Between the Pipes with Keith Kinkaid - December 16th, 2010

This is our third edition of 'Between the Pipes with Keith Kinkaid'. Keith is currently ranked in the top ten in division 1 goaltending statistics with a save percentage of .921 through 821 minutes of play. He has recorded 9 wins during his 14 appearances in net this season.

How much time do you spend preparing for a game? What do you do in order to prepare yourself for games?

Preparation starts the night before a game by making sure you eat the right meal and get a good nights sleep. Pregame nap is key right after a team meal. I get to the rink at about 4:45 for a 7PM game. Right when I walk in the rink I have my IPOD game day playlist playing and I get changed out of my street clothes. I do have some superstitions such as doing the same warm-up routine. I get focused for warm-ups and then really zone in for game time.

So the team is heading to Kalamazoo this weekend to take on Western Michigan. What have you learned about this team? What expectations do you have heading into this weekend?

We have been preparing all week for this team. It's hard to sweep a team during a weekend and that's our main focus this weekend. We have gone over video and adjusted how we are going to take on Western Mich. Like any other weekend, we are looking to get nothing less than 4 points. These games are really important because they are out of conference games and could have an effect on our situation at the end of the year.

What are the keys to this weekend's games in pulling out two victories?

The keys to this weekend's games are to play physical, out work the other team and get everything to their net. We need to play consistent throughout each period and play great offensively as well as defensively. Western Michigan has very skilled forwards and we need to shut them down early and often. We cannot give them any odd man rushes or easy offense because they have the ability to make us pay.

Do you prefer these out of conference games over league play?

Out of conference games are always fun because it is a team you don't normally face each year. These games will mean a lot at the end of the season when talking about the National Tournament. Our league is a really tight league to play in and any game is really close. I don't have a preference but if I'd have to pick, I'd say league play.

The month of December has been generally road games I've noticed. Who do you usually room with when you stay at hotels? Is it generally the same person or do you change it up?

I room with Corey [Milan] every road weekend. He has been the only person I have roomed with since I've been here. We are both goaltenders so it makes sense and we get along well together. Can always count on some good laughs during the weekend in our room.

Well there you have it folks, you've heard it from the man himself. Please leave your reviews in the comment box below. And remember fans, you can find Keith Kinkaid on facebook at any time during the day.
-JZolot