Getting
the puck past Plymouth junior goaltender Michael Justus is a tough task
Michael Justus has proven to be very
proficient at keeping speeding projectiles out of nets the past two
seasons at Plymouth High School.
Using his stellar reflexes and well-honed instincts, Justus has
shined as the goaltender for the Wildcats' hockey and lacrosse teams.
Justus took a few minutes before practice Monday afternoon to
talk to PlymouthCantonSports.com's Ed Wright about his love for
goaltending.
ED
WRIGHT: How old were you when you started playing hockey?
Michael Justus: I was probably about 3.
EW: Have you always been a
goalie?
MJ: I was a
player until pee-wees and then I started playing goalie from there.
EW:
What do you like about the position?
MJ: My
favorite part is probably shutting people down when they think they're
going to score. That's probably one of the best feelings out there.
EW: What skills does it take to
be an effective goalie?
MJ: You have
to be light on your feet, have good balance and have good, all-around
quickness.
EW: From a goalie's standpoint,
how does hockey compare to lacrosse?
MJ: Most of it is about cutting down the
players' angles in both sports. And you can't be afraid of a heavy ball
or puck flying at you.
EW: What's the intensity level
like when you play against Canton and Salem in hockey?
MJ: Having
class with them and seeing their faces all day, you know what's coming.
It's great because there are usually a lot of fans there and a
lot of hype. It's about playing against friends more than anything.
EW: What do you like about this
year's team?
MJ: We have a
lot of good young players and we get a lot of leadership out of guys
who are back from last year's team. So far, we seem to have more team
chemistry than we had last year. I think we'll have a better season
overall.
EW: Is there an NHL goalie you
emulate?
MJ: I'd
say Roberto Luongo. He's a great leader and he's just a beast out there.
EW: How does playing lacrosse
help you in hockey and vice versa?
MJ:
Skating and running are a lot different, but they're kind of similar
with the way you move the puck and ball. I took some things I had
learned from hockey to lacrosse. You have to be in good shape to play
both sports.
Ed Wright can be reached at
info@plymouthcantonsports.com or (734) 453-1980.
