Guy Flaming and Dean Millard from The Pipeline Show are two very knowledgeable hockey scouts, so whenever I get a chance to be a guest on their show, I get really excited. Why? Because I know they’re going to ask hard-hitting goalie questions that force me to bring my best insights and analysis to their listeners.

The Pipeline Show - 1/17/12 [ 18:28 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I believe this was my fourth appearance on their show over the last year, and this one was the most entertaining. With the segment centered around backup goalies in the NHL, they asked awesome questions on Tuukka Rask, Jonathan Bernier, Cory Schneider, Jhonas Enroth, Josh Harding, and even some up-and-coming American Hockey League goaltenders as well.

The last few minutes were really interesting, because they asked me about a previous segment they had with Team Canada goalie coach Ron Tugnutt. You can listen to that segment here (first segment on the list), and I suggest that you do, so you can understand where I’m coming from with my response.

I personally feel that it is quite ridiculous to expect the Canadian Hockey League to not allow European imports to play goal. That is unfair, that is not what universalizing the sport is all about. Every goalie, regardless of where they are from, should have the same opportunity that everyone else has. If Team Canada wants to develop better goaltenders, then goaltenders in Canada need to work harder and work smarter. It’s that simple.

Enjoy this segment on some great young goalies and be sure to check out The Pipeline Show, which airs twice a week on Team 1260, Edmonton’s sports radio station!