Goalie Helps Colts Finish Hockey Season Strong

In hockey, arguably the most important position is the goaltender. Luckily for , they had a great one this year. 

Senior Jason Braimon played through an upper body injury all season, leading the Kinnelon Colts ice hockey team to the second round of the playoffs last week before  

Patch caught up with the man behind the mask for this week's Athlete Spotlight.

Q: How long have you lived in Kinnelon?

A: I have lived in Kinnelon for almost 14 years.

Q: What made you start playing hockey?

A: I played roller hockey as a child and always wondered what ice hockey would be like. I first tried being a player in ice hockey, but was not good at it. I started playing as an ice hockey goalie at the end of 8th grade and it has been awesome.

Q: Who’s your biggest influence in hockey?

A: Throughout my hockey career, there have been many people who have influenced me. I was fortunate to be around some great goalies my freshman and sophomore years. Jeff Molner, who now plays juniors, has helped me improve my game a lot over the years. Also, my goalie coach has helped me and kept pushing me to become a better player. I give both of them credit for the goalie I have developed into today.

Q: Which is your favorite professional hockey team?

A: The New Jersey Devils, but my favorite hockey player is Alexander Ovechkin from the Washington Capitals. I think he is the most exciting player in the NHL to watch. He plays every shift with an intense passion and heart for the game. I respect him for giving 110 percent every shift.

Q: What are your plans for after high school?

A: I plan on attending college.  I just need to make a decision on which college.    

Q: Many hockey players are superstitious. Do you have any pre-game rituals?

A: Yes, I am very superstitious. Some of my pre-game rituals are before every game, I always put my right skate on before my left. Also, the last song I listen to before I go on the ice is "Lose Yourself" by Eminem.

Q: Hockey is a team sport, but do you have any personal goals you set for yourself?

A: This season, I had a bunch of both team and personal goals. My personal goal was to have a save percent over 91 and a Goals Against Average (GAA) well under 3. I also wanted to make an all-conference team in the Mennen Division.

Q: What is your most memorable moment as a player?

A: By far, the most memorable was when I dressed at the Prudential Center for the state’s championship during my sophomore year. Warming up on the home ice of my favorite professional team was awesome.

SHOUTOUTS

Head Coach Jeff Myhren: Senior Jason Braimon has been the backbone of the Kinnelon HS hockey team this year.  The team is supposed to be in a rebuilding season, but Jason has kept them competitive game after game.  Playing many of the top ten teams in the state Jason has faced many games where he takes over 50 shots.  His stats are, in 18 games played 770 minutes, 46 goals against, 506 shots, GAA 2.68 Save % of 0.909.  He has been selected 2nd team all Mennen Division.  He is a classic story of hard work paying off!