For the second straight month Matt Grove, 20, from the Granite City Lumberjacks is the 3HL Brian’s Custom Sports Goaltender of the Month. The Crookston, Minnesota native had another great month between the pipes, posting a 7-1-0 record, which was actually better than his record in October. He also posted two shutouts, a 1.38 goals against average and a 93.7% save percentage. His best hockey of the month came in early November when he allowed just four goals in a stretch of five games.
“I think the most important thing for us is that his starts have been consistent,” said Lumberjacks head coach Brad Willner. “We just want him to make the first save and let his teammates do the rest.” Currently, the 6’0”, 220 lbs. goaltender leads the 3HL in goals against average, wins, shutouts, games played and minutes played. “He has continued to work hard and put the team on his back and lead us,” continued Willner. “I think as well as Matt has played, our team defense has played just as well. We feel good about it because not only is it a reflection on Matt, but the way our team is playing defensively right now.”