St. Cloud State Goalie Recalls Moment He Was Called Up To NHL
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Charlie Lindgren is, like a lot of college kids, working this summer to make some money. That's not where his story gets unique -- it's where he's been the past few months, and where he could be in the future,after one very specai and unforgettable night.
It's a typical work day, and Lindgren is helping move plants and find flowers -- the kind of things you expect when you work
here.
"I started off as kind of the driveway boy," he said. "So people would bring their cars around, and I would help load bags into their cars. Now I've been around here a few years so I know a little bit more about the plants and what they are -- stuff like that."
It's a family business passed down to his parents. Everyone is expected to chip in, and Charlie fills his role.
"He's a great worker, he's got a great personality, and people love him," his mother said. "Even some St. Cloud fans have come down just to shop and be able to see him, and have him help."
Lindgren was the backstop for St. Cloud State -- the goalie who helped carry them to the NCAA tournament.
"Absolutley loved my time up at St. Cloud State. From the coaches to your teammates to the training staff -- they're all first class," he said. "We played in the best conference in college hockey, so night-in-night-out it was tough competition, and it really pushed me to be my best."
He had done enough in college, but went undrafted. Still, he was an attractive free agent. He chose Montreal.
"Just a great opportunity there," he said. "Looking at the team's depth chart and how much interest they showed in me -- it felt like it was the right choice to pick Montreal."
And there was a bonus -- Lindgren wasn't just relegated to the minor leagues. On a night late in the season against Carolina, they told him: He would be playing in the net.
"I found out about 24 hours prior, and obviously texted my family," he said. "I got to Carolina, and obviously a lot of nerves, but very excited. This was something I dreamed about since I was 10 years old."
His family and goalie coach grabbed a plane to watch a son's dream come true, on his father's favorite team.
"It's really nerve-wracking," his mother said. "I enjoy it after the game is over, but during the game it's very intense."
It was his night. He gave up a goal on his first shot, then settled in, shutting the door and helping lead the Canadiens to a
win in the National Hockey League.
"It was the best moment I've ever experienced," he said. "It's something I had dreamed about for so long, and for it to happen was incredibly special."
When it was over, it was surreal. What had happened to the kid who had to wait his turn, and prove he belonged?
"It was amazing," his mother said. "He was so happy, you could feel it on him. He was just so happy, and I think relieved, too, that he won."
He will go to camp with Montreal this summer. In the mean time, he'll pick up a few extra at the family business to be reminded of his roots, and grow fond of how how he grew up -- in a hockey family with a family business.
"This is something that I've been doing for eight or nine years," he said. "Just coming out helping my parents -- the most important people in my life -- it's nice to give back."
