Season of sharing for Hamilton Bulldogs goalies

The Hamilton Bulldogs spent their morning on the ice, and their afternoon at McMaster Children’s Hospital. For goalies Mike Condon and Joey MacDonald, ’tis the season for sharing — sharing their time and sharing the Bulldogs’ net.

As a father of two young children who live in Nova Scotia, appearances like this are a little tougher for Joey MacDonald than they are for his goaltending partner, Mike Condon: “I know my daughter, I asked what do you want for Christmas, and she said you know daddy, just for you to come home, so…”

MacDonald is now in his 14th year of pro hockey and he’s 10 years older than Condon. Not only do they split their time between the pipes – they also feed off of each other’s unique talents.

“Joey’s more of a relaxed guy. Sometimes I get too serious, too hard on myself, and Joey helps keep me centered and not think so much and that’s just the veteran presence he has.”

Condon was called-up from the East Coast league three times last year. The previous season he played in both the East Coast and the AHL following a successful collegiate career in the ivy league.

As assistant GM and goaltending consultant Vincent Riendeau says, “he comes from Princeton, I mean obviously he knows how to study and be ready so he’s putting that toward his game.”

MacDonald: “I know he’s been watching me, trying to learn some things and same thing, I like some of the things he does and I try to put that into my game.”

It’s a successful pairing that’s elevated both of their games, and helped keep the team above .500, so far this season.