Former Humboldt Broncos stand out netminder Matt Hrynkiw has paid his dues at the University of North Dakota but he is now their starting goaltender, for how long that is yet to be determined.

The 2013 Canadian Junior Hockey League goaltender of the year in is his third season with the Fighting Sioux and up until last weekend he had yet to see game action but the strong willed Saskatoon product never wavered.

"Whether or not I was playing I was still building for a degree," the now 23 year-old said from Vermont on Thursday night. "I realize at some point you have to walk away from hockey, I didn't want to set myself back with that and with hockey too I saw the atmosphere and really the integrity of the team. The dedication that everybody has, it's just really a conducive atmosphere to getting better."

Hrynkiw earned the scholarship to one of the top NCAA hockey programs after three excellent seasons with the green and gold. However making the jump hasn't been easy, Hrynkiw was the third guy on the depth chart stuck behind blue chip Boston Bruins' prospect Zane McIntyre and now Cam Johnson. But as the world of sports goes, an injury is all any athlete needs to get their chance.

"I think my mental game is probably my biggest strength, it's definitely proven to be that through the two years here. Just very focused, I can recognize the things I can control and things I can't. I definitely see that as my greatest asset through this whole thing."  

On the first weekend of the regular season Johnson went down with an injury and Hrynkiw was called upon. He allowed two goals in a 4-4 tie with the Beavers.

"As soon as he went down it kind of clicked," the mechanical engineering student said. "It's the time, this is what you're building for, just go out there and have fun and do what you can do. It kind of came whirlwind, I thought I played pretty well in that game, I thought I made about four saves that could have easily been goals."

The following night with Johnson still banged up Hrynkiw got the start, not only his first but the home opener for the season at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.

"It's 12,000 strong, they are college students who are loud and proud. It's an absolutely incredible atmosphere that you almost have to see to believe. That whole experience has been something I have been dreaming about ever since I committed here."

He made 19 stops in a 5-2 victory.

Friday and Saturday night Hrynkiw will start against the University of Vermont as Johnson didn't make the trip with the team. Back up or not there is pressure, the Sioux are the top ranked team in the nation and are favourites to compete for their eighth national title at the Frozen Four.

"It's constant like the ultimate goal for our team and any bit of contribution you can give towards that ultimate goal is worthwhile and something you build on and build character, it's something our team is constantly focused on."

You can hear much more from Hrynkiw in his interview with Bolt FM's Clark Stork below.