Welcome to St. Louis Jaroslav Halak

Overcast with a chill in the breeze. Hockey season is around the corner. A day better than today couldn’t be found to introduce the city to the new Starting Goalie for the St. Louis Blues, Jaroslav Halak.

Today’s Press Conference was very similar to the event held to welcome Paul Kariya to town three years ago. The excitement and anticipation is much the same for Halak. A big name comes to town with the promise of making the Blues a more competitive team.

This time, the message sent is different.

No longer are the Blues looking to the past. The future is now and the team they want us made up of hungry younger players. Good enough to lead the way today and still get better tomorrow.

General Manager Doug Armstrong’s comments today reinforce the new mindset. He asserted that Halak is a key player in the Blues future. As someone that the young core of players play in front of now and grow with for years to come.

Halak’s teammates recognize this already as well.

Erik Johnson was quoted by Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: “…we have an established franchise goalie who’s young and not even in the prime of his career yet.” Johnson added, “… and we’re excited to have him.”

David Perron, who was also quoted by the Post, understands the significance of Halak’s impact as well. He said, “… he’s won at every level he’s played at. He knows how to do it, and we’re happy to have him.”

The front office is on board. The players are on board. Are the fans?

Until a Goalie wins the Stanley Cup or builds a winning pedigree he will always be questioned. The MSM and bloggers alike have wondered if his defeat of the Capitals and Penguins were a fluke. Where many in Montreal don’t need convincing, many in St. Louis might.

Halak has spent most of his career outside the radar of most hockey fans. He was taken in the 9th Round of the 2003 NHL draft by the Montreal Canadiens. In 2004 he crossed the Atlantic. Leaving his Slovakian Junior team behind for Lewiston of the QMJHL. After his year in the Q he moved on to Hamilton of the AHL and Long Beach of the ECHL for the 2005-06 season. From that point on he would bounce back and forth between Hamilton and the bright lights and pressure cooker of Montreal. At each level Halak would step up and play at the highest level possible. Posting a 105-65-11 record in 190 professional games. His performance in the Olympics cannot be forgotten as well. Nor can the 2010 playoffs. When the competition gets stronger, his level of play rises to the occasion.

A winning track record has been established.

Blues President John Davidson also made mention of the perseverance and character of Halak. At age 25 he has moved from his native Slovakia to Lewiston, Maine, to Long Beach, California, to Hamilton, Ontario and finally Montreal, Quebec. In his short time in the world of professional sports, Halak has shown unbelievable dedication to his craft. Not many are willing to play the most difficult position. Fewer are willing to make the effort Halak has.

image via ingoalmag.com

Experience + Perseverance + Commitment = Success

How far can Halak go? Only time can tell in the Gateway City. He cannot be a one man show. As Armstrong alluded to today, the plethora of young talent on the Blues roster must step up and do their part. Without their effort Halak’s ability to win games is greatly hindered.

If the goalies immortalized on Halak’s new goalie mask are any indication, he will take this team far.