Rage and Top Prospects alum Walsh earns WCHA honor

Former Dawson Creek Rage and current Bemidji State freshman goalie Andrew Walsh was named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Rookie of the Week this past week.

Walsh had 36 saves in Bemidji State’s 2-1 victory over then No. 13 Denver last Saturday at the Sanford Center. It was Bemidji State’s first win in program history over the Pioneers, which includes eight games in the Division I era dating back to 1999-2000.

His 36 saves on 37 shots resulted in a .973 save percentage and he was part of a penalty kill that held the Pioneers scoreless on all six power-play opportunities.

The award marks the second time this season Walsh has received a WCHA honor. The Dawson Creek, British Columbia native was named the WCHA Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 26.

Walsh is 3-2-1 this season with a team-best 2.69 goals against average and a .914 save percentage.

Last season, Walsh played for the Dawson Creek Rage of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) where he posted a 8-19-1 record with a 3.70 goals against average and a 90.2% save percentage, recording one shutout.

Walsh also played in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in 2011 in Ann Arbor where he represented Team West as they posted a 2-1 record against other divisional prospect teams of the NAHL.  Walsh played in all three games for Team West during the event, which annually showcases some of the league's brightest talent to college and pro scouts.