Minnesota's Poderzay Has 'Close' Connection to Frozen Four

(photo: Matt Dewkett)Brennan PoderzayEntering the weekend of January 14 against Alaska, Justen Close was in a new position. Minnesota starting goaltender Jack LaFontaine had just signed a contract with the Caroline Hurricanes. And then, Minnesota’s volunteer goaltending coach, Brennan Poderzay, tested positive for COVID.

But Close’s first response upon his discovery his goaltending coach would not be with him as he accepted his new starting role, was one simple question:

“How’s your wife and kids?”

“He's kind of an old soul," Poderzay said. "He’s such a genuine and incredibly humble person that that was the first thing that he worried about."

Poderzay told Close he felt so bad he wasn’t going…