Blizzard's Meyers named Brian's/NAHL Goalie of the Month
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced that Alexandria Blizzard goaltender Jacob Meyers has been named the Brian’s Custom Sports NAHL Goaltender of the Month for November. Meyers, 19, posted a 7-1-1 record in nine games played during the month of November. Meyers (6’1/180) posted two shutouts during the month and stopped 228 of a possible 241 shots, which was good for a 94.6% save percentage and a goals against average of 1.44.
Both of Meyers shutouts in the month of November came on the road. He made 24 saves in a blanking of Minot on November 18th, and then just five days later, made 27 saves in a shutout against the Coulee Region Chill on November 23rd. Meyers played in all but one game for the Blizzard in November. During that span, Alexandria put together an 8-1-1 record during month and climbed from fourth place all the way to second place. “I think everything started to click, not only for me, but especially our team,” said Meyers. “Everyone started to buy into the system and there was a lot of confidence in the lockerroom. Part of that is a belief in your goaltender. The guys in front of me have to believe that I am going to stop the puck and give the team a chance to win every game.”
This is Meyers second season with the Blizzard. Last year, he played in about every third game behind veteran goaltender Jake Williams, but this season Meyers finds himself in the mentoring role to fellow Blizzard goaltender Jameson Shortreed, who was one of 11 NAHL players named to the National Hockey League’s watch list back in October. “I think the team has a lot of confidence in both Jacob and Jameson, but Jacob has been the guy as of late,” said Blizzard head coach Doc DelCastillo. “We have been fortunate to have a very good crop of goaltenders in recent years and those two are no exception. Jacob has been very solid the last couple of months and taken advantage of his playing time, which is all we could have asked for.”
Meyers agreed with Castillo, “I think all it took was the ability to start playing a lot of minutes,” said Meyers. “Once you start playing consecutive games, you are able to focus better and gain some momentum. I just want to win and see a lot of shots so I become a better goaltender.”
Year two has been better for Meyers, much better. After posting a 7-10-2 record last season with a 3.10 goals against average and a 87.5% save percentage, Meyers has greatly improved his numbers this season with a record of 10-4-1, a 1.83 goals against average and a 93.1% save percentage. Meyers ranks fourth in the NAHL in both goals against average and save percentage. “I am trying to use my size, stay aggressive and compete really hard,” said Meyers. “I think the biggest difference is I am seeing the ice better and trying to anticipate the play. I want to try and stay one step ahead of the shooter.”
Meyers also recently announced he has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey next season at Quinnipiac University. “It was a big goal of mine to play NCAA hockey, so it was nice to get that signed,” said Meyers. “Now all I want to do is get better, make the playoffs and try to win the Robertson Cup.”
“His play was a direct reflection on how the team played the past month or so,” continued DelCastillo. “Most importantly, Jacob gives us the opportunity to win. The team has played well behind him and we hope the trend continues the remainder of the season.”
Other goaltenders nominated were (alphabetical): Joe Ballmer, Jamestown Ironmen – Bodhi Engum, Alaska Avalanche – Gregg Gruehl, Amarillo Bulls – Joakim Jutras, Texas Tornado – Kyle Laslo, Traverse City North Stars – Matt Leon, Wichita Falls Wildcats - Peter Megariotis, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Anthony Stolarz, Corpus Christi IceRays.
Previous 2011-12 Brian’s NAHL Goaltender of the Month winners - September 2011: Tony Kujava, Janesville Jets – October 2011: Greg Lewis, Wenatchee Wild.
About Brian's Custom Sports
The Official Goaltending Equipment Supplier of the NAHL, Brian's has been a leading Canadian supplier of custom built goal equipment since 1984. The factory is located in Kingsville, Ontario near the Southern tip of Canada with ready access to supplying the North American market. As one of the original and remaining custom goal equipment manufacturers Brian's remains committed to continuing to lead the industry with exceptional design and quality. Visit Brian’s online here.
