Inside hockey and future career goals.
Latin Biz Today Dave Torromeo sits down with Al Montoya, for part 2 as First Cuban American NHL Player. View part one here: Al Montoya, First Cuban American NHL Player- Part 1 [Video]
After being signed by the New York Rangers to a three-year entry-level contract in the summer of 2005, Montoya made his professional debut with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL), the team with which he spent the majority of the next three seasons. Overall, he posted a 66–34–4 record with the Wolf Pack, along with a 5–5 playoff record.
With the emergence of Henrik Lundqvist as an All-Star caliber goaltender, Montoya became expendable to the Rangers. On February 26, 2008, Montoya was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes.
Montoya was later traded to the New York Islanders (AHEM, MY TEAM) in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in 2011. With Islanders’ goaltenders Rick DiPietro and Kevin Poulin sidelined with injuries, Montoya was provided with an opportunity to play regularly in the NHL for the first time. He went on to play 21 games for the Islanders, posting a 9–5–5 record with a .921 save percentage and one shutout.
On March 29, the Islanders re-signed Montoya to a one-year contract extension. Montoya recorded a 9–11–5 record during the 2011–12 season. We discuss Montoya’s time on the Island where he says he really enjoyed the fans and the raucous barn we know as the Nassau Coliseum!
Al Montoya has three children and has returned to finish his undergraduate degree. His Abuela would be proud, no doubt!
Related content:
Part 1: Al Montoya, First Cuban American NHL Player- Part 1 [Video]
Latin Biz Today Sports’ DT with NHL Pro Tom Laidlaw [Video] Part 1
Latin Biz Today Sports’ DT With NHL Pro Tom Laidlaw [Video] Part 2
Latin Biz Today Sports’ DT With NHL Pro Tom Laidlaw [Video] Part 3
