Oran Gelinas: Patience, Poise, and Big Saves for the Blue Jays – Podcast #277

By Coach Damon

August 15, 2025

Posted In: Podcast

The Waltham, Massachusetts native and Middlesex School product transferred to Hopkins from Ohio State in 2023, waiting patiently for his shot. When it came, he made the most of it.

Gelinas’ debut came in a rivalry clash with Navy and he turned it into 14 saves, the most by a first-time Hopkins starter in years. By the end of the season, he had started all seven of his appearances, racking up 82 saves with a .529 save percentage and a career-high 20 stops against Maryland. But what defines Gelinas isn’t the stat line. It’s his calm, communicative leadership and ability to steady the defense when the game gets chaotic.

He describes his style as “patient but ready to explode,” blending his size with quick reactions and a read-and-react approach. In practice, he’s always working on hand speed, experimenting with stance adjustments, and finding the balance between using his frame to clog shooting lanes and staying mobile for low shots.

Gelinas’ journey hasn’t been instant success. Sitting behind veteran starters taught him the value of preparation, mental toughness, and learning from every rep. He credits goalie mentors and film study for sharpening his technique and game IQ, and he leans on Hopkins’ tight-knit goalie room for daily competition and support.

Mentally, Gelinas focuses on staying level, good save or bad goal, the next play is all that matters. He uses a mix of positive self-talk, breathing routines, and clear communication to stay locked in. His advice to young goalies? “Trust your work, and when the moment comes, just play.”

Big saves, big poise, and a big frame in the crease Oran Gelinas is proving he can be the last line of defense for a Blue Jays team with championship ambitions.

Enjoy my conversation with Johns Hopkins goalie Oran Gelinas.