Blades’ Maier named WHL Goaltender of the Week
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Saskatoon Blades goaltender Nolan Maier has been named WHL Goaltender of the Week and the league nominee for the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending January 7, 2018.
Maier won all three of his starts this week, maintaining a 2.00 goals against average and a .920 SV% as the Blades continued their ascent up the standings in the Eastern Conference, holding onto the first wild card spot.
Maier made 20 saves Monday, helping the Blades top the Swift Current Broncos by a 4-2 score. Friday, Maier stopped 22 of 24 shots in a 3-2 victory over the Red Deer Rebels. With both games tied heading to their period, the 6-foot-0, 168-pound product of Yorkton, Sask. stopped every all 13 shots sent his way in the two periods combined, allowing the Blades to push for the victory.
Saturday, Maier completed his solid week, making 27 saves on 29 shots as the Blades doubled up the Kootenay ICE by a 4-2 final. The win marked the peak of a seven-game winning streak for the Blades, all coming with Maier between the pipes. The goaltender is personally riding a 10-game winning streak at the moment, dating back to Sunday, December 10.
Drafted by the Blades in the second round, 25th overall, of the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft, Maier has enjoyed a strong rookie season, sporting a 13-6-0-1 record, 3.23 goals against average and .902 SV% and one shutout.
The Blades return to the ice Wednesday, January 10 (7:05 p.m. CST) when they host the Medicine Hat Tigers.
WHL Goaltender of the Week/Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week nominee
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Nolan Maier, Saskatoon Blades
Dec. 27 – Dec. 31: James Porter, Kelowna Rockets
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: David Tendeck, Vancouver Giants
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Brody Willms, Moose Jaw Warriors
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Cole Kehler, Portland Winterhawks
Oct. 23 — Oct. 29: Dustin Wolf, Everett Silvertips
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Dawson Weatherill, Spokane Chiefs
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Logan Flodell, Swift Current Broncos
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Cole Kehler, Portland Winterhawks
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Tavin Grant, Prince George Cougars
Sept. 22 – Sept. 24: Griffen Outhouse, Victoria Royals
