Helvig named goaltender-of-the-month

Press Release

The OJHL announced today that Toronto Lakeshore Patriots netminder Jeremy Helvig has been named the Gongshow Gear Goaltender-of-the-Month after posting an undefeated 6-0-0 record throughout the month of October. 

The rookie netminder has had an impressive start to his junior career, posting a 6-0-0 record in eight games played during the month of October to help lead the Patriots to the top of the South Division standings and the #16 ranking in the most recent CJHL Top 20 rankings nationally.  Along with a stellar 1.62 goals against average and .940 save percentage, Helvig now ranks top ten league-wide in most statistical categories.  The month included his first career junior shutout; an impressive 41 save, 2-0 victory on the road over the nationally ranked Kingston Voyageurs, ending their nine game winning streak.  He would allow just one goal or less in five of his eight appearances and pick up five consecutive victories from October 4-20.

“It means a lot to win the award,” said Helvig upon learning of the honour.  “I have worked hard and my plan is to use it to keep fuelling me to continue doing that. There are a lot of good goalies in this league and to be recognized like that among them, it really is an honour.  This season I feel like I’ve been consistent when given the opportunities and I really owe a lot to the Patriots’ coaching staff for letting me play a lot as a 16 year old – something you don’t see a lot of goalies do in junior hockey.”

"Jeremy has done an excellent job thus far," said Patriots General Manager Mike Tarantino.  "He is poised beyond his age and is developing into one of the premier goaltenders in the league.  His play in October was extremely impressive and hopefully will garner him some consideration for attending Ontario's U-17 team selection camp."

"Jeremy's play has been excellent this year and he's a pleasure to coach," added Head Coach Jason Fortier.  "He competes hard in practice and his work ethic has been noticeable. We are fortunate to have two outstanding rookie goalies and our goalie coach Ryan Daniels has done a great job with them."

Brandon Mueller of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres was runner-up to Helvig as the OJHL Goaltender-of-the-Month.  The first-year netminder went 4-0-1 on the month as the Jr. Sabres vaulted into the league's top spot, allowing only six goals in five games played for a 1.18 goals against average and .958 save percentage, as well as his first career OJHL shutout.

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