Confidence in Stevens high

by Ryan Fay

Goaltender Colin Stevens is going to have a tough job on his hands next season.

The Niskayuna native will be given the responsibility of replacing Troy Grosenick, who opted against returning for his senior season when he signed an entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks on Monday.

Stevens (Union)

Grosenick left the program as its career leader in goals against average (1.89) and save percentage (.930). His 39 wins finished second, seven behind Kris Mayotte's 46.

But the level of confidence in Stevens transitioning from backup to starter couldn't be higher.

"Everyone in this program knows Stevens is a great goalie," Grosenick said. "I don't want to put any pressure on him, but as you guys saw this year, his confidence really came out. He played great for us. He's a great goalie and he's going to continue to be. He's going to take this program to new levels and I have full faith in him and the team next year."

Stevens had a 1.62 GAA and three shutouts in 12 games this past season, including a pivotal 4-0 blanking of Clarkson on March 2nd that helped clinched a first round bye and home ice in the ECAC playoffs.

A junior in the fall, Stevens has seen action in 25 games through his first two years at Union. Prior to landing the starting job as a sophomore, Grosenick had played in just three games as a freshman.

"I have a lot of confidence in Stevens in the fact that he has more experience coming in than Grosenick did," said head coach Rick Bennett. "If he can deliver the same performance that Grosenick did, I'll like him a real lot."

Grosenick had one piece of advice for Stevens.

"Just play, that's it," he said. "It's a game, just go out and play it."