Minot, ND – As the 2016/17 NAHL season draws near we are giving Tauros fans a chance to meet all of the new members of the club as well as learn a little more about the returning Tauros. We will play 20 questions with a different Tauro every day from now until the NAHL Showcase going in number order, today we catch up with rookie goaltender #33 Austin Park.
Park, along with fellow Tauro Eric Dop formed the goaltending tandem for Tier 1 Elite League’s Ohio Blue Jackets U18 club last season. In 16 games Park posted a 2.23 GAA and .925 SV% for the Blue Jackets now the ’98 birth year goaltender comes to Minot looking to beat out his former teammate Dop or the incumbent Lucas Murray for a spot on the Tauros final roster.
From the Coaches’ Office: Austin was a late addition to training camp, and he has really caught our eye so far. I’ve really been impressed with his compete level on the puck. He has made some saves in exhibition games that looked like sure goals. But more importantly, he’s stopped the shots he’s needed to and that’s what you ask out of your goaltenders. – Marty Murray
20 Questions
Do you have a nickname: Park
Older/younger siblings: None
Favorite NHL team/player: Redwings/ Carey Price
What inspired you to start playing hockey: My uncle took me skating at 5 years old and I watched miracle hundreds of times. I would put my legs in pillows and pretend to be Jim Craig.
Pregame routine: Nap, Shower, Light meal, Dynamic warm up, Hand eye drills.
Ideal pregame meal: Grilled chicken, pasta, and veggies.
Any hockey superstitions: Hearing or saying shutout before the game is over.
Best hockey memory: Beating the defending national champions in a shootout at the national tournament U16 year.
Aside from people, what will you miss most from home: Hikes in the mountains and fishing with friends.
Do you believe in ghosts or aliens: I believe there’s things we can’t explain and that it’s not possible we’re the only living beings in the entire universe. “Universe is so humangous big” -Ilya Bryzgalov
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with warm weather, sand and an ocean
Least favorite word: Quitter
Favorite candy bar: Snickers
Favorite pizza topping: Bell peppers
What song would you sing for Karaoke: Barefoot Blue Jean Night by Jake Owen
Favorite cartoon as a kid: Jimmy Neutron
Do you have a hidden talent: I can play the guitar
What’s your dream car: Pagani Zonda R
If you could have one superpower what would it be: Super speed
If you had to go on a reality show which one would you choose: The Bachelor