Anthony Stolarz: From Undrafted Gem to NHL Goalie on the Rise
Early Life and Career
Anthony Stolarz was born on January 20, 1994, in Jackson, New Jersey. He first started playing hockey at the age of three, and it quickly became his passion. Stolarz excelled as a goaltender, impressing scouts with his quick reflexes, athleticism, and competitive spirit.
Despite his talent, Stolarz went undrafted in the NHL Entry Draft. However, he didn't let that setback deter him. He continued to develop his skills by playing for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Breakthrough Season with the Knights
In the 2013-14 season, Stolarz had a breakout year with the Knights. He posted a remarkable 37-11-2 record, with an impressive 2.19 goals-against average (GAA) and a .929 save percentage (SV%). His stellar performance earned him the OHL Goaltender of the Year award, becoming the third American-born goaltender to win the prestigious honor.
NHL Debut and Rise with the Flyers
Stolarz's exceptional play in the OHL attracted the attention of the Philadelphia Flyers, who signed him to a three-year entry-level contract in 2014. He made his NHL debut in the 2015-16 season, appearing in 11 games and registering a 3-4-1 record.
Over the next few seasons, Stolarz continued to showcase his potential as a reliable backup goaltender. In the 2017-18 campaign, he played in 23 games, posting a respectable 2.96 GAA and a .911 SV%. His strong performance earned him the trust of Flyers coach Dave Hakstol, who often relied on Stolarz to provide stability in the crease.
Career Highlights
- OHL Goaltender of the Year (2014)
- AHL All-Star Classic (2016, 2019)
- Calder Cup Champion (2019, with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms)
Personal Life
Outside of hockey, Stolarz is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is also passionate about giving back to his community, volunteering his time to support local charities and organizations.
What We Can Learn from Anthony Stolarz
Perseverance: Despite going undrafted, Stolarz never gave up on his dream of playing in the NHL. His determination and hard work eventually paid off, proving that it's possible to achieve success even when faced with setbacks.
Resilience: Stolarz faced criticism from some who questioned his ability to be a starting goalie. However, he remained focused and used those criticisms as fuel to improve his game. His resilience serves as an example that setbacks can be overcome with hard work and a positive attitude.
Humility: Despite his success, Stolarz remains humble and grateful for the opportunities he has been given. He is quick to credit his teammates, coaches, and family for his achievements. His humility is a reminder that true success is not measured solely by individual accomplishments.
Effective Strategies
Use your rejections as motivation: When you face setbacks, don't give up. Turn those rejections into fuel for your determination and show the world what you're capable of.
Stay focused on your goals: Don't let distractions or criticisms derail you from what you want to achieve. Keep your eyes on the prize and work towards it relentlessly.
Surround yourself with positive people: Negative influences can erode your confidence and self-esteem. Make sure to surround yourself with people who believe in you and support your dreams.
Action Plan
- Reflect on your own experiences and identify any setbacks you have faced.
- Use those setbacks as motivation to drive you towards your goals.
- Surround yourself with people who support you and make you believe in yourself.
- Keep working hard and never give up on your dreams.
