Broncos’ Friesen Named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Mark Friesen of the Swift Current Broncos is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending October 17. Friesen posted an impressive 5-0-0-0 record including two shutout victories while maintaining a goals-against-average of 0.980 and save percentage of .966.

Friesen opened and closed the week with shutout victories including a 28 save performance on Monday as first star in a 1-0 win over the Kootenay Ice, and a 33 save performance as first star of a 4-0 win over the Edmonton Oil Kings on Sunday. In between, Friesen made 29 saves as second star of a 2-1 win over the Tri-City Americans on Wednesday. He also backstopped the Broncos to two wins over the Brandon Wheat Kings including Friday night with 24 saves in the 4-3 win, followed by a 30 save performance as first in a 4-1 win over the Wheaties.

Friesen, a 20-year-old from Winkler, Manitoba, is playing in his fourth WHL season and first full season as a member of the Swift Current Broncos after beginning his career with the Chilliwack Bruins. He currently leads the WHL with three shutouts.

Also considered for the award was Nicholas Champion of the QMJHL’s Lewiston MAINEiacs who won three games while posting a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .944. In the OHL, Petr Mrazek of the Ottawa 67’s won two games in three starts while posting a goals-against-average of 2.35 and save percentage of .936.

2010-11 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Mark Friesen, Swift Current Broncos
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Darcy Kuemper, Red Deer Rebels
Sept. 27 – Oct. 3: Scott Stajcer, Owen Sound Attack
Sept. 23 – Sept. 26: Louis Domingue, Quebec Remparts

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)