Welcome to another edition of Ask Dubey, where former NHL goaltender Devan Dubnyk gives his thoughts on the Edmonton Oilers and answers questions about anything from hockey to life.
This week, we talked about how the Oilers took charge of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings after dropping the first two games. We also had some interesting questions from the audience, including one about how goalies react to the crowd.
How much impact, both negative and positive, does the crowd chanting the goalie’s name have on that goalie?
There are two sides to dealing with a crowd. When you’re on the road, in hostile territory, you’re ready for it. You expect them to chant your name, taunt you, and make noise. Honestly, that’s not the tough part. You’re prepared for that.
But at home? When you’re struggling and you hear the groans, the sighs, and that brutal silence after a goal… That’s tough. On the road, though, you brace for the chaos. You know it’s coming, and you embrace it.
Still, when you’re in a rowdy building, like Edmonton, and suddenly they’re chanting “Kuemper!” after a couple of quick goals, you start to feel the momentum shift. The noise builds, the chants get louder, and suddenly every rush feels like it’s coming at you full-force. It’s not just the chanting itself, it’s the intensity of the moment, the noise, the energy, the pressure. Every puck toward the net feels like a scoring chance, every shot feels dangerous, and suddenly things feel like they’re spiralling out of control.
Your job at that moment? Step up. Make that big save. Freeze the puck. Quiet the crowd. It’s all about taking the wind out of their sails and regaining your composure. Because when things start unravelling and the arena feels like it’s shaking, that’s when you need to step in, settle the noise, and take back control.
So much of the game, especially for goalies, is mental. How does having a kid impact your game?
That’s a fantastic question. It’s life, plain and simple. Having your first kid is a major, game-changing moment, especially for guys stepping into fatherhood for the first time. Sure, with your second or third, you start to know the ropes, and the routine gets easier. Maybe the sleep loss doesn’t hit as hard. But no matter who you are, kids shake things up.
Sleep deprivation? Let’s face it, it’s tough, especially when you’re welcoming your first. Life flips upside down, and there’s no avoiding that reality. It can absolutely impact performance, no question.
And timing matters. Does the baby arrive just after the season ends, giving you precious months to adjust and find your new rhythm? Or does your bundle of joy land smack in the middle of the season, turning everything into beautiful chaos?
Here’s the thing: hockey is important. It’s our passion and livelihood. But some things matter even more. Starting a family, bringing a new life into the world, these are incredible, life-defining moments that rarely happen exactly on schedule. You can’t control timing, but you can rise to the challenge.
Sleep and routines are big hurdles. Even hitting the road, your mind drifts homeward, wondering if everyone’s okay. And for goalies, it’s even tougher. A forward or defenseman can have an off night and maybe skate by unnoticed. But when you’re between the pipes, fatigue or distraction can stand out loud and clear.
I’m not here to sugarcoat it — having a new baby is a challenge, plain and simple. It affects everyone. But it’s one of life’s greatest, most rewarding adventures, and it’s something you simply embrace and power through.
