Steve Mason may be on the shelf after undergoing potential season-ending surgery, but the Kitchener Rangers have a more-than-capable backup in Josh Unice.
The hockey gods weren't looking too kindly on Kitchener Rangers fans last week.
When news came out that Steve Mason, a Columbus Blue Jackets prospect and hotshot Rangers goaltender, was going under the knife for a knee issue, you could hear the collective groan coming from fans and management.
The prognosis, post-surgery? Four-to-six weeks recovery with the Memorial Cup slated to start only four weeks from now. Yes, the math sucks.
Luckily for the Rangers, they've got another stud in net, a diamond-in-the-rough if you will, that has stepped up to the plate.
Rookie Josh Unice has been just short of spectacular since replacing Mason against the Sarnia Sting and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He's won 6 of 7 and sports a 2.35 GAA in that span.
‘Hounds fans must have thought they hit paydirt with the switch. Monday night, during Game 4, fans were heard chanting ‘You're not Mason' towards Unice. They're right, he's not, but that's not the greatest of news for Soo fans.
As I said six weeks ago, Mason and Unice are essentially rated 1 and 1a on the Rangers. There's no clear backup here.
Mason was given the starting role by default after leading Canada to the World Junior Gold Medal. Fair enough, he's earned it.
Unice has done nothing to prove he isn't a starter, a position he held in Kitchener until Mason came in.
Luckily for the Rangers, he's stepped up to the challenge, as expected.
As the Memorial Cup nears, it's unclear whether Mason can make a remarkable comeback. Chances are slim, but stranger things have happened.
Word is he's working hard on rehab with hopes that his season isn't finished. And if he makes it back in time for the ceremonial puck drop, it's an added bonus to the Rangers.
Rest assured, if Mason fails to show, Josh Unice is there - ready, willing and more than able - to carry the Rangers through the Memorial Cup tournament.