In our 5th installment of the Q5, we visit with USPHL Premier Division Jersey Hitmen Goaltender #33 Chris Funkey. Championship Winning Goalie in the 2013 EJHL league title, 1994 born Chris was nearly undefeated during the regular season with a 34-3 record heading into the playoffs. Back for a second stint, the surprisingly composed, poised, and “undersized” goaltender is quit the character in the locker room and is a veteran leader on his club. We are excited to welcome Chris Funkey to the Q5.
Q1: Let’s begin with what was likely the most exciting point of your career to date. The 2013 Eastern Junior Hockey league (EJHL, and now the USPHL Premier Division) Championship last season with the Jersey Hitmen. What was that 3 game series experience like?
A: The overall experience was unbelievable! The games were extremely intense, and we knew any play could have been crucial to the outcome of the series. The main thing that I noticed myself doing was not over emphasizing the fact that they were still just 60 minute hockey games we were playing. In previous years I had really amped myself up for the playoffs, and kind of psyched myself out, so to speak. This resulted in me not playing my best hockey. Last year I went into the playoffs and the finals with a totally different mindset. I was calm, I trusted in my training and my preparation, and I went into every contest knowing that if I “played my game” the end result would be the one I wanted. We ended up winning in three games and the experience was surreal, hands down the best moment of my career.
Q2: After years in Chicago with the Mission, you landed with the Hitmen last season. Now in your second year, what have you come to appreciate from Junior Hockey and what is the environment with the team like this year?
A: I think that Junior Hockey has helped me to mature a great deal as both a goaltender and a person. Living so far away from home, I have had to become much more responsible and disciplined to make sure that I am always on top of my game. Our team this year is full of hard working, character guys. Everyone comes to practice every day and works hard. We all push each other to be our best in practice so that when game time comes, we’re prepared for whatever the competition throws at us.
Q3: Structurally, you don’t over rely on technique to get the job done, more so you have built your success around a competitive battle mindset. How important is doing it the “right way” to you and what are you still building on within your game?
A: Playing fundamentally sound goaltending is rather important to me, but in the end my game is based around my ability to battle. Over the past few seasons, I have found that I care significantly less about looking “pretty” than I do about making sure the puck stays out of the net. Currently, I am working with goalie coach Ryan Honick on the right time/situation to implement both the VH and Reverse VH positions. In addition, Coach Honick and I have been working on my play when a puck is passed back door.
Q4: You have set your goals very high with a Division 1 College or bust mentality. What are the challenges of setting and reaching that particular goal?
A: I feel that I am capable of playing Division 1 College Hockey, and at the same time I realize the work that needs to be done in order for me to achieve that goal. I put in a very large amount of time in the weight room this past off season to get myself in much better physical condition coming into the 2013-14 campaign. The big challenge I face is not getting discouraged when I feel that I am not getting very much interest from schools. I feel staying positive, and working hard every time I step on the ice will help me get to where I want to be.
Q5: On your squad, you have the “double edged sword” of seeing fewer shots than the opposing goalie on any given night. While some thrive with less pressure to stop an onslaught, some goalies can easily struggle on a good team that gives up maybe 2 or 3 scoring chances per game behind a dominant D core. How do you manage this?
A: I manage it by preparing the same way before every game, so that I can play to the same standard consistently. I try to remain focused no matter what, even though this can become tough to do when the puck is predominantly down at the other end of the ice. The idea is to remain ready at all times, so when there is a scoring chance, I am not caught off guard.
Great replies Funk, we appreciate your time and best of luck defending the Dineen Cup this Spring! Follow the always comical Chris Funkey on Twitter @Funkininright33
Coach Honick is the Goaltending Consultant for the Jersey organization. Winning 3 League Championships in its 1st 10 seasons, the philosophy that the Premier team has instilled throughout the program has build recent success on each of its’ teams. Follow the Hitmen on Twitter at @NJHitmen