Goaltenders Riley Mercer and Dante Giannuzzi have made a name for themselves in the ECHL, showcasing both talent and mental resilience while playing for the Heartlanders. Their journey to becoming goaltenders was not born from a desire for the position but rather a necessity, as both players were introduced to the role at a young age due to their siblings. Giannuzzi recalls being the designated goalie when his older brother had friends over, a moment that sparked his passion for the game.
Both hailing from Canada, Mercer comes from Bay Roberts, while Giannuzzi is from Winnipeg. Mercer spent five years in junior hockey with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, culminating in a championship win in 2024. Giannuzzi took a different path, choosing to play for the Portland Winterhawks in the United States over attending an NCAA school. Reflecting on his decision, Giannuzzi said, “Being able to play in one spot for your whole junior career is rare, so I’m definitely grateful for the experience, and Portland has a big spot in my heart.”
New Beginnings in Iowa
Now in Iowa, Mercer and Giannuzzi share the goaltending duties alongside William Rousseau, who has recently been promoted to the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. The transition to this new team has allowed both players to hone their skills further and establish their presence in the professional league.
A unique aspect of being a goaltender is the ability to customize equipment, which both players take seriously. Mercer enjoys personalizing his mask with various designs, including tributes to his dog and a logo for “Hockey Fights Cancer.” He shared, “My family has been affected by cancer, and I think it is a nice gesture to put it on the back of my mask and know that the ones I’ve lost are always with me.” Giannuzzi’s masks also reflect his experiences, featuring designs inspired by landmarks from his time in Portland, including a bridge he drove over daily. “Now five masks hang at my house back home,” he noted.
Mental Strategies and Performance
The role of a goaltender requires a distinct approach to training and preparation. Mercer focuses on balance and reactionary drills to enhance his performance before games. Giannuzzi collaborates with his mindset coach, Pete Fry, to develop mental strategies. “I get on a weekly Zoom call alongside other ECHL goalies and go through pre-faceoff routines, post-whistle routines, and a bunch of other game plans to get me through games,” he explained.
Despite their aspirations for shutouts, both goalies acknowledge that perfection is elusive. Mercer currently holds a record of 10-13 with a 3.12 goals against average. He attributes his ability to reset after conceding a goal to his long-standing routines, stating, “Now it doesn’t bother me, and I know that the next shot is the most important one.”
Giannuzzi has learned the importance of accountability in his position. He articulated how the challenges he faces on the ice parallel life’s adversities. “Somedays you’re the windshield and somedays you’re the bug, but I’d say more days than not I am the windshield.”
Both Mercer and Giannuzzi are proving that goaltending is not just about skill, but also about mental strength and the ability to overcome challenges. Their experiences reflect a broader journey that many athletes face, making them compelling figures in the world of hockey. As they continue their careers in Iowa, fans will undoubtedly be watching their progress closely.
