Vinc Keeps On Rolling In Net For Orlando

Already holding a 6-3 record and a strong chance at the playoffs this season, the Orlando Titans have garnered another honor - Matt Vinc, Titans goalie, was named Player of the Month for February.

A starting goaltender for the Titans since 2007, Vinc has put in the time necessary to earn the award, and Head Coach Ed Comeau sees his play as worthy of attention.

"We had two wins in February, and even in the game we lost, he played really well," Comeau said. "He's one of the top goalies in the league."

Vinc, though, was surprised at the honor.

"It was definitely a little bit of a shock," he said. "I had some texts congratulating me and I thought I'd just won Defensive Player of the Week, and I was surprised when I checked online. It's the first time I've won that award."

Player of the Month was awarded to Vinc because he made it through February with a 8.62 goals against average (GAA), the best of any starting goalie, as well as holding a .838 save percentage.

He's been able to keep his statistics up while balancing his life as a high school teacher, as well as a lacrosse and hockey coach.

"I pretty much work seven days a week with the commute. It's a busy lifestyle but I've been busy my entire life," he said. "It makes it interesting to juggle everything, but I'm competitive and I don't see myself living any other life."

His dedication to keeping his passion for lacrosse and everyday life in balance is admired by his coach.

"He leads by how hard he works on and off the floor," Comeau said. "He's one of our strongest guys. He's not people's image of what a goalie looks like. When he's working that hard, the rest of the team sees that."

Even with all the work he puts into the sport, Vinc doesn't credit the Player of the Month award to himself alone.

"It's probably based on our recent team success. Defensively in February we did really well, and ultimately it's a defensive award," he said. "Being a goaltender, sometimes you reap the benefits of a strong defense."

Vinc, along with the defense, has been able to keep all but 80 of the 460 shots he has faced out of the net, and he's kept an 8.78 GAA this season - the lowest in the NLL.

"We'd like to reduce the number of shots he has to stop in a game, but most nights he's up to the challenge," Comeau said. "He's our starter, and we're going to be using him to get to the championship."

Vinc, too, is hoping for a chance to compete in the championship.

"In Calgary, we were so close, and it's still in the back of our minds," he said. "We want to get back from that game and win it all."

That's looking more likely with his performance this past weekend, winning 11-9 against Philadelphia on Friday and then stomping Rochester Saturday night, when Vinc shutout the Knighthawks for the entire first half in a game the Titans ended up winning 9-4. The two games have put the Titans in first place in the East Division.

Vinc's 47 saves against Rochester not only helped win the game, but also put him in the lead in the NLL for saves per game (42.2) and save percentage (.826).

Past this season, Vinc's plans are simply to keep playing the sport he loves.

"This is my fifth year in the league, and I hope to be playing as some of the other veterans," he said. "I want to win a Champion's Cup, and I don't think I'll give up until that goal is reached. Hopefully that's sooner than later."

His attitude and dedication to lacrosse have brought him success in the league, and will likely continue to do so.

"Goaltending is maybe the most important ingredient to a successful team," Comeau said. "But more importantly, he's a great guy and he has a good attitude."