James DeMarco grew up in Watertown, New York, where the rhythm of the rink became the backdrop of his childhood. He first slipped into the goalie’s pads at the tender age of five, a decision that would shape his future both on and off the ice.
A Lifelong Love of the Net
Over the decades, DeMarco’s commitment to the position deepened, turning the net into a canvas for his imagination. His early years were marked by relentless practice, but also by a growing urge to capture the fleeting moments of play through sketches and stories.
Cartoons on the Ice
In 1991 he launched Small Saves, a comic strip that marries the intensity of a goalie’s split‑second decisions with the whimsical flow of cartoon art. The series is more than a hobby; it is a narrative of perseverance, teamwork and the simple joy of stopping a puck.
DeMarco describes his perfect day as a blend of stopping shots in a local league and then translating those movements into panels that echo the energy of the game. The strip, now hosted at smallsaves.com, invites readers to experience that rhythm through ink and color.
Fans of the sport recognize the authenticity in his drawings, while newcomers are drawn in by the humor and heart that permeate each strip. The project stands as a testament to how a childhood passion can evolve into a lasting artistic outlet.