Like fellow goalie prospect Pascal Leclaire, 18-year-old Dan Blackburn was born in Quebec and began playing goalie because of provincial hero Patrick Roy.
But unlike Leclaire, Blackburn didn't spend all his time growing up in Quebec. In fact, before he began playing hockey in earnest, his parents -- both teachers -- moved the family to Germany. When they returned, the Blackburns settled in Western Canada. Dan eventually landed in the Western Hockey League, where his numbers the past two seasons are nothing short of gaudy.
In his rookie season, Blackburn won 34 games, posting a 2.52 goals-against average. He guided the Kootenay Ice to the WHL championship and was the first 16-year-old to win playoff MVP honors. Blackburn followed that up with a 33-win performance last season, despite missing the first part of the season with a groin injury.
The styles of Leclaire and Blackburn also differ. Leclaire incorporates more of Roy's butterfly style, while Blackburn is more of a stand-up goalie. However, Blackburn does try to emulate Roy's mental toughness.
"It's not so much the way I play, it's the way I approach the game," Blackburn said.
Despite long odds, Blackburn wants to make the jump directly to the NHL next fall.
"That's the same thing I wanted in my first year in juniors," he said. "All I wanted was the chance and if I played well, to step in and play. That's what I'm looking for again."
Brian A. Shactman covers the NHL for ESPN.com.
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