Who's Number 1?

Martin Gerber (left) and Chris Mason (right) have both played well for the Rovers this season.

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

As the excitement of the All-Star break fades to the background, the stretch drive begins tonight. With the Rovers having three full days off before travelling to Calgary to face the Vampyres (the first of four meetings between the clubs over the next two weeks) and little else to talk about in the interim, one has to wonder if there is not a goalie controversy brewing on Baffin.

At the midpoint of the season one certainly would have said no, as Martin Gerber had carried the load except for a few games missed due to injury, and carried it well. Backup Chris Mason played well also, but very sparingly. But heading into the break, the coaching staff decided to give Mason three consecutive starts against Albany and St. Pete's while a healthy Gerber sat and watched. Are we seeing a shift in the starting position, or is there something else on the horizon?

"Not much to write about today, is there", Stringer chuckled when posed the question. While he may be light-hearted about the issue, it can't be denied that a goalie rotation could upset the positive dynamic that been around the Rovers through the first half of the season. "We really just wanted to give Mase some action. He's a good goalie. We rode Marty pretty hard in the first half, and there were a few times when he had to leave games because he tweaked something. We just want to keep both guys fresh for the playoffs, because we'll need everyone to be sharp when the time comes".

Gerber seemed to take the impromptu vacation in stride. "I'm satisfied with what I've done in the first half. If the coaches want to play Mase for a game, that's fine. I think I've proved that I can play, so I'm not too worried". Mason was equally as relaxed, but didn't shy away from his desire to play. "Any goalie that would tell you that they'd rather sit than start is not right in the head", Dr. Mason diagnosed. "Of course I'd rather play more, but I'll play when I'm called on and when I'm not I'll stay ready for the next call. Marty's a great goalie and I think I can play as well. That's not a bad thing".

Stringer has not named a starter for the game in Calgary, though it is expected that Gerber will be back in the nets. Whether it is Gerber or Mason, the coaching staff knows that if one guy starts to falter they have a solid alternative waiting in the wings thanks to the strong play of both guys.