Carroll goalie has simple game plan: `Stop everything you can'

By Trae Thompson
Special to the Star-Telegram

SOUTHLAKE -- When he's in the net for the Carroll hockey team, B.J. Cotton takes a basic approach to his job.

"You just go out and try to stop everything you can," he said. "Don't allow any weak goals. If a shutout happens, it happens."

It's been happening on a regular basis for Cotton. Entering Thursday night's Southwestern Bell Metroplex High School Hockey League game against the Richardson Red Wings, Cotton had posted consecutive shutouts.

In last week's 6-0 victory against Keller, Cotton -- the `Star-Telegram/Northeast' Boys Athlete of the Week -- finished with 26 saves. While it marked his fourth shutout of the season, Cotton's performance continued to signify his place as one of the league's best goaltenders.

Through 10 games, Cotton is second in minutes played (359), goals against (11) and save percentage (.935). He is also tied for the lead in shutouts.

"I love to face him, absolutely," Richland coach Bill Stabler said. "As a coach, he makes you think. When you're putting a game plan together, you have to really think about what you have to do to score on the guy."

Carroll coach Laddy Tresl said Cotton's consistency gives him the chance to post a shutout every game. As for whether he would make it three straight, Tresl said before earlier this week that that would be hard to project.

"He's been playing solid hockey since the beginning of the season," Tresl said. "The further more the season goes on, he's just becoming better and better."

More confident, too. Cotton said his confidence has soared with his team's continued success. Mentally, Cotton isn't one to get overly hyped before games. He gets to games, dresses, stretches and simply stays calm. No loud music.

What pumps him up is when opposing players try to score. And fail.

"It makes it exciting and fun, because they're taking their best shot at you," Cotton said. "And they kind of look at you, and either shake their head or just grin."