Former NHL goalie advances to U.S. Open sectional qualifying
Current and former Nashville Predators goaltenders are doing some incredible things these days.
While Pekka Rinne is shining for the Preds in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Mike Dunham, who tended goal in the Music City from 1998-2002, has advanced to U.S. Open sectional qualifying after shooting a 70 at Newport Country Club in local qualifying.
If Dunham plays well enough at the 36-hole sectional qualifier, he will play in the 117th U.S. Open in Erin Hills, Wis., in mid-June.
Dunham isn't the only former pro athlete attempting to qualify for the U.S. Open, as former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's try came up just short earlier this month.
If Dunham were to qualify for the U.S. Open, success certainly shouldn't be ruled out. At the 2016 U.S. Open, Andrew Landry, who qualified via a similar route to Dunham, shot a 4-under 66 in the first round to lead the tournament by a stroke. He ended up placing T15.
Dunham won 141 games during his NHL career, sporting a career 2.74 GAA and a .908 save percentage with the Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and Atlanta Thrashers. He earned a silver medal with the United States at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
His playing career ended in 2007 at the age of 34, so he's had plenty of time to hone his craft on the links.