Former NHL coach and broadcaster Harry Neale famously said, “If you have a goalie, it’s 70% of your team. If you don’t, it’s 100%.” This sentiment underscores the importance of a strong goaltender in building a successful team, a principle evident in the Anaheim Ducks’ rebuilding strategy which now includes five promising young goaltenders aspiring to make their mark in the NHL.
With the conclusion of the 2023-24 minor and junior hockey seasons, AnaheimDucks.com connected with Ducks Goaltending Coach Sudarshan Maharaj for insights into the progress and potential of these rising stars.
Maharaj emphasized the ultimate goal for any player in the Ducks organization: progressing towards winning a Stanley Cup. He highlighted that the journey to the NHL is rigorous, requiring players to handle the pressures and responsibilities of the net effectively. “The more that you can gain control of the situations in net and create those pressures, the better off you are when the time comes to face it at the NHL level,” he said, describing the developmental process as a series of steps up a ladder to maturity.
Calle Clang
Calle Clang, in his first season in North America, led the San Diego Gulls with 32 appearances and 855 saves. Maharaj acknowledged the significant adjustments Clang had to make, from leaving home to adapting to the North American style of play. “There were some growing pains, but we really felt like he started to make a lot of those adjustments,” Maharaj noted. Clang’s progress by the end of the season was promising, and Maharaj is excited to see him bring consistency back into his game.
The 22-year-old Clang, acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2021 trade involving Rickard Rakell, has played 125 professional games between Sweden and San Diego. His record in the AHL includes an 11-19-4 mark with a .898 save percentage (SV%) and a 3.15 goals-against average (GAA).
Tomas Suchanek
Tomas Suchanek, an undrafted prospect, emerged as one of the AHL’s biggest surprises this season, boasting a .910 save percentage and earning an entry-level contract with the Ducks. Maharaj praised Suchanek’s performance at rookie camp, which put him on the radar, and his subsequent strong play in Tulsa (ECHL). “Everything Thomas has gotten, he’s earned,” Maharaj said, respecting Suchanek’s determination and maximization of his opportunities.
Suchanek, initially a free agent invite to the Ducks’ development camp, ended up leading San Diego in save percentage and GAA (2.92). Maharaj pointed out the competitive environment in San Diego, indicating that the upcoming season will be crucial for Suchanek to establish himself further.
Vyacheslav Buteyets
Vyacheslav Buteyets, Anaheim’s sixth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, signed his entry-level contract in May and is set to begin his first season in North America. Maharaj described Buteyets as a big goaltender with good skating and structure in his game, emphasizing his hard-working attitude and eagerness to learn.
Buteyets has played 35 games for Chelmet Chelyabinsk in the VHL (Russian Second Division) and made his KHL debut at just 21. His three-season VHL record includes a 40-32-6 mark, a .923 SV%, and a 2.36 GAA. Maharaj noted that Buteyets has substantial pro experience in Russia and now needs to bring his good habits to North America.
Gage Alexander
Gage Alexander, standing at 6-foot-6, spent the 2023-24 season with Tulsa, ending with a 5-8-1 record in 19 appearances. Maharaj stressed the need for Alexander to develop consistency. “He has shown flashes of very high-end play but hasn’t maintained it over an extended period,” Maharaj explained, looking forward to Alexander maturing in his game.
Alexander had 16 starts for San Diego during the 2022-23 season but did not appear in an AHL game this past season.
Damian Clara
Damian Clara, the first Italian-born player ever selected in the NHL Draft, had an exceptional 2023-24 season, earning the title of top junior player in the Hockey Allsvenskan (Sweden’s second division). Clara’s performance was instrumental in leading Brynas to promotion to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
Maharaj highlighted Clara’s intense season, where he had to step up as the starting goalie for Brynas during a critical period. Clara’s technical and mental growth was commendable, and he played crucial minutes in the playoffs, leading Brynas to the SHL. Maharaj likened Clara’s experience to turning a lump of coal into a diamond under pressure.
Clara will play for Färjestad BK in the SHL next year. His 2023-24 record includes a 25-8-0 mark with four shutouts, a 2.23 GAA, and a .913 SV% in 34 games, ranking second among HockeyAllsvenskan goalies in wins and GAA. Clara also led in postseason wins, GAA (1.68), and SV% (.931), becoming the youngest goaltender to lead a team to SHL promotion at 19 years old.
Through their developmental journey, each of these young goaltenders reflects the Anaheim Ducks’ commitment to nurturing talent and building a strong foundation for future success in the NHL. With guidance from Coach Maharaj, they are steadily climbing the ladder, one step closer to their ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
