ECHL: An Interview with Adirondack Thunder Goaltender David Fessenden

The Adirondack Thunder recently traded Vinnie Purpura to the Reading Royals, which left the Thunder without an ECHL-contracted goalie, but they quickly filled that void by signing 6’6, 229lb goaltender David Fessenden to a contract for the 2024-25 season. Fessenden, who began playing hockey at eight years old, started as a forward, but just a year later, the 26-year-old changed positions and became a goaltender, a position he has played ever since. He mentioned that one of the big things that got him into it was the pads, along with the inspiration from his dad and grandfather, who also played hockey and liked goaltenders. Fessenden also mentioned that he was memorized by goaltenders as a kid. The Colorado native also noted that his size does give him an advantage to some degree in the net, “It’s a silly statement to make, but size does matter; it helps. I take up more space; it’s just geometry,” said Fessenden.

“You kinda have to be I guess, you gotta be crazy enough to get it the net. You gotta have a mental edge or have something different cause if you go out there with a mindset that you’re not that competitive or different, it would be a harder position to play or be in.”

-Fessenden when asked why people think that goalies are different breeds

Fessenden would end up playing five years at the NCAA level, spending time at three different schools. He spent two seasons at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, two years at the University of New Hampshire, and a year at Canisius College, playing in 79 NCAA games during his collegiate career. For the 26-year-old goaltender, when talking about his collegiate career, he doesn’t just mention the hockey aspect but also talks about how important it was for him to get a degree out of the experience. He mentioned that once his playing days are over, he wants to become an entrepreneur.

“I was really happy and privileged to go the collegiate route; it was something I had dreamed of as a kid going to junior, and just playing college hockey for and being DI was my number one goal for hockey, honestly. I was pretty satisfied and happy I became a Division I hockey player, and that’s it. I definitely exceeded those expectations, and I’m very happy. I also feel privileged because I loved college, and it gave me a degree and an opportunity for my life and a lot of learning experience and living in different places helped me become a well-rounded person.

-Fessenden on his college hockey expeirence

There’s no question that playing for three different schools is something special, but for Fessenden, one of his favorite schools would be one of the schools where he saw the most playing time, which would be at the University of New Hampshire. Fessenden would play 34 games with the Wildcats, putting up a 9-18-2 record with a 2.53 GAA, .911SV%, and a shutout against Providence College.

“UNH was definitely a favorite just because it was a fun place to play, and the hockey culture there was very historic in Hockey East. I just loved playing in that league and around that area. It was something I really enjoyed. The fan base was super loyal and very interested in the team consistently, so that was also just a great experience. It was probably one of the bigger crowds I’ve played in front of, and that was the best day in and day out.”

-Fessenden on his time at UNH

Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Adirondack Thunder already have two established goaltenders that they are supposed to get from Utica Comets/New Jersey Devils in Jeremy Brodeur and Tyler Brennan. This would make you wonder why Fessenden would want to come into a team with an already crowded net. The answer is simple: opportunity and a chance to start his career at his own pace.

“I saw a lot of worth in the organization as a whole. It was a great opportunity for me to get into the pros but also not push myself to go to a position that didn’t benefit me in the long run. I wanna get into professional hockey and show what I’ve got, but I wanna do it the right way and not cut corners or put myself at risk, and they almost won it last year, and they have great players and a great coaching staff, and it’s a great opportunity for me to earn something and prove myself and that’s why that’s a great place to do it overall.”

-Fessenden on why he decided to join the Adirondack Thunder

There’s no doubt that Fessenden enjoyed the atmosphere at UNH, but the crowds at the Cool Insuring Arena can be insane on any given night. Fessenden has mentioned that he has heard the stories about it, but it’s going to be something completely different to experience it.

“Absolutely, I’ve been explained it and definitely told about it, and there’s a lot of loyal fans and a great fan base to go with it, so it was exciting to hear that; as you know, seeing it is way more than being told about it.”

-Fessenden on if he’s been informed about the atmopshere at Cool Insuring Arena

Fessenden and the Thunder will begin the 2024-25 season on October 18th on the road against the Norfolk Admirals, a team that they defeated last year in the North Division Finals.