Engelage went 3-0-0 this last week and had a - get this - 1.67 GAA for those games. His save percentage was 0.937, just above his total SV% which sits at 0.924 and puts him in at second in the league. He's also fifth in GAA. Color us impressed. Always looking solid in net, we're definitely fans of Engelage's size and style.
Goaltending has been a big boon for the Grizzlies this season. And with Utah's netminders earning back to back Goaltender of the Week awards (Lamoureux 12/27-1/2, Engelage 1/3-1/8), we don't feel overzealous in saying that this is the hottest goalie duo in the league right now. Apparently, the ECHL agrees.
Even with Lamoureux in the AHL, the Grizzlies can depend on Engelage, who - for us at the UGB - has proved himself invaluable this season in net. This kind of solid reassurance can't be overstated enough for Grizzlies' fans who have often had to rely on shaky backup goaltenders when callups or injuries snatch away their prized starters.
Though Utah started with a strong duo, the unofficial goalie development in the Grizzlies system has also been a bonus for these boys. It has helped them develop their skills even further in a league where goalies like Ouzas and Grumet-Morris grace the stage. So what makes the difference?
Start with Assistant Coach Leigh Mendelson, who played as a goalie during his hockey career and has worked with goalies in the past. While the ECHL doesn't have goaltending coaches, this sort of background in an assistant coach can build a better goalie system in spades. On top of Mendelson's background and efforts toward helping his netminders, both Engelage and Lamoureux work with and learn from each other during practices. As Engelage puts it, "There's nothing better than having a second pair of eyes. You can't always critique yourself or grade what you're doing, so it's great to have somebody else watching." And we definitely feel that it shows. Whether it's back to back shutouts or or stopping 74 SOG in a week, Utah can definitely depend on their goalies to save the day.
In other news, Jason Fredricks has been traded to the Ontario Reign for future considerations. Coach Colley's statement, according to the Utah Grizzlies' website, is that “We’re deep right now on defensemen and wanted to give Jason a chance to go and play every night.” Funny, we said the same thing when we read it on the ECHL website. (Always nice to know we can read Colley's mind . . . sometimes.) We thought Fredricks was a great d-man to have, making some genuine and timely efforts. But we're also pretty pleased with the defense that Utah has in place right now, so it's nice to see Fredricks go to a team that needs some help. Badly. (No offense, Ontario.)
Best of luck, Jason!
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