While Ajeet Gundarah puts in plenty of hard work in the summer ensuring he is physically in great shape, it is the mental aspect of the goaltending position that the Surrey Eagles standout enjoys.
“The thing I love most about being a goalie is it is so different from any other position — it’s so (much) mental more than anything,” the 20-year-old from Richmond, B.C. said. “Goals are going to go in. It’s a mental grind and a lot of people aren’t cut out for it. Just being able to compete at a high level knowing it is such a difficult position to play is pretty cool.”
Although it is early in the season, Gundarah is definitely playing at a high level. As of this writing, he had a 9-0 record. The 6-foot, 182-pounder topped the British Columbia Hockey League with a .944 save percentage. He was first in the league with a 1.89 goals-against average.
“He plays like a 6-foot-4 goalie,” explained Eagles assistant coach Thomas Koshman. “(He) makes the save (and) puts the puck where he wants it. He can control a game, which is what you want for a starting goalie. He keeps you in every single game.”
Last season, Gundarah was named the Langley Rivermen’s most valuable player in his second campaign with the squad. He was swapped to the Eagles in a blockbuster offseason deal and Gundarah has been a big part of the team’s strong start to the season. Through the first eight games, Surrey topped the Coastal Conference with a perfect 8-0-0 record.
“We’ve got the players, I think, to go on a run,” Gundarah exclaimed. “We’ve got from top to bottom — from forwards to D — (and) returning guys from last year.”
“Obviously, Surrey was good last year too. Then (general manager and head coach Cam Keith) added some pieces. Cam has done a really good job bringing in really good hockey players and good people. I’m excited to see what we can do going forward.”
Gundarah continues to work on his craft
Gundarah is thankful and feels fortunate to join the Eagles. He appreciates how the organization puts the accountability on the players.
“It is on you to make sure you’re ready to play. Just focus on myself and just play, and not think about thinking too much,” he said.
While Gundarah has had success in the BCHL, he is always striving to get better. Koshman praised the netminder for putting in hard work in the summer, coming to camp in great shape, and being among the first to come to the rink and last to leave. These are just some of the signs of Gundarah’s desire to get better.
“Every time he steps on the ice, he wants to improve himself,” Koshman said. “In little competitions in practice, he wants to be the winner. He doesn’t want to lose. You can see he wants to improve. The way he skates — the edge work, he’s gotten better from last year to this year. His ability to put pucks where he wants them — the rebound control — has improved as well. He keeps working on his craft and he’s good at it.”
Growing up, Gundarah played a variety of sports. He recalls competing in soccer even possibly when he played Junior B hockey. Gundarah, who played midfield in his later years, said it was a release for him.
However, his passion for hockey was strong. Gundarah started playing when he was young with Richmond’s Seafair Minor Hockey Association. He played various positions until moving to goalie full-time in Under-11 action.
“I think when I was younger I just kind of liked the spotlight,” Gundarah said. “You make a save and everyone’s so happy. Like, ‘Wow, you kind of get the attention.’ I was a little bit kind of the guy that wanted the attention back then. I think that’s kind of what drew me to it.”
While he loves his position, he knows it has not always been easy on his biggest supporter, his mother Sandeep. Gundarah feels bad for her at times and while she might be more nervous than he is for games, he adds she was a huge believer in his rise through the ranks of the sport.
“She’s the best. Growing up, she always supported me and wanted me to do what I loved to do,” Gundarah expressed.
Gundarah’s junior journey
In his 15-year-old season, he suited up for the U16 AAA Vancouver North West Hawks in the British Columbia Elite Hockey League. Gundarah joined the Junior B Langley Trappers of the Pacific Junior Hockey League for 2019-20. Koshman coached him with the Trappers, then with the Rivermen, and now the Eagles.
“I’m very lucky because he’s just an amazing goalie and an amazing person. He is super positive. He is a general on the ice — always letting the boys know what is going on, and what’s happening. When he’s in the net, there’s just a calming experience because you know he’s going to stop the first one and most likely the second one.”
As for where hockey will take him next, Gundarah is unsure. He would like to play at the NCAA Division I level but has yet to decide on an academic path. He does have an interest in law, although for now, he is enjoying his final junior days.
“A lot of people say it’s the most fun they’re going to have playing hockey,” he said when talking about junior hockey. “I think being 20 now, I get a little more perspective on that. I kind of wish that in previous years I took time to enjoy it more instead of being worried about this or that. Junior is the best. All we do is go to the rink. We hang out with our best friends, and we do what we love to do more than anything. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
