By Doug Bonjour

Over Tom Johansen’s career in net for the Pride, Johansen has been as reliable and consistent as any goaltender to don the Hofstra uniform. He has played in 25 games for the Pride over four years and was awarded a spot on the Colonial Athletic Conference All-Tournament team last season. Yet during a majority of the recent homestand, in which the Pride faced both San Diego and Loyola of Maryland, a less-experienced but very confident goaltender found himself manning the posts for the Pride.

Freshman Mike Arnold made his Hofstra debut on Friday, when he entered the game against San Diego with 19:25 left in the second half and his team trailing 3-1. While the game seemed out of reach for the Pride at the time, a stunning Hofstra comeback forced Arnold into the tensest of moments: sudden-death overtime. However, the pressure did not get to Arnold, as he made two saves and earned the victory in the Pride’s overtime win.

Sunday’s game versus Loyola was another milestone night for Arnold, as he made his first collegiate start in goal. The coaching staff discussed before the season began that Arnold would be given some starts to allow rest for Johansen and Nuttall thought that the Loyola game “seemed like a good time” to start Arnold.

Indeed it was the right time to start the rookie, who was solid in defeat for the Pride, allowing only one goal and making one save.

Following the start, Nuttall praised his rookie goaltender.

“I thought he was great. He made one slight mistake, but the rest of the game his game management was excellent. He’s a fine keeper.”

Even though Arnold left with a defeat in his first start, the opportunity to play proved to be very meaningful to him.

“It was just a great feeling. Getting to play with a bunch of seniors and knowing how much it means to them, I was just trying to put in as much effort as they were,” he said.

Arnold’s strong play not only bodes well for both him and the team this season, but also for next year when the Pride will be looking to replace Johansen, who will have graduated.

“It prepares me well. I’ll be ready for the faster gameplay and all that’s going on,” said Arnold.

However, even though Arnold has impressed with two strong performances, he still knows there are areas he can improve in.

“I need to work on getting the long ball to our forwards better,” said Arnold.

The Pride can only hope that Arnold continues the strong play he has delivered thus far.