Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is on the rise. Playing his fourth season in the NHL, the 25-year-old athlete has attracted attention with his performances since the start of the playoffs.
Last February, I was able to chat for ten minutes with Swayman during the All-Star Game in Toronto. I knew Swayman for his exploits on the ice. In 2020, he won the Mike Richter Trophy (best collegiate goaltender) and was a finalist for the Hobey-Baker Trophy (best collegiate player) with the University of Maine. In the NHL, he was selected to the All-Rookie Team (2022) and won the Jennings Trophy with Linus Ullmark (2023).
Photo Félix Séguin
However, I didn’t know Swayman, the man behind his mask. I can tell you without being wrong that Swayman is my favorite in recent months on the Bettman circuit. My interview with him allowed me to discover a polite, thoughtful, courteous, articulate and determined young man.
Moreover, this desire to succeed was palpable during our discussion. “In my world, all games are playoff games. When I’m in this state of mind, I’m not afraid and I’m not nervous. I have always thought this way and it has always helped me in important moments. That’s where I have the most fun.”
This notion of pleasure also seems to be part of Swayman’s philosophy. He doesn’t seem intimidated by the emotions that a match generates. “I live in the moment,” he told me, laughing. My job is to manage my emotions and stay calm. I rely on my mental and physical preparation as well as my recovery.
He experienced emotions last year when the Bruins collapsed in their series against the Panthers after losing a 3-1 lead in the series. “The lesson learned last year will be important for the future,” he told me when we spoke in Toronto. It will be a Source of motivation.”
Swayman is fully aware of the pressure placed on players’ shoulders in Boston. “I accept that pressure and I love it. If there weren’t, I would be angry, he said with a broad smile. Every player who wears a Bruins uniform is aware of the expectations. I have a lot of admiration for the leaders who were there before me. It is my job and that of the youngest to pass on this heritage. I will do everything in my power to continue this tradition.”
Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Swayman was inspired by Marc-André Fleury’s save in the final moments of Game 7 in the 2009 final between the Penguins and Red Wings. “This stop is still fresh in my memory,” he remembers, who considers the Quebec goalkeeper as a model.
One thing is certain, Swayman’s performances during the current series have something to inspire the youngest as Fleury has done so often in his career. The Bruins goaltender has the talent, potential, determination and kindness to be a role model in his own right.
