Earlier this month, 3.75-star goaltender Peyton Grainer signed with the Flint Firebirds (OHL). The ’02 from Livonia, Mich. played last season with Little Caesar’s U16 team and has also spent the last two summers at USA Hockey’s Select 16 and Select 17 camps; he was being heavily pursued by NCAA programs before agreeing to join the Firebirds organization on Sept. 14.
This season, Grainer will play primarily for Belle Tire’s U18 team, but will see some action with Flint as well.
“Peyton is a big goalie who covers his angles very well,” our scouts said. “He is quick down low with quick reflexes.”
NZ: You had some college programs after you and OHL teams as well. What played into your decision to first go with the OHL over college hockey, and also what made Flint the spot for you?
Grainer: “I had a lot of opportunities with people in their organization who have invited me to camp. They risked their reputation on me, bringing me in and seeing how I played. I figured, if they were willing to do that for me, they really trusted me and believed in my development. I wanted to take the opportunity and do the best I can. It just felt like the right place for me. The coaching staff was unbelievable and it’s a great atmosphere in the rink and in the locker room.”
NZ: Obviously a lot of Ontario kids lean towards the USHL, and a lot of U.S. kids lean towards college hockey, but there are plenty of Canadians who play college and plenty of Americans who go to the CHL. Did it feel like an unconventional decision at all? Because I’m sure a lot of kids on Little Caesar’s and Belle Tire are aiming to play college, right?
Grainer: “Yeah, for sure. Both the OHL and college hockey are great places to play. This just felt like the best chance for me. Before this past year I only ever thought about playing college hockey. But starting last year I started to learn more about the OHL and the more I learned the more it seemed like the best route for me to grow as a player and a person. Everyone is different. For me, the OHL felt best but I am sure for other guys college feels best.”
NZ: The plan is for you to split time between Belle Tire and Flint? Do you know how that schedule will work yet?
Grainer: “I’ll spend most of this season with Belle Tire. But if anyone got hurt, I would get called up and play with Flint. It all depends on what happens with Flint this year. So I’m just focused on trying to get better with every game I play, whether it’s with Flint or Belle Tire.”
NZ: Belle Tire has a great reputation when it comes to developing players and placing them with CHL or college programs. I know it’s early, but what has your experience been like with them thus far?
Grainer: “It’s great. The coaches are unbelievable and they really work their butts off to try to get you in front of people. They’ve worked really hard to make sure we are prepared and I’ve learned a lot so far.”
NZ: Where are some of the areas you’re looking to improve this year?
Grainer: “I’m trying to become more patient. Good goaltenders are calm and I wanted to try to be more patient and more calm in the net. Part of that is I want to improve my tracking of the puck, reading where the play is going and my post play.”
NZ: What’s your style?
Grainer: “I like to play on my knees a lot, but I am working on trying to stay on my feet more and take up more of the net that way. I’m trying to become more calm and patient in the net, and I want that to be my style.”
NZ: Livonia seems to produce a lot of players. There are so many college players and OHL players who are from Livonia. What is it about that town that develops so many players, do you think?
Grainer: “Hockey is huge here. A lot of kids are playing. The Red Wings exploding and winning so many Stanley Cups really did a lot to make hockey blow up here, and it never slowed down. There are so many kids who go to games here and want to be in that moment. Hockey is always big in Michigan but I definitely think that the Red Wings exploding made a lot more kids play.”
