It is winter season and that means it is hockey season. Moon hockey is 14-3 in the season and third in the conference. Everyone knows you need good goaltending to be able to win consistently. One strong goalie can change the outcome of a game. Tyler Zeigler, a high school senior, has done just that for the Tigers this season. So far this year he has a 7-4 record. In those games he has recorded 299 saves, a .900 save percentage, one shutout, and 2.6 goals against average. These stats show how important he has been to the team and how much Moon relies on him in close games.
Playing goalie is an extremely hard position and is also a very mental game. There are going to be ups and downs throughout the season. Some nights you feel locked in and everything is going right, and other nights it feels like nothing is going your way. I got to talk with Tyler about some moments he remembers, hardships he has faced, and more about his journey playing goalie. He explained how “you’re the last line of defense, and there is lots of pressure. It’s a very mental position; you got to keep pushing through to help your team win.” Being the last line of defense can be when something goes wrong, the goalie is usually the one people notice and put blame on, which can be tough to deal with mentally.
Tyler has played goalie since he was 7 years old and has played for Moon for 8 years. Over those years, he has built a lot of memories and learned how to handle tough moments. Most athletes tend to have some sort of superstition before games, whether it is because of nerves, habits, or just coincidence. It is something many athletes do to feel comfortable before playing in their games. Tyler is no different. He shared that he warms up in the same spot before every game. It is something small, but it helps him get into a routine and feel ready before puck drop.
When I asked about challenges he has faced or had to work through, he said sometimes you get into a slump, and it can be hard to get out of. Especially as a goalie, one bad game can mess with your confidence, so you have to keep working, stay positive, and try to improve each time you step on the ice. Even when things are not going well, you still have to show up for your team. When looking back at his hockey memories, his best memory was last year in the playoffs when Moon won in overtime against North Hills. Moments like that can make all the pressure and hard work worth it.
As the season continues, Tyler will continue to be a big part of Moon’s success and a big reason the Tigers are having such a strong year. I wish him and the tigers the best of luck for the rest of their hockey season.
