It’s always interesting to hear how an ice hockey goaltender first decides to strap on the pads and join the minority of skaters who decide to throw on a goaltender’s mask. For Serpe, the Mustangs’ masked man was not always a goalie while he was growing up and skating.

“I actually started out playing roller hockey and I was defense for a while; and then they (his team) needed a goalie, so I just got into goalie,” said Serpe while calmly nodding his head and shrugging his shoulders.

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Quick’s mentor spoke highly of Serpe’s “athletic ability” and how much he’s progressed since the two teamed up six years ago.

“In the state of Florida, since I’ve been coaching, he’s in the top two-percent of all of the goalies I’ve ever trained,” said Walsh.

Walsh also explained why Serpe has always been impressive and a “unique” goaltender, especially in comparison to other skaters he’s worked with in the past.

“As technical as goaltending training is, and as hard as it is, he just always loved being there,” added Walsh. “He loved to work hard and get better, and he did; he’s a great athlete.”

What does Coach Walsh mean by that?

“If a Golf Pro has a guy who works on their swing, and that’s what ‘they do,’ swing pattern; then multiply that by ’30 times,’ and that’s how hard it is to be effective as a goaltender.”

As challenging as goaltending “technically” is, it still doesn’t seem to faze Serpe. He approached the topic and question about the amount of “pressure” a netminder faces on a nightly basis, as if it was a walk in the park.

“I like being into the game and having all of the pressure on me,” smiled the five-foot-eleven goaltender.

“I really like playing all of the different schools and seeing all of my friends that I haven’t seen in a while, and, really, I just do it for the fun of the game now,” said Serpe.

Yes, the two-time LHSHL Cup champion may say he just plays for the fun of the sport, but it’s apparent he’s continued to excel at the position.

“He’s extremely explosive out on the ice,” said Walsh. “He reads and sees plays before they happen, which is an amazing trait.”

“You could build robots, as far as technically ‘doing what you do;’ and if they don’t have the athletic ability when you make that first save to explode into the second save, that’s where he is exceptional.”

Let’s not forget that these attributes have been displayed on a National stage, too. In 2016, Serpe helped pave the way for Mitchell to win the USA Hockey Combined High School National Championship. The Mustangs defeated Boulder Colorado 8-7 in Ashburn, Virginia during overtime.

Serpe even recalled a last minute “very tip of the skate” save during the National Championship game, which he described as “pretty cool” with his usual smooth demeanor.

Though, aside from hockey, Serpe also enjoys a couple of different hobbies. Ironically enough, the Mustangs’ netminder, drives a Ford Mustang as he has a strong passion for driving.

Additionally, Serpe enjoys not only going out to fish, but deep sea fishing out by Tarpon Springs.

“I’ll go out maybe once a month and with some friends to go deep sea fishing out by Tarpon Spring, which I really enjoy.”

Yes, Serpe is driven and a go-getter. As one can only imagine how difficult of a position goaltending is and to also be successful at it. However, stopping pucks isn’t Serpe’s only skill when he’s between the pipes. The youngster has a knack for playing the puck, and was even asked if he’s ever thought about trying to score a goal when an opposing team’s goalie is pulled.