Lone Star Brahmas’ rookie goalie Jake Kupsky has stormed into the NAHL with much the same success as the franchise’s last big netminder, Ben Bishop. The Waukeshaw, WI native at 6’ 5†is one inch shorter than Bishop was during his time with the Texas Tornado, both tipped the scales at 210 pounds. Their physical size is not where the comparison ends though as their on ice performances stack up closely as well. Bishop was 9 – 1 – 0 through 10 games in 2004 and finished with a 1.93 GAA and a .920 SV% while Kupsky’s current record stands at 8 – 1 – 1 with a 1.92 GAA and a .919 SV%. The biggest difference between Bishop and Kupsky is that Jake shares net minding duties with another very talented goalie in TJ Black where Bishop handled the majority of the load himself.
Jake is convinced that his physical size is an asset when he is between the pipes. “I feel like that helps me because I am athletic enough to move well and get out of the paint when I need to, but at the same time big enough to sit back, be patient and let the play come to me,†he said. One of the things that drew Kupsky to the goalie position was the fact that it was the only position that allowed him to be on the ice all the time. “Naturally, I always wanted to be out there.†He jokingly added, “plus as the gear evolved to what it is now, goalies have the coolest gear to wear so that really drew me to it also.â€
“I like to be patience and let the play come to me but I also like to get out of my paint and be aggressive,†Kupsky said in describing his style of play. “I’ve always played that way because of my size. I really try to tyle my game after Carey Price.â€
