CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Monday the five netminders who have been named finalists for the CJHL’s Top Goaltender Award for 2019-20.
Each of the nominees were determined through a voting process completed by each of the CJHL’s 10-member leagues, for their respective efforts during the course of the regular season.
The following are the five finalists for the CJHL’s Top Goaltender of 2019-20, which are listed alphabetically, by league.
Carter Gylander, Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL)
Gylander was the recipient of the Friends of AJHL Trophy as the Top Goaltender for the 2019-20 season, presented annually to the goalie who demonstrated the greatest ability in his position throughout the season. … He topped all AJHL goaltenders with a league-leading 2.10 GAA and .923 save percentage. … The 18-year-old finished his second full season with the Crusaders and boasted a 33-5-0 record in 2019-20. … He was awarded AJHL Star of Game six times and received AJHL Defensive Player of the Week twice, in the regular season. … The Crusaders allowed the fewest goals of all AJHL teams this season (127). … From Beaumont, Alta., he represented the AJHL and Canada as a member of Team Canada West at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge and the 2019 Junior Club World Cup in Russia. … He is a seventh round NHL draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings and has committed to Colgate University in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division-I for 2020-21. … Named to the AJHL’s North Division All-League Team.
With files from: Charla Flett, Vice-President, Communications (AJHL)
Clay Stevenson, Coquitlam Express (BCHL)
Stevenson was the backbone of the Express winning the league’s Best Goaltender Award and sharing the Best Goaltender Duo while finding himself in the BCHL record book, finishing second in BCHL history in save percentage with a .936 SV%. … Finishing with double the number of shutouts as losses was no small feat. … Not only did he motivate his team with his play between the pipes, but showed tremendous ability to fight through and overcome adversity, while being a leader on and off of the ice… He will be continuing his career at Dartmouth College (ECAC) on NCAA D-I scholarship next season where he will attend school and tend goal for the Big Green. … Stevenson hails from Chilliwack, B.C. … Final record: 30-2-1; GAA: 1.77; SV%: .936; SO: 4.
With files from: Jesse Adamson, Coordinator, Content Services (BCHL)
Devon Levi, Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL)
The 2001-born Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que., native finished the year leading the CCHL in wins (34), goals-against average (1.47), save percentage (.941), and shutouts (8). … On top of back-stopping Carleton Place to their seventh straight regular season title, Levi also represented Canada East at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge. … His tremendous performance between the pipes there helped his side claim the silver medal while also being named WJAC Most Valuable Player. … He had an overall record of 34-2-1 in 37 appearances. … Levi and has committed to attend Northeastern University (Hockey East) on a NCAA Division I scholarship to attend school and tend goal for the Huskies men’s hockey program. … 2019-20 Statistics: GP: 37; W: 34; GAA: 1.47; SV% .941; SO: 8.
With files from: Sean Marcellus, Director of Hockey Operations (CCHL)
Matt Lenz, Steinbach Pistons (MJHL)
In his 20-year old season and second year with the Steinbach Pistons, Lenz ran with the starting role. … His spectacular season showed Lenz leading the Pistons and the MJHL with an impressive record of 29-4-4. … He also led all league netminders in goals-against average (2.13) and save percentage (.922) while posting one shutout. … His efforts saw him named a first team MJHL All-Star in net and was earlier selected the MJHL’s Goaltender of the Year honouree. … Lenz has committed to Mercyhurst University on NCAA Division 1 scholarship for next season. … The 20-year-old netminder hails from Grapevine, Texas and had 41 career victories in two years in Steinbach.
With files from Kyle Prystupa, Manager, Media & Communications (MJHL)
Owen Say, Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL)
In his first year in the NOJHL, Say was sensational. … In 36 appearances, the 18-year-old London, Ont., product led all NOJHL netminders in victories with 31 and was also tops in save percentage at .941. … Also posted three shutouts. … In 27 of his appearances in net, he allowed two of fewer goals against. … Overall Say sported a goals-against average of 1.90. … His record on the year was league-best 31-2-0-0. … His efforts helped Powassan finish first overall in the 12-team NOJHL standings. … Say was a goaltender on the silver medal-winning Team Canada East side at the World Junior A Challenge. … Was named the CJHL’s 1st Star of the Month for February going 7-0 with a 1.84 GAA and a .939 save mark in that span.
With files from: David Harrison, Historian (NOJHL)
Earning honourable mention for the CJHL Top Goaltender Award in 2019-20 were: Gabriel Waked, Le Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ); Dominik Tmej, Summerside Western Capitals (MHL); Nathan Torchia, Georgetown Raiders (OJHL); Berk Berkeliev, Melville Millionaires (SJHL) and Zach Willms, Red Lake Miners (SIJHL).
