2023 Cleveland Monsters AHL Outdoor Classic: The Starting Goalies

CLEVELAND, OH - The Cleveland Monsters and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins will take to the ice outdoors at FirstEnergy Stadium Saturday morning in advance of the 11th outfoor game in American Hockey League (AHL) history, with both teams beginning to feel the heat of their respective playoff races in the North and Atlantic Divisions, respectively.

While the outdoor game is a fascinating spectacle for fans and quite the unique experience for fans and players alike, it doesn't come without its challenges.

InsideAHLHockey.com spoke with both expected starting goaltenders for Saturday's game - Cleveland's Jett Greaves and W-B/Scranton's Dustin Tokarsrki - to get their perspective on how they'll prepare for Saturday's outdoor game.

Jett Greaves

While it will be Jett Greaves' first outdoor game as a pro, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Greaves - like probably all of his Monsters teammates - remembers growing up playing hockey outdoors during their childhood.

"It's awesome. I grew up playing outside. So for me, it's always a lot of fun when I get that opportunity," Greaves said when asked about getting the start in Saturday's game.

The game being played outdoors will likely most affect the goaltenders as opposed to the skaters, and while Greaves hasn't played an outdoor game at the pro level he's pretty sure he knows what kind of changes await him in the crease Saturday afternoon.

"I think the biggest thing you might think about is the lighting might be a little different, just depending the sun, and the way that's shining on the ice might cause some glare.  I think it's just something you expect. You expect to maybe fight a little bit harder to see pucks. And that's all just part of it."

Dustin Tokarski

He served as a backup goaltender in the 2018 AHL Outdoor Classic at Hersheypark Stadium, and also was the backup goalie for the Buffalo Sabres at the NHL's Heritage Classic at Tim Horton's Field in Hamilton, Ontario, but Saturday will mark his first time playing in an outdoor game.

"I don't know if I'm an outdoor game expert," Tokarski started with a smirk when asked if his Penguins' teammates were coming to him for advice for Saturday's game.

"I mean, first of all, just enjoy it. I mean, who knows how many of them you'll get. I mean, this is the third one I'll be a part of, I never played neither first two. So enjoy it, and everyone's in the same position. So prepare for the unknown, and ultimately, just enjoy it, take it in and compete. And obviously, we're fighting for a playoff spot. So don't forget about the importance of the games as well."

For Tokarski, the third time will be the charm. And of course, he's excited to finally be able to play in one of these outdoor games after sitting and watching two from the backup goalie position.

"Absolutely. That's why I said guys have to take it in because you never know - whether it's your first year Pro, like some of these guys are going to experience or I don't know what it is, for me 13 or 14 year Pro, getting my first time to actually play. So it's definitely exciting. Looking forward to it, hopefully, you know, help the team pick up a couple of big points."

As for how Tokarski will prepare for Saturday's game?

"You know what, honestly, for me, it'll just be the same way. I mean, I'll treat it as if it's, I mean, obviously, we're not getting to practice there. So the 15 minute warmup will be important just to get a just a feel on the icw. But then, you know, everyone else will be in the same position. So you know, we're all competitors here. And I'm sure everyone will give 110% and try and have a good fun game."