How did Bachman react when he heard that you had been selected as an All-Star?”
Demko – “He’s fired up! We have a really great relationship. We are both genuinely excited for each other when we have success. He’s really excited, he might have been more excited than me. He’s a phenomenal goalie partner and an even better friend. It’s great to share this with him.”
Zilch – “How special is it to be able to take part in this event on home ice and in front of many of the same fans that see you play all season?”
Demko - “I think that’s the best part. At the beginning of the year I saw it was going to be hosted in Utica. Obviously, I’m thinking about the season first and foremost but I knew if I did get the opportunity it was going to be really special. The fans have been right by our side all year. Like I said earlier with the injury problem we have had we’ve been doing all we can to stay competitive in this league and the fans have been a big part of that.”
Zilch – “How much do you credit the defense this season?”
Demko - “You can’t put into words how much they’ve been able to do. It’s been a tough year for injuries. Whoever has been able to get in the lineup and out on the ice for the game, it’s been huge for them to step up and do their best to make sure they are giving us a chance to win every night. Whoever it is, they are doing their job and playing their hearts out and obviously me getting the All-Star pick has a lot to do with them.”
Zilch – “How has your progression been as you are now half way through your second season?”
Demko – “I feel good this year. I had a good summer physically and I was able to mature a little bit off the ice. Compared to my first half last year obviously this a big improvement. I’m still working to get better every day and there still a few more steps I’m trying to take this year. It’s not going to happen overnight. It’s been a good season for myself so far but I want to keep pushing in the right direction and make the most of out of the rest of my season.”
Zilch – “What are some of those steps?”
Demko – “Little things within the game. A lot of the things come from experience and getting the minutes. Luckily, I’ve been able to play some more games this year so that’s helped a ton. Just the small details you have to perfect to be a good pro.”
Zilch – “How has Goalie Coach Curtis Sanford helped this year?”
Demko – “He’s been great. He’s right on the same page as Daniel Cloutier in Vancouver and they communicate a lot. It’s great for us all to be on the same page and understand what we are trying to accomplish. Sanford’s stepped in this year and been a big help to both Bachman and myself. He is a big component to both of us getting better.”
Zilch – “How special is it to be able to take part in this event on home ice and in front of many of the same fans that see you play all season?”
Demko - “I think that’s the best part. At the beginning of the year I saw it was going to be hosted in Utica. Obviously, I’m thinking about the season first and foremost but I knew if I did get the opportunity it was going to be really special. The fans have been right by our side all year. Like I said earlier with the injury problem we have had we’ve been doing all we can to stay competitive in this league and the fans have been a big part of that.”