OKC Blazers show class

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Air Force goalie gets honorary start
2001-10-12
By Scott Munn
Staff Writer


Oklahoma City Blazers coach Doug Sauter hasn't bothered putting Sean Broderick's name on the training camp roster.
Sauter said Broderick wouldn't be around long. Not because the rookie goaltender lacks the skills to make the Blazers' roster. The coach knows Broderick belongs to another organization -- and a reassignment is imminent.

Broderick graduated in May from the Air Force Academy and has been stationed at Tinker since August. With a military commitment still ahead, plus the strikes against Afghanistan, Broderick's pro hockey career is on hold.

But he's spending spare time away from the base practicing with the Blazers. Broderick has impressed in scrimmages, making several big saves while wearing the silver and blue equipment he used in school.

"I can see that he's an NCAA goaltender," Sauter said of Broderick, a River Edge, N.J., native. "He's very quick. Sean played better than I thought he would, because he might be rusty."

Sunday, Broderick leaves for a month-long training assignment in Montgomery, Ala. As a going-away gift, Sauter said Broderick will start tonight at 7:35, when Oklahoma City plays Fort Worth in an exhibition game at the Myriad.

"I just feel fortunate to get the opportunity to play," said Broderick, who works in air logistics at Tinker. "The Air Force comes first, but I'd like to play anytime I get the chance."

Broderick was Air Force's backup last season to Marc Kielkucki, an NHL prospect who is now stationed in Dayton, Ohio. Broderick played 49 minutes and posted a 3.7 goals- against average with an impressive .925 saves percentage.

His 3.74 career goals-against is fourth-best in school history.

If Broderick is available, Sauter wants the rookie to serve as Oklahoma City's emergency backup goaltender in case veterans Brant Nicklin or Matt Carmichael are injured.

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