Jeremy Swayman shares 4-word message for his personal coach's new endeavor

Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman took to social media to show his support for his friend and hockey trainer’s latest endeavor. Swayman shared a four-word message congratulating PD Melgoza, his goaltending coach.

On Friday, Swayman shared a screenshot of a news article on his Instagram story stating that Melgoza was looking to grow hockey in Latin America.

“Proud of you brother!!” Swayman wrote.

(Credit: Instagram/@jswayman1)

In the NHL.com article, Melgoza speaks about wanting to learn Spanish and help grow the game of hockey in Latin America. He says he wants to help introduce the next generation to the sport.

The 30-year-old, who grew up in Southern California, played in the minor leagues before enrolling in college. He is in his second season as an assistant coach at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and has worked as Team USA’s video and goaltending coach as well.

He connected with Swayman, who is an Anchorage native, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Swayman said he was in his hometown during lockdown and needed a coach to help him train. Due to travel restrictions, his regular goaltending coaches were unavailable.

USA Hockey’s manager of goaltending development, Steve Thompson, introduced Swayman to Melgoza, and the two have forged a strong bond since.

"To put it in perspective, during COVID, for nine months, anytime I had kids on the ice for lessons - I was running a goalie school - he was always helping out," Melgoza said via NHL.com. "He was always jumping on the ice. He never took a dime. He hadn't gotten paid yet. He'd signed [professionally], but he didn't play, so he didn't get his money.”

"He'd show up, wouldn't tell anybody, help the kids, skate outside with the kids. Just a good dude," he added.

Swayman has gone on to become the starting goalie for the Boston Bruins and was recently put on Team USA’s roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Jeremy Swayman joins his girlfriend for couples’ pilates

Jeremy Swayman and his girlfriend Alessandra Marie attended a couples pilates session hosted by instructor Jennifer Phelan. Jennifer shared the experience in an Instagram post on Jan. 7.

“Thanks for coming in for your first JPPilates session @jswayman1! I had high expectations after you told me your mom is also a Pilates instructor and now I can definitely say you’re making her proud! You crushed it! And obviously @alessandra.iacaboni you were 🔥 as always!”

Swayman has been facing a roller-coaster season with the Boston Bruins. He had 43 saves in Tuesday's win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, he was also in goal when Boston lost 8-1 to the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 10. Swayman was also the goalie for five of the Bruins’ six straight losses since Dec. 31.