Maxime Gingras didn't get many breaks last season.
At one point, the Pensacola Ice Pilots goaltender played in 22 straight games. From November to January, Gingras suited up every game, night in and night out.
And this season, Gingras said he will do it again.
He played in 49 games for the Pilots last season, collecting a 24-17-6 record with a .918 save percentage. Gingras' performance last season made bringing him back a priority for Pilots coach Todd Gordon.
"It's irrelevant how good a team is if you don't have a good goaltender," Gordon said. "He gives us that stability and confidence."
Gingras sat out a month last season waiting for the right offer. He ended up joining the Pilots in November.
"I don't think I played too much last year," Gingras said. "I like to play every game. If I have to, I'll do it again this year. I think it gets easier, and you don't have to think too much. You get into a rhythm."
Gingras shouldn't have to play in as many games this season. Goaltender Brian Eklund is expected to be worked into the rotation every two or three games, Gordon said.
On Oct. 2, Eklund was assigned from the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Pilots' NHL affiliate. Their styles and size will be a mix for opponents. Gingras is 5-foot-6, 160 pounds; Eklund is 6-5, 215.
"They will give each team a different look," Gordon said. "It is a luxury for our shooters to see their different styles (in practice.)"
Eklund saw action in his first East Coast Hockey League game just hours after driving 26 hours to Pensacola from camp with the Springfield (Mass.) Falcons.
He didn't fare well in Friday's preseason game against the Mississippi Sea Wolves, allowing seven goals on 34 shots.
"Halfway through the game I just ran out of gas," said Eklund, a rookie. "That's definitely not how I play. When I come out, I expect the best out of me every night."
Eklund began the season in camp with the Lightning, while Gingras started with Springfield before being assigned to Pensacola on Oct. 2.
Two months before Gingras reported to camp, his life changed. His wife, Nathalie Genest, gave birth to their first child, Leann, on Aug. 1 in Quebec City.
"It has been better than I thought," said Gingras, whose family is with him in Pensacola. "It was such a great feeling. I'm so proud of my wife."
Last year's first-round loss in the playoffs wasn't how Gingras wanted the season to end. So he returns prepared to contribute.
"Sitting at home is not a good thing," Gingras said. "This year I'm back with the team, and they have a lot of trust in me. Having our key players back helps and knowing you can rely on those guys, it certainly gives you a lot of confidence."
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