The Canmore Eagles snarred a new goalie just 11 days ago and Ryan Gilchrist didn't waste any time grabbing an award from the Alberta Junior Hockey League as he was named the Alberta Ford Dealers “Goaltender of the Week” for the period of September 14th – 20th.
Gilchrist came to the Eagles on Sept. 10 after beeing a late cut from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.
During the past week, Gilchrist helped the Eagles post two straight wins – a 3-2 road victory over the Calgary Mustangs and a 6-3 home-ice win over the Drumheller Dragons
The 17 year-old rookie blocked 52 of 57 shots in the two games and posted a 2.5 GAA with a save percentage of .912%.
Gilchrist (Paradise Valley, AB) is the first Eagle goalie to win an AJHL weekly award since Ryan Ferguson did it back in November, 2013.
“The arrival of Ryan Gilchrist has given our team some much needed confidence at the back end,” said Eagles Head Coach and General Manager Andrew Milne. “He's a young guy and the AJHL is a big step up for him from Triple AAA midget hockey, but he is showing great composure and skill back there. He is fully deserving of the award and this is a great way for him to start his AJHL career.”