GAHAGEN NAMED GOALTENDER OF THE MONTH

Press Release

The OJHL announced today that Buffalo Jr. Sabres netminder Parker Gahagen  (photo credit - Jay Johnston/OJHL Images) has been named the Gongshow Gear Goaltender-of-the-Month for November after posting a 5-1-1 record with an impressive 1.41 goals against average.

The second-year veteran netminder, who was also named as runner-up for the award in September, led the Jr. Sabres on a run that would see them jump into first place in the West Division standings, while also making their first appearance on the CJHL Top 20 rankings, currently sitting 10th overall in the entire country. Gahagen’s impressive record during the month saw him post three shutouts, to bolster his league-leading total of seven that is more than double his nearest competitor, including 182 saves and a .948 save percentage in November. More impressively, all three of Gahagen’s shutouts were recorded versus conference contenders in Oakville, Georgetown and Milton. He also currently leads all OJHL goaltenders with 20 victories on the season.

Gahagen was thrilled with the honour and thanked those who helped him along the way, “First, I would like to thank the OJHL. It is an honour to be selected as Goalie-of-the-Month out of all the great goaltenders in our league. I am appreciative to have not only my achievements, but the team's achievements, recognized and honoured through this award. I am blessed to have a talented team and coaching staff surrounding me, specifically Coach Peca and my Goalie Coach Brian Willison, who's been with me from the beginning. My team sharpens and consistently challenges each other to play to the best of our abilities. I am confident that our team will continue to excel to the end of the year.”

General Manager and Head Coach Michael Peca extolled his netminders importance to the club, "Parker is going to be an exceptional goaltender at every level he plays at. He has the perfect combination of attitude, drive and demeanour. He our hardest working player everyday so it's no surprise to see the level of success he's had this season. There is no doubt our team is where it is so far due to Parker's commitment to this team."

Victor Adamo of the Trenton Golden Hawks was runner-up to Gahagen as the OJHL Goaltender-of-the-Month. Adamo posted a 5-1-0 record with a 1.67 goals against average and .930 save percentage throughout the month of November for the league-leading Golden Hawks.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)