Goalkeepers have always been the favorite targets of attackers, invisible heroes, even in ice hockey. Tuesday, December 17, Isaac Charpentier – “Zazac” for short – dons his polar infantryman outfit during one of the three training sessions planned this week. Before Christmas, a three-day road trip is being prepared in the Hautes-Alpes.
At the whistle of Stéphane Barin, an Angloy attacker comes rushing like a cannonball into the offensive zone. “Blang! » The puck rises and crashes on the Plexiglas behind him. This is the signal that his parade is successful.
Healthy competition
Since this summer, the native of Épinal (Vosges) has taken on the status of a man in the shadows and shown his teammates that they can be counted on. With number one, the American Dylan St-Cyr, no frying on the line. “Everything is going very well,” assures number 61 of Hormadi. Technically, Dylan is one of the best goalkeepers I have ever seen. I listen to his advice. We are the same age (25 years old). It’s an asset not to have too many differences between us. The hierarchy is well established. It’s not a question of competition. He knows his role and I know mine. I accept the pressure of big games by analyzing what’s happening on the ice, especially on defense. We are still good guys. I look at my performance in the face. We don’t yell for nothing, that’s not my character and it wouldn’t be beneficial for the group. I hope that the matches in Briançon (Friday at 8 p.m.) then in Grenoble (Sunday at 6:30 p.m.) will be more positive to experience”
Since the start of the season, the staff has sought to properly distribute playing time between the two men (27 matches for 1,297 minutes played for St-Cyr, 25 for Charpentier for 323 minutes played) to bring more freshness and efficiency. “When I was younger, there was no mental load to take on, it was just a game, but it’s nice to make saves,” continues Charpentier, smiling. I don’t have the soul of a goalscorer and whatever the situation, goal conceded or not, I try to stay calm. It’s not always easy, I’m working on it. »
Volunteer at the SPA
Coming from a family of hockey players – his brothers Yvan (35 years old) and Martin (31 years old) know the Epinal Wildcats team in Division 1 well – the player had his path mapped out. “I always wanted to be a goalie. I reconsider things when I take a few shots (laughs). My role model is Sergei Bobrovski, the Russian goaltender who plays for the Florida Panthers in the NHL (721 career games played). He is athletic and reads the game well”
Once the skates are put away, the young man takes on another role, that of protector of abandoned animals. “For several years, I have always found a shelter to walk dogs or take care of cats (he is a volunteer at the Bayonne SPA). Animals bring me serenity and life in the great outdoors suits me. I knew nothing about the Basque Country but today, I discover each landscape alone or with Julie, my friend. She plans to come next month. »
Briançon (12th/18 pts) – Anglet (10th/24 pts)
Lieu Briançon (René Froger ice rink). Hourly This Friday at 8 p.m.
Anglet
The group St-Cyr, Charpentier, Faure (c), Frémond, Dunn, Lochu, Eyre, Manciot, Esipov, Kazarine, Rychagov, Munoz, Polodyan, Puffer, Baron, Rousseau, Cacheux, Quattrone, Deslauriers, Beaudoin, Ranger, Master
