WOOD TV filed a report on Tom McCollum as the Grand Rapids Griffins goalie just set a franchise record as the winningest goaltender in team history, with 110 total wins as a Griffin.
Griffins coach Todd Nelson believes that McCollum is perfectly-suited to his role:
“He’s just the ultimate team guy,” Griffins head coach Todd Nelson said. “After a big penalty kill, he makes it known when he comes to the bench and tells the guys great job on the kill (and) great job on blocking shots. If guys are getting rattled, he’s the guy that is that calming presence especially when guys are playing.”
His professionalism has improved as his career has progressed since his AHL debut in 2009.
“No matter how you’re feeling, as a pro now, I know how to get myself ready even for those games where you don’t necessarily have the energy to play,” McCollum said. “I think I’ve calmed down a lot. When I first started, I was very emotional. I’ve kind of let that affect me at times whereas now I learned how to harness that and channel it into a positive for myself.”
