By Jeff Nagle
When Riverview Royals goaltender Sam Montembeault went down to a high-ankle sprain last week, questions about the state of the "win it all now" Royals goaltending were immediately intense. Would they give up their fragile youth stock to nab a starting goalie? The quick response was "no." Instead, GM Nagle wanted to see how his backup and third sting goalie would respond. There was never an expectation that they would put up a brick wall in front of the cage, but the hopes were that they would at least keep the team in games. It only took 2 games to find out that neither goalie was up for the task.
Hunter Jones was called up from Loggieville and given the start against the Albert Renegade, he made it halfway through the 3nd period after giving up five goals, only to be replaced by Alexandar Georgiev who then gave up 3 more (this after he gave up eight goals against the Scotsmen the game before).
Hoping that both goalies shook the cobwebs out of their helmets, the Royals went to Georgiev for the start against the reeling Dorchester Devils. Well, he didn't make it a full game and got hauled early in the third period after giving up another five goals (that makes 16 goals allowed for Georgiev in less than 2 games played total). Hunter Jones came in and gave up another goal on three shots.
Needless to say, the Royals got nothing out of their backups, and if this team is to find itself anywhere near contention this season, they had to act now.
Enter Thatcher Demko.
GM Nagle hit the phone lines and dialed up his trading buddy in GM Ashton in Miramichi. The rebuilt club had Demko riding the pine behind legend John Gibson. GM Nagle inquired about the availability of Demko and the price was right, young defenseman prospect Ryan O'Rourke was sent to Miramichi for a short rental in Demko. Once Montemeault returns from injury, it is expected that Demko will be returned to Miramich.
Thatcher Demko has never been relied on as a starting goaltender, always the bridesmaid, he backed up solid goaltenders in the past but mostly on rebuilding clubs. While he did win a ODBHL Cup with the Moose in season 7, he has not found much success in either South Esk or Miramichi because of their rebuilds. Riverview is his chance to show his value on the bigger stage during a contract year and the timing of this opportunity couldn't be any better. Demko has solidified the Royals backend posting two solid wins since arriving, and now has evened the keel of a team poised to contend for the Cup.
8/14/2024 - 448 words
