Disano stands tall for BR

At 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, Gavin Disano is on the short side when it comes to the preferences of Ontario Hockey League scouts and American college recruiters who evaluate goalies. But if a goalie can stop the puck and win games, how much does size really matter?

To be sure, Disano who is a 2003 birth year rookie with the Blind River Beavers of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, has been standing tall between the pipes.

Signed by the Beavers after a year with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League, Disano was brought into Blind River this season to be the backup to 2001 birth year veteran Wyatt Courchaine.

But not only has Disano been splitting net time with Courchaine, the youngster has more wins and better overall numbers than his older colleague.

Kyle Brick, who is in his fifth season as the coach and hockey boss of the Beavers, has been very impressed with the play of Disano through the on and off and on again NOJHL season.

“There are a lot of qualities that Gavin has that really stand out,” Brick told Hockey News North. “His preparation, approach and focus are off the charts … and he positions himself extremely well.

“What also stands out about Gavin is that when he lets in a goal that he would like to have back, he doesn’t dwell on it or lose his concentration.

“We brought Gavin in to be the goalie of the future for the Blind River Beavers but let’s just say that right now, he is way, way ahead of schedule,” Brick offered in further praise of his young goalie.

Thus far in his rookie NOJHL season, Disano has a record of 5-1-1 to go with a 3.67 goals against average and .904 save percentage while seeing plenty of action against the Soo Thunderbirds and Rayside Balfour Canadians.

Indeed, Blind River now has a 7-6-1 record through 14 games this season and Disano has been between the pipes for five of the victories.