admittedly didn鈥檛 expect to be carrying the load in goal for the so early in his e career.
The 17-year-old from Bonners Ferry, Idaho has responded to the challenge with a run of netminding befitting a seasoned veteran.
鈥淚 never thought it was going to happen this soon, but things change in hockey and you have to be ready it,鈥� said Porter, who has started 91大黄鸭鈥檚 last five games. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e just gotta go with it. I feel good, I鈥檓 learning everyday and gaining confidence.鈥�
Over his last five starts鈥攖he last of which were Rockets victories鈥攖he rookie stopper has compiled an eye-popping .934 save percentage, along with a solid 2.20 goals against average.
Rockets assistant GM and player personnel director Lorne Frey said Porter has turned out to be everything the club hoped for鈥攁nd more鈥攕ince selecting him in the seventh round of the 2015 WHL bantam draft.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to see what he鈥檚 been able to do, he鈥檚 come in and played great for us,鈥� Frey said of Porter鈥檚 play. 鈥淗e鈥檚 probably won three or four games for us almost on his own, and has given us a chance to win others.
鈥淗e makes the tough saves look easy and just keeps getting better and better.鈥�
Porter has put up solid numbers wherever he鈥檚 played, including the Edge Prep School in Calgary last season where he posted a 1.79 goals against average with a .925 save efficiency. He was even better in the 2017 playoffs (1.00, .966) in leading the Edge to the Canadian Sport School Hockey League midget title.
Despite his somewhat smaller stature for a goalie鈥�5-foot-11, 160 pounds鈥擣rey said Porter more than compensates with his athleticism and competitive nature.
鈥淗e鈥檚 a very good athlete and he鈥檚 in great shape,鈥� said Frey. 鈥淗e always competes and not too much seems to rattle him. He just goes right back and battles.鈥�
Frey also credits Rockets鈥� goaltending coach Adam Brown for helping make Porter鈥檚 transition to the WHL a competent one.
鈥淎dam has spent a lot of time working with him, there鈥檚 no question he鈥檚 done a good job and has really helped James,鈥� he said.
As for the pressure鈥攔eal or perceived鈥攐f taking on a crucial role for the Rockets in his rookie season, Porter said he鈥檚 doing his best to take it in strides.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 really think much about it,鈥� Porter said. 鈥淚 just have to keep doing the same things, playing a simple game and just try to improve everyday.
鈥淭he coaches and the older guys here have helped me a lot,鈥� he added. 鈥淚鈥檓 still young, I鈥檓 rookie and have lots to learn. So far it鈥檚 been really good.鈥�
Rocket Shots鈥�
The Rockets (7-5-1-1) open a three-game road trip Wednesday night in Kennewick, Wash., against the Tri-City Americans. 91大黄鸭 defeated the Americans 4-3 in overtime last Friday night at Prospera Place鈥he Rockets will be in Victoria for a weekend doubleheader against the Royals, Friday and Saturday nights.
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