NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Calvin Pickard :
The new
By Carter Brooks Photos by Will Borys and James Carey Lauder
No . 1 Goaltender in Colorado
To say Fort Garry product , Calvin Pickard is enjoying life as an NHL goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche , would be an understatement . Pickard is absolutely loving his opportunity to play professional hockey – something that probably would not have transpired if it were not for a family decision made years ago , back on the squally shores of Canada ’ s east coast .
94 GAME ON 2016 - 17 ROSTER DEADLINE EDITION
Every bio of Calvin Pickard that exists , lists the 24-year-old goaltender ’ s hometown as Moncton , New Brunswick . He was definitely born in Moncton – in April of 1992 to be exact . However , according to Pickard himself , Winnipeg is his true hometown .
“ I grew up on the east coast , but my dad ’ s work was what prompted the family to move to Winnipeg ,” Pickard said . “ My dad was transferred in 2000 and we moved the whole family out to Winnipeg . Winnipeg became my home , and I still live here to this day .”
Interestingly enough , Pickard only began playing hockey at age eight as a forward – a position he still likes to play in summer beer league hockey -- one year before he left for Winnipeg . However , after arriving in the middle of the country , something changed inside him and it was a change for the better .
“ I actually only played one year of hockey in New Brunswick , and