Shreveport goalie Grigals makes NCAA DI commitment

November 15, 2017

The Shreveport Mudbugs, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that goaltender Gustavs Grigals has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in the WCHA.

 

Grigals, 19, is in his first season playing in the United States for the Mudbugs in the NAHL. The native of Riga, Latvia is one of the top goaltenders in the league, which includes a 7-3-2 record to date. His 1.83 goals against average ranks him 3rd in the NAHL and his 93.1% save percentage ranks him tied for 5th.

 

Grigals (6’0/183) was named the NAHL’s South Division Star of the Week back on September 25th and has been outstanding as of late. In his last four appearances, he has allowed just six goals against. His latest outing as a 43-save effort in a 2-1 overtime loss in Odessa back on November 11th.

 

“From the day one, Gustavs been one of the hardest working players on our team. He battles for every puck in practice and makes players around him better. Gustavs is a great person off the ice and has fit in mudbugs culture right away. We are very proud of his accomplishment and he has earned this opportunity with his hard work,” said Mudbugs head coach Karlis Zirnis.

 

Prior to playing in the NAHL, Grigals played junior hockey in Russia for his hometown HK Riga in the MHL. He also has appeared in several IIHF International tournaments for his home country of Lavia, including an appearance in last year’s IIHF World Junior Championships when he played along side former NAHL MVP and Rebels goalie Mareks Mitens.