All Access: John Lethemon

Photo by: USHL 

In just his second USHL start, Steel goaltender John Lethemon earned his first career win last Saturday against the Tri-City Storm, making an astounding 34 saves in the process. Originally from Michigan, Lethemon was in net for Farmington High School last season as they did the improbable and won the Division 3 State Championship. In May, Lethemon joined the Steel as a first round draft choice in Phase II of the USHL draft, something he considers one of his proudest hockey accomplishments, just behind capturing the high school state title. We had a chance to catch up with the Steel net-minder and get his thoughts on Saturday’s victory, the upcoming season and his hockey career.

Q: You had an excellent game last Saturday and earned your first career win. Can you comment on that and tell us a bit about the game?

A: First of all, it was a great team effort. The guys in front of me played really well, offensively and defensively, and then to get the two goals at the end was big. I thought that we stuck to our game the whole time. They came out very strong, but we continued to match their intensity, and we got some quality chances. I just made the saves that I was supposed to make, controlled my rebounds, and tried to make it as simple on the team as possible. I felt very confident and the team felt confident, so it was an overall great team effort.

Q: Do you have any specific goals for this season?

A: I would like to be in the top of the goalie rankings statistically, and it would obviously be really cool to get my first shutout. But really just help the team in any way possible, and every time I am in net give them a chance to win the game.

Q: What are your favorite things about being a member of the Steel?

A: It’s a fun group of guys to be around. We have a very positive atmosphere where you don’t have to feel intimidated by anything or anyone. It’s just a lot of fun coming to the rink every day.

Q: Tell us a little bit about growing up in Michigan and how you ended up becoming a goalie.

Photo by: MJB Images

A: When I was three years old, I started skating and playing mini-mites so I’ve been playing for about 15 years. I played a little bit of baseball and lacrosse growing up, but hockey has always been my number one sport. In mini-mites, I started out playing all positions, but in my second year, I decided that I really wanted to play goalie. From then on, I've always played goalie.

Q: How have you learned to focus over the years and stay motivated each and every day?

A: Before each game, I listen to my hockey playlist and get focused. I get fully dressed and go out to stretch. Then, I just close my eyes, think about the game and visualize making saves. In between every whistle, I skate to the boards and try to tap the same place on the boards with my stick just to keep me focused and locked in. I do the same thing, tapping my posts after every whistle.

Q: You are new to the Chicago area. What do you think about the atmosphere of Chicago versus Michigan and what has the transition been like?

A: Yeah, it’s very cool to be a part of Chicago. There is a lot of stuff going on so it definitely keeps me busy in my off time. It is a great area to play in and I love it so far. It has been an easy transition because it is very similar to where I’m from. There’s a lot of stuff going on back in Michigan too, so it’s been easy to adjust and a lot of fun.

Q: What are your thoughts going into tomorrow’s game against the Bloomington Thunder?

A: Bloomington is a hard-working team, so it is going to take a lot of hard work to win. We just have to stick to our game plan and outwork them for three periods.

Photo by: MJB Images