Into the Spotlight: Nicky Leivermann Skates in Calder Cup Finals
“It was awesome. Just an opportunity to compete with the team. It was pretty special and I enjoyed it,” is how Nicky Leivermann described his Game 4 Finals experience as we chatted underneath Acrisure Arena after the morning skate.
Down two games to one Hershey needed a change on the back end. Injuries to three starters, Vinny Iorio, Lucas Johansen, and the always steady Aaron Ness has distressed the blue line and the speed of Coachella Valley was taking advantage.
Looking for a change head coach Todd Nelson needed to find a skate and a skill set to change the game. “We believe his skillset is going to benefit our team,” is how Nelson described the move pregame adding that “Nicky” is pretty mobile and a good puck mover. All qualities that Hershey needs if they are to beat the Firebirds in the desert.
While Leivermann has been with the squad practicing for two and half months its been a while since he saw game action, let alone playing time in Hershey. The Notre Dame product suited up for three games with Chocolate and White tallying one assist in a 5-4 victory of Bridgeport. His last skate in Hershey was November 17th before being reassigned to South Carolina for his first professional season which saw him score ten goals and 24 assists across 48 games. Those 48 games had him ready for the spotlight of the Calder Cup Finals.
“Really well. I mean, just any opportunity to play and play a lot was something that I needed to go through the year,” Leivermann explained.
“I could have been here all year but it would have been a lot of what we’ve seen so far, sitting on the bench or in the stands. So getting down there, they gave me a big opportunity and I took advantage of it.”
Being inserted into the lineup and being paired on top line with Dylan McIrath is no easy task. So before the game what was it like for the new kid on the ice?
“There was quite a few questions. Obviously I wanted to be as well prepared as possible,” Lievermann explained. So I was talking to Mac and Coach Wellsey and Nesser quite a bit. Just talking systems and expectations in your first game. But everything they gave me was good advice and I felt like I utilized it pretty well.”
“I liked his whole game. He stepped in, confident player.”
Those are pretty strong words and praise from Captain Dylan McIrath.
“We knew what he was about in our organization. He’s been practicing hard ever since being back up from South Carolina. You know, even earlier in the year when he played games with us, he was effective. And we had full confidence in him and he really stepped up to the occasion.”
The locker room for a team chasing a championship could be nerve racking for a young player. Especially for one who hasn’t seen the competitive ice in quite some time. Not only did Leivermann do everything on the ice that McIrath liked, but also off the ice.
“He was great. He asked questions just to make sure we were going to be on the same page,” explained the Captain.
“He’s seasoned this year. He had a full year under his belt pro. But yeah, you would expect some nerves coming into the finals after not playing a playoff game. But he really looked like a calming presence back there. He used his strengths of skating, his puck handling ability. So I thought he had really solid game.”
Nelson had equal praise for him after the Game 4.
“He did a great job, he’s a guy that can skate well. He moves the puck really well. For not playing for two and a half months, he stepped in a tough situation and had a strong game for us.”
Asked what he wants Hershey Bears fans to know about him. Leivermann keeps all the focus on the team.
“I’ve enjoyed every moment this year. This is a pretty special team and I’m just thankful to be a part of it. So let’s win two more!”
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