Behind the mask with Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman
'I knew I was going to be a hockey player,' Swayman says
'I knew I was going to be a hockey player,' Swayman says
'I knew I was going to be a hockey player,' Swayman says
His nickname is the "bulldog" and Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman has been one of the biggest reasons why the B's are still fighting in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The 25-year-old Alaska native has been clutch for the Bruins, stopping over 94% of shots faced so far this postseason.
Very Local's "Hockey Night in New England" got to spend time with Jeremy and his family prior to the playoffs.
Jeremy explains what growing up in Alaska was like.
"It was the most unique, incredible experience you could ask for as a kid," Jeremy said. "Being able to leave your front door and be in the complete wilderness is like a dream come true."
Ken Swayman, Jeremy's dad, explained how his career brought him to every corner of the United States.
The avid outdoorsman was eventually drawn to Alaska, where he says Jeremy quickly learned to enjoy the outdoors. "We were hiking and camping from the time he was able, you know, 1 or 2 years old," Ken Swayman said. "I had him hiking. He was basically an infant."
Jeremy says it was the culture of Alaska that attracted him to hockey.
"Everywhere you turn, there was an open pond," Jeremy said. "That was basically, the culture that Alaskans had: skiing and hockey, hiking outdoors, anything outside.
"Right away, I knew I was going to be a hockey player," Jeremy said.
Swayman, who spent the regular season rotating starts with fellow goaltender Linus Ullmark, has started nearly all of Boston’s nine playoff games.
Swayman's entire story is featured in Episode 1 of "Hockey Night in New England."
Host Joel Idelson meets some of New England’s greatest hockey players, from NHL pros to high school’s rising stars.
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