Alexei Medvedev ready to take the reigns as London Knights number one goalie

Alexei Medvedev was breaking in some brand goalie equipment at practice Tuesday.

The second-year London Knights goaltender has just returned from Vancouver Canucks training camp and is ready to take the reigns as the number one keeper for the defending Memorial Cup champions.

“It was a great experience,” said Medvedev, speaking about his time with the Canucks, who drafted him 47th overall in this summer’s NHL Draft.

“You get to watch some amazing players there and kind of pick up on their habits. I feel like I’m going to take a lot of stuff I learned there into the year and it’s going to help me a lot.”

He’s excited to practice over the next few days and will be ready to get between the pipes Friday night.

He stepped onto the ice and went right into regular drills with goaltending coach Dave Rook.

“We are expecting to be a number one and play the important games,” said Rook.

“As the season went on last year, he got a little bit tired. It’s about carrying the workload and hopefully a long playoff run. Later in the season, the games become more important, so you don’t want to have all your success early and then tail off at the end. Last year Austin (Elliott) ramped up as the playoffs got going and that’s what we expect from Medsy.”

Medvedev split time with Elliott in the regular season last year, appearing in 34 of the 68 games, posting a 2.79 goals-against average and 22 wins.

“I feel like I got a lot of experience last year,” said Medvedev.

“I went through went through some highs and lows and I think it’s going to help me a lot this year. I was skating with pro guys and getting stronger in the gym too. I’m making sure I’m ready to take on that workload.”

While he was away, rookie Sebastian Gatto lost both starts but earned a point in their home opener with an overtime loss.

Gatto posted a 2.90 goals-against average and an .890 save percentage in two games.

“Sebastian played well, and but again it’s one of those things where if you know that you have good goaltending, you can take those little risks up front,” said Rook.

“With, the tandem that we have, hopefully it gives the players a little bit of confidence there.”