This weeks subject is 19 year old goalkeeper Damien Orr who started playing when he was 13 as an
outfielder. After about 6 months he took up goaltending following spells between the sticks at football and wicket keeping at cricket.

His biggest influences are his parents and his brother along with ex-Pirates goalie Ray Taylor, who played in Pirates opening season in Scot One, who helped coach him in the early days. Also listed are Dave Rook and current number one Dave Trofimenkoff.

Damien's goalkeeping career in hockey got off to an inauspicious start as he conceded 32 goals in his first gae but still managed to save 66 shots as Glasgow pounded his net He was rewarded with the man of the match award and other awards followed He was named MVP in his first season although he reckons it was a sympathy vote! Others followed including die MVP at Scon O'Connors the man who Damien lists as his idol.goalie school and a Renfrewshire Sports person of the month award when at the ripe old age of I6 he faced the SL Ayr Eagles when Ricky Grubb went off inured. This game was also his most memorable game and for anybody that saw it they'll well remember Damos heroics in Pirates net that night against a side that didn't let up just because an inexperienced goalie was playing.

Not quite an idol but somebody that he rates highly is Fife keeper Stevie Murphy, Damien reckons that he could go all the way with the right coaching but he needs to head for North America now to gain the requisite experience. Damien has also been called up for Scotland Under I9's for last seasons match v England before the ISL final but the coach didn't play him.

His worst injury has been torn ligaments in his knees when he was 15 which resulted in 2 months of solid physiotherapy He was also given extra time at school as he couldn't hurry between classes

His first real chance came this year when Stirling signed him as back up but the initial opportunity came via Doug Marsden who brought him into the senior squad. When Paul Hand took over he was allowed to continue attending training but was strictly third choice. This year things have changed

He has only ever played in Paisley and was keen to sign up as he saw a chance to benefit his game by stepping up and now feels he's made the right decision as his game has improved 100%. He wanted the number 90 jersey this year as it was Scott O'Connors number but it never arrived and he had to settle for 20 which just happened to be spare

He rates his best points as trying to keep the guys positive and hs belief in team spirit as teams not individuals win games. He also lists his movement in the net and his recently improved skating. His worst is his temper in practice as he feels he gets, frustrated trying to show what he can do to earn a game.

Damien cites his most embarrassing on ice moment as the time he caught a puck and. when trying to throw it behind the goal to a defenceman, threw it into the top corner of his own net. His most embarrassing off ice moment? Being seen in town with Bobby Chalmers

He works at the Lagoon as an ice steward as well as attending college where he is doing a Sports Therapy course Damien relaxes off ice by playing on the Playstation or reading; about his favourite car VW Beetles. No, not the new ones but the old ones like Herbie. He hopes to be able to buy a restored one in a couple of years. He also lists going out for a meal with his girlfriend Karen as one of his leisure pursuits

Damo's advice for other young Pirates hopefuls is to never doubt yourself and listen to what folk have to say Take on board what you feel is nght and never believe that anyone is better than you, you can always grow up and grow into your ambitions.

His main ambition in hockey is to develop into Pirates number I goalie over the next few years. Outside hockey it's to be happy, have kids (mutually exclusive one would think), get into coaching and enjoy his life.
And finally, when asked to describe himself he said, 'Fun loving, easy going teabag'.