Michael Staab has a disease that can be fatal if not managed properly.

That harsh reality hit home last summer when the Mansfield hockey standout – who has Type 1 diabetes – learned that a friend with diabetes had died.

"That was a pretty big shock," Staab said. "She was my age. I talked to her two days before [she died]. She was happy, joyful, her normal self. ... You can't take life for granted, because anything can happen."

Staab, 17, has the most severe type of diabetes, and there is no cure. That means a lifetime of insulin shots, blood sugar tests and watching what he eats.

"It's pretty frustrating," Staab said. "At points, it starts to become a burden. But you know you have to do it to stay alive."

MILTON HINNANT/DMN

Mansfield goalie Michael Staab leads the Gold Division with a 1.19 goals-against average. He is 9-0 with three shutouts.

Staab was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 7, and he thought about giving up sports. Doctors encouraged him not to.

"Exercise is one of the best things a diabetic can do," said Staab's mother, Kerry. "Exercise acts as a form of insulin."

Staab has heard about former Philadelphia Flyers star Bobby Clarke, who had a Hall of Fame career in the NHL after being diagnosed with diabetes. Drawing inspiration from Clarke, Staab has excelled as a goalie.

Staab is 9-0 and has led Mansfield (12-2-1) to first place in the Gold Division of the AT&T Metroplex High School Hockey League. The junior leads the Gold Division in goals-against average (1.19), is tied for the lead in shutouts (three) and is second in save percentage (.940). Staab aspires to play college hockey like his brother, David, who is a sophomore right wing on Baylor's club team.

"I think he is a lot more focused this year," Mansfield associate head coach Scott Vartija said. "He's a lot more determined to prove that he's a No. 1 goalie that can make a difference. A team is only as good as its goalie is. We've had great goaltending this year. That's one of the reasons we're sitting on top right now."

Staab makes hockey look routine with his superb play in net, but games – and his life – are anything but routine.

Staab has to check his blood sugar level every time he eats and drives, as well as before and after – and sometimes during – hockey games and practices. He gives himself four to 12 insulin shots a day.

"Kids with this disease have to grow up faster," his mother said. "They can't just be a kid."

Everywhere he goes, Staab has to take a kit containing a device for checking his blood sugar level; drinks and tablets that combat low blood sugar; and glucagon – a shot for emergencies. The glucagon has been needed once, when Staab passed out while riding in a car.

"We have to have the kit on the bench all the time," Vartija said.

Staab takes breaks during practice if his blood sugar level gets too low. If he needs help during a game, Staab gives his mother a hand signal.

Staab's parents also help him get rest at night as they check his blood sugar level while he's sleeping and give him a shot if it's needed. That creates some nervous moments.

"Every time you walk up those stairs, the fear in the pit of your stomach as to what you're going to open the door and find, how he's feeling and what actions you need to take, are always there," Kerry Staab said. "I don't think that will ever go away."

MICHAEL STAAB

School, class: Mansfield High, Jr.

Position: Goalie

Club team: Texas Aces midget major AA

Hobbies: Paintball and riding dirt bikes.

Notable: Each summer, Staab attends Camp Sweeney, a camp in Gainesville for children with diabetes. He wants to be a counselor at the camp someday. ... Injuries limited Staab to six high school games last season. He wasn't able to skate for five months after suffering a high ankle sprain and tearing three ligaments in his right ankle. He was also out three weeks because of a collarbone contusion.

Favorite athlete: Stars goalie Mike Smith

Favorite pro team: Vancouver Canucks

Favorite TV show: Family Guy

Favorite movie: Braveheart

Favorite food: Whataburger