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The end of their season
combined with having a week off from school for spring break lead to a life
long dream for Mike Gooch. The opportunity came knocking rapidly from a
different team at various professional levels, Coach Roy mentioned. "I knew
the possibilities out there; I got a lot of interest from different teams
anywhere from the East Coast to the Southern Professional league.
Geographically we have five ECHL teams that are anywhere from 45 minutes to
6 hour drive. They not only have a chance to see the players perform but it
also makes a big difference in the business side of call ups."
Four year
Captain
Mike Gooch
jumped on the opportunity to join the Wheeling Nailers of the East
Coast Hockey League, ECHL.
Defensemen
Mike Gooch
was feeling right at home being on the starting line up during his
first professional game against the internationally known Johnstown
Chiefs. This hockey team was portrayed in the cult movie "Slap
Shot", starting Paul Newman. "Every hockey player can fire a dozen
one-liners from that movie. This was something I wanted to taste
after my College career. I was great to compare my progression.
The game and players execution is a lot faster, the consistency and
cerebral decisions where the biggest adjustments. I was nervous my
first few shifts but keep it simple and settle right in", added
Gooch.
"I am extremely happy
for Mike'. I am not surprise because that's the type of character
players we have in our program. I am confident other players will
have similar opportunities over the summer", concluded Coach Roy.
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