Quebec goaltender Olivier Rodrigue is continuing his way in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Bakersfield Condors.
• Also read: NHL 2022-2023 Squad Overview
The former Drummondville Voltigeurs goaltender’s path isn’t all that different from many other goalies in the AHL. Last season, he made multiple trips between the cities of Bakersfield and Wichita to play with the Thunder in the ECHL and played 13 games with the Condors.
Since the start of the current season, Rodrigue has stood guard and is still with the Edmonton Oilers’ AHL Farm Club. The Chicoutimi native took advantage of an injury suffered by teammate Calvin Pickard to earn a place in the lineup.
“I wanted to play more games this season,” Rodrigue told the AHL website. I feel more comfortable when I can stay in one place for a while. It wasn’t easy going back and forth. I feel secure in my game and just have to keep working on it.”
At .916, he is currently one of the leading players in the league.
“‘Ollie’ gives us a chance to win every night and that’s all you want from your goalie,” said Condors head coach Colin Chaulk. Whether we have a good game or not, he’s very solid. That’s his job and that’s what he does.”
Rodrigue wants to stay ready for any opportunity that comes his way.
“I have to be ready,” added Rodrigue. When “Pick” got injured I had to intervene and you don’t know how long he will be out. My attitude was to give my team a chance every night.”
Despite Pickard’s injury, Rodrigue’s relationship with the 30-year veteran was of great help to the two masked men.
“He’s taken me under his wing since he got here. He wants to help me develop my game and become more confident in the way I play.”