Patience leads to success for Drillen-Roach

Tim Bates / OJHL Images

For Colten Drillen-Roach, success has come from patience.

Perseverance is something the Phelpston, Ontario native has learned over time.

Acquired at the trade deadline, Drillen-Roach made an immediate impact in Trenton. In his first nine games with the Golden Hawks, he went a perfect 9-0-0, posting a 1.45 goals-against average, a .949 save percentage, and two shutouts.

The 19-year-old has made four playoff appearances this spring and hasn’t looked out of place in his first postseason action.

“It’s been really good so far,” Drillen-Roach said. “I got in here about two months ago, and all the guys have been great. The coaching staff is great, the fans are great, and we’ve been on a bit of a roll.”

Before joining the Golden Hawks, Drillen-Roach spent parts of three seasons with the Collingwood Blues.

“Both are pretty similar in terms of fan base and the rinks,” he said. “They’re both very skilled teams and strong organizations.”

Although he’s had to wait his turn at times, Drillen-Roach has made the most of his opportunities.

In 55 career OJHL games, he owns a 2.02 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage, along with six shutouts and a 45-6-0 record.

Now in his third junior season, Drillen-Roach has found stability in a competitive crease, sharing duties with Hayden Jeffery.

“We push each other every day,” he said. “It’s a really good environment.”

He credits much of his development to those around him, including Golden Hawks goaltending coach Mike Murphy.

“He gives us little details to work on and follows up after games,” Drillen-Roach said. “You listen to everything he says because of how accomplished he was.”

Earlier in his career, he also had the opportunity to learn from former Goaltender of the Year Noah Pak, backing him up to a Buckland Cup championship in his rookie season.

“It felt like he could decide when he wasn’t going to let in a goal,” Drillen-Roach said. “His routine and focus were on another level.”

After earning playoff starts in Trenton, Drillen-Roach is proving he can deliver when it matters.

Despite his success, Drillen-Roach is quick to credit those around him.

“The talent is a big reason why I came here,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how good you are individually if you don’t win.”