Wilderness goaltender Defiel named Pizza Hut player of the week

Press Release

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Tuesday that Minnesota Wilderness goaltender Gordie Defiel has been selected the Pizza Hut player of the week for the period wrapping up Jan. 20.

In two starts this past week the 19-year-old native of Stillwater, Minn., won both of them, allowing only one goal while also registering his fourth shutout of the season.

Defiel began his award-winning performance by stopping all but one shot he faced in a 4-1 victory over the Thunder Bay North Stars this past Wednesday and followed that up two nights later by blanking the second place Dryden Ice Dogs 2-0.

On the season the Wilderness netminder sports an impressive 18-1-0-1 overall record while leading all SIJHL puck stoppers in goals-against average at 1.47. He also sits second in save percentage at .941, one percentage point behind teammate JoJo Jeanetta, with the duo sharing the league lead in shutouts with four.

Defiel’s also tops all Canadian Junior Hockey League goalkeepers, among those who have played 1,000 or more minutes so far this season, in GAA.

Pizza Hut player of the week Honourable Mention went to: Austin Lewis, (F) Dryden Ice Dogs and Tyler Broderson, (F) Fort Frances Lakers.

This marks the second time this season Defiel has been honoured for SIJHL weekly accolades.

At the conclusion of the 2012-13 regular season the SIJHL’s top performer will earn the Pizza Hut player of the year award.

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