Dafoe's contract dispute with the Boston Bruins meant John Grahame stayed in the NHL, which meant the American League's Providence Bruins needed someone to back up Kay Whitmore. Two weeks into the season, Gingras is looking like the starter. The 21-year-old bolted out of the gate with a 2-0-1 record, 0.91 goals-against average and .972 save percentage.
"I knew I could play here, I just needed the chance," Gingras said.
Providence coach Peter Laviolette provided the opportunity. A former ECHL coach, Laviolette was impressed by Gingras' record-setting season a year ago. The former Laval Titan (Quebec League) goalie had an ECHL-record 2.26 GAA and .924 save percentage for the Richmond Renegades and was top rookie.
"It's tough to get those numbers on a fluke, you have to be good," Laviolette said. "I don't care what league you're in, you have to earn it. Maybe the shooters in the Coast aren't as good, but maybe the defense isn't as good either."
Most scouts don't doubt Gingras' ability. But his size has scared everyone away. he's listed as 5-foot-8, 160 pounds, but admits to being only 5-foot-6, 150 pounds. he was passed over in the major junior draft, then the NHL draft. Even after his great 1998-99 season, there were no NHL or AHL contract offers.
"I've heard how they say I have talent, but I can't play consistent and can't play a lot of games because I'm too small," Gingras said. "well, I played 71 games in junior my first year (1996-97) and 68 the next."
The length of Gingras' stint in Providence depends on Dafoe. Gingras has a 25-game tryout contract and could return to the ECHL if the Dafoe situation is resolved in Boston.
"For me to tell you what will happen in Boston with Grahame and Dafoe would be a waste of breath," Laviolette said. "Maxime just has to continue to produce. I'll say this, he's one of the quickest goaltenders I've ever seen."
copyright 1999 The Hockey News