Among the necessary attributes for a successful NHL goalie is a short memory. Forget about the goal just scored, concentrate on the next shot on its way.
Because netminders are hyper-focused on staying “in the moment,” it’s extra impressive that Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord can also retain perspective about his chosen profession.
That admirable quality was on full display after the final horn of the final game of the Kraken season, April 15 against Los Angeles. Seattle had gamely rallied from a 6-2 deficit to close within a goal, but got no closer. Their 47th and final loss brought a merciful conclusion to a season in which the playoff race had disappeared over the horizon months earlier.
No one would have faulted Daccord, a workhorse who had surrendered six goals (not all his fault, of course), for hustling as fast as he could skate to the tunnel – to begin putting a disappointing season behind him. Only, he didn’t do that.
Instead, he took time to circle the ice, putting his hands together to applaud the patrons at Climate Pledge Arena. The gesture spoke volumes about his ability to see beyond the results of any one game, beyond saves and scores, to the bigger picture – acknowledging the customers who make it possible for him and his mates and opponents to play the sport they love.
In his media interview the day after the season ended, I asked Daccord about his noble gesture for this Kraken Reaction.