Goaltenders typically face a long, uphill climb on their journey to the NHL level. Rarely do they step right into the big leagues and make an impact immediately which is part of what makes them a different breed from position players.

For Nathan Lawson, it has been a rewarding experience that has spanned across several cities between the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.  He has forged a strong career at the pro level, including seeing NHL action with the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators.

Lawson began his career at University of Alaska-Anchorage, entering a program with high expectations as a starter during his freshman season.  He credits much of his early development to the opportunity that he earned during his time in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Division 1.  “It was a good experience,” said Lawson.  “At the time, the WCHA was by far the best college division.  To be able go in there and start as a freshman was a real good opportunity for me.  I played a lot of games, which helped me get to the next level.”

After spending time with the Phoenix Roadrunners and Utah Grizzlies in the ECHL, Lawson was signed by the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, where he lead the team to back-to-back playoff berths before earning a call-up to the parent New York Islanders to replace the injured Rick DiPietro.

“I’ve had opportunities to play in the NHL and a lot in the American League. It’s been a good experience so far for my development, that’s for sure.”

He played 10-games in 2010-11 with the Islanders before signing with the Montreal Canadiens organization in the summer of 2011.  He had a strong season with the AHL affiliate Hamilton Bulldogs, posting 19 wins and 5 shutouts.

In the two seasons since with the Binghamton Senators – AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators – Lawson has been longing for a return to the NHL.  He finally received a call from the big club in November of 2013 to replace the injured Craig Anderson.  “It had been a couple years since I had been called up.  It’s always an unfortunate situation because someone gets hurt to get the opportunity to play,” said Lawson.

His familiarity with several current Ottawa skaters and former teammates helped calm the nerves, making for an easier transition back to the NHL.  “There were a lot of guys in Ottawa who were previously with Binghamton, so I was pretty familiar with most guys there.”

Lawson’s career has benefitted from a great support system from his wife and young daughter, which is essential in allowing him to focus on his game. “This past year, all the guys were awesome with our little girl, so it made it that much more enjoyable.”

Given his experience and track record in the AHL, Lawson has stepped up as a team leader, helped mentor younger players and other goaltenders throughout his career.

Lawson is attending the Professional Hockey Players’ Association Annual Meeting of Player Representatives for the first time, this June in Las Vegas.  After speaking with close friend, St. John’s Ice Caps forward and PHPA Executive Committee member Jason Jaffray, he was intrigued by the idea of learning more about the business side of hockey.

“He [Jason] said you should really try to see the other side of it [the business]. Come down [to the Annual Meeting] and see how it all works.”  Part of his decision to attend the meetings was the opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of hockey, which he would like to explore. “It’s very interesting for me to get to know what goes on behind the scenes and see things from a different perspective.”

Lawson has a lot of hockey left in him though as he continues to work hard along the path to the NHL.  In the meantime, he is focused on preparing for next season and elevating his game to the next level.

From an undrafted goaltender to household name at the pro level, Lawson has forged a strong on-ice career.  As a proven leader, perhaps post-career involvement in the hockey community is not out of the question.