The Grand Rapids Griffins’ website posted an article today which profiles goaltender Calvin Pickard. Derek Patterson discusses the netminder’s steady presence for the Griffins over the course of the past two seasons:
Two years ago, goaltender Calvin Pickard signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings. Since then, he has been the key goaltender for the Grand Rapids Griffins, the primary affiliate of Detroit.
During this 2021-22 campaign, Pickard has been between the pipes in 20 of the 23 Griffins’ games and has solidified himself as one of the top goaltenders in the AHL. Pickard has played in a career-best 16 consecutive games, which he set from Nov.5- Dec. 22. The netminder is fifth on the circuit with a save percentage of 0.927, and his 2.44 goals against average is tied for 11th in the league. He is also tied for sixth in the AHL with nine wins.
The Moncton, New Brunswick, native first broke into professional hockey in 2010 when he was the Colorado Avalanche’s second-round draft choice. Since then, he has played for eight different franchises between the AHL and NHL. Pickard has seen how different systems work, but his experience with the Red Wings has been a particularly enjoyable one.
“My experience has been great with the Red Wings. I’ve played against [Detroit] in the NHL and played a lot of games against the Griffins,” Pickard said. “I was excited for a new organization and a fresh start. I’ve been treated very well since day one here. The staff, players and the fans are great.”
One of Pickard’s favorite things about the Red Wings has been the easy transition when he first arrived and the professionalism that the organization carries at all levels of competition.
“I’ve definitely been with my fair share of organizations, and a couple of them try to make you into something that you’re not,” Pickard explained. “But when I came over here, they treated me like a true professional from day one. For the most part they make sure I’m ready and comfortable going into each game and that’s where I’ve earned most of my success.”
Last Pickard reply, LOL
Probably Pickard’s week long out of Saskatchewan was one of the best and most expensive (not for the school).
My son was always a Price fan because he made being a Goaltending look easy.
He really enjoyed working with Pickard and came away thinking the were both pretty good, LOL.
Pickard, I thought would be a full time NHL Goalie. Sure tells me what is required.
Glad he is with the Wings organization, Good Guy and handy to have around.
A tad surprised Dylan Garand started for Canada but with only one pre tournament (Sat) it appears??? Cossa will be a backup until or if Garand is not starting. Having 3 pretty good goalies is good but tough on the backups.
Reading some Canadian News about Goalies it sure seemed like they all got along really good. That was good news for a Wings Fan who was starting to look like a prima dona. Who the reporters are can something out of nothing.
Garland is with the WHL Kamloops same as Cossa with Edmonton of WHL. Odd but it seems like the WHL , at least lately, has the best talent pool.
Bedard was supposed to be a shoo in for the #1 Draft in 2023 BUT a young kid from Russia is really, really good Oddly, he has signed with the KHL until 2026.
I will let George comment if he wants on when the Russian can come over to North America. I appears like a Russian Goalie and Bedard will go 1 , 2 in the 2023 NHL Draft. Is it too early for teams to start tanking???