Junior goaltender J.D. Wells has experienced adversity during his collegiate hockey career, but now he is riding the highs by helping the Johnnies back into MIAC Playoff contention.
After suffering a concussion on the ice against Concordia University (Wisc.) on Nov. 26, Wells came storming back to the goal crease, snagging his fourth straight victory. His wins came against Gustavus Adolphus, Hamline and two games against Concordia College. Wells’ recent success has earned him MIAC Hockey Athlete-of-the-Week honors.
His success in the net has helped the Johnnies rally to a 7-10-2 overall record and a 5-5-0 MIAC mark. St. John’s is tied with Bethel and St. Olaf for fifth place in the conference with 10 points.
Wells, a 2008 graduate from Anoka High School, has compiled a 3-0 record in five starts this season and has a .927 save percentage. He has an impressive 1.63 goals against average. Compared to last season, Wells has improved significantly %u2014 his record was 1-3 with a 4.14 goals against average in 2010-2011.
The junior’s first start of the season ended abruptly when a skate hit the side of his head. He was removed from the game after the second period, but was not off the rink for long.
“I passed all the {necessary} tests after 24 hours,” Wells said.
Wells return to the ice came two games later on Dec. 10 at St. Thomas, in a relief appearance of senior goaltender Tony Civello. Wells got his next chance to start on Jan. 14 at Gustavus Adolphus, and he delivered, holding off the Gusties 4-3. The victory gave Wells the needed mental boost to be successful in the net.
“Confidence is the biggest thing for me,” Wells said.
That confidence continued to show as Wells posted two wins over the Cobbers, 2-1 and 4-1. His most recent start was against Hamline on Jan. 26, but Wells was pulled after the first period due to illness.
St. John’s Head Coach Doug Schueller commended Wells for his determination and commitment to the team, as well as his abilities.
“J.D. is one of those guys who works really hard,” Schueller said. “He stepped in there, and we kept riding him. He is really well liked, and we want him to be successful. This is an opportunity he has worked so hard for.”
Junior forward Tobias Linbro agreed that Wells has made the most of his time back on the ice.
“He has played really well, and he builds confidence in the team with his saves,” Linbro said. “We all know what he can do.”
Despite taking some minutes away from Civello, Wells credits his positive relationship with the senior to remain motivated.
“Our relationship is great,” Wells said. It is tough when you are not playing, but he works hard and I work hard.”
To summarize the Johnnies’ recent performance, Wells quoted college basketball coach Trent Johnson: “We have had our confidence antlers on lately.”
St. John’s travels to Winona, Minn. to face Saint Mary’s on Feb. 3 and 4.